Sally Struthers Movies
The daughter of a Portland doctor, Sally Ann Struthers left home at 18, determined to become a star. The 5' 1", frizzy-haired Ms. Struthers attended classes at the Pasadena Playhouse, then worked as a singer, dancer and commercial actress before the breaks began arriving in rapid succession in 1970. By the end of that year, she had been seen on TV as a comedy-ensemble player on The Smothers Brother Comedy Hour and a chorus girl (in fact, the only chorus girl) on The Tim Conway Comedy Hour; she'd played a small but attention-grabbing role in the Jack Nicholson film Five Easy Pieces; and she'd provided the voice for Pebbles Flintstone on the animated Pebbles and Bamm Bamm Show. Oh, before we forget: also in 1970, Struthers was cast as Gloria Bunker Stivic on the groundbreaking TV sitcom All in the Family. During her seven-season stint as Gloria, she shared a 1972 "Best Supporting Actress" Emmy with The Mary Tyler Moore Show's Valerie Harper. She also took time out to deliver an image-busting performance as the sluttish wife of kidnap victim Jack Dodson in Sam Peckinpah's The Getaway (1972), and to star in such made-for-TV films as Aloha Means Goodbye (1974), Hey, I'm Alive (1975) and The Great Houdinis (1976). In 1975, Struthers very nearly walked off All in the Family over a much-publicized salary dispute; she left the series when her contract ended in 1978, returning briefly to appear in an episode titled "California Here We Are"--and winning a second Emmy as a result. Though big things were predicted for Struthers, her post-Family years were rough. Her TV-movie appearances began playing to ever-diminishing ratings, while her highly touted 1981 Broadway debut in Wally's Café was a bust. It was a frightened, insecure Sally Struthers who returned to series television in 1982 as the star of Gloria, an All in the Family spin-off which recast the actress in the role that made her famous. Despite initially good ratings, Gloria tanked after a year. After another foredoomed Broadway appearance in a female version of Neil Simon's The Odd Couple, Sally accepted the role of klutzy divorcee Marsha McMurray Shrimpton in the 1986 syndicated sitcom 9 to 5. Around this same time, Struthers began showing up as the TV spokesperson for a charitable organization serving malnourished Third-World children. While none could doubt the actress' sincerity, her strident, lachrymose fund-raising appeals were treated with merciless derision by the many sketch-comedy TV series of the period. Though her career may never again reach the heights of her All in the Family days, Sally Struthers has kept busy in a variety of show-business ventures, including voiceover assignments on such series as Talespin and Dinosaurs, and a recent touring production of the musical Grease, in which she co-starred with another TV favorite of yore, The Monkees' Davy Jones. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 2004
Though no one in Stars Hollow is terribly surprised at the possibility of romance between Lorelei (Lauren Graham) and Luke (Scott Patterson), Taylor (Michael Winters) warns them that there is disaster ahead -- and he's got the astrological charts to "prove" it. Elsewhere, Richard (Edward Herrmann) and Emily (Kelly Bishop) squander an opportunity to patch up their marriage. And back at Yale, Rory (Alexis Bledel) has her first encounter with fellow student Logan Huntzberger (Matt Czuchny in his series debut), the son of a wealthy and powerful publisher. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2004
The title of this episode is barely relevant to its action, beginning with the visiting Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) having unpleasant confrontations with Luke (Scott Patterson) and Lorelai (Lauren Graham) -- all the while trying to avoid a similar confrontation with Rory (Alexis Bledel). Elsewhere, Luke has a lot of trouble adjusting to his sister Liz's new boyfriend, T.J. (Michael DeLuise in his first series appearance). And Emily (Kelly Bishop) prevails upon Lorelai and Jason (Christopher Eigeman) to pretend to be a couple at a charity event -- unaware that the couple has long since stopped pretending. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
Christian Otjen's small-town drama Reeseville begins with David Meyer (Brad Hunt) returning to the title town for the first time in many years. That same morning, his father is found hanged to death in the family house. The local coroner (Mark Hamill) suspects that the death was not a suicide, and the case is taken up by policeman (Brian Wimmer), who begins to question David even more strongly after David flirts with both the officer's sister and his girlfriend. The film was screened at the Cinequest Film Festival. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Brad Hunt, Majandra Delfino, (more)
- 2003
When Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) fails to call her, Rory (Alexis Bledel) goes "stag" to a high school hockey game, where she links up with Lane (Keiko Agena) and her sham boyfriend Young Chui (Samson Yi) -- and also gets her first look at her ex-beau Dean's new girlfriend, Lindsay (Arielle Kebbel). Elsewhere in town, the Doose family descends upon the Inn for a family reunion. And Emily (Kelly Bishop) digs up an old scandal with which she hopes to neutralize her irksome mother-in-law Trix (Marion Ross). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
There's no lack of excitement for the citizens of Stars Hollow in this episode. For starters, the members of their Edgar Allan Poe society convene at the homes of Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and her friends after a fire breaks out at the Independence Inn. Elsewhere in town, Luke (Scott Patterson) can't understand how Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) was chosen employee-of-the-month at the local WalMart when he's supposed to be attending school; Rory (Alexis Bledel) tries to pull Paris (Liza Weil) out of her depression over being turned down by Harvard; and the sham courtship between Lane (Keiko Agena) and Young Chui, which was concocted to hide the fact that Lane is dating Dave Rygalsky, goes off on a new and unanticipated direction. And at episode's end, Rory makes a crucial decision. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In 1971, filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles released his third film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song, which he wrote, directed, and scored. Despite boasting an all-black cast, an X rating, a low budget, and a decidedly non-Hollywood approach to moviemaking, the ground-breaking independent film went on to gross over ten million dollars while inspiring countless other films of the genre that would come to be called blaxploitation. Mario Van Peebles, the director's son, was 13 at the time and got his first taste of show business with a small role in the film. Over three decades later, the younger Van Peebles directed and co-wrote this film, in which he stars as his father. BAADASSSSS! chronicles the director's struggles to get the film made by highlighting the social roadblocks and production pitfalls Van Peebles faced, as well as the personal sacrifices he was forced to make. Also starring T.K. Carter, Ossie Davis, and Nia Long, BAADASSSSS! premiered at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mario Van Peebles
- 2003
Stars Hollow is chosen as the site for the annual Festival of Living Pictures. Cast as Jesus in a staging of "The Last Supper," Kirk (Sean Gunn) goes way too far "losing" himself in his role, while Lorelai (Lauren Graham) struggles with writing a bad review for another presentation. Meanwhile, Lane (Keiko Agena) replaces band guitarist Dave with Gil (Sebastian Bach), who though undeniably talented is much, much older than the other band members; Sookie (Melissa McCarthy), determined to have her baby at home, hires a midwife who turns out to be more of a mid-husband (Rusty Schwimmer); and Luke's soon-to-be-ex Nicole (Tricia O'Kelley) makes a surprise proposition. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
Lorelei (Lauren Graham) is none too thrilled to find out that her interior decorator was previously hired by Emily (Kelly Bishop). Luke (Scott Patterson) adjusts himself to the rules of the Gilmores' "movie night" (Casablanca is the main attraction, as indicated by the episode's title), even as Lorelei tussles with Luke's cell-phone policy. Meanwhile at Yale, Paris (Liza Weil) squares off against her highly antisocial roomie Janet (Katie Walder); and, still unable to get over her breakup with Jess, Rory (Alexis Bledel) impulsively decides to date a guy who doesn't appeal to her at all. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
In the third-season finale of Gilmore Girls, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) make their first tentative moves toward purchasing a new bed-and-breakfast called the Dragonfly Inn -- but they may not be able to afford the place thanks to an unanticipated financial setback. Elsewhere, Chilton Prep valedictorian Rory (Alexis Bledel) delivers a commencement address that will never be forgotten. Richard (Edward Herrmann) and Emily (Kelly Bishop) come through with a graduation gift that proves to be more beneficial to Lorelai than to Rory. And Luke (Scott Patterson) prepares to embark upon an ocean cruise with his lady love Nicole, little suspecting what is in store for both of them! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
Season four of Gilmore Girls begins as Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel) return to Stars Hollow after spending the summer backpacking through Europe. Lorelai's very good friend Luke (Scott Patterson) has likewise kept busy the past summer, getting married to -- and separated from -- his latest amour Nicole. With only three days at her disposal, Rory assembles what is necessary to launch her freshman year at Yale University, while Lorelai's business partner Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) tries to balance her work as co-owner of the new Dragonfly Inn with her impending motherhood. And elsewhere, hurt feelings dictate the curious behavior of Lorelei's mother Emily (Kelly Bishop) and all-purpose town curmudgeon Taylor Doose (Michael Winters). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2002
Her nervousness heightened by the well-meaning counsel of friends and family, Rory (Alexis Bledel) anxiously awaits the arrival of her application forms from Harvard. Before filling out the forms, Rory seeks out the advice of two alumni, who simply tell her to "be original." Meanwhile, Taylor (Michael Winters) pressures Luke (Scott Patterson) to add an "old-fashioned" soda fountain to his establishment; though she's still trying to keep her musical aspirations a secret from her conservative mother, Lane (Keiko Agena) joins the rock band led by Dave Rygalsky (Adam Brody, in his series debut); and we meet a few stray members of the celebrated Springsteen family. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2002
Lorelai (Lauren Graham) is determined to win Stars Hollow's annual 24-hour dance marathon, if only to stifle the obnoxiousness of perennial champion Kirk (Sean Gunn). With no one else available, Lorelai chooses Rory (Alexis Bledel) as her partner, a gesture which leads to trouble when Rory spots Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) and Shane (Jessica Kiper) together at the dance -- and this, in turn, leads to a shocking public outburst by Dean (Jared Padalecki). And elsewhere on the romantic front, Paris (Liza Weil) can't concentrate on an upcoming Chilton social event when her heartthrob Jamie (Brandon Barash) unexpectedly arrives in town. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2002
Much against her better judgment, Lorelai (Lauren Graham) accompanies Rory (Alexis Bledel) to the baby shower being held in Boston for Christopher's insufferable "ex" Sherry (Mädchen Amick). Meanwhile, back in Stars Hollow, everyone is abuzz over Miss Patty's (Liz Torres) new boyfriend, whom she met at a funeral. The Town Loner demands the right to hold a protest demonstration downtown, even though no one knows exactly what he's protesting. And Luke's (Scott Patterson) suspicions are aroused when Jess (Milo Ventimiglia) suddenly comes up with enough money to buy a car. (By the way, the episode's title refers to a highly cathartic experience for both Lorelai and Rory). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2002
Lorelai (Lauren Graham) and Rory (Alexis Bledel) are placed in an awkward position when they agree to attend three different Thanksgiving dinners -- and things get even more awkward when they also agree to show up at Emily and Richard's house. The only way out of this social dilemma is to actually consume four dinners within a 24-hour period, beginning with the deep-fried repast at the Kim household. Then it is off to the home of Sookie (Melissa McCarthy) and Jackson (Jackson Douglas), thence to Luke's diner. Finally the ladies arrive at the Elder Gilmores' house -- where Lorelai has a hissy fit upon discovering that Rory has applied to Yale. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A small town baseball announcer embarks on the journey of a lifetime after facing the prospect of being placed in a retirement home against his will in this bittersweet drama featuring Academy Award-winning actor Rod Steiger in his final film role. Despite the fact that his health is fading, and having recently suffered a mild stroke, Charlie McCabe is reluctant to give up his announcing position for the local baseball team and settle quietly into a local nursing home. Recalling an unfulfilled promise that he had made to his late wife that he would make amends with his estranged son, Charlie and his loving granddaughter Biddy set out to make good on his word and lay old ghosts to rest. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
A family faces new crises while trying to resolve an old one in this drama. After the death of Cal Malby (Miles O'Keefe), a miner who died in an accident that eventually leveled the economy of a small Pennsylvania community, his sons Patrick (Jason Widener) and Cole (Tyler Christopher) have been trying to find out what caused the disaster while also caring for their mother Elizabeth (Sally Kirkland), who is now bedridden. As Patrick and Cole try to uncover the truth, they have to struggle to hold on to the family's home as Penny Hart (Dee Wallace Stone), a widow who owns the farm the family has long called home, attempts to sell the property out from under them. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tyler Christopher, Sally Kirkland, (more)
This program features popular recording artist Marie Osmond, who gets together with some of her musical family and friends to celebrate the Christmas holidays. Her party guest list includes Sally Struthers, Lee Greenwood, and Kirk Cameron. They gather around the crackling fireplace and festive tree to sing traditional Christmas carols, including "O Holy Night," "We Three Kings," "Silent Night," and "O Little Town of Bethlehem." ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marie Osmond, Sally Struthers, (more)
- 1994
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "The Golden Child" and "The Last Temptation of Ethyl." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "High Noon" and "Endangered Species." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1992
After being released from an institution, a manic-depressive attempts to get custody of her 5 children and struggles with the opposition of her oldest daughter and the foster parents. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sarah Jessica Parker, Sally Struthers, (more)
- 1992
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "Don't Cross the Boss" and "Wesayso Knows Best." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series. "Mighty Megalosaurus" finds a new member in the family, while "Hurling Day" concerns a frustrating mother-in-law. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "The Howling" and "The Mating Dance." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1991
This tribute to the long-running and very successful TV comedy series features the original cast as they take a nostalgic and respectful look back at the series, reflecting as to its impact on their lives and careers. Included too, are actual scenes from early episodes as well as viewers opinions on the smashing series which was watched faithfully by millions who apparently found more than a little of their own lives depicted. ~ All Movie Guide
