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- 1977
The eighth season of All in the Family is the last in which that "family" would all be together. Offered a professorship at a California University, Mike Stivic (Rob Reiner) moves himself, his wife, Gloria (Sally Struthers), and their son, Joey, out of their Bronx home, which of course is next door to the house inhabited by Gloria's parents, Archie and Edith Bunker (Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton). Although the conservative Archie and the liberal Mike have generally been at each other's throats throughout the previous seven seasons, the two men share a warm and tearful farewell, bringing season nine to a memorable close. But before that happens, another major story development occurs. Fed up with working for others, Archie decides to go into business for himself, purchasing his favorite watering hole, Kelsey's Bar, and renaming the establishment "Archie Bunker's Place." Ultimately the name of the saloon would succeed All in the Family as the name of the series. Season eight offers many other unforgettable moments. In the two-part "Edith's Crisis of Faith, Edith goes into a deep depression when her good friend, transvestite entertainer Beverly LaSalle (Lori Shannon), is murdered. Even more shattering is the two-parter "Edith's 50th Birthday," in which she is attacked by a would-be rapist (David Dukes) in her own home. On a less traumatic and more comical note, the two-part "Archie's Bitter Pill" finds Archie suffering the consequences of popping pep pills to forget about slump in his bar business. And in another dual-episode story, "Archie and the KKK," the otherwise bombastic bigot reveals that he is dead set against hate crimes -- especially those directed at his own son-in-law. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
This grim made-for-TV domestic drama examines the terrible effects caused by spousal abuse. The story centers on the mental and physical battering endured by a wife at the hands of her troubled husband. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Mike is determined to assert his independence. He chooses to do so by claiming to be too tired to attend a party with Gloria and then going off on a skiing excursion with his friends. Mike's defiant move sparks another of those marathon All in the Family arguments. Written by Ben Starr and Charles Stewart, "Mike Goes Skiing" was originally telecast on January 22, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
There was little love lost between Archie and his co-worker Stretch Cunningham when Stretch was alive. Now that Mr. Cunningham has passed away, a reluctant Archie agrees to deliver the eulogy. But then, Archie discovers a hitherto well-concealed fact: Stretch was Jewish. The sight of Archie Bunker wearing a yarmulke is priceless. Written by Phil Doran, Douglas Aragno, and Milt Josefsberg, "Stretch Cunningham, Goodbye" first aired on January 29, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Gloria is amazed when she finds her mother, Edith, engrossed in a best-selling sex manual. Even more amazing is the effect that the book has on Edith. To make a long story short (without revealing too much of the plot), Gloria prevails upon Mike to relate the "new facts of life" to nonplussed traditionalist Archie Bunker. Written by Eric Tarloff, "The Joys of Sex" made its first network appearance on February 5, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Much against his will, Mike accompanies Archie and Gloria on a subway ride. In the course of events, he is forced to slug a wife-abusing passenger (Wynn Irwin), who tried to assault Gloria. As the passenger threatens legal action, peace-loving Mike broods over the fact that he was pushed into violence -- while Archie, who's "seen it all" on previous subway excursions, smiles knowingly throughout the incident. Also in the cast is Nita Talbot as the obstreperous passenger's wife, William Pierson as a wino, Richard Lawson as a black passenger, and Gerry Black as the conductor. Written by Phil Doran and Douglas Aragno, "Mike the Pacifist" first aired on February 12, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Rob Reiner, (more)
- 1977
Arriving home early from a weekend trip, Archie and Edith find their tenant Teresa Betancourt and her boyfriend, Brian (Patrick J. Cronin), enjoying an intimate -- and underdressed -- moment in Teresa's room. An outraged Archie is all for throwing Teresa out, bag and baggage. Though Edith is equally shocked by Teresa's libertine behavior, her attitude is mitigated by unanticipated plot developments. Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, "The Boarder Patrol" first aired on January 8, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
While in the furniture shop for repairs, Archie's beloved easy chair is accidentally given to the wrong customer. Tracking down the precious piece of furniture, Archie discovers that the chair become the centerpiece of an avant-garde exhibition created by an artist named Lichtenrauch (Michael Pataki). Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, this episode inadvertently anticipated the real-life honor bestowed upon Archie's celebrated chair, when it was enshrined in the Smithsonian Institution in 1978. "Archie's Chair" originally aired on January 15, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
One of the most controversial and compelling episodes of All in the Family, "Edith's 50th Birthday" begins as the rest of the family prepares a surprise party for Edith at Mike and Gloria's house. Left alone in her own house, Edith is attacked and held at knifepoint by a rapist (David Dukes). Though the intruder leaves before inflicting any physical damage, the experience so unnerves Edith that she refuses to go to the police and testify against her attacker; in fact, it appears as if she will be too frightened ever to leave her house again. Offsetting the grimness of the central situation is a surfeit of broad comedy, including Archie and Mike's slapstick efforts to search the Bunker house just in case the rapist is still lurking about. Written by Bob Weiskopf and Bob Schiller, "Edith's 50th Birthday" originally aired as a 60-minute episode on October 16, 1977; it has since been re-edited as two 30-minute episodes for syndication purposes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Archie reluctantly accompanies Edith to the funeral of her cousin, Liz. At first, an uncharacteristically quiet Archie enters into the solemnity of the occasion. But things change radically when the Bunkers make the acquaintance of the decedent's longtime female roommate, Veronica Cartright (K. Callan), who also turns out to be the late Liz's lesbian lover. Written by Bob Weiskopf and Bob Schiller, "Cousin Liz" first aired on October 9, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
All in the Family launched its eighth season on October 2, 1977 (and moved from Saturday to Sunday evening in the process), with the extra-length "transitional" episode "Archie Gets the Business." Tired of working for wages, Archie yearns to fulfill his longtime dream of purchasing Kelcey's Bar. Of course, there's a little matter of collateral, but Archie is certain that Edith will agree to his plan of signing over their mortgage as a security. Unfortunately, Edith doesn't agree -- and that's why Archie ends up forging her name. Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine, the 60-minute "Archie Gets the Business" has since been re-edited into two 30-minute episodes for syndication purposes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Archie is driven crazy by the persistent yapping of the dog owned by his neighbor Barney Hefner. Things get worse when Archie accidentally runs over the dog with his car, and tries to rush the animal to the vet without Barney knowing anything about it. As the episode draws to a conclusion, Archie's attitude towards animals in general and dogs in particular undergoes a few remarkable changes. Written by Charles Stewart, Ben Starr, Mort Lachman, and Milt Josefsberg, "Archie's Dog Day Afternoon" originally aired on March 12, 1977, as the final episode of All in the Family's seventh season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Surprise, surprise! It is Archie Bunker, who, as head of his lodge's membership committee, demands that a minority-group member be allowed to join. Actually, Archie is covering his own behind: The lodge has been threatened with legal action from various civil-rights groups if it does not open its doors to either a Jew or an African American. Hoping to kill two birds with one stone (so to speak), Archie lobbies for the membership of a black Jewish man named Solomon Jackson (James McEachin). Written by Ben Starr and Charles Stewart, "Archie the Liberal" originally aired on March 5, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
While playing a word game, Gloria is frustrated at Mike's intellectual capacity. Lashing out at her husband, she attributes her limited range of knowledge to the fact that she handled the domestic duties while Mike enjoyed the benefits of a college education. Ultimately, Mike is kicked out of his house, forcing him to spend the night with a none-too-agreeable Archie. Written by Mel Tolkin, Larry Rhine, Mort Lachman, and Milt Josefsberg, "Mike and Gloria Split" first aired on February 26, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
The Bunkers' upstairs bathroom suffers minor damages in a small fire. Hoping to collect a huge insurance settlement, Archie rearranges the evidence to make it seem that the damage was extensive. His self-inflicted vandalization is merely a prologue for yet another example of Archie figuratively shooting himself in the foot. Roger C. Carmel appears as insurance adjustor Ligway. First telecast on February 19, 1977, "Fire," was written by Michael Loman, Larry Rhine, and Mel Tolkin. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the first episode of a two-part story, Lori Shannon returns to the role of Edith's female-impersonator friend, Beverly LaSalle. While heading for a Christmas party at the Bunkers, Beverly and Mike are attacked by a violent street gang -- and Beverly is killed. Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf wrote the script, from an original story by Erik Tarloff. Part one of "Edith's Crisis of Faith" was first telecast on December 18, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In another flashback episode, Mike and Gloria recall their first blind date way back in 1968. Once again, the audience is treated to a glimpse of the curly haired, squeaky-voiced, pre-Lib Gloria and the bearded, oversexed radical Mike. Christopher Guest, who later appeared in the Rob Reiner-directed films The Princess Bride and This is Spinal Tap, is here cast as Jim, with Priscilla Lopez as Debbie. Written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, "Mike and Gloria Meet" first aired on December 11, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Archie has been duped into joining the KKK (which, undoubtedly for legal reasons, has been renamed "The Kweens Kouncil of Krusaders"). Even worse, the group plans to burn a cross on Mike and Gloria's lawn. Aghast, Archie puts his own life on the line to save his loved ones from harassment. Dennis Patrick appears as Gordie, with Roger Bowen as Mitch. Written by Bob Schiller, Bob Weiskopf, Mort Lachman, and Milt Josefsberg, part two of "Archie and the Ku Klux Klan" originally aired on December 4, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the first episode of a two-part story, Archie is offered membership in a secretive "patriotic" organization. Only when it is too late does Archie realize that he's been "rushed" by the KKK, who have designated his own son-in-law, Mike, as their latest target for persecution. Dennis Patrick and Roger Bowen head the supporting cast as Gordie and Mitch, respectively. Written by Bob Schiller, Bob Weiskopf, Mort Lachman, and Milt Josefsberg, part one of "Archie and the Ku Klux Klan" originally aired on November 27, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Archie's dependency upon "pep pills" -- brought about by the pressures of owning a bar -- has gotten completely out of hand. Fortunately, he is able to make a complete withdrawl from amphetatimes; unfortunately, this "cold turkey" approach has left him utterly depressed and defeated. Saving the day is Archie's down-to-earth bartender, Harry. Written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine in collaboration with medical consultant William C. Rader, M.D., part two of "Archie's Bitter Pill" first aired on November 13, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In this first episode of a two-part story, the pressures of the saloon business lead Archie to begin taking unprescribed pep pills. Inevitably, he develops a dangerous addiction to amphetamines. The script was written by Mel Tolkin and Larry Rhine in collaboration with medical consultant William C. Rader, M.D. The guest cast includes A. Martinez as Manuel and Arny Freeman as Watkins. Part one of "Archie's Bitter Pill" first aired on November 6, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Preparing the grand opening of "Archie Bunker's Place," Archie discovers that being an employer can be just as vexing as working for wages. As one argument segues into another, Archie's entire staff walks out on him. There is nothing else for Archie to do but press Edith, Mike, and Gloria into service as temporary help -- and one can well imagine Mike's efficiency as a convivial bartender. Originally telecast on October 30, 1977, "Archie's Grand Opening" was written by Larry Rhine and Mel Tolkin. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Edith is still grieving over the death of her female-impersonor friend, Beverly LaSalle, who was killed by a vicious street gang for no reason other than being "different." So shaken is Edith that nothing can snap her out of her depression. Not even the Christmas season can lift her spirits; in fact, she has renounced her faith in God, appalled that He would allow such a horrible thing to happen. Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf wrote the script, from an original story by Erik Tarloff. "Edith's Crisis of Faith, Part Two" was first telecast on December 25, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1976
Made for television, The Great Houdinis tells the life story of famed American illusionist/escape-artist Harry Houdini and his wife Bess. Studiously avoiding covering the same ground as the 1953 Houdini theatrical-film biopic, director Mel Shavelson's script for Great Houdinis spends a great deal of time on the conflict between Harry's Catholic wife Bess and his Jewish mother. The spiritualism angle so important to the Houdini story allows the 1976 film to recreate Houdini's meetings with "true believer" Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Again departing from the 1953 Houdini, this later film does not end with Houdini's death from peritonitis in 1926; instead, we watch as the widowed Bess desperately tries to make contact with her husband in the "other world," all the while debunking phony mediums, just as her husband had done. Paul Michael Glaser and Sally Struthers star as the Houdinis, with Ruth Gordon as Harry's mother Mrs. Weiss, Peter Cushing as Conan Doyle, Jack Carter as Houdini's brother, Adrienne Barbeau as his mistress, Nina Foch as a medium, and Vivian Vance as the all-around best friend/severest critic, who narrates the film. The Great Houdinis first aired on October 8, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1976
Season seven of All in the Family begins on an unsettling note with a three-part story in which faithful Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) seriously considers cheating on his ever-lovin' spouse, Edith (Jean Stapleton), with a brassy waitress named Denise (Janis Paige). Ultimately, Archie returns to Edith without having compromised his wedding vows, but it takes some time for Edith to forgive her wandering husband. This story arc is followed by two more multi-episode plotlines: in "The Unemployment Story," Archie faces the likelihood of losing his job, then must talk another unemployed soul out of committing suicide, and in "Archie's Operation," our hero must endure surgery armed with the knowledge that the hospital receptionist, the blood transfusionist, and the surgeon are all members of minority groups! Meanwhile, Archie's daughter, Gloria (Sally Struthers), and son-in-law, Mike (Rob Reiner), continue to adjust to their new parenthood as they care for baby Joey. The episodes revolving around Mike and Gloria aren't as numerous as those dealing with Archie and Edith, indicating that Struthers and Reiner were both seriously considering leaving the series -- which they would do at the end of the following season. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
