Marlo Thomas Movies
Anyone who watched the old TV sitcom Make Room for Daddy will remember that it was produced by a company called Marterto. This corporate name was an amalgam of the names of Danny Thomas' children: Margaret, Terry, and Tony. By 1959, Margaret Thomas had undergone a little cosmetic surgery, changed her name to Marlo Thomas, and launched an acting career on stage and TV. After guest starring in dozens of programs, she starred in her own series, That Girl, in which she played an aspiring actress with a benevolent despot of a father (where did that concept come from?). That Girl ran from 1966 through 1970, after which Thomas concentrated on Broadway appearances and occasional films like Thieves (1971). Extremely active in social and political causes during the next two decades, Thomas nonetheless found time to star in several made-for-TV movies and also co-produce the Emmy-winning children's TV special Free to Be...You and Me. She won additional Emmys for producing the 1988 follow-up Free to Be...a Family; for hosting the 1980 special The Body Human: Facts for Girls; and for her outstanding dramatic performance as an institutionalized mental patient in the TV film Nobody's Child (1986). Long a marital holdout, Marlo Thomas closed out the 1970s by walking down the aisle with talk-show host Phil Donahue. She continued to appear intermittently on the big and small screens over the next thirty years on a variety of projects including Consenting Adults, Reunion, Friends, Deuce Bigelow: Male Gigolo, Ally McBeal, In the Woods, and LOL. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2004
The life of wealthy Ellen McCarthy (Marlo Thomas) is thrown into disarray when her husband Grove (William Devane) disappears at sea during a voyage on the family yacht. Evidence indicates that Grove has drowned, and the police have reason to suspect that Ellen was responsible. As the investigation proceeds, it appears as though Ellen and her husband having been living lie (unbeknownst to Ellen, of course), and that everyone around the couple have been covering up their own horrible secrets, possibly tied in with corporate intrigue. And what exactly is the story concerning Ellen's son Josh (Louis Corbett). First telecast by the Lifetime channel on March 15, 2004, the made-for-cable Deceit was based on a novel by Clare Francis, which had previously been adapted for British television in 2000 with Francesca Annis in the lead. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2003
Organized by New York's Museum of Television and Radio, this impressively assembled tribute to the funny women boasts a stellar all-female cast, drawn from half a century's worth of video entertainment. Hosted by Megan Mullally (Will & Grace), the special uses rare film clips and interviews to pay homage to such iconic figures as Mary Tyler Moore, Carol Burnett, Bea Arthur, and especially the woman who started it all, Lucille Ball. A number of veteran comediennes are in attendance, along with the newer crop of "girls." Amidst the hilarity, Julia Louis-Dreyfuss (Seinfeld) offers a poignant paean to the late Gilda Radner. Great Women of Television and Comedy was originally broadcast by NBC -- which may explain the preponderance of guest stars from that network's then-current sitcom manifest. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 2002
Divesting herself of her useless husband, Julie Portman (Marlo Thomas) is determined to raise her two children by herself, despite the emotional roadblocks set up by her resentful and rebellious teenage daughter Emma (Ellen Muth). Things reach the crisis stage when both mother and daughter are diagnosed with cancer. Ignoring her own weakened condition after extensive chemotherapy treatment, Julie insists upon helping Emma "tough it out" on the road to (hopeful) survival. Occasional moral support is provided by Julie's new sweetheart, philosophical lobster fisherman George (Joe Penny). Based on actual events, the made-for-TV Mother and Daughter originally aired April 21, 2002, on CBS. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Claire Goldstein (Alicia Witt) is a 23-year old classical pianist and student in San Francisco who gets dumped by a boyfriend, is evicted from her home following an earthquake and rejected by a major music competition, and becomes romantically involved with a charming two-timer (Ivan Sergei). But her troubles are just starting: she's forced to move back in with her parents (Elliott Gould and Marlo Thomas) while she attempts to make an emotional recovery from all the sudden turmoil. But the spiral continues downward, and before long she's even disappointed her faithful teacher, Bennett (Harvey Fierstein). Can Claire be redeemed? ~ Buzz McClain, Rovi
- Starring:
- Alicia Witt
Yet another Saturday Night Live alumnus makes his bid for big-screen success as Rob Schneider, best remembered as the "Making copies!" guy, tackles his first leading role in this broad comedy. Deuce (Rob Schneider) earns a meager living as a professional fish tank cleaner until he's asked to housesit for a gigolo. Deuce mistakenly answers the gigolo's business phone and finds himself having sex with a woman he's never met and getting paid for it (not a bad deal, since women generally avoid Deuce like the Ebola virus). It's not long before Deuce learns that there's more to selling your body than one might expect: for example, being re-styled by your pimp or having to explain your new source of income when the owner of the house gets home. Deuce Bigalow: Male Gigolo was the first feature film produced by Adam Sandler's production company, Happy Madison; Sandler himself makes a cameo appearance, while Oded Fehr, William Forsythe, Eddie Griffin, and Marlo Thomas highlight the supporting cast. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Rob Schneider, William Forsythe, (more)
- 1999
Frasier's dad Martin (John Mahoney) is an eligible widower. Roz's mom Joanna (Eva Marie Saint) is likewise unattached. Frasier (Kelsey Grammer) and Roz (Peri Gilpin) are thus convinced that the union between Martin and Joanna would be the proverbial "match made in Heaven." The results: Joanna is exultant -- and Martin is annoyed. And speaking of matchups, listen for the Very Famous Couple providing "guest voices" during Frasier's radio call-in show. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1998
Important issues that may affect a child's life are portrayed in a lighthearted but sincere manner in this HBO special based on Rosie O'Donnell's book by the same name. O'Donnell shows how laughter and a sense of humor are a vital part of dealing with things that might be beyond one's immediate control. The 30-minute program mixes short animated tales that contain a particular lesson or theme with short clips of children talking candidly about what things they think are funny. Issues that are addressed in this innovative format are slavery, heaven, and the death of a classmate. A good show for families to watch and discuss together. Net proceeds are donated to the For All Kids Foundation, a group that awards grants to programs helping disadvantaged children throughout the United States.
~ Sarah Block, Rovi
~ Sarah Block, Rovi
A struggling filmmaker trying to climb the show business ladder befriends an actor who's heading down the same ladder at a furious pace in this dark comedy. George (Jamie Kennedy), an aspiring writer who does temp work to make ends meet, longs to break into show business where he can get to know his favorite stars. One night, George is invited to a party and he meets Kyle Carey (Loren Dean), one of his favorite actors. Kyle's star has fallen quite a bit in recent months, but George doesn't seem to be aware of this, and he's thrilled to be spending time with a genuine celebrity, even if Kyle only seems to call when he needs help with something. As George spends his evenings with Kyle and his girlfriend Iona (Carmen Electra), a model, he's convinced he's found the fast track to a career in Hollywood, until Kyle calls him one night asking a rather unexpected favor -- he's been fired from his latest picture and doesn't have a place to stay, so can he move in for a while? Starstruck, which was produced under the title Starf*cker, also stars Bridgette Wilson, Spencer Garrett, Clarence Williams III, and Marlo Thomas. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi
- Starring:
- Jamie Kennedy, Loren Dean, (more)
This romantic comedy from writer and director Tom DiCillo follows some New York City pals seeking authenticity with the real blonde, a symbol of amorous perfection. Joe (Matthew Modine) is an out-of-work actor struggling for even bit parts in Madonna music videos by groveling in front of a high-powered agent (Kathleen Turner), while his makeup artist girlfriend Mary (Catherine Keener) pays the bills. After six years of cohabitation, Joe's lack of success is wearing on their relationship. In the meantime, Joe's friend and fellow actor Bob (Maxwell Caulfield) has finally hit the jackpot with a role on a soap opera opposite the beautiful Kelly (Daryl Hannah), who just might be the real blonde of his dreams. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Starring:
- Matthew Modine, Catherine Keener, (more)
- 1996
In this Halloween episode, Roseanne and Jackie go to a fancy Upper West Side party with Patsy (Joanna Lumley) and Edina (Jennifer Saunders, who co-wrote the episode with Roseanne) from Absolutely Fabulous. Strange things start to happen to the pregnant Darlene in a take on Rosemary's Baby. This episode was directed by Roseanne. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
- 1996
Chandler (Matthew Perry) invokes memories of Three's Company ("Okay, think! What would Jack and Chrissy do?") when Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) divorcing parents, Sandra (Marlo Thomas) and Leonard (Ron Leibman), show up unexpectedly at her surprise party. To avoid further embarrassment, the party, like an evolving cell, splits in two: one for Sandra, one for Leonard. As if that makes anything better. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1996
Marlo Thomas guest stars as Rachel's (Jennifer Aniston) mother, Sandra Green, who shows up at the apartment with startling news. This comes just as Ross' (David Schwimmer) ex-wife, Carol (Jane Sibbett), is about to marry her girlfriend, Susan (Jessica Hecht), in an event catered by Monica (Courteney Cox). And Phoebe's (Lisa Kudrow) elderly massage client Mrs. Adelman dies -- but her spirit isn't about to leave until she sees how the of rest of the episode comes out. Candice Gingrich, sister of Senator Newt Gingrich, has a significant supporting role. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1994
A family is torn apart when two adult sisters decide to take their father to court for sexually abusing them as children. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Marlo Thomas, Mel Harris, (more)
- 1991
Marlo Thomas stars as Lucille "Sis" Levin, whose husband Jerry (David Dukes) is an American TV journalist assigned to Beirut in 1984. Jerry is kidnapped by Muslim fundamentalists, a fact kept off the front pages by the State Department, ostensibly because the publicity could cost Jerry his life. Sis doesn't accept this (she suspects that our government doesn't want to offend the Lebanese government), and arranges on her own to communicate with her husband's captors. Israel stands in for Lebanon for the on-location scenes in Held Hostage: The Sis and Jerry Levin Story. This fact-based TV movie is wholly credible in every aspect save Marlo Thomas' uncertain Southern accent. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1990
- R
Elaine May and Marlo Thomas star in this black comedy taking place in the black comedy capital of the world -- New York City. Elaine May plays Marianne Flan, who moves back to a nightmare New York City from Beverly Hills after her husband, Roger (Peter Falk), has been fired from his job. She hires ditzy psychic Reva Prosky (Marlo Thomas) to redecorate her apartment, and they end up being pursued by a crazed killer. They flee the city and end up at a new-age retreat in upstate New York. Jeannie Berlin, Elaine May's daughter, co-wrote the script with Laurie Jones and appears briefly as the Flan's strumpet neighbor. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Elaine May, Marlo Thomas, (more)
- 1988
A young woman learns that she has a lethal, rare kind of cancer. This fact-based, heart-wrenching made-for-TV drama chronicles her struggle to cope with her own personal feelings and those of her family. She then begins looking for alternative ways to treat her disease while her husband deals with his denial. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Starring:
- Anne Archer, Sam Neill, (more)
Marlo Thomas fully justifies her star status in the made-for-television Nobody's Child. Ms. Thomas portrays the real-life Marie Balter, a Massachusetts woman consigned to a mental hospital after a suicide attempt at age 16. For the next 20 years, Marie is and out of the institution, mostly under the care of a sensitive doctor (Caroline Cava) who treats her for panic disorder and depression. Finally able to curb her inner demons without the use of drugs and therapy, Marie leaves the hospital for good, hoping to pursue a normal life. She falls in love with another ex-mental patient (Ray Baker), and strives successfully to earn a college diploma (she later became a health administrator). Aside from Marlo Thomas' Emmy-winning performance, Nobody's Child boasts the stunning camerawork of longtime Ingmar Bergman associate Sven Nykvist. One scene, in which Marie Balter imagines she sees serpents emerging from a typewriter, is as frightening a piece of celluloid as has ever been presented on television. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1985
Martin Sheen, who in 1972 co-starred in That Certain Summer, the precedent-setting TV movie concerning homosexuality, is cast as the father of an "out of closet" gay son in Consenting Adult. Sheen and his wife Marlo Thomas are devastated when their college-age son Barry Tubb comes forth with details of his sexual preference. Thomas is convinced that Tubb can be "cured" through psychiatry; Sheen, a prideful man suffering from several illnesses, is unable to accept his son for what he is--as much as he wants to. Only Tubb's married sister Talia Balsam can approach the situation with understanding. Consenting Adults is based on a novel by Laura Z. Hobson (of Gentleman's Agreement fame). It was first telecast on February 4, 1985. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1983
This made-for-TV film is an Americanized remake of the 1975 German film The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum (based on the novel by Heinrich Böll). Shorn of most of her movie-star glamour, Marlo Thomas plays Kathryn Beck, whose one-night stand with handsome Ben Cole (Kris Kristofferson) all but ruins her life. Cole is suspected of being a political terrorist; as a result, Kathryn is seized by the authorities and relentlessly questioned. Her ordeal intensifies when she becomes the target of a ruthless investigative reporter. When she seeks legal aid, Kathryn finds that her basic civil rights aren't even as well protected as those of the fugitive Cole. Act of Passion: Lost Honor of Kathryn Beck premiered on January 24, 1984, minus the Act of Passion portion of the title, which was added later to pump up rerun ratings. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1977
Marlo Thomas' first mistake was optioning the classic It's a Wonderful Life for this TV remake; her second was starring in it herself in the Jimmy Stewart part! This gender switch aside, It Happened One Christmas follows the original virtually to the letter. Thomas is a young woman who dreams of leaving her small town to see the world, but circumstances force her to remain in town as head of the local bank--and in so doing she enriches the lives of everyone around her. In a moment of financial crisis, Thomas contemplates suicide, but is rescued by her guardian angel (Cloris Leachman, overacting her way--complete with British accent--through the old Henry Travers part). The angel shows Thomas what life in her town would have been like if Thomas had never been born. You know the rest. It was already hard to believe in the original film that Donna Reed would have become a spinster had she never met Jimmy Stewart; it was impossible to believe in the remake that Wayne Rogers (in the equivalent to the Reed part) would not only have remained unmarried, but also would have become an embittered failure without Thomas' presence. Only Orson Welles, in the Lionel Barrymore role as the villainous Potter, comes across with any credibility. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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