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- 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
- 1969
- PG
Police Captain Matthews (George Peppard) believes he has successfully pinned a murder and rape conviction on Paul Sanderson (Robert F. Lyons) only to have the sentence overturned by the United States Supreme Court. When his wife Adele (Jean Seberg) is found murdered, Matthews finds himself on the other side of the law. The disillusioned suspect finds that his police cronies and friends have turned their backs on him, particularly when Senator Cole (Paul McGrath) goes on a much-publicized tirade against crime. Woodrow Wilson King (Richard Kiley) is the civil libertarian who has doubts about Sanderson's insanity defense and uncovers information about his sadistic alcoholic mother who lead him to become a murderous misogynist. Matthews feels something is not quite right when his police colleagues are all too eager to pin the crime on him in this engaging murder mystery. ~ Dan Pavlides, Rovi
- Starring:
- George Peppard, Jean Seberg, (more)
It all begins when a parishioner named Benito (David Hurst) donates a lottery ticket to Convent San Tanco. Though grateful, the nuns cannot accept such a gift, so Sr. Bertrille returns the ticket. When Benito happens to spot Sr. Bertrille flying off into the heavens, he is convinced that she's a saint, and that the ticket has been blessed-a misapprehension that may end up bankrupting not only Benito, but all his friends and relatives. Written by Lawrence Marks, "The Lottery" originally aired April 10, 1969, as the final episode of The Flying Nun's second season. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Season Three of "The Flying Nun" was ushered in on September 17, 1969 with the episode titled "The Big Game." On this occasion, Sr. Bertrille takes over the coaching duties for the Convent San Tanco baseball team-and the result is a staggering 43-to-1 loss! Former Los Angeles Dodgers stars Willie Davis and Don Drysdale are cast respectively as the team manager and the opposition umpire. "The Big Giame" was written by Clifford Goldsmith, whose 1939 Broadway play What a Life served to introduce the character of Henry Aldrich. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Alejandro Rey appears in the dual role of casino owner Carlos Ramirez and Carlos' lookalike cousin Luis. A born loser, Luis entangles the nuns in a questionable business scheme when they inherit a dry goods store. It is up to Sr. Bertrille (isn't it always?) to save the day-and the convent treasury. Written by Paul Richards, "The Convent Gets the Business" originally aired on March 27, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Casino owner Carlos Ramirez' latest romantic conquest is the lovely Elena. At least, she was his latest conquest until Carlos was besieged by a huge number of very distant-and dependent-relatives, led by Uncle Antonio (Henry Corden) and Aunt Constancia (Athena Lorde). Not surprisingly, the innocent cause of Carlos' troubles is well-meaning Sr. Bertrille. Originally broadcast on April 3, 1969, "Cousins by the Dozens" was written by Frank Crow and Leo Rifkin. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
The nuns of San Tanco busy themselves arranging a surprise party for one of the convent orphans. Police Captain Fomento gets wind of the preparations, and mistakenly believes that the party is being thrown for him. To avoid yet another incident with the prickly Fomento, Sr. Bertrille has to do some quick thinking and high flying. Written by Arthur Alsberg, "Happy Birthday, Dear Gaspar" was originally telecast on March 13, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Once again cooking up a fund-raising scheme for San Tanco, Sr. Bertrille wants to use the convent's kitchen facilities-plus a huge new oven-to make and distribute bread. As always, Carlos Ramirez gets mixed up in the scheme, and as expected, slapstick havoc ensues. Future MASH costar Jamie Farr appears as a policeman. First telecast on March 20, 1969, "Cast Your Bread Upon the Waters" was written by William Raynor and Myles Wilder. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Sr. Bertrille tries to save Alice the cow from the butcher shop. To do this, our heroine must figure a way to persuade Alice to start producing milk again. As it happens, Alice will "give out" only when she hears music-as good an excuse as any for Sally Field (Sr. Bertrille) to sing "What a Question". Written by Frank Crow and Leo Rifkin, "The Moo is Blue" made its ABC network bow on February 27, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Impressionist Rich Little returns to The Flying Nun in the role of hopelessly accident-prone Brother Paul, a character introduced in the first-season episode "With a Friend Like Him." This time, the clumsy cleric has arrived to help Carlos Ramirez straighten out a tax audit. Hoping to prevent the mishaps and disasters that always attend Brother Paul's visits, Sr. Bertrille inadvertenly creates comic chaos on her own. First broadcast on March 6, 1969, "The Breakaway Monk" was written by Arthur Julian. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
In the conclusion of the two-part "Great Casino Robbery," Sr. Bertrille and her light-fingered Uncle Reggie (Alan Hale Jr.) are accused of masterminded a heist at Carlos Ramirez' casino. Meanwhile, the genuine thief, a brassy blonde named Faye (Ruta Lee), is hiding in Convent San Tanco, posing as one Sister Mary Grace. Sr. Bertrille must figure out a way to escape jail without arousing the suspicions of the diligent-and dimwitted-Police Captain Fomento. Written by Michael Morris, Part Two of "Great Casino Robbery" first aired on February 6, 1969, at which time The Flying Nun switched its Thursday-night timeslot from 8:00 PM EST to 7:30 PM. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
The title character in this episode of The Flying Nun is a light-fingered monkey. When valuable items turn up missing, Police Captain Fomento suspects the nuns of Convent San Tanco. Unaware of the simian's larcenous streak, the nuns think that Sr. Bertrille is the thief. First telecast on February 20, 1969, "The Kleptomaniac" was written by Sam Locke and Joel M. Rapp, and directed by radio's former "Henry Aldrich", Ezra Stone. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Facing eviction, the nuns are compelled to accept landlord Moreno (Ivor Francis) as their house guest. Doubting Moreno's claims that he is penniless, Police Captain Fomento works overtime to prove that the troublesome landlord is a crook. Meanwhile, Sr. Bertrille tries to dissuade the present owners of the San Tanco land from tearing down the convent. First broadcast on January 2, 1969, "The Landlord Cometh" was written by Frank Crow and Searle Kramer. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Sister Bertrille (Sally Field), ebullient American novice at Convent San Tanco in Puerto Rico, continues in her efforts to bring happiness and spiritual contentment to those around her -- and to avoid using her ability to fly through the air when the trade winds are strong, unless absolutely necessary -- in the third and final season of The Flying Nun. In addition to Field and the other regulars -- Alejandro Rey, Madeleine Sherwood, Marge Redmond, Shelley Morrison, et al. -- this season's 26 episodes are top-heavy with guest stars. Baseball legends Willie Davis and Don Drysdale appear in the opener, "The Big Game"; ventriloquist Paul Winchell shows up as talent scout in the next episode, "My Sister the Star"; Gary Crosby is cast against type as a shy priest in "Speak the Speech, I Pray You," which also features Bob Cummings; future "Charlie's Angel" Farrah Fawcett is prominently featured in "Marcello's Idol," a showcase for the series' new regular, Manuel Padilla Jr. as orphan boy Marcello; Larry Storch plays a tabloid journalist who disguises himself as a priest to expose Sr. Bertrille's aerial antics in "The Not So Great Imposter"; and 1930s film favorite Miriam Hopkins shows up as a silent movie star-turned-nun in "Bertrille and the Silent Flicks." The series' 83rd and final episode is "No Tears for Mrs. Thomas," with celebrated character actor Frank Silvera as a 70-year-old man who declares he will die within a week unless Sr. Bertrille finds him a wife -- his fifth wife! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Sally Field, Marge Redmond, (more)
- 1969
The nuns in general and Sr. Bertrille in particular offer to substitute for popular advice columnist "Dear Aggie." In attempting to solve the problems mailed in by one of her readers, Sr. Bertrille manages to neatly mess up the romantic life of one of Carlos' friends. Featured in the cast are Henry Corden as Ricky Moreles, Mike Pataki as Roberto and Anita Rich as Margareta. Written by Leo Rifkin, "Dear Aggie" was originally telecast on December 31, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Convinced that the nuns of San Tanco don't like him anymore, Carlos vows to turn over a new leaf. His sudden and baffling change in personality-and wardrobe-not only confuses the sisters, but also perplexes his new girlfriend Regina (Sandra Smith). Sr. Bertrille sets about to restore the "old" Carlos-then finds out the actual reason for his epiphany. Originally shown on December 17, 1969, "The New Carlos" was written by Michael Morris. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
This time out, Sr. Bertrille is outraged over a parking ticket. No, she didn't technically receive the ticket, but her inbred sense of justice and equality dictates that nuns should not be granted special privileges. Insisting upon being arrested and locked up in jail, the militant nun causes a big-time political brouhaha involving the mayor, the judge, the arresting officer and an outraged mob. Written by Roy Kammerman, "A Ticket for Bertrille" first aired on December 10, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
At the urging of Sr. Bertrille, casino owner Carlos Ramirez agrees to act as surrogate father to convent orphan Marcello (Manuel Padilla). Things take a tricky turn when Marcello, suffering a severe case of hero worship, insists upon being adopted by Carlos-and even offers to pick his own stepmother. Future Charlie's Angels diva Farrah Fawcett appears as Lila. Originally telecast on October 15, 1969, "Marcello's Idol" was written by John L. Greene. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Former Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In regular Chelsea Brown guest-stars as Paola, the young secretary of Convent San Tanco. When Paola claims that she found a baby on the convent's doorstep, the nuns are skeptical about her story. Sr. Bertrille takes it upon herself to learn the truth-and to ascertain the identity of the baby's mother. Written by Michael Morris, "The Paola Story" was originally broadcast on October 8, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
Robert Cummings guest-stars as Father Larson, the new priest at Convent San Tanco. Having spent his whole career in the academic world, Father Larson is nervous about assuming the responsibilities of his first parish-and even more so when he is slated to make a speech at his welcome dinner. A hotshot professional writer named Danny (Gary Crosby) pens a few "spontaneous words" for the shy cleric, but it is ultimately Sr. Bertrille who builds up the priest's confidence. First telecast on October 1, 1969, "Speak the Speech, I Pray You" was scripted by Milt Rosen. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1969
The fun begins when Sr. Bertrille makes a guest appearance on a San Juan children's television program. An enthusiastic TV executive, played by ventriloquist Paul Winchell, spots star potential in our heroine. In an extended fantasy sequence, series star Sally Field sings "World Inside Your Pillow" and "A Whole New World". Written by Dorothy Cooper Foote, "My Sister the Star" first aired on September 24, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1968
David Hurst guest stars as the tenacious old uncle of Sr. Bertrille's English-fracturing colleague Sr. Sixto (Shelley Morrison). Despite his utter lack of talent and success as a fisherman, Uncle stubbornly insists upon heading out to sea for one last big haul. Sr. Bertrille tries to help the old man by becoming an airborne "fish spotter," high-powered telescope and all. Written by John McGreevey, "A Fish Story" originally aired on January 11, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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