Richard X. Slattery Movies
Before he became an actor, Richard Xavier Slattery spent 12 years on the beat as a street cop in New York. It was during that time that he began appearing off-Broadway. Slattery made it to Broadway in 1961 where he appeared in a couple of plays. In the mid-'60s, he began playing character roles on a wide variety of television series ranging from Bonanza to Bewitched to Mr. Roberts. In the distinguished miniseries The Winds of War, Slattery played Admiral Halsey. He has also appeared in a few feature films, including Walking Tall and The Apple Dumpling Gang, but Slattery may best be remembered for the 17 years in which he portrayed Murph in UnoCal commercials. He passed away on January 27, 1997, at the Motion Picture & Television Hospital in Woodland Hills, CA. The official cause of death was listed as a stroke. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide- 1983
In the final episode of the seven-part, eighteen-hour miniseries The Winds of War, Ambassador-at-large "Pug" Henry (Robert Mitchum) represents the US in a series of conferences with the intansigent Russian premier Josef Stalin (Anatoly Chauginian). Dallying briefly with his erstwhile British sweetheart Pamela Tudsbury (Victoria Tennant), Pug stays in Moscow long enough to witness the attempted Nazi invasion. Meanwhile, Pug's daughter-in-law Natalie (Ali McGraw) and her Uncle Aaron (John Houseman) are among the Jewish refugees being smuggled into Palestine. And back in the Western Hemisphere, Pug's sons Byron (Jan-Michael Vincent) and Warren (David Dukes) are swept up in the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The Winds of War was adapted by Herman Wouk from his own novel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Mitchum, Ali MacGraw, (more)
- 1979
- G
- Add The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again to QueueAdd The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again to top of Queue
Tim Conway and Don Knotts, mere supporting characters in the original Apple Dumpling Gang, are promoted to starring roles in the 1979 sequel The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again. Once more cast as clumsy, soft-hearted western outlaws, Conway and Knotts come to the rescue of cavalry private Tim Matheson. The villain, lieutenant Philip Pine, is undermining the authority of Matheson's commander Harry Morgan, and Matheson wants to find out why. Featured performers include Jack Elam as Big Mac and Ruth Buzzi as Tough Kate. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tim Conway, Don Knotts, (more)
- 1976
- PG
In this post Vietnam War actioner, a group of veterans, former members of a crack guerrilla team, decide to reteam and use their specialized skills to fight organized crime. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1975
The Queen is a luxury cruise ship, "played" by the Queen Mary in this made-for-TV thriller. The villain has it in for one of the ship's millionaire passengers. Accordingly, he (or she-we're not telling) plans to destroy the vessel and everyone on board. The producer of this all-star disasterfest was-drum roll, please-Irwin Allen. TV movie "regulars" John Gay and David Lowell Rich served as scripter and director, respectively, for Adventures of the Queen, which first sailed into American homes on February 14, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
Investigating a case of arson, Lt. Kojak (Telly Savalas) finds that he has another unsolved murder on his docket. The perpetrator is the owner of a plastics firm, who has torched his business for the insurance--and in true "two birds with one stone" fashion, has simultaneously endeavored to cover up the murder of his partner. The supporting cast features a young, pre-CHiPs Erik Estrada. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
Best known for directing several popular science-fiction films in the 1950s, Jack Arnold turned to blaxploitation with this gritty crime film. Fred Williamson stars as Shep Stone, who becomes a private detective after being suspended from the police department. The usual sleazy setpieces deal with porno producers (one of whom, Bret Morrison, was the voice of The Shadow on radio), drugs, and murder. Teresa Graves (Get Christie Love!) co-stars with Rosemary Forsyth and The $6,000,000 Man's Richard Anderson in this average, but entertaining potboiler. Williamson and Arnold re-teamed for Boss Nigger the same year. ~ Robert Firsching, All Movie Guide
- 1974
- R
Peter Hyams made his feature-film directing debut with this clumsily paced crime film concerning two Los Angeles vice-squad detectives. Michael Keneely (Eliott Gould) is the swaggering non-conformist and Patrick Farrel (Robert Blake) is the cocky follower. The two cops live for their work and spend most of their time busting call girls, massage parlor employees, and homosexuals. Keneely and Farrel eventually come to the conclusion that every criminal act in Los Angeles is due to the efforts of crime lord Carl Rizzo (Allen Garfield). The boys begin to harass Rizzo to the point of distraction, but their singular attempts to arrest Rizzo cause them to become the targets of, not only the criminal population, but the police force as well. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elliott Gould, Robert Blake, (more)
Herbie Rides Again is the first sequel to Disney's fabulously successful The Love Bug. The emphasis here is on Mrs. Steinmetz (Helen Hayes), a feisty old San Franciscan who refuses to sell her home to conniving developer Alonzo Hawk (Keenan Wynn). Hawk's nephew, lawyer Willoughby Whitfield (Ken Berry), joins Mrs. Steinmetz's camp when he falls in love with her niece Nicole (Stefanie Powers). (This, of course, is after Nicole angrily slaps Willoughby with a boiled lobster, sending him plummeting over a balcony railing and into the drink). The day is saved by Herbie, the almost-human Volkswagen, who rallies every VW in town to thwart Hawk's machinations. Herbie Rides Again performed admirably enough to inspire still another sequel, Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Helen Hayes, Ken Berry, (more)
- 1974
After murdering the son of a retired hit man known as The Angel, ex-con Al Williams (William Elliott) leaves his own son (Jarrod Johnson) in the care of Chief Ironside (Raymond Burr). At first, the Chief is unaware of the child's identity, but a bit of adroit detective work reveals all. Now Ironside must search the length and breadth of San Francisco to locate Williams before "The Angel" wreaks his own brand of vengeance. Radio deejay Casey Kasem appears as a lab technician. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A runaway box-office hit to the tune of 17 million dollars, Walking Tall is the unabashedly manipulative story of real-life Tennessee sheriff Buford Pusser. As played by Joe Don Baker, Pusser can either be regarded as a tireless champion of justice or a baseball-bat-wielding hooligan. But with some of the most scurrilous villains this side of a Republic serial as the main targets of Pusser's wrath, the audience cannot help but applaud the sheriff's strongarm methods. When the town baddies seek vengeance by killing Pusser's wife (Elizabeth Hartman), the you-know-what really hits the fan! Never resorting to subtlety, Walking Tall was such a winner that it spawned two sequels, a made-for-television movie, and a weekly TV series -- none of which were enjoyed by the real Buford Pusser, who had long since died under questionable circumstances. At the time of the film's theatrical release, the MPAA rating system was comparatively new, so the studio launched an ad campaign aimed at parents, letting them know that the R-rated Walking Tall contained violence and not sex, and therefore was good family entertainment. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Orphan Hobie Shanks (Michael McGreevey), who years earlier had briefly stayed with the Waltons, returns to the Mountain brimming over with braggadocio. Everyone is impressed by Hobie's claim that he is about to be given a pitching tryout with a professional baseball team--everyone, that is, except the envious John-Boy (Richard Thomas), who thinks that Hobie is full of hot air. Surprisingly, it turns out that Hobie is telling the truth . . .but he may never get the chance to become a "pro" thanks to a freak accident. (Trivia note: guest star Michael McGreevey is the son of frequent Waltons scriptwriter John McGreevey--who, incidentally, did NOT write this episode). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
- R
In this exploitation drama, a tormented Vietnam vet has trouble adjusting to civilian life, especially after he is forced to deal with a thuggish gang of youths. Violence ensues. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Returning from a fishing trip, Roy (Kevin Tighe), John (Randolph Mantooth) and Chet (Tim Donnelly) find themselves back on the job even before they return to Rampart. Driving through a remote stretch of land, the three firefighters come across a burning car, in which three joyriding teenagers are trapped. While rescuing the trio, John is bitten by a rattlesnake--and before he can call the hospital for medical backup, he loses his walkie-talkie. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
Once more, Lorne Greene essays the dual role of Ben Cartwright and Ben's lookalike, confidence trickster Bradley Meredith. This time out, Meredith takes advantage of Ben's trip to Carson City to auction off the Ponderosa, piece by piece. Kate Jackson makes an early TV appearance as Ellen, while others in the cast include Greg Mullavey as Jordan, William Mims as Williams, Jack Collins as Mayor Harlow, Bill Zuckert as Matt Fowler, and Richard X. Slattery as Henderson. Written by Stanley Roberts, "One Ace Too Many" was originally shown on April 2, 1972 as the last installment of Bonanza's thirteenth season. The episode also represented the final series appearances of Ray Teal as Sheriff Coffee, and, tragically, Dan Blocker as Hoss Cartwright. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1972
Bumbling Esmerelda is pressed into service to babysit young Ralph (Ricky Powell), the son of Darrin's new client, Mr. Norton (Richard X. Slattery). In the course of the evening, Esmerelda takes it upon herself to tell Ralph that she's a witch, performing several disastrous acts of witchcraft to prove her point. It is up to Samantha to run damage control by claiming that Esmerelda is really a professional magician. Written by Philip Sharp and Henry Sharp, "Samantha's Magic Sitter" first aired on January 5, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1971
A young, decidedly pre-Family Ties Meredith Baxter is cast as Jenny, a wealthy will-of-the-wisp to whom money is little more than a plaything. Jenny inadvertently causes several headaches by presenting the Partridges with a million dollars. By episode's end, everyone--including Jenny--has learned a lesson or two about the "true" values in life. Song: "It's Time I Knew You Better". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
Miffed that Darrin refuses to allow Samantha to use witchcraft, Endora dispatches Sam's lookalike cousin, Serena, to the 14th century, there to cast a spell on one of Darrin's ancestors. As a result, the modern-day Mr. Stephens is transformed into a warlock for a 24-hour period, and the havoc wreaked during those 24 hours obliges Sam to take a little visit to the past as well. Though Elizabeth Montgomery plays both Samantha and Serena, the latter role is credited to one "Pandora Spocks," as it would be in virtually all future episodes featuring Serena. Written by Ed Jurist, "The Return of Darrin the Bold" originally aired on February 4, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1971
Once again, Tabitha enters the magical world of her storybooks. This time, she takes the place of Hansel and Gretel (Eric Chase, Cindy Henderson), while they assume human form and pop up in the real world. Billie Hayes, the irrepressible Witchiepoo on H.R. Pufnstuf, essays a strikingly similar role in this episode. Written by Michael Morris, "Hansel and Gretel in Samanthaland" was originally slated for telecast during the holiday season, but aired instead on November 17, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
In the fourth episode of an eight-part story arc, Darrin finds himself locked up in the Salem, MA, jail, accused of stealing an antique bedwarmer from the House of the Seven Gables. It soon turns out that the "stolen" item is actually a warlock in disguise -- namely, Sam's former boyfriend, Newton (Noam Pitlik). It is up to Sam to return Newton to his original form, a task made doubly difficult by the fact that the witch who originally cast the spell is nowhere to be found. Actress/playwright Joan Hotchkis appears as Miss Ferndale. Written by Ed Jurist, "Samantha's Hot Bedwarmer" originally aired on October 15, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
This first of several episodes filmed on location in Salem, MA, originally aired on October 8, 1970. Attending the annual Witches' Convention in Salem, Samantha is wrongly branded a thief when an antique bedwarmer from the House of the Seven Gables inexplicably begins following her around. By the time blame for the "theft" has been shifted to Darrin, Sam can be of no help at all; her powers are temporarily on the fritz. The third episode in an eight-part story arc, "The Salem Saga" was written by Ed Jurist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1969
In the conclusion of a two-part story, a 500,000-dollar contract hangs in the balance as Samantha searches high and low for a runaway monkey -- actually Darrin's sexy Italian client Clio Vanita (Nancy Kovack), who has been "zapped" into simian form by Samantha's cousin, Serena. Along the way, Sam runs into several snags thanks to a flustered cop (Richard X. Slattery) and an Italian gentleman named Scibetta (played by frequent Bewitched supporting player Cliff Norton). Both parts one and two of "Cousin Serena Strikes Again" were written by Ed Jurist. The concluding chapter first aired on January 16, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Attacked by a gang of hoodlums, Tony (Larry Hagman) manages to rout them with a lucky punch. What Tony doesn't know is that his show of strength was the result of magic performed by Jeannie (Barbara Eden). Unfortunately, the folks in charge of the Armed Forces Boxing Tournament don't know this either--and before long, Tony (aka "One-Punch Nelson") has been scheduled for a championship bout with a muscular Marine named Killer Culligan (Pepper Martin). Real-life heavyweight contender Jerry Quarry appears as himself. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
Going undercover, and armed with plenty of James Bond-like paraphernalia, Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) investigates an illegal gambling operation on a Gulf Coast cruise ship. In the course of events, the Inspector unearths a Mafia plot to seize political control of a major American state. When it originally aired on April 7, 1968, this episode ended with star Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) issuing his monthly "Wanted By the FBI" bulletin: the fugitive spotlighted on this occasion was James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
This World War II comedy finds Harry Frigg (Paul Newman) as the unwilling volunteer slated to rescue five generals from the clutches of the Germans and Italians. Frigg would rather spend his time goofing off than fighting the war, but his superiors make him a fake general and pack him off to retrieve the top brass. He has a romantic interest in the Countess (Sylva Koscina), an Italian beauty who helps Harry locate the missing officers. Tom Bosley, Andrew Duggan, Charles D. Gray, Jacques Roux and John Williams are the five generals who carry most of the comedy. Normal Fell and Buck Henry excel in small roles as well. General Prentiss (James Gregory) is the brains behind the plan that finds the frustrated Frigg rise to the occasion when he reluctantly accepts his assignment. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Newman, Sylva Koscina, (more)
- 1968
This January 29, 1968 episode of The Andy Griffith Show was inspired by a recent real-life event: The US-Soviet Summit conference in the small college town of Glassboro, New Jersey. Don Knotts makes his final series appearance as Barney Fife, who has been put in charge of coordinating a crucial East-West summit meeting in Mayberry. Alas, Barney messes up the assignment, but the spirit of détente is preserved thanks of Aunt Bee's cold fried chicken. "Barney Hosts a Summit Meeting" was written by Aaron Ruben. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
