Isabel Sanford Movies
Defying her mother's wishes, African-American actress Isabel Sanford secretly worked as a nightclub performer in her teens. Upon winning 3rd prize in an Apollo Theatre amateur contest, Sanford could keep her new career a secret no longer. Married to a house painter who worked only on a seasonal basis, she held down a full-time job as a keypunch operator at the New York City department of Welfare, spending her evenings acting with such groups as Harlem Y and the American Negro Theatre. Seeking out better opportunities, Sanford packed her family into a bus and headed to Hollywood in the early 1960s. Her breakthrough film role was in Stanley Kramer's Guess Who's Coming to Dinner; she played Tillie the cook, who heartily disapproved of the upcoming interracial marriage between Katharine Houghton and Sidney Poitier (the hardest part of this assignment was not mouthing the "controversial" dialogue but preparing dinner in a key scene; Sanford had never learned to cook!) On the strength of this film, Isabel Sanford was hired for several guest spots on The Carol Burnett Show, which led to her most famous characterization: Louise Jefferson, the acerbic but loving wife of "movin' on up" Sherman Hemsley, on the immensely popular sitcom The Jeffersons (1975-82). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1982
In the conclusion of a two-part story, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) recovers from injuries sustained in a brutal beating. His assailants were a tough gang of teenaged girls, who have stolen the wedding ring belonging to George's wife, Louise (Isabel Sanford). Despite excruciating pain -- and his own terror -- George is determined to track down the gang and reclaim the ring. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
In this first episode of a two-part story, both George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) and his messenger, Ed (Will Gill Jr.), are brutally beaten up by a tough street gang. Making things all the more depressing is the fact that the gang is comprised of teenaged girls. Irwin Keyes makes a return appearance as George's erstwhile bodyguard, Hugo. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
When his Brooklyn store burns to the ground, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) finds that the store's alarm had malfunctioned due to faulty wiring. Both Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) and the insurance company urge George to sue the person responsible for installing the alarm. Unfortunately, the "guilty party" is George's own son Lionel. Original scheduled to air on January 10, 1982, but shown instead on January 31, this episode features former series regulars Mike Evans (as Lionel) and Berlinda Tolbert (as Jenny), now billed as "guest stars." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Still hoping to curry favor (and a lucrative business deal) with his snobbish landlord, Mr. Whittendale, George agrees to dog-sit for Whittendale's prize Doberman. Alas, the dog virtually demolishes the Jefferson apartment -- and then has the bad taste to die in a freak accident. Ivor Francis, father of soap opera star Genie Francis, appears as Whittendale, briefly taking over from actor Jack Fletcher. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
After Lionel and Jenny's apartment is burglarized, Lionel's dad, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley), wants to buy a gun. George's wife, Louise (Isabel Sanford), is adamantly opposed to having a weapon in the house, so George buys a gun without her knowledge -- and with potentially disastrous results. Frank DeVol makes his final series appearance as Sammy the songwriter (DeVol had been advertised as a "new regular," but it didn't pan out). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Jenny Jefferson (Berlinda Tolbert) has agreed to let the gospel group organized by Florence (Marla Gibbs) sing at the baptism of baby Jessica. What Jenny and Florence don't know is that Jenny's father-in-law, George (Sherman Hemsley), has already secured the services of famous gospel singer Andrae Crouch (played by -- who else? -- Andrae Crouch). Fans of Sherman Hemsley's later sitcom Amen will be amused by George's brief impersonation of a clergyman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) demands a refund when his suit returns from Jefferson Cleaners with a large and indelible stain. George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) refuses to pay up, arguing that it was Tom's fault that he left a candy bar in his pocket. The two men decide to settle their differences on a People's Court-style TV show. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Florence (Marla Gibbs) begins to worry about her future when she realizes that she hasn't salted any money away. In hopes of securing a retirement nest egg, Florence approaches boss George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) and asks him to set up a pension plan. Not surprisingly, George turns her down -- but in keeping with past Florence-George confrontations on The Jeffersons, the last word in the matter has yet to be spoken. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
In this first episode of a two-part story, dry-cleaning entrepreneur George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) is locked in a down-and-dirty price war with the rival Big Sky Cleaners. George's strenuous efforts to surpass his competitors' sales gimmicks come acropper when his wife, Louise (Isabel Sanford), accidentally becomes Big Sky's one millionth customer. Intended as the finale of The Jeffersons' eighth season, "Laundry is a Tough Town" was instead used as the opener for season nine. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
In the concluding episode of a two-part story, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley), defeated by a down-and-dirty price war with the rival Big Sky dry-cleaning firm, decides to sell out to Big Sky and retire. With nothing else to do while hanging around the house, George drives everyone crazy with his unsolicited (and never-ending) advice. Intended as the finale of The Jeffersons' eighth season, "Laundry is a Tough Town" was instead used as the opener for season nine. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Habitually unlucky in love, Florence (Marla Gibbs) is reluctant to start a new relationship with a handsome and personable policeman (Kene Holliday). Coming to the rescue is -- of all people -- Florence's boss, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley). It seems that George has "all the answers" concerning "what men want" from the women in their lives. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) is jealous when his wife, Helen (Roxie Roker), agrees to go to lunch with her old boyfriend Darryl. Daydreaming, Tom imagines that he has been transported to the Old West, doing battle against "Pecos Darryl" over Helen's honor. Not surprisingly, several of the other Jeffersons cast members also show up in cowboy apparel. This was the final episode of the series' eighth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
James A. Watson Jr. guest stars as Mike Davis, a fast-talking, self-proclaimed record producer. Florence (Marla Gibbs) is thrilled when Davis offers her a lucrative record contract for herself and her gospel group. But George (Sherman Hemsley) smells a rat when Davis inveigles Florence into putting up 1,200 dollars of her own money to cut an album. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Thoroughly disillusioned by a lack of support, financial and otherwise, Louise (Isabel Sanford) and Helen (Roxie Roker) are on the verge of giving up the neighborhood Help Center that they have so lovingly nurtured. So far as the ladies are concerned, all their efforts have come to naught, so why not close up shop? But salvation is on the way, in the unlikely form of a young and seemingly unregenerate prostitute. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Louise (Sherman Hemsley) wants to put the love poems written by her husband, George (Sherman Hemsley), during their courting days in a fancy binding. To do this, however, she must order several copies -- copies that eventually end up in the hands of several of the Jeffersons' friends. George is angry that everyone is privy to his innermost thoughts, until a publisher shows interest in putting the poems into book form. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
When Tom Willis (Franklin Cover) makes a small fortune in the stock market thanks to financial advice provided by George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley), Florence (Marla Gibbs) is quite impressed. She prevails upon George to give her a few tips, but he is reluctant to do so since she has very little money to start with. Undaunted, Florence pools her savings with those of several other maids in the building -- leading to a humongous headache for our man Jefferson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
In the conclusion of a two-part story, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley), still posing as a mystery novelist, endeavors to solve the apparent murder of Edgar Thornton (David Downing) during a luxury cruise. The other passengers, all genuine mystery writers, put the clues together and point their fingers at the person they regard as the culprit. But amateur sleuth George manages to trump them all -- and that's only the first of several surprises. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) pays a visit to apartment 8-B, there to drop off a cleaning bill to the seductive Dede Sanderson (Sheila DeWindt). A bit later, Ralph the doorman (Ned Wertimer) passes by 8-B and overhears Ms. Sanderson in the throes of carnal passion -- calling out the name "George." Does it take a rocket scientist to figure out what happens next? Originally taped for The Jeffersons' eighth season, this episode didn't see the light of day until season nine. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Somewhere between his starring role in Blacula and his stint as the King of Cartoons on Pee-Wee's Playhouse, William Marshall took time to guest star on The Jeffersons as bestselling author Tom Blake. Both the Jeffersons (Sherman Hemsley and Isabel Sanford) and the Willises (Franklin Cover and Roxie Roker) are aware that Blake has done time in prison for killing his girlfriend. Alas, Florence (Marla Gibbs) is blissfully unaware of Blake's past when the charismatic author asks her to go out on a date. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
In the first episode of a two-part story, Louise (Isabel Sanford) books George (Sherman Hemsley), Florence (Marla Gibbs), and herself on a murder-mystery cruise ship. To get a discount, George pretends to be a mystery novelist, just like the rest of the passengers. This pose may well prove to be his undoing when a genuine murder apparently occurs. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Although he refuses to extend a loan to Charlie the bartender (Danny Wells), George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) advises Charlie to pep up business with contests, music and (especially) scantily-clad waitresses. Charlie follows this advice, with the financial help of Tom Willis (Franklin Cover). When business begins booming, George suddenly wants a piece of the action. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Johnny Brown guest stars as Johnny Moore, an irredeemably obnoxious jokester. Although Johnny is the best friend of George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley), George's wife, Louise (Isabel Sanford), can't stand the man. Even so, Louise accidentally invites Johnny to stay in the Jefferson apartment -- and stay, and stay, and stay.... ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1982
Ending its eighth season as the third top-rated TV series in America, The Jeffersons was assured its usual Sunday night CBS berth for a ninth season, beginning in the fall of 1981. Conspicuous by their absence were former series regulars Mike Evans (as Lionel Jefferson), Berlinda Tolbert (as Jenny Willis Jefferson) and Paul Benedict (as Harry Bentley), though both Evans and Tolbert would pop up as "guest stars" and Bentley would be seen in a smattering of episodes filmed for season eight but held back until the following year. Like many another long-running sitcom, The Jeffersons was beginning to show its age, most notably in its paucity of fresh and original story angles. The actors, too, seemed to be more subdued than in previous seasons -- especially Sherman Hemsley as George Jefferson, whose energy level had cooled considerably. The seemingly phlegmatic attitude of the series' cast and production crew spilled over into its fan following: The Jeffersons dropped from third to 12th place in the ratings, and would continue to drop throughout its final two years of existence. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1981
After years of sucking up to his aristocratic landlord, Mr. Whittendale, George Jefferson (Sherman Hemsley) finally realizes that the man despises him. It seems that George is just plain too rude and crude for Whittendale's refined tastes. Thus it is that George swallows his pride, (briefly) curbs his temper, and signs up for expensive "charm lessons." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1981
George is determined to find out what Louise has been writing in her diary. When he finally gets his hands on the forbidden volume, George jumps to a multitude of wrong conclusions. Originally filmed for The Jeffersons' seventh season, "I've Got a Secret" was not seen until season eight; the episode represents the last appearance of actor Paul Benedict as Harry Bradley -- at least until Bradley's return to the fold in 1983. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
