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, All Movie Guide- 1966
Once again guesting on the late-night "Stevie Parsons Show," Sally (Rose Marie) opts for a few quick laughs by advertising for a husband. The joke turns out to be no joke when thousands upon thousands of marriage proposals pour into the offices of the TV show. Carrying the stunt a step farther, Parsons (Richard Schaal) has Sally choose one of the proposals on the air -- and the card she selects leads to a rather surprising encounter with the fellow who signs himself "Box 7030." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Deacon, Richard Stahl, (more)
- 1970
- R
The first in producer Roger Corman's quintet of "Nurse" movies, this exploitation outing, despite its meager $120,000 budget, is surprisingly good as it chronicles the romantic and professional travails of a group of nurses. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elaine Giftos, Karen Carlson, (more)
- 1970
Inheriting a fortune from an Indian benefactor, Candy fulfills his long-standing ambition to quit the Ponderosa. Before long, Candy has accepted an executive position with a prosperous-looking land promoter (Walter Brooke). But when he discovers that his boss is a crook, Candy enlists the aid of the Cartwrights to turn the tables on the duplicitious promoter. Written by John Hawkins, "The Big Jackpot" has seldom been aired since its original network playdate of January 18, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Told on many levels, this film examines the human perspective on the events that led to the election of Marxist Salvador Allende as President of Chile. Among the many small dramas which make up the whole is the story of a Peace Corps volunteer whose loyalties are split between a local revolutionary and an American CIA-type man. This film was shot in both English and Spanish and seamlessly weaves together the work of its three directors. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
A disaffected man seeks a sense of identity in one of the key films of Hollywood's 1970s New Wave. Once a promising pianist from a family of classical musicians, Bobby Eroica Dupea (Jack Nicholson, in his first major starring role) leads a blue-collar life as an oil rigger, living with needy waitress girlfriend Rayette (Karen Black) and bowling with their friends Elton (Billy "Green" Bush) and Stoney (Fannie Flagg). Feeling suffocated by responsibilities, Bobby seeks out his sister, Tita (Lois Smith), and, discovering that his father is gravely ill, he reluctantly heads back to the patrician family compound in Puget Sound with a pregnant Rayette in tow. After a road trip featuring a harangue from hitchhiker Palm (Helena Kallianiotes) about filth, and Bobby's ill-fated attempt to make a menu substitution in a diner, he tucks Rayette away in a motel before heading to the house. There Bobby seduces his uptight brother Carl's cultured fiancée, Catherine (Susan Anspach), but Rayette shows up unexpectedly. As Rayette's crassness collides with the snobbery of the Dupea circle, Bobby loses patience with both sides. After trying to reconcile with his mute father, Bobby departs, unwilling to give in to either destiny. Director Bob Rafelson and screenwriter Adrien Joyce (aka Carole Eastman) used the creative control afforded by the low budget to craft a European-influenced character study, catching a cultural mood of anomie and resentment as it was embodied in Bobby. Neither older generation nor hippie, Bobby fits in nowhere, and his desire for independence conflicts with his emotional emptiness. Nicholson's nuanced performance of simmering frustration resonated with 1970 audiences caught between Nixon's "silent majority" and the troubled counterculture; a substantial hit, Five Easy Pieces was nominated for several Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actor, and established Nicholson as a star. Offering no "easy" answers to Bobby's existential crisis, Five Easy Pieces is one of the pre-eminent films in the early-'70s cycle of alienated American art movies, as even the fantasy of rebellion is reduced to merely running away. ~ Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Nicholson, Karen Black, (more)
As he lies dying in Vietnam, a young soldier (Michael Douglas) recalls the events leading up to this moment. He remembers his sweetheart (Brenda Vaccaro), to whom he couldn't make a commitment. He recalls the battles he'd had with his parents (Jack Warden, Barbara Bel Geddes), when he forsook college to become a musician and when he planned to evade the draft. And he remembers the "summertree" where he spent many of his happiest days before being shipped off to Southeast Asia. Based on Ron Cowen's off-Broadway play, Summertree has one or two compelling moments, but most of it is a compendium of 1970s movies cliches, right down to the fragmentary storyline and "hip" photography. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
After getting into a minor fender-bender, Archie suffers a delayed case of whiplash. Hoping to collect a huge settlement from the other driver, Archie figures that his chances in court will improve if he hires a Jewish lawyer. But even Attorney Rabinowitz (Salem Ludwig) balks at suing a "van full of nuns." Also in the cast are George Furth as Fitzroy and Richard Stahl as Marshall. Written by Stanley Ralph Ross, "Archie's Aching Back" first aired on January 26, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1971
Thief is a made-for-TV drama starring Richard Crenna as a paroled burglar. Crenna wants to turn over a new leaf and lead an honest life. To do this, however, he has to pull one last major heist which will square all his accrued debts. The focal point of this film is a near-silent cat burglar sequence, which is good enough to make up for the patchy character development and by-rote dialogue. The Thief also includes an early TV appearance by veteran character actor Michael Lerner. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Actor/auteur Tom Laughlin created the character of Billy Jack in the motorcycle flick The Born Losers. Wandering Christlike through the Southwest, Native American Vietnam veteran Billy Jack -- soft-spoken, but well-versed in martial arts -- champions the cause of a progressive school run by Jean Roberts (Delores Taylor, Laughlin's real-life wife). The bigoted white townsfolk don't cotton to Jean's minority-group students, so they do everything they can to humiliate and physically abuse the kids. When one of her charges is cruelly coated with white flour, Billy Jack goes berserk. Thus begins an orgy of self-righteous violence, culminating with our hero being hunted down on a murder charge. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Laughlin, Delores Taylor, (more)
- 1972
Three of the Cartwright men-Joe, Hoss and Jamie-head to the town of Upright to sell a rundown saloon. They decide to hold onto the property when it develops that a fortune in gold might be hidden on the premises. The boys' insistence upon retaining the saloon messes up Ben's business deal with Miss Frost (Anne Seymour), a leading light of the Temperance movement. A pre-MASH Loretta Swit appears as Ellen Sue. Written by Joseph Bonaduce, "A Visit to Upright" originally aired on March 26, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
Fuzz treads the line between raucous comedy and gut-churning melodrama. Based on an "87th Precinct" novel by Ed McBain (aka Evan Hunter), the film stars Burt Reynolds and Jack Weston as, respectively, detectives Steve Carella and Meyer Meyer. Their current assignment is to bring in Deaf Man (Yul Brynner), a mad bomber who has been targeting politicians. A subplot concerning a couple of punks who get their kicks by setting fire to sleeping winos is dramatically justified by the main storyline, but it was this element that caused a lot of trouble for the producers of Fuzz when a pair of real-life teenagers decided to imitate the film. On a lighter note, Raquel Welch co-stars as Detective Eileen McHenry, who is obliged to go undercover -- and under covers -- with fellow officer Bert Kling (Tom Skerritt). And as a bonus, viewers are treated to Burt Reynolds' first "drag" scene. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Burt Reynolds, Jack Weston, (more)
- 1972
Hoping to become a famous movie director, Keith (David Cassidy) picks up his handy 8-millimeter camera and films the deathless epic "History of the World", starring his own family in key roles and featuring Reuben (Dave Madden) in drag as Dolly Madison! Thanks to the wheeling and dealing of brother Danny (Danny Bonaduce), Keith's movie is given a showing at a local theater--but after the family imposes innumerable cuts in the action, there's very little left to run (And no, you won't be seeing the original "director's cut" on DVD). Song: "Hello, Hello". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
- R
Dirty Little Billy thankfully does not try to glorify its subject. Instead, Billy the Kid (Michael J. Pollard) is depicted as the homicidal mental defective that history has proven him to be. The film recounts Billy's formative years, exploding legends and myths all along the way. The Old West is not prettied up in the least; there seems to be mud everywhere, even in the houses. Dirty Little Billy was the last production to be supervised by legendary mogul Jack L. Warner, who had severed his ties with Warner Bros. in 1972 and was releasing through onetime arch rival Columbia Pictures. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Cashing in on director Larry Hagman's fame as star of Dallas, a canny distributor reissued Beware! the Blob (aka Son of Blob) with the come-on line "The Film That J.R. Shot!" Picking up where the original Blob (1958) left off, the film begins as the pudding-like goo thaws out and begins wreaking havoc on the civilized world. Steve McQueen, star of the first Blob, is understandably absent; this time the heroics are handled by Robert Walker Jr., who takes on the Blob himself when the local authorities fail. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Stahl, Godfrey Cambridge, (more)
- 1973
Eccentric mystery writer Michelangelo Rezo (Richard Stahl) agrees to donate $25,000 to charity on one condition: That the Partridge Family can successfully hide from Rezo for a period of 24 hours. This challenge proves most difficult for the Partridges thanks to the diligence of Rezo's agent Lazaar Hannibal (Martin Speer)--not to mention a cute but imperceptible little "bug." Song: "Storybook Love". This is the final episode of The Partridge Family's third season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
- R
After female prisoners arrive at an island prison full of male convicts, they are brutalized and fight back in an attempt to set up a more democratic system. This exploitative drama includes performances of Tom Selleck and Roger E. Mosley of television's Magnum P.I. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- 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, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1974
Bob and Emily have decided upon a trial separation, but not for the usual reason. Working on her Master's degree, Emily takes up residence in school, while Bob stays home relishing a bit of much needed peace and quiet. Despite the couple's protestations, however, the Hartleys' friends are convinced that the marriage is on the rocks. Occasional series writer Carl Gottlieb appears as Kuberski, while Richard Stahl is cast as the bellboy, and Katherine Ish plays Mrs. Helnsohn. Scripted by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses from a story by Bob Garland, "The Separation Story" originally aired on October 5, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
In the second episode of a two-part story, the Evans family is relieved to learn that J.J. (Jimmie Walker) only suffered a flesh wound when he was shot down by street-gang leader Mad Dog (Oscar DeGruy). While J.J. recovers from his ordeal, an outraged James (John Amos) threatens "eye for an eye" vengeance against Mad Dog. When he calms down, James decides it would be best to go after the perpetrator in court -- but J.J. is not too keen about incurring any more wrath from the man who tried to kill him. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Roger Aaron Brown, Lynn Hamilton, (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, All Movie Guide
- 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, All Movie Guide
- 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, All Movie Guide
- 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, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 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, All Movie Guide
- 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, All Movie Guide
