Barbara Stephens Movies
- 1994
Heads are a poppin' everywhere in this Australian private-eye movie that combines elements of horror and science fiction. Dirk Trent is not the classic movie PI. He fat, clumsy, and nerdy. While tracking down a woman's unfaithful husband, his assistant films what at first seems to be the husband murdering his secretary in a cheap motel. Upon closer examination, Trent deduces that the husband didn't kill her because his head exploded first. Soon he discovers a whole series of people whose heads have blown-up. His investigations lead him to Dr. Henderson who has been conducting odd experiments to cure brain tumors. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paul Chubb, Les Foxcroft, (more)
- 1986
The Australian Hector's Bunyip concerns the misadventures of impoverished inventor Robert Coleby. As if his money problems weren't enough, Hector is being hectored by land developer Brian Moll and child-welfare officer Joan Sydney. The latter antagonist wants to claim Hector's foster child and place the kid in an orphanage. But salvation comes in the most unlikely fashion. First telecast in the US on PBS' Wonderworks series, the 60-minute Hector's Bunyip debuted January 31, 1987. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
In modern-day (1985) Sydney, Australia, teen-aged Abigail discovers that she can communicate with at least one apparently dead person, who lived in that town back in 1873. As their communications continue, Abigail suddenly finds herself transported back in time. In this light drama, based on a novel by Ruth Park, she discovers a great deal more about herself than she would have done had she remained a discontented teen in modern times, and she contributes to the lives of those around her in meaningful ways. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Imogen Annesley, Peter Phelps, (more)
- 1984
Though made in Australia, Warming Up has all the earmarks of an American made-for-TV movie. Barbara Stephens and Henri Szeps star as, respectively, a touchy divorcee and a headstrong cop. Brought together by accident, the two despise each other on sight. Gradually, hate gives way to love, but not without plenty of bickering. Queenie Ashton co-stars in Warming Up, which debuted in America over the Cinemax cable service. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Henri Szeps
- 1980
- PG
Three attractive women turn into Robin Hoods in order to save a kindergarten in this routine comedy-caper. Eva (Wendy Hughes), Fiona (Chantal Contouri), and Millicent (Carmen Duncan) are ready to help out a charitable cause when they see one, but their hearts are bigger than their wallets. The only solution is to take money from those who have it to burn and judiciously redistribute it. With that thought in mind, the three recruit a few extra women to their cause -- they plan on robbing from the rich in a posh island resort. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Wendy Hughes, Chantal Contouri, (more)
- 1978
Because He's My Friend was directed for Australian television by American TV veteran Ralph Nelson. Karen Black and Keir Dullea play the parents of a mentally retarded teenager (superbly played by Warwick Poulson). The boy's condition effects the marriage both adversely and positively. The film takes on a happier aura when a normal teenager becomes the handicapped boy's close friend. Because He's My Friend is an effective companion piece to the like-vintage Australian TV movie Tim, as well as the 1977 ABC Afterschool Special presentation Hewitt's Just Different. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
