Richard Stahl Movies
To younger generations, the slightly diminutive and balding American character actor Richard Stahl was probably best known as Howard Miller, the deadpan, stone-faced chef (and indifferent receptor of Marian Mercer's affections) on the long-running syndicated sitcom It's a Living. Stahl inherited the position from fellow supporting player Bert Remsen, and sustained it for four seasons, until the program wrapped in September 1989. But Stahl's visage graced a much broader spectrum of films and television shows than his behind-the-counter presence at the Above the Top restaurant -- and if viewers have trouble making a list, this is only a reflection on Stahl's ability to blend in successfully with fellow cast members and settings. Such is the essence of a gifted character player. Stahl made his first bow in 1966, as Steve Parsons on the "Dear Sally Rogers" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show (its final season). He subsequently became a mainstay on the television airwaves, and his resumé reads like a laundry list of '70s and '80s hit prime time series, including but not limited to: That Girl, The Partridge Family, Love American Style, Bonanza, Columbo, All in the Family, Good Times, The Odd Couple, Maude, Happy Days, The Facts of Life, Murder, She Wrote, Hill Street Blues, and a handful of particularly memorable turns on Newhart. He reinforced his small-screen presence (and audience familiarity) with feature film appearances in such motion pictures as Five Easy Pieces (1970), High Anxiety (1977), The Flamingo Kid (1984), The American President (1995), and The Ghosts of Mississippi (1996). Stahl landed his last role with a bit part in Garry Marshall's 1999 flop, The Other Sister. He spent his final seven years in retirement, battling Parkinson's Disease, and eventually succumbed to the illness on June 18, 2006. Stahl was seventy-four. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
This is a long-awaited film telling the story of the trials of Medgar Evers' killer. Medger Evers (James Pickens, Jr.) was a black civil-rights activist in Mississippi who was shot to death in 1963. Despite very persuasive evidence that Byron De La Beckwith (James Woods) was indeed his killer, the all-white juries hearing his case at that time acquitted him (he was tried twice). In this film, with the aid of Ever's widow Myrlie (Whoopie Goldberg), Bobby DeLaughter (Alec Baldwin), a young lawyer, gathers enough new evidence to bring Beckwith in for a third trial. Woods' performance as a wise-cracking bigot is one of the film's highlights. ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
- Starring:
- Alec Baldwin, Whoopi Goldberg, (more)
This earnest, intelligent, and well-written romantic comedy is enjoyable and optimistic in classic Hollywood style, even if its idealism doesn't seem quite so credible against the cynical political backdrop of the Nineties. President Andrew Shepherd (Michael Douglas), an unabashedly liberal Democrat, is just gearing up for re-election when he meets an attractive and sharp environmental lobbyist named Sydney Wade (Annette Bening). The two fall in love and the President must soon deal with the political repercussions (Sydney is trying to get legislation through Congress), as well as the cynical machinations of Republican opponent Senator Bob Rumson (Richard Dreyfuss), who attempts to paint Sydney as a radical and use "family values" rhetoric to smear Shepherd. With the attacks affecting his standings in the all-important polls, and his love's legislation causing him headaches in the Capitol, Shepherd must decide whether he can risk continuing his relationship. A rich supporting cast, solid characterizations by Douglas and Bening, and an articulate approach make this an appealing, if not particularly weighty, study of the tensions between public and private life. ~ Don Kaye, Rovi
- Starring:
- Michael Douglas, Annette Bening, (more)
- 1994
"The Episode You Thought You'd Never See"--mainly, an episode in which one of the Bundys' get-rich-quick schemes actually pays off--is how TV Guide heralded the opening of Married. . .With Children's ninth season. The moneymaking gambit adopted by Al Bundy (Ed O'Neill) and neighbor Jefferson D'Arcy (Ted McGinley) is triggered by the discovery of a cache of fashionable shoes from the 1970s. In a twinkling, Al's shoe store has been transformed into the "retro" establishment "Bundy's House of Sole." Elsewhere, Kelly (Christina Applegate), filming a commercial for "Pest Boys", is bitten by a rare insect, and as a result is capable of speaking only the truth! Hard Copy co-anchor Terry Murphy appears as herself. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Steve Martin wrote and stars in this look at the promise and dreamtime of Los Angeles culture. Martin stars as Harris K. Telemacher, a light-hearted television weatherman who does wacky comedy in lieu of reports since, being in L.A., he has very little weather to report. He spends his time roller-skating through museums and spending time with California's beautiful people. But Telemacher is fired and discovers that his girlfriend Trudi (Marilu Henner) is having an affair. He walks away from the relationship and re-evaluates his life, getting advice from a friendly electronic highway road sign. The sign suggests that he call SanDeE (Sarah Jessica Parker), a sprightly and attractive Valley Girl he met in a clothing store. With SanDeE he experiences a liberating and carefree spirit. But Telemacher comes to realize that he has actually fallen in love with Sara (Victoria Tennant), a tuba-playing British journalist who is in California to do a feature on Los Angeles lifestyles. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Steve Martin, Victoria Tennant, (more)
- 1991
A rude entrepreneur is transformed into an average Joe by his guardian angel in this comedy. ~ Rovi
- 1989
Harry (Harry Anderson) joins Mac (Charlie Robinson) in trying to market "Mac Snacks", a culinary invention of Mac's wife Quon Le (Denice Kumagai). The product's slogan is "Good to the Last Gasp"--which unfortunately proves to be true in the case of potential investor Mini-Mart Marv (Cliff Emmich). Elsewhere, Christine (Markie Post) endures a visit from her pennypinching Uncle Floyd (Richard Stahl), and Dan (John Larroquette) tries to put the moves on Harry's new secretary Tracy (Gail Edwards). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
This screwball comedy casts real-life couple Kurt Russell and Goldie Hawn in a film that finds the latter returning to her roots in a role reminiscent of Private Benjamin (1980). Hawn stars as Joanna Stayton, a snooty heiress who summons carpenter Dean Proffitt (Russell) to her lavish yacht, where she wants an expanded closet constructed that will house her valuable wardrobe. When Dean fails to build the closet out of cedar, Joanna haughtily dismisses him without payment. Later, Joanna falls overboard and is struck by another boat, causing amnesia. Seeing her story on the news, Dean constructs an elaborate scheme to pretend that Joanna is his wife, Annie. Soon, the former rich snob is cleaning Dean's home and babysitting his four rambunctious boys. Although at first she's a disaster, "Annie" grows into her role and begins to love being a mom and middle-class wife. When her real husband, Grant (Edward Herrmann), comes looking for her, however, her memory is jogged, and she must decide between a life of privileged ease and a life of happy housework. Overboard was the feature-film debut of writer Leslie Dixon, the granddaughter of famed photographer Dorothea Lange. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Starring:
- Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, (more)
- 1986
All of Cabot Cove turns out for the funeral of Henry Vernon, the town's chief financial advisor. The ceremony is halted by the arrival of a woman claiming that Henry was murdered. Investigating, the local authorities open the coffin--only to find out that the occupant isn't Henry! Before the story is over, no fewer than two corpses have mysteriously vanished, then mysteriously reappeared, while Jessica (Angela Lansbury) conducts a thorough probe of the "late" Mr. Vernon's questionable business practices. Real-life husband and wife Robert Sterling and Anne Jeffreys, who'd once headlined the delightful fantasy sitcom Topper, appear as Ben and Agnes Shipley. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1985
Ned Beatty plays a dual role in this episode as insensitive banker and mayoral candidate J. Melvin Rich and happy-go-lucky hobo Willy the Waver. Hoping to cure Mr. Rich of his hostile attitude towards the homeless (he wants to transform a city park, the local hoboes' haven, into a car park), angel Jonathan Smith (Michael Landon) magically transfers Rich's brain into Willy's body, and vice versa. The fun really begins when the "bum" tries to apply his street smarts to the banking business, not to mention the uppermost reaches of high society. (Incidentally, film buffs should take note of the name of the character played by Martin Rudy!) ~ Rovi
Set in 1963, The Flamingo Kid finds 18-year-old Brooklynite Matt Dillon, the son of blue-collar Hector Elizondo, getting a taste of the Good Life by joining several of his friends at "El Flamingo", a swank Long Island beach club. Wealthy car salesman Richard Crenna, the uncle of Matt's girl friend Janet Jones, befriends the boy and takes him under his wing. Thanks to Crenna's influence, Matt secures a good job at the Flamingo. The boy is bedazzled by Crenna's sumptuous lifestyle, and most especially by the older man's reputation as the Flamingo's reigning gin rummy champ. Dillon begins taking on airs, which alienates his down-to-earth father. Watch for a scene in which, while channel-surfing with his new remote control, Richard Crenna watches a fleeting clip from the old TV sitcom The Real McCoys--featuring Richard Crenna. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Matt Dillon, Richard Crenna, (more)
- 1984
Harry's courtroom docket this evening includes a man claiming to be Santa Claus (Jeff Corey) (red suit, white beard, the whole shootin' match) who's been hauled in for trespassing, and a pair of cynical teenage runaways, one of whom is played by Family Ties costar Michael J. Fox. In his usual off-the-wall fashion, Harry solves everyone's problems and gets a hug in the bargain. With this episode, Paula Kelly joins the cast in the role of combative public defender Liz Williams. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1983
- NR
In this provocative drama, an auto repairman compensates for his deafness with an ingenious computer which allows him to both speak and hear. He created the device himself and shows it to his speech therapist who enthusiastically suggests he try to get the machine manufactured. The mechanic goes to the computer salesman the therapist recommended. The self-serving salesman then exploits the hapless inventor. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Timothy Bottoms, Deana Jurgens, (more)
Three of the hallmarks of education in America -- nudity, teenage sex, and big, destructive gags -- are on plentiful display in this teen comedy. Christine (Phoebe Cates), a student at an exclusive all-girls private school, is in love with Jim (Matthew Modine), who attends an academy for boys nearby. Christine's archrival Jordan (Betsy Russell) also has her eye on Jim, and she is willing to do whatever she can to steal him away. Jim's über-slob buddy Bubba (Michael Zorek) is going with Betsy (Kathleen Wilhoite), Christine's cynical friend, though he would probably be unfaithful if any other woman were willing to get near him. Bubba and his pals sneak into the girls' school dressed in drag in hopes of reaching the Promised Land (better known as the women's shower room), while Christine and Jim run away together for the weekend, though their escapade isn't as romantic as they had hoped. Among the adults observing the chaos are Ray Walston, Fran Ryan, Martin Mull, and Sylvia Kristel; one of the sexy students on display is future scream queen Brinke Stevens. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Phoebe Cates, Betsy Russell, (more)
- 1982
In the opening episode of Laverne & Shirley's eighth and final season, Shirley (Cindy Williams) surprises everyone--especially her erstwhile boyfriend Carmine (Eddie Mekka)--by announcing her engagement to an Army medic named Walter Meeney. Alas, Walter has come down with a terrible rash and has been rushed to a VA hospital, wrapped in bandages from head to toe (thus denying the audience even a tiny glimpse of the "mystery man"). But Cindy is still determined to become Mrs. Shirley Feeney Meeney--even if it means a bedside wedding with bridesmaid Laverne (Penny Marshall) dressed in a nurse's smock! This episode was designed to prepare viewers for the ultimate departure of series regular Cindy Williams, who was about to quit the show due to her pregnancy (among several other well-publicized reasons). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1981
- R
Gene Hackman plays a disgruntled suburbanite who manages the Ultra-Sav, an all-night drugstore. He hates his job, hates his debts and responsibilities, and isn't overly fond of his wife (Diane Ladd) and son (Dennis Quaid). Partly as a form of protest, Hackman enters into an affair with Barbra Streisand, one of his wife's distant relatives (don't ask how she's related - it takes Hackman about thirty seconds to explain it to another character). Streisand doesn't belong in this picture at all, but she can be forgiven her acting excesses because she wasn't the first choice for the role anyway (Lisa Eichhorn dropped out just before shooting began). The best moments in All Night Long involve the steady stream of oddballs and losers who trickle into Hackman's establishment. There is also a cute Apocalypse Now parody involving a battery-operated toy helicopter. The principal attraction of All Night Long is Gene Hackman playing an endearingly recognizable modern type. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Gene Hackman, Barbra Streisand, (more)
- 1981
- PG
In this comedy, a hotel becomes a chaotic place during the 1938 filming of The Wizard of Oz, when it is inundated with groups of midgets, secret agents, and Nazi and Japanese spies. ~ Iotis Erlewine, Rovi
- Starring:
- Chevy Chase, Carrie Fisher, (more)
Judy Bernly (Jane Fonda), a housewife whose husband has left her for his secretary, begins her own secretarial career at a huge corporation. Violet Newstead (Lily Tomlin), a feisty, veteran office manager, instructs her on the perils and procedures of office life -- and of working for Franklin Hart Jr. (Dabney Coleman), their chauvinistic, sleazy boss, and his right-hand woman, the crisp, nosy Roz (Elizabeth Wilson). Meanwhile, Hart's endless attempts to seduce his happily married secretary, Doralee Rhodes (Dolly Parton), lead the entire office to think she's a trollop. When Hart unfairly passes Violet over for a promotion, she drowns her sorrows at a local bar with Judy and Doralee, who regales the others with tales of Hart's epic advances. Later, at Doralee's house, the women smoke pot, eat barbecue, and concoct hilarious revenge fantasies -- a rodeo hog-tie, a Wild West shootout, and a gothic Snow White scenario -- about killing their boss. When a mix-up leads the women to think they have accidentally poisoned Hart's coffee, they hatch a scheme to protect themselves by stealing Hart's body from the morgue. When he turns up alive, never having drunk the coffee, they must kidnap him to prevent him from blackmailing them or calling the police. The women then use the occasion of their boss' absence to effect some changes around the office. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, (more)
- 1980
Protesting an inordinately high utility bill (the result of a clerical error), Laverne (Penny Marshall) and Shirley (Cindy Williams) chain themselves to the wall of the local gas company. Unfortunately, a nutcase has planted a bomb in the same building, which is set to go off at any minute. The climax of the episode finds the girls getting huge laughs out of a situation that would otherwise generate shudders! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1978
In the conclusion of WKRP in Cincinnati's two-part series opener, WKRP's new program director Andy Travis (Gary Sandy) manages to avoid being fired when his strategy of switching over to a top-40 rock format results in a ratings upsurge. Unfortunately, the station's older sponsors pull out, and station manager Carlson (Gordon Jump) refuses any further financing of WKRP's new format. At the same time, dozens of elderly "easy-listening" fans picket the station, demanding the return of Lawrence Welk and Paul Anka)--a potential disaster that Andy characteristically "flips" to his advantage by transforming the demonstration into a big-time publicity stunt! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1978
Obviously inspired by The Wiz, Cindy is a musical adaptation of "Cinderella" with an African-American cast. In 1943 Harlem, Cindy (Charlaine Woodard), fresh from the south, is treated harshly by her stepmother (Mae Mercer) and nasty stepsisters (Nell-Ruth Carter, Alaina Reed). In a departure from most Cinderella stories, Cindy's dad (Scoey Mitchell) is around to provide comfort but not much help against the barrage of her new mother and step-siblings. While taking a precious night off at the Sugar Hill Ball, Cindy is swept off her feet by handsome marine Joe Prince (Clifton Davis). Substituting for the glass slipper in Cindy is a dirty sneaker, but the end result is the same. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1977
- PG
This is Mel Brooks' spoof of over ten Alfred Hitchcock classics, including Psycho, Vertigo, and The Birds (Brooks actually used the bird trainer from that classic suspense movie in making his film). Brooks plays Dr. Richard H. Thorndyke, a renowned Harvard psychiatrist with a concealed fear of heights, or High Anxiety. Thorndyke takes over as the newest director of the PsychoNeurotic Institute for the Very, Very Nervous after the last director dies under suspicious circumstances. He soon finds himself to be in the company of some very strange colleagues, including longtime Brooks collaborators Cloris Leachman and Harvey Korman, with Madeline Kahn as Victoria Brisbane, the eccentric daughter of a patient at the institute and Thorndyke's love interest. Korman takes on the role of Dr. Charles Montague, a psychiatrist with a closeted habit of his own. Leachman plays Charlotte Diesel, a charge nurse with a dark sneer and tendency towards domination. As Thorndyke heads to a psychiatry conference, he is faced with saving the Institute, his reputation, and his own sanity. Although the film was not well-received by critics, it picked up a 1978 Golden Globe nomination for best picture (musical or comedy) and landed Brooks a nomination for best actor. The movie has a number of cameos, from a young Barry Levinson's spot as an unstable bellboy to a small part by Hitchcock's right-hand special effects man, Albert J. Whitlock, who plays Kahn's father. ~ Rachel Koetje, Rovi
- Starring:
- Mel Brooks, Madeline Kahn, (more)
- 1977
It isn't often that a popular sitcom serves up a "clip show" as early as its second season, but that's just what happens in this 27th episode of Laverne and Shirley. As the gang at the Pizza Bowl prepares to throw a party in the girls' honor, Laverne (Penny Marshall) and Shirley (Cindy Williams) are nowhere to be found--mainly because they've been stranded at a Canadian bus stop. While the girls and their friends sweat out the situation, everyone reminisces about past series highlights, courtesy of carefully chosen vignettes from earlier episodes. "Birthday Show" is also known as "Anniversary Wrap-Around", acknowledging the upcoming first anniversary of the series' January 27, 1977 debut. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1977
Needing a long-overdue break, Bob impulsively decides to spend a week in New Orleans. This uncharacteristic kicking over of traces has a devastating effect on Bob's regular patients. Richard Stahl appears as Mel, while Bud, Rob, and Pam Kenneally are seen as the Swerdlow family. Written by Kathy Donnell and Madeline Dimaggio, the lyrically titled "A Day in the Life" first aired on October 29, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1976
Laverne DeFazio (Penny Marshall) and Shirley Finney (Cindy Williams) are promoted from their memorable Happy Days guest appearance to their own spinoff series as Laverne and Shirley launches its first season. In the opener, the girls--lifelong friends and fellow "bottle-cap technicians" at Milwaukee's Shotz Brewery--have just settled down in their new apartment when Shirley is invited to a ritzy party held by the nephew (Richard Stahl) of their boss. Though Shirley is thrilled at the prospect, Laverne is upset that she wasn't invited as well. Of course, both girls ultimately show up at the facilities wearing gowns borrowed from a wax museum, courtesy of their wacky would-be suitors Lenny (Michael McKean) and Squiggy (David L. Lander). Happy Days' resident cool guy Fonzie, aka Henry Winkler, makes a guest appearance. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1974
The whole Bunker household is thrown into an uproar -- and the cause of it all is a dish of stew. Believing that he has eaten poison mushrooms, Archie is convinced he is at death's door. Richard Stahl and Jane Dulo head the supporting cast as Archie's doctor and nurse, respectively. Written by Michael Ross and Bernie West, "Archie Eats and Runs" first aired on February 16, 1974, a few weeks after series regular Jean Stapleton won a Golden Globe award for Best Actress in a Comedy/musical Series." ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
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