John Abbott Movies
While studying art in his native London, John Abbott relaxed between classes by watching rehearsals of a student play. When one of the actors fell ill, Abbott was invited to replace him, and at that point he switched majors. He became a professional actor in 1934, joined the Old Vic in 1936, and made his first film, Mademoiselle Docteur, in 1937; later that same year he made his first BBC television appearance. Turned down for military service during World War II, Abbott joined the Foreign Office, working as a decoder in the British Embassy in Stockholm and working in similar capacities in Russia and Canada. In 1941, he took a vacation in New York, leaving his resumé and photo with various producers, just in case something turned up. On the very last day of his vacation, he was hired for a small role in Josef von Sternberg's The Shanghai Gesture (1941), thus launching the Hollywood phase of his career. Generally cast as a fussy eccentric, Abbott was seen at his very best as whining hypochondriac Frederick Fairlie in Warner Bros.' The Woman in White (1948). He also received at least one bona fide starring role in the 1943 quickie London Blackout Murders. In the late '40s, Abbott began amassing some impressive Broadway credits in such productions as He Who Gets Slapped, Monserrat, and Waltz of the Toreadors. He also appeared in 1950's Auto da Fe, which was specifically written for him by Tennessee Williams. Though still active in films and TV into the 1980s (he played Dr. Frankenstein in the ill-fated 1984 cinemadaptation of Kurt Vonnegut's Slapstick), John Abbott spent most of his twilight years as an acting teacher. Abbott died in a Los Angeles hospital on May 24, 1996, after a prolonged illness. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Based on the true story of Graham Young, a young British psychopath of the early 1960s, this is the offbeat feature film debut of writer-director Benjamin Ross. Hugh O'Conor plays Young, who narrates the story in a sullen voice-over. He is an isolated, studious young adolescent who is increasingly absorbed in his chemical research projects and estranged from his annoying family. After his greatest experiment blows up, he seeks revenge on his stepmother, who has falsely accused him of hiding pornographic magazines. The boy poisons her chocolates and then his sister's eye drops, partially blinding her. He next poisons his stepmother's stomach medicine. Graham lets her discover the notebook in which he has documented his work, but she can no longer speak, and she dies unable to communicate the truth. Young then starts to poison his father -- but lets himself be discovered and is sent to an insane asylum. There, he is befriended by a psychologist, Dr. Ziegler (Anthony Sher), an optimist who hopes for a recovery by exploring Young's dreams. ~ Michael Betzold, Rovi
- Starring:
- Hugh O'Conor, Antony Sher, (more)
This acclaimed British comedy centers on the intermittent romance between a charming (if slightly bumbling) Englishman and a beautiful American woman, who seem to always run into each other at weddings. Indeed, it is at the first of the title's four weddings that Charles (Hugh Grant) and Carrie (Andie McDowell) meet, enjoying a brief but fleeting connection. The spark is rekindled several months later, when they unexpectedly meet at another wedding. Unfortunately, however, Carrie has become engaged to another, a fact that complicates matters for them both. The story may seem simple, but the film is elevated by screenwriter Richard Curtis' ear for witty dialogue and a colorful supporting cast. Director Mike Newell's sympathetic attention to character keeps the proceedings believable, and prevents the film's more serious moments from seeming mawkish. These elements, along with Grant's star-making performance as Charles, helped the film achieve unexpected international success, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
- Starring:
- Hugh Grant, Andie MacDowell, (more)
- 1989
This full-blooded TV adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island was written, produced and directed by Frasier Heston. His father, Charlton Heston plays Long John Silver. Eschewing the cuteness of Wallace Beery and the unadulterated ham of Robert Newton, Heston plays the character as written: a cold, crafty, cunning rogue, by turns charming and deadly, but never to be underestimated. The plot adheres with utter fidelity to the Stevenson novel, beginning with innkeeper's son Jim Hawkins (Christian Bale) finding himself in possession of a treasure map from the doomed Captain Billy Bones (Oliver Reed). In the company of Dr. Livesey (Julian Glover) and Squire Trelawny (Richard Johnson), Jim ships out on the Hispaniola, in search of gold doubloons and pieces of eight. Hand-picking the crew for this mission is the ship's one-legged cook Long John Silver, who fully intends to mutiny, kill the treasure hunters, and claim the gold for himself. Featured in the cast are Clive Woods as Captain Smollett, Christopher Lee as Blind Pew, and Nicholas Amer as addled hermit Ben Gunn. Treasure Island premiered January 22, 1990, over the TNT cable network. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1987
Hazard of Hearts was adapted for television from a 1948 bodice-ripper by Barbara Cartland. Set (where else?) in 1810 England, the film stars Helena Bonham Carter as the obligatory innocent young lass with a dynamite figure. Falling in love with a Rochester-like Marquis (Marcus Gilbert), Helena is whisked off to the mysterious Castle Mandrake ("played" by England's Belvoir Castle and Burghley House). Here, our heroine is menaced by Diana Rigg, the Marquis' evil, possessive mother. First broadcast December 27, 1987, Hazard of Hearts was buried in the ratings by NBC's repeat showing of Terms of Endearment (1983) and ABC's telecast of Stir Crazy (1980). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Helena Bonham Carter
Lady Jane Grey, the 16-year-old girl who for nine days in the 16th century was Queen of England, is here portrayed by Helena Bonham Carter. Lady Jane Grey's sickly cousin, who becomes Edward VI upon the death of Henry VIII, is on the threshold of death himself. The Protestant powers-that-be, fearing that England will fall under Catholic rule, contrive to marry off Edward VI's most likely successor Lady Jane to the wastrelly Guilford Dudley (Cary Elwes), the future Duke of Suffolk. The dying Edward is coerced into naming Jane as his successor. Jane is forced to assume the throne, attempting to impose reforms on the corrupt Protestant government during her brief reign. A coup led by Jane's cousin Princess Mary (Jane Lapotaire) results in the ouster, and eventual execution, of Queen Jane and her consort. The story is told through anti-establishment themes; teen-agers Lady Jane and Guilford Dudley are seen as the only hope for a brighter future, making their deaths all the more tragic. An earlier version of the same story, Tudor Rose, was filmed in 1936. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Helena Bonham Carter, Cary Elwes, (more)
- 1982
- PG
This dismal sci-fi comedy is based on a novel by Kurt Vonnegut and features Jerry Lewis and Madeline Kahn in dual roles as wealthy, respected parents who give birth to two gigantic, and ugly twins. The appalled parents try to keep them hidden away for they do not know that their "children" are really alien ambassadors who have come to help make the Earth a better place. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jerry Lewis, Madeline Kahn, (more)
Used Cars is one of Robert Zemeckis' pre-Roger Rabbit and pre-Forrest Gump efforts starring Kurt Russell is a devious car salesman who goes to work for affable but monumentally unsuccessful used car dealer Jack Warden. Warden's principal rival is his more prosperous twin brother, also played by Warden, who schemes to take over the "good" brother's lot. After a series of raunchy vignettes, the film boils down to an every-man-for-himself price war between the two Wardens, which rages on even after we're one Warden short. The supporting cast of Used Cars is populated by such reliables as David L. Lander, Michael McKean, Al Lewis, Dub Taylor, Dick Miller and Betty Thomas. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Kurt Russell, Jack Warden, (more)
- 1979
Vincentio (Kenneth Colley), Duke of Vienna, is a good and kindly ruler, but his leniency has allowed vice to thrive. So he decides to leave town temporarily, putting in charge his stern chief deputy, Angelo (Tim Piggott-Smith). Immediately, Angelo condemns the young nobleman, Claudio (Christopher Strauli), to death for getting his sweetheart, Juliet (Jacqueline Pearce), pregnant. Isabella (Kate Nelligan), an aspiring nun who is Claudio's sister, is disgusted by Angelo's suggestion that she "lay down the treasures" of her body to save her brother's life. Meanwhile, the Duke returns to town in the guise of a friar to see how his domain is faring in his absence. When he spies around, he learns of Claudio's imprisonment, and he overhears the dilemma that Angelo has created for Isabella. The helpful ''friar'' then suggests to Isabella that Mariana (Jacqueline Pearce), who was once betrothed to Angelo, take her place in the darkness of Angelo's bedroom. Mariana agrees, and the scheme goes according to plan. However, Angelo reneges on his promise because he fears Claudio will seek revenge if he is released, and instead he orders Claudio's immediate execution. However, Duke Vincentio, still disguised as a friar, persuades the prison warden to spare Claudio and to trick Angelo into thinking Claudio is dead. When Duke Vincentio doffs his disguise and reappears as himself, Angelo, realizing the game is up, asks to be executed to avoid a degrading trial. But Mariana, steadfast in her love for Angelo, pleads for his life. Mercy and a happy ending triumph. Claudio returns from the dead to wed Juliet. Angelo is spared and marries Mariana. The Duke then begs the hand of Isabella. He tells her, ''Dear Isabel, I have a motion much imports your good; whereto if you'll a willing ear incline, what's mine is yours and what is yours is mine.'' ~ Mike Cummings, Rovi
- Starring:
- Kate Nelligan, Kenneth Colley, (more)
- 1977
In the second episode of the four-part story "The Horror of Fang Rock," the Doctor (Tom Baker) and Leela (Louise Jameson) investigate the mysterious goings-on in the British coastal village of Fang Rock in the early 1900s. A strange object, falling from the sky, has already killed one of the lighthouse keepers. No one yet realizes that this event is but the prelude of a full-scale invasion by the alien Rutans. Written by Terrance Dicks, "The Horror of Fang Rock, Episode 2" first aired on September 10, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Louise Jameson, (more)
- 1977
The Doctor (Tom Baker) and Leela (Louise Jameson) materialize near the lighthouse of Fang Rock, a small English seacoast town in the early 20th century. The two time travelers quickly make friends with lighthouse keepers Reuben (Colin Douglas), Vince (John Abbott), and Ben (Ralph Watson), who are humorously contending with that newfangled invention known as electricity. But the fun comes to an abrupt end when Ben suddenly and mysteriously disappears. Written by Terrance Dicks, the four-part "The Horror of Fang Rock" launched Doctor Who's 15th season on September 3, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Louise Jameson, (more)
- 1977
In the third episode of the four-part story "The Horror of Fang Rock," the Doctor (Tom Baker) and Leela (Louise Jameson) help the keepers of the lighthouse in the English coastal village of Fang Rock fend off an invasion from space by the alien Rutans. Unfortunately, these efforts are undermined by one of the keepers, who is actually a Rutan scout in human form. Written by Terrance Dicks, "The Horror of Fang Rock, Episode 3" first aired on September 17, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tom Baker, Louise Jameson, (more)
- 1976
Sherlock Holmes in New York is a topnotch TV movie starring Roger Moore (surprisingly effective as Holmes) and Patrick MacNee (an intelligent, compassionate Watson). The Great Detective travels to the Big Apple of the 1890s to thwart arch-villain Moriarty, who plans to devalue the world's gold supply. Holmes is also reunited with his lost love Irene Adler (Charlotte Rampling), whose honesty--or lack of it--is just as much in doubt as it had been in Doyle's Scandal in Bohemia. The film combines the razor-sharp deductions of Holmes with the deeper, darker aspects of his character. Sherlock Holmes in New York underwent numerous script and concept changes while the producers awaited the availability of Roger Moore, who in the mid-1970s was being kept busy as James Bond. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1975
The Black Bird is a satirical sequel to The Maltese Falcon. George Segal plays Sam Spade Jr., who has inherited his dad's detective agency in a seedy section of San Francisco. The ubiquitous, priceless Maltese Falcon, which eluded Bogart and company in the 1941 film, surfaces once again. This time, Spade's friends and foes include femme fatales Anna and "Decoy Girl" (Stéphane Audran and Connie Kreski), sixtysomething historian Dr. Crippen (Signe Hasso, who looks terrific), and midget villain Litvak (Felix Silla, who played Cousin Itt on the TV series The Addams Family). Gags abound, including a climactic steal from Jaws. Two of the surviving stars of The Maltese Falcon, Lee Patrick and Elisha Cook Jr., recreate their roles in The Black Bird . ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- George Segal, Stéphane Audran, (more)
- 1973
Cat Creature is a heady Curtis Harrington combination of high-gloss production values and spinechilling terror. A curse imposed thousands of years ago by a cat goddess wreaks havoc in the 20th century--all for the purpose of retrieving a long-lost golden amulet. Gale Sondergaard, whose association with things horrific went back to 1944's Sherlock Holmes and the Spider Woman, is suitably hissable as the cat queen; also in the cast is fright-flick veteran John Carradine and second-generation spooker Peter Lorre Jr. Screenwriter Robert Bloch intended this film as an affectionate throwback to the stylized horror films of old. Cat Creature is the sort of film that removes the "potboiler" stigma from the made-for-TV form. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
John Abbott, a citizen of Ancient Rome, is transported against his will to the 20th Century. No sooner has he landed in Tinseltown than he's pounced upon by opportunists and sharpsters. Ad man Terry-Thomas exploits Abbott for marketing purposes, while gorgeous Lisa Seagram hopes to use the hapless Roman as a launching pad for her own showbiz career. There's a lot of comic talent in 2000 Years Later--in addition to Terry-Thomas, the film features Edward Everett Horton, Pat Harrington Jr. and Casey Kasem. In keeping with its title (in a manner of speaking), the film fares well as a 1960s time capsule, with cameo appearances by such icons of the decade as singer Monty Rock III and designer Rudi Gernreich. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1968
Three Guns For Texas is a routine western. Taken from the television series "Laredo," three 30-minute episodes are strung together. The only continuity seems to be the plot of Texas Rangers fighting a renegade band of Indians led by Linda Little Trees (Shelley Morrison). Neville Brand, Peter Brown, William Smith, and Martin Milner also star. The viewer would have to be familiar with the television series, as no character development is given, assuming the public has seen the actors before and is well-versed in the plot. This plodding oater closely resembles the old Republic westerns. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- Neville Brand, Peter Brown, (more)
- 1967
The Enterprise is called to respond to an unprovoked attack by the enemy Klingons on the neutral planet of Organia in this episode of the original Star Trek television series. Thanks to the strategic significance of the planet's location, the attack threatens to initiate total war between the Federation and the Klingons. In an attempt to stem the tide of the Klingon invasion, Kirk and Spock visit the planet's surface, discovering a civilization that remains surprisingly sedate, despite the increasing presence of Klingon soldiers. Kirk and Spock attempt to disguise themselves as natives to explore the situation further, but they are discovered by the rival Klingon commander. When violent conflict seems inevitable, however, the Organians prove to be more aware and more powerful than they might seem, unexpectedly stepping forward to intervene. ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi
The final animated feature produced under the supervision of Walt Disney is a lively neo-swing musical, loosely based upon the tales of Rudyard Kipling. The story takes place in a tropical jungle where people are conspicuously absent. But one day Bagheera the Panther (voice of Sebastian Cabot) discovers a baby in the wreck of a boat. Feeling pity on the child, Bagheera takes him to be raised with the wolves. Ten years later, the child has grown into Mowgli (voice of Bruce Reitherman). Mowgli discovers that his life is in danger because of the return to the area of Shere Khan the Tiger (voice of George Sanders), whose hatred of humans is such that Mowgli faces certain death if discovered. Bagheera agrees to transport Mowgli to the human village, where he will be safe from Shere Khan. Along the way to the village, night falls and Mowgli and Bagheera almost succumb to the man-eating snake Kaa (voice of Sterling Holloway). Escaping Kaa's coils, they run into the lock-step military elephant band of Colonel Hathi (voice of J. Pat O'Malley). Afterwards, Mowgli, who doesn't want to be sent to the human village, runs away from Bagheera and meets up with the fun-loving Baloo the Bear (voice of Phil Harrris). With both Bagheera and Baloo to protect him, Mowgli is saved from several more life-threatening situations -- including a barber-shop quartet of vultures, the crazed King Louie of the Apes (voice of Louis Prima), and Shere Khan himself -- before making it to the village of humans. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Bruce Reitherman, Phil Harris, (more)
- 1967
When Samantha decides that her house needs painting, helpful Aunt Clara summons up the spirit of the best painter she knows: Leonardo Da Vinci (John Abbott). Trying to undo her misfire spell, Clara inadvertently places Darrin in a Renaissance costume, leading his newest client to mount an ad campaign using the image of the Mona Lisa. Naturally, Da Vinci is outraged at this desecration of his masterpiece, and it is up to Samantha to straighten things out. Written by Jerry Mayer and Paul L. Friedman, "Samantha's Da Vinci Dilemma" was first shown on December 28, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
Dr. Victor Frankenstein IV (John Abbott), a descendant of the scientist who "created" Herman Munster, has in his possession a primitive, brutish Herman lookalike named Johann (also Fred Gwynne). Unfortunately, Johann escapes from Dr. Frankenstein's lab at precisely the same time that his Herman and his wife Lily have arrived at a small motel for their second honeymoon--and the inevitable mixups wreak havoc on all concerned. Incidentally, one scene finds Johann watching a TV broadcast of an old cartoon series named Calvin and the Colonel--which, like The Munsters, was produced by Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher (who also wrote this episode). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1966
Ideals and reality clash in this humorous tale of the heist that could have been. As scheming career cat burglar Harry Dean (Michael Caine) prepares to steal a priceless statue from the world's richest man, he seeks out the assistance of Eurasian showgirl Nicole Chang (Shirley MacLaine). Though the likable rogue's plan seems foolproof as he conveys the details to his partner, Ram (Roger C. Carmel), the execution proves to be a detailed study in Murphy's Law. Constantly reinventing the plan as his originally ideal scheme spirals ever more out of control, it seems as if Harry's heist is destined to fail. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Shirley MacLaine, Michael Caine, (more)
- 1966
John Abbott guest stars as Sesmar, an alien scientist who has created an android named Raddion (played by the ubiquitous Dawson Palmer). The android is quite a piece of work, seemingly human in every respect save one: he lacks human emotions. To rectify this shortcoming, Sesmar drains the Robinsons of all their emotions and transfers them to his Raddion--leaving only Don (Mark Goddard) "complete" enough to rescue his companions...if he can. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1965
Moving to a new Sunday-night timeslot opposite Bonanza for its ninth and final season, Perry Mason gets the ball rolling as Perry (Raymond Burr) is requested by a judge (Dan Tobin) to handle the defense of Carla Chaney (Jean Hale) a destitute young woman with a really nasty attitude. Charged with the murder of two-bit journalist Gerald Havens, Carla has failed to convince three previous lawyers that she is innocent, especially since her fingerprints were all over the murder weapon. But Perry is willing to take a chance, and immediately set about to locate the mysterious "laughing lady" whom Carla claims to have seen standing over the corpse. With this episode, Richard Anderson becomes a regular as Lt. Steve Drumm. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Filmmaker George Stevens chose Monument Valley, Utah for his exterior sequences in The Greatest Story Ever Told, this ($20 million) adaptation of Fulton Oursler's best-selling book. The "Greatest Story" is, of course, the life of Jesus Christ, played herein by Max Von Sydow. The large supporting cast includes Dorothy McGuire as Mary, Claude Rains as Herod the Great, Jose Ferrer as Herod Antipas, Charlton Heston as John the Baptist, Donald Pleasence as Satan (identified only as "The Dark Hermit"), David McCallum as Judas Iscariot, Sidney Poitier as Simon of Cyrene, Telly Savalas as Pontius Pilate and Martin Landau as Caiaphas. Even Robert Blake as Simon the Zealot, Jamie Farr as Thaddaeus, and motorcyle-flick veteran Richard Bakalyan as Dismas, the repentant thief, are well-suited to their roles. Originally roadshown at 260 minutes, Greatest Story Ever Told was later available in a 195-minute version. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Max von Sydow, Dorothy McGuire, (more)
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