Liz Smith Movies
Liz Smith graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in journalism in 1949. It wasn't an easy time for a woman to cultivate a career, but Smith moved to New York and worked as a typist and reporter before scoring a job as a news producer for Mike Wallace on CBS Radio. In subsequent years, she moved on to write a column for Hearst newspapers, and worked as the entertainment editor for magazines like Cosmopolitan and Sports Illustrated. In 1976, she began a gossip column largely focused on the New York social scene, which became syndicated to over 70 papers. Smith based her column at both the New York Post and Newsday for most of her career, until the Post announced in 2009 it would be cutting the piece due to budget constraints. Smith has also been a regular fixture on various TV news programs like Live at Five and Fox and Friends. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide- 1995
Shelley Long makes her first appearance as Dottie Wilcox, one-half of the hosting team of the popular daytime talk show "Dick and Dottie" (based on guess-which syndicated talkfest). Unable to hide her disdain for the lightweight Dottie, Murphy (Candice Bergen) makes a catty comment about the woman during an "FYI" broadcast. Forced by the network to apologize to Dottie, Murphy proceeds in her own inimitable fashion to make a bad situation worse. Comedian Dom DeLuise and Hollywood columnists Army Archerd and Liz Smith appear as themselves. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The idea of fusing teen sex-comedy and horror genres into a boffo box-office bonanza seems like classic braindead Hollywood-think... but somehow, beyond all reason, the makers of this film manage to pull it off. Much of the credit goes to director Fran Rubel Kuzui (Tokyo Pop) who chooses wisely to let the jokes and action rip by so quickly that viewers won't have time to realize there's practically nothing going on. Also excellent is Kristy Swanson as the bubble-headed cheerleader who learns from a Van Helsing-ish stranger (Donald Sutherland) that she's, like, the reincarnation of this pure female warrior and stuff, destined to rid the world -- or at least the Valley -- of vampires. No sooner is the Buffster being schooled in the ways of vampire butt-kicking (much to the consternation of meek pretty-boy beau Luke Perry) than the lead vampire (Rutger Hauer) and his leering cronies show up -- and leading up the pack is none other than Pee-Wee Herman himself, Paul Reubens. Fans of this film's popular TV offspring will appreciate the fang-sharp humor but may be surprised to find little evidence of the spooky atmosphere that permeates the series -- though there are some inspired moments, particularly the ridiculous death-by-ruler scene. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kristy Swanson, Donald Sutherland, (more)
