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- 1991
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "Power Erupts" and "A New Leaf." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Included are two episodes from the early-'90s live-action TV series, "When Food Goes Bad" and "Fran Live." ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1990
The ladies of Cabot Cove are enchanted by a newcomer to the community, handsome gym instructor Wayne Bennett (Jason Beghe). Especially fascinated by Bennett is Eve Simpson (Julie Adams), who naturally is an old friend of Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury). When Bennett's onetime partner, con artist Fred Kepper (Hugh O'Brien), turns up dead in Eve's bedroom, Jessica can't bring herself to believe that her friend had anything to do with this awkward turn of events--and as always, Jessica knows best. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Made for TV, A Deadly Silence was based on the book by New York Times reporter Dena Kleiman. It is the doleful story of Long Island teenager Cheryl Pierson (Heather Fairfield), who in February of 1986 orchestrated the murder of her electrician father James Pierson (Charles Haid). The film does not argue that Cheryl was innocent. It does, however, delve into the deep waters of "extenuating circumstances". With the utmost taste and discretion, A Deadly Silence reveals that, four at least five years, Cheryl had endured sexual abuse at the hands of her father. Over and above the basic story, the film explores the "deadly silence" of incest-a silence often maintained not only by the victim, but by friends and family members who don't want to cause "trouble". Mike Farrell, Richard Portnow, Jeff Corey and Sally Struther costar, while future Friends regular David Schwimmer essays an important minor role. A Deadly Silence premiered April 16, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1985
This live action trip back to Wonderland finds Alice dodging the Jabberwocky and encountering a Wonderland crew including Humpty Dumpty, Tiger Lily, and Tweedledum and Tweedledee. The voice cast is staggering, including (to mention a few) father and son Lloyd Bridges and Beau Bridges, Phyllis Diller, and George Gobel, Ringo Starr, Jonathan Winters, Sally Struthers, Karl Malden, and many, many more. ~ All Movie Guide
This 1982 made-for-TV version of the Lewis Carroll classic Alice in Wonderland features an all-star cast. Such celebrities as Donald O'Connor, Maureen Stapleton and Eve Arden struggle to perform while buried under mounds of makeup and tons of eccentric costuming as Carroll's alternate-world loonies. Alice in Wonderland was first telecast Oct 3, 1983, on PBS' Great Performances. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1983
Charm World's Lady Slipper takes on a nasty villain with the help of her friends in this animated story for children. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- 1982
This stage adaptation and play on the Alice in Wonderland theme, finds Alice slipping into Wonderland when she faints after seeing an attempted murder. When she comes to, she's in another world, again chasing a rabbit. However this hopper is not the fuzzy, furry type; he's an attractive jogger named Rabbit and Alice thinks he's just the guy for her. ~ All Movie Guide
When Stockard Channing agreed to co-produce the made-for-TV Gun in the House, she fully intended to play the leading role of Emily Cates herself. But schedule conflicts intervened, and Channing was forced to relinquish the role to Sally Struthers, who was quite good. Attacked in her home by two male assailants, Emily Cates grabs a handgun and shoots and kills one of the intruders. Alas, the police find no evidence that Emily was in fact attacked--nor do they discern any need for excessive force. As a result, Emily is arrested like a common criminal and charged with murder--targeted as an "example" to other would-be gun owners by politically ambitious DA Lance Kessler (Jeffrey Tambor). The Stephen Zito-James M. Miller teleplay takes an inordinately melodramatic approach to the film's provocative subject matter, offering cut-and-dried hero and villain types and occasionally illogical plot twists. Still, Gun in the House has remained food for thought ever since its February 11, 1981 debut. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
Jonah (Jeffrey Bravin) is a lonely deaf child who has been misdiagnosed as retarded. Jonah's mother (Sally Struthers) and father (James Woods) struggle to establish communication from their withdrawn son. As the specialists shake their heads and cluck their tongues, Jonah's parents finally manage to teach the child sign language, thereby opening up his world both intellectually and emotionally. And Your Name is Jonah is proof enough that Sally Struthers once had potential for greatness, and confirmation that James Woods was on the right artistic track as early as 1979. Despite competition from the network premiere of Taxi Driver, And Your Name is Jonah managed to post excellent ratings upon its original telecast. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
Technically speaking, this was the 199th episode of All in the Family. But because the earlier one-hour episode "California Here We Are" was conceived as two half-hour installments, "The Best of All in the Family" was heralded as the series' 200th program. Hosted by producer Norman Lear, this 90-minute offering featured innumerable highlights from the series' eight seasons on the air, concentrating on the "character growth" of Edith, Gloria, and Mike and the gradual mellowing of the bigoted Archie. Also shown were clips from such controversial episodes as "Edith's 50th Birthday," in which Edith was held at knifepoint by a rapist. First telecast on March 4, 1979, "Best of All in the Family" has since been syndicated as three consecutive 30-minute episodes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Battered concentrates upon three female victims of spousal abuse. Chip Fields is the new wife of struggling young Levar Burton. Joan Blondell is the alcoholic middle-aged spouse of the equally bibilous Howard Duff. And Karen Grassle (who cowrote the screenplay) is married to Ivy leaguer Mike Farrell. While a bit too cut-and-dried, Battered handles the issues at hand with intelligence and an avoidance of sensationalism. Made for television, the film debuted September 26, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Karen Grassle, LeVar Burton, (more)
- 1978
Mike and Gloria are convinced that the spark has gone out of their marriage. To rekindle that spark, the Stivics spend a weekend in the Pocono Mountains. Unfortunately, the time alone only further convinces Mike and Gloria that something is seriously wrong with their relationship. Also appearing are Judy Kahan as Lorraine and Terry Kiser as Bob. Written by Larry Rhine and Mel Tolkin, "Stale Mates" first aired on February 19, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Richard Mckenzie guest stars as Archie's long-estranged brother, Alfred Bunker. After 29 years, Alfred pays a visit to Archie, hoping to patch up their differences before Alfred undergoes radical surgery. An already tense situation is made even more so by a mysterious letter from Alfred, which Archie is told not to open until his brother leaves. Written by Larry Rhine and Mel Tolkin, "Archie's Brother" originally aired on February 26, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Theodore Bikel guest stars as Bronx butcher Alvin Klemmer. Regular customer Edith Bunker is flattered by Klemmer's old-world graciousness, until she realizes that the butcher has fallen in love with her. Written by Phil Sharp, "Love Comes to the Butcher" first aired on February 5, 1978. Audience response to the episode was so positive that in 1979 All in the Family offered a sequel, "A Girl Like Edith," also featuring Theodore Bikel. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Archie fully expects that his bar will make a fortune on Super Bowl Sunday. What Archie hadn't counted on was the fact that two holdup men would likewise covet the contents of the bar's cash register. This is the episode in which virtually the entire cast is stripped to their undies. Written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, "Archie and the Super Bowl" originally aired on January 15, 1978, right after CBS' telecast of Super Bowl XII (Broncos vs. Cowboys, in case you need a reminder). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Another of Edith's castoff relations, Aunt Iola (Nedra Volz) has been passed from relative to relative, with no willing to keep her on a permanent basis. Inevitably, Iola ends up at the Bunker household, and despite Edith's feeling of obligation, Archie likewise wants to rid himself of the troublesome old woman. Albert E. Lewin wrote the script from a story by Michael Loman. "Aunt Iola's Visit" was first telecast on January 22, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Archie envisions a life free of financial worries when Edith is chosen to appear in a detergent commercial. Unfortunately for Archie -- and the sponsor -- Edith is incapable of telling lies in front of the camera. Former child star Darryl Hickman delivers a hilariously understated performance as a gay TV director. Scripted by Ben Starr and Ron Bloomberg from a story by Bloomberg, "The Commercial" first aired on January 8, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Mike and Gloria are all packed and ready to head to their new home in Santa Barbara, CA. Just before their departure, the couple decides to reaffirm their marriage vows -- and request that Archie and Edith do the same. The concluding scene between Archie and Mike may well be the most touching moment in the series' history -- all the more so for what it tells about Archie. Written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, "The Stivics Go West" originally aired on March 19, 1978, as the final episode of All in the Family's eighth season; indeed, it was intended as the final episode, period, but at the last moment Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton agreed to stay on for at least one more year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Mike is offered a lucrative teaching job in Santa Barbara, CA. Excitedly, the Stivics prepare for their big move to the West Coast. But this sudden uprooting has an unexpected effect on Mike and Gloria's relationship with Archie and Edith. Sherman Hemsley makes a "crossover" appearance as George Jefferson. Like many another eighth-season All in the Family episode, this one was written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine. "Mike's New Job" made its first network appearance on March 5, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Edith prepares a special farewell dinner for Mike and Gloria, in preparation of their move to California. While Gloria eagerly looks forward to this final family get-together, Mike has a problem: He has already made a commitment that evening to meet his new supervisor from Santa Barbara. The first episode of a two-part story, "The Dinner Guest" was written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, and first aired on March 12, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
As is customary, Sally Struthers cries buckets in My Husband is Missing (one gets the feeling that she cries buckets at card tricks). Struthers plays the wife of an MIA who is permitted to visit North Vietnam in search of her husband. She meets Canadian journalist Tony Musante, who's anxious to get her story. Struthers and Musante team up to thrash through the jungle wilds of California--er, Southeast Asia--eventually falling in love. Purportedly a "relevant" TV movie, My Husband is Missing shamelessly exploits Vietnam as a mere melodramatic backdrop. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
Archie and Edith arrive in Santa Barbara, CA, where they intend to spend Christmas week with Mike and Gloria. But all is not holly-jolly in the Stivic household; Mike and Gloria are on the verge of getting a divorce. At first, Archie threatens dire consequences to Mike, but ends up taking The Meathead's side when he finds out that Gloria is responsible for the split. The ending of the episode is not entirely happy and upbeat, thereby setting the stage for Sally Struthers' subsequent "solo" sitcom effort Gloria a few years later. Originally telecast as a one-hour episode on December 17, 1978, "California, Here We Are" was originally planned as two half-hour installments, and has since been syndicated in this divided form. The first half of the program was written by Milt Josefsberg and Phil Sharp; the second half was by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
