Madeleine Sherwood Movies
The daughter of the dean of McGill University's school of dentistry, Madeline Thornton made her first stage appearance at age 4 in a staging of the Passion Play. At 17, Madeline married Robert Sherwood (not the playwright of the same name), who left for parts unknown after their child was born.. Compelled to fend for herself, Madeline Sherwood (as she now billed herself) opted to stay in the theatre, working with the Montreal Repertory and co-starring in the popular wartime CBC radio serial Laura Lrd. And Her Daughter Terry. She moved to New York in 1949, where she studied at Yale and the Actor's Studio while appearing in dozens of live TV dramas. Sherwood made her first Broadway appearance in 1953, playing the troublemaking Abigail in Arthur Miller's The Crucible. Director Elia Kazan, impressed by her ability to convey unvarnished wickedness, wanted to cast her as James Dean's whorish mother in the 1955 film East of Eden. That role went instead to Jo Van Fleet, so Kazan cast Sherwood in the "consolation" role of the vituperative, eternally pregnant Sister Woman in the original 1956 Broadway staging of Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Sherwood went on to repeat this role in the 1958 filmization of Streetcar Named Desire, and later played Miss Lucy in another Williams cinemadaptation, Sweet Bird of Youth (1963). Her television credits of the 1960s include stints on several soap operas, and a three-year hitch as the remonstrative Mother Superior on the Sally Field sitcom The Flying Nun (1967-70). As was the case with many "professional villains," Madeline Sherwood was anything but nasty and self-centered in real life. Her activities on behalf of the Civil Rights movement landed her in a Southern jail in 1962, a fact which forever remained a source of pride for her. And after undergoing therapy in the 1960s (playing one villainess after another had finally taken its toll), Madeline Sherwood became so fascinated with psychiatric work that, from 1970 through 1971, she studied at the GROW institute to become a psychotherapist and group counselor. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
This drama explores the inner turmoil of a parish priest who begins to question his beliefs and his celibacy after he becomes mixed up with the girlfriend of a murder victim. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Tommy Lee Jones, Annette O'Toole, (more)
- 1987
TV Guide critic Judith Crist tersely dismissed Haunted by Her Past as a "spook story," but that's probably because the producers wouldn't preview it for her. Better than the usual Gothic TV-movie, the film casts soap-opera diva Susan Lucci as a 20th-century wife who is possessed by the spirit of an 18th-century murderess (Finola Hughes). At first playful and flirtatious, the woman turns deadly as the malevolent ghost seeps into every orifice of her brain and body. Obviously, trouble is in store for her unwitting husband (John James). Decked out with a lush musical score by Paul Chihara, Haunted by Her Past played to respectable ratings when it first aired on October 5, 1987. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Marlo Thomas fully justifies her star status in the made-for-television Nobody's Child. Ms. Thomas portrays the real-life Marie Balter, a Massachusetts woman consigned to a mental hospital after a suicide attempt at age 16. For the next 20 years, Marie is and out of the institution, mostly under the care of a sensitive doctor (Caroline Cava) who treats her for panic disorder and depression. Finally able to curb her inner demons without the use of drugs and therapy, Marie leaves the hospital for good, hoping to pursue a normal life. She falls in love with another ex-mental patient (Ray Baker), and strives successfully to earn a college diploma (she later became a health administrator). Aside from Marlo Thomas' Emmy-winning performance, Nobody's Child boasts the stunning camerawork of longtime Ingmar Bergman associate Sven Nykvist. One scene, in which Marie Balter imagines she sees serpents emerging from a typewriter, is as frightening a piece of celluloid as has ever been presented on television. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Carri Sturgis (Jewel Blanch), a young friend of Ben Cartwright's adopted son Jamie, lives in terror under the cruel supervision of her Aunt Vella (Madeleine Sherwood) and Uncle Gifford (William Bramley). Inasmuch as the couple hates children, Jamie can't understand why they so desperately desire custody of Carri. Before long, the truth is revealed: The girl is heir to her late grandfather's gold mine. Also in the cast are Paul Fix as Buford and Peggy Rea as Clara. Written by B.W. Sandefur, "For a Young Lady" initially aired on December 27, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Singer/songwriters Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, who composed many of The Monkees' best tunes, appear in this episode of The Flying Nun. While appearing in San Juan, the two performers are involved in a minor traffic accident caused by Sr. Bertrille, who willingly takes all the blame for the incident. The boys' lawyer insists upon suing Convent San Tanco, resulting in a outpouring of public outrage which nearly wrecks the singers' careers--to say nothing of Carlos' casino. Boyce and Hart perform their own compositions "I Thank You" and "Crazy Arms". Written by March 20, 1970, "When Generations Gap" first aired on March 20, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
To qualify for state aid to build a children's day camp, Convent San Tanco must increase their community's popular by 444 residents. Spunky Sr. Bertrille immediately embarks upon a recruiting drive for new citizens-and with equal immediacy, runs afoul of a land-grabbing business tycoon. Pedro Gonzales Gonzales, Hilarie Thompson, Julio Medina and Naomi Stevens appear in supporting roles. First telecast on March 27, 1970, "Operation Population" was written by Arnold Horwitt. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Having survived seventy years and outlived four wives, old Mr. Montero is as spry and lively as ever. Thus it comes as surprise to the nuns when Montero insists that they arrange his funeral, insisting that he will be dead by the end of the week. Sr. Bertrille quickly deduces that Montero is not ill but lonely, and she begins flying about in search of Mrs. Montero Number Five. Written by Stanley Adams and George F. Slavin, "No Tears for Mrs. Thomas" originally aired April 3, 1970, as the final first-run episode of The Flying Nun. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Celebrated bullfighter El Charro (Ben Archibek) has entered convent San Tanco under an assumed name. His purpose: to learn to read and write English, without attracting the attention of his adoring fans. Sr. Bertrille enlists the aid of casino owner Carlos in helping the timid toreador keep his secret. First broadcast on March 13, 1970, "A Gift for El Charro" was written by actor Stanley Adams, in collaboration with George F. Slavin. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Sr. Bertrille becomes a TV star when she is captured on film in a "hidden camera" detergent advertisement. Unfotunately, her sudden celebrity may end up discrediting our heroine in the eyes of a visiting bishop (Ivor Francis. A pre-One Day at a Time Pat Harrington Jr. appears as Harry. First telecast on March 6, 1970, "The Candid Commercial" was written by John L. Greene. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Back during the Korean War, Carlos Ramirez adopted a 2-year-old orphan girl named Kim, whom he has supported, sight unseen, ever since. Now it is 1970: Kim (Mike Kayama) is 19 years old, a stunning beauty-and intent upon marrying Carlos! Once again, it's Sr. Bertrille to the rescue. Written by actor Stanley Adams in collaboration with George F. Slavin, "Papa Carlos" originally aired on February 27, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Now Sr. Bertrille is flying in her sleep, with no recollection of her nocturnal forays into the clouds. While snoozing away late one night, she flies over Carlos Ramirez, who is innocently stranded in his car with an impulsive girl named Sofia (Cynthia Hull). The next morning, Sofia's father demands that Carlos marry the girl-and the only witness to the fact that Carlos is blameless doesn't remember anything about the incident. First broadcast on February 20, 1970, "The Somnaviatrix" was written by John L. Greene). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Sr. Bertrille ends up in the doghouse when she takes care of the mutt owned by Felix the plumber (Gino Conforti). She does such a good job that the dog refuses to return to its master-and the heartbroken Felix refuses to repair the pipes in Carlos Ramirez' casino. Want to bet that Sr. Bertrille solves this problem by taking to the air again? "Man's Best Friend Isn't" was written by Milt Rosen; the episode first aired on February 13, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Robert Lansing guest-stars as Mr. Sanders, a former (and none too distinguished) student of San Tanco's convent school. Now a successful businessman, Sanders wants to demonstrate his gratitude to the nuns by adopting the most backward and troublesome orphan in Sr. Bertrille's classroom, a lad named Joey (Eric Shea). But when the boy cleans up his act to make himself a worthy candidate for adoption, Sanders loses all interest--forcing Sr. Bertrille to take charge of the situation. Written by Roy Kammerman, "The Dumbest Kid in School" originally aired on February 6, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Series regular Alejandro Rey once more essays the dual role of dapper casino owner Carlos Ramirez and Carlos' monumentally inept lookalike cousin Luis. Hoping to build up Luis' confidence, Sr. Bertrille casts him as Christopher Columbus in an upcoming convent pageant. And that's her first mistake! First telecast on January 30, 1970 (what, not on Columbus Day??), "Hello Columbus" was written by Arnold Horwitt. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
The nuns try to help a troublesome convent youngster named Armando (George Spell). The plan backfires when Armando turns into a pool shark, who cares about nothing but winning and isn't too particular how he wins. Sr. Bertrille comes up with the solution to the dilemma, but it takes her nearly the entire episode. Veteran character actor John Hoyt appears as Gomez. Written by Michael Morris, "Armando and the Pool Table" first aired on January 23, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Elinor Donahue makes her third guest appearance as obstetrician Jennifer Ethrington (Elinor Donahue), the sister of Sr. Bertrille. Determining that Jennifer is working too hard, the nuns try to lighten her burden by hiding the fact that she's a doctor. Not surprisingly, a crisis results. Nancy Malone also appears as The Countess. Originally shown on January 7, 1970, "My Sister, the Doctor" was written by Michael Morris and Milt Rosen. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Sr. Bertrille stages a benefit show at Convent San Tanco, using mostly local talent (including herself). Banking on the appearance of professional magician Marko the Magnificent (Victor Buono), Sr. Bertrille is stunned when he refuses to perform. Our heroine tries to get to the bottom of Marko's reticence-and the results are truly magicial. Written by Bernard Slade, "Sister Socko in San Tanco" was first telecast on January 16, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Part One of the two-part Flying Nun episode "Great Casino Robbery" first aired on January 30, 1969. Alan Hale Jr. guest-stars as Sr. Bertrille's lovably larcenous Uncle Reggie, who goes to work at Carlos Ramirez' casino. Reggie's fast-and-loose relationship with honesty inadvertenly paves the way for a full-scale robbery committed by professional thief Faye (Ruta Lee)-a heist for which the nuns of San Tanco will be blamed. "Great Casino Robbery" was written by Michael Morris. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Written by Michael Morris, "The Boyfriend" is The Flying Nun's spin on "Rashomon." Dwayne Hickman guest-stars as Randy Putnam, the former boyfriend of Elsie Ethrington, aka Sr. Bertrille. In flashbacks, Randy and Sr. Bertrille offer different versions of their romance, their breakup, and the reason Elsie became a nun. Also appearing are Bob Hastings as Tom and Cynthia Pepper as Liz. "The Boyfriend" originally aired on February 13, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Sr. Bertrille becomes innocently embroiled in a labor-vs.-management dispute which threatens to shatter her friendship with casino owner Carlos Ramirez. It all begins when she strikes up a friendly conversation with one of Carlos' striking employees. A nosy photojournalist picks up on the story-and before long, Sr. Bertrille finds herself marching on the picket line. Written by Milt Rosen, "Guess Who's Coming to Picket?" made its first American TV appearance on October 22, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Larry Storch guest-stars as obstreperous investigative reporter Joe Barnes. Checking on a reports of a flying nun in the vicinity of Convent San Tanco, Joe goes undercover by posing as a priest. Things reach a pretty pass when "Father Joe" manages to take a picture of Sr. Bertrille in mid-flight. Originally broadcast on October 29, 1969, "The Not So Great Impostor" was written by Dorothy Cooper Foote. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Sr. Bertrille's curiosity is piqued when the nuns of Convent San Tanco begins receiving huge donations and valuable gifts from a mysterious benefactor. The sisters don't know that the philanthropist is Alonzo Baldaran (Nehemiah Persoff). They'd be even more surprised if they knew that the convent's shabby little handyman is Baldaran himself. Written by Michael Morris, "A Convent Full of Miracles" first aired on November 5, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
A cagey and none too honest merchant named Antonio (Titos Vandis) saddles the nuns with a burro named Hector. Before long, the convent has been all but reduced to rubble by the contentious and destructive beast. But with a little "boost" from Sr. Bertrille-coupled with a curiously convenient streak of bad luck-Antonio begins to see the error of his ways. First telecast on November 12, 1969, "Hector and the Brass Band" was written by actor Stanley Adams in collaboration with George F. Slavin. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Every time God closes a door, He opens a window-and sometimes, vice versa. Sr. Bertrille is initially delighted with her fancy new habit, a gift from the Mother General (played by Edith Atwater, taking over from Spring Byington). Alas, her new wingless coronet robs our heroine of her flying ability. Written by Burt Styler, the punningly titled "The New Habit" was originally telecast on November 19, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Veteran film and Broadway star Miriam Hopkins appears as Gloria Davenport, a former movie queen who has taken her vows and reemerged as Sister Adelaide. Hoping to raise money for Convent San Tanco, Sr. Adelaide stages a benefit screening of one of her old silent movies. Unfortunately, the "politically incorrect" content of the film sparks a major crisis, which only Sr. Bertrille can solve. First broadcast on November 26, 1969, "Bertrille and the Silent Flicks" was scripted by Michael Morris, from a story by Leo Rifkin. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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