Virginia Vestoff Movies
Robert Altman's over-frenetic satire on American marriage rituals and hypocrisy concerns the upper-crust marriage between Dino Corelli (Desi Arnaz Jr.) and Muffin Brenner (Amy Stryker). As the film begins, a senile bishop forgets the lines to the wedding ceremony and Nettie Sloan (the groom's grandmother) drops dead in an upstairs bedroom. Nettie's death is not disclosed to the two families who converge at the wedding reception. As the two sets of in-laws slam into each other, the bride and groom disappear in the ensuing whirlwind of chaos as both extended families vie for sexual favors and try to keep hidden never-discussed family secrets. Regina Corelli (Nina Van Pallandt) is revealed to be a drug addict, while Luigi, is endeavoring unsuccessfully to keep his Mafia connections under wraps. Meanwhile, the bride's family, although more down to earth, are revealed to be no better. Tulip Brenner (Carol Burnett) begins to flirt with one of the wedding guests, Mackenzie Goddard (Pat McCormick), while Snooks Brenner (Paul Dooley) acts like a lout and drinks heavily. And flying around the edges of the action like Tinkerbell is Buffy Brenner, the Brenners' youngest daughter, who is pregnant by the groom. As other characters bang into each other -- sexual degenerates, hard-nosed radicals, raw-boned emotional wrecks -- the wedding reception heads for its inevitable nuclear explosion. ~ Paul Brenner, Rovi
- Starring:
- Carol Burnett, Mia Farrow, (more)
- 1977
The Quinns follows the exploits of four generations of an Irish-American family. Much of the screen time is spent on domestic problems regarding growing pains, romance, and the generation gap. Amidst these personal travails, director Dan Petrie inserts several moderately exciting fire sequences involving the firefighting members of the Quinn family, intercut with stock shots of actual conflagrations. The Quinns was well cast and attractively assembled but failed to sell as a series. Perhaps the "firehouse" concept had already been played to death by the popular series Emergency, while the "extended family" notion had been exhausted by such series as The Waltons and Eight is Enough. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1977
In the first episode of a two-part story, Kojak (Telly Savalas) is all set to spend a romantic day off with his current lady love Laura Martinson (Maud Adams). Alas, the detective is persistently interrupted by the demands of his job. For starters, a stolen Rolls Royce is recovered with a corpse in its trunk; and as if that wasn't enough, a woman (Kitty Wynn) who has deserted her child is also suspected of killing her husband. The huge supporting cast features early TV appearances by William Hurt, Ken Kercheval, Danielle Brisebois and Fyvush Finkel, the latter showing up in the uncredited role of a tailor. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1977
In the conclusion of a two-part story, any hopes of Kojak (Telly Savalas) enjoying a day off are dashed when a dead body is found in the trunk of a white Rolls Royce. Now the overworked detective must tear Manhattan apart in search of a woman (Kitty Winn) who has killed her husband, abandoned her child, and is now determined to commit suicide. And all the while, Kojak's romantic rendezvous with his lady friend Laura Martinson (Maud Adams) is repeatedly--and frustratingly--postponed. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
The first independent production of former studio mogul Jack Warner, 1776 was adapted from the hit 1969 Broadway musical by Peter Stone and Sherman Edwards. William Daniels, Ken Howard, and Howard Da Silva are among the many actors who recreate their Broadway roles. The story is set during the first Continental Congress, when the Declaration of Independence was drafted by such founding fathers as John Adams (Daniels) and Benjamin Franklin (Da Silva). The script attempts to "humanize" these remote historical figures by contemporizing them -- particularly the character of Ben Franklin. Blythe Danner's character of Martha Jefferson is expanded for the film version to allow for an elaborate outdoor production number. After 1776, Warner made only one more film, the 1972 "grunge Western" Dirty Little Billy. On an added note: the picture was originally rated G with its theatrical running time of 141 minutes. It was later expanded to 166 minutes; the added scenes caused the MPAA to re-rate it PG (for language) in 1992. Both versions are available on video. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- William Daniels, Howard Da Silva, (more)
- 1971
Aware that Daphne (Kate Jackson) knows he killed Edith, Gabriel (Christopher Pennock) locks Daphne up in the forbidden wing of Collinwood, the same wing containing the portal to Parallel Time. In that "other" world, the Parallel-Time version of Flora (Joan Bennett) has a terse conversation with the terrified Stella Young (Gaye Edmond). Back in "real" time, Gabriel contemplates an escape plan, but first he must kill both Daphne and her sister, Joanna (Lee Beery). This episode initially aired on January 13, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1971
Lamar (Jerry Lacy) decides to testify against Quentin (David Selby) despite Barnabas' (Jonathan Frid) threat, using the story of Quentin's letter to the deceased Joanna Mills (Lee Beery) as proof of Quentin's witchcraft. His testimony is instantly discredited when Joanna herself appears in court. Now Gerard (James Storm) and Charles (Humbert Allen Astredo) realize that the only way to get rid of Quentin is to use the disembodied head of Judah Zachary. Listed as the 1,181th installment of Dark Shadows (there was no 1,180 due to a New Year's Day preemption), this episode was originally broadcast on January 4, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1971
Samantha (Virginia Vestoff) is astounded that Joanna Mills (Lee Beery) has showed up to testify on Quentin's behalf, especially since it was Samantha who killed Joanna by pushing her off the cliff at Widow's Hill. Using his powers, Gerard (James Storm) again persuades Daphne (Kate Jackson) that she wants to marry him. This episode originally aired on January 5, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1971
Although gratified that his former sweetheart, Joanna Mills (Lee Beery), has apparently returned from the dead, Quentin (David Selby) remains in love with Joanna's sister, Daphne (Kate Jackson). Alas, Daphne now thinks she wants to marry Gerard (James Storm), thanks to Gerard's strategic application of witchcraft. This episode first aired on January 6, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1971
Having previously been "killed" by Samantha (Virginia Vestoff), Joanna (Lee Beery) metes out justice by causing Samantha to plummet to her death from Widow's Hill. Quentin (David Selby) and Daphne (Kate Jackson) prepare their final escape from Collinsport, but Gerard (James Storm) is still hot on their heels. In Parallel Time, Kendrick (John Karlen) continues to investigate the disappearance of his sister, Stella. This episode originally aired on January 20, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1971
Having briefly escaped into Parallel Time, where they overhear Morgan Collins (Keith Prentice) propose to Angelique lookalike Catherine Harridge (Lara Parker), Quentin (David Selby) and Daphne (Kate Jackson) return to the "real" world. Attempting to kill Joanna (Lee Beery) once and for all, Samantha (Virginia Vestoff) empties a gun into the woman -- but the bullets have absolutely no effect. Now Samantha is more certain than ever that Daphne has returned from the grave to mete out retribution. This episode initially aired on January 19, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Based upon the novel by Lois Gould and adapted (under the pseudonym Esther Dale) by Elaine May, Such Good Friends focuses on Julie Messinger (played by Dyan Cannon), a woman with intense, often wild emotions that are held in check beneath a rather conventional façade. After her chauvinistic and self-centered husband Richard checks into the hospital for a simple mole removal that goes seriously wrong, Julie discovers that he has been titanically unfaithful to her. This is the straw that breaks the camel's back, and Julie decides it is time for her to break out of her shell, no matter what the consequences. She begins to exhibit a sexual interest in other men (sometimes indiscriminately, as when she seduces her family doctor, played by James Coco), and speaks her mind to others, including her egocentric mother (Nina Foch) and her hypocritical best friend (ennifer O'Neill). At the end, Julie wanders into Central Park and, presumably, a new life. ~ Craig Butler, Rovi
- 1970
Realizing that the decapitated body of Judah Zachary has risen from its coffin, Desmond (John Karlen) decides to destroy Judah's head -- which, unfortunately, is also missing. And after much cogitation, Samantha (Virginia Vestoff) makes up her mind which of her husbands she will remain with. This episode originally aired on October 20, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Samantha (Virginia Vestoff) decides to remain with her second husband Gerard (James Storm) -- but not before informing her first husband Quentin (David Selby) that Tad is not his son. The vengeful Gabriel (Christopher Pennock) exults over the fact that his brother Quentin is miserable. And Hortense (Jenny Egan), the Collins' governess, falls victim to the headless body of Judah Zachary (Norman Parker). This episode first aired on October 21, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
After ordering Samantha (Virginia Vestoff) to remain in Collinwood with son Tad, Quentin (David Selby) reveals the story of Judah Zachary to Barnabas (Jonathan Frid). Knowing what terrors await in the future, Julia (Grayson Hall) tries to persuade Daphne (Kate Jackson) not to accept the job of new governess at Collinwood. And everybody's nemesis, the beautiful sorceress Angelique (Lara Parker), makes a return appearance. This episode initially aired on October 22, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
The head of Judah Zachary places Julia (Grayson Hall) under its power. Conspiring with Leticia (Nancy Barrett), Julia intends to reattach Judah's head to his body. Quentin (David Selby) discovers that Joanna, a woman with whom he once had an affair, has committed suicide; could this have anything to do with Daphne's (Kate Jackson) murderous intentions toward Quentin? And Samantha (Virginia Vestoff) awakens to the real reason that the mercenary Gerard (James Storm) married her. This episode initially aired on October 27, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Samantha (Virginia Vestoff) becomes convinced that Joanna's ghost intends to do her harm. Leticia (Nancy Barrett) is forced to reveal the connection between Desmond (John Karlen) and the head of Judah Zachary, whereupon Desmond, like Quentin (David Selby), is charged with witchcraft and thrown in jail. This episode originally aired on December 24, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Julia (Grayson Hall) arrives in 1840, unaware that Barnabas, having been captured by zombies, is unable to follow her. Meeting Ben Stokes (Thayer David), ancestor of Prof. Stokes, Julia passes herself off as a friend of the 19th century Barnabas Collins. In the course of this episode, which first aired on September 25, 1970, the viewer is introduced to the master of 1840 Collinwood, the wheelchair-bound Gabriel Collins (Christopher Pennock), who bears a striking resemblance to 20th century astrologer Sebastian Shaw (not to mention several other previous Dark Shadows characters). It is also learned that Quentin Collins and his son, Tad, have apparently died at sea; that Quentin and Gabriel's father, Daniel, has apparently lost his mind; and that the mansion is the home of a newcomer to the serial: Samantha Collins (Virginia Vestoff), Quentin's widow. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Still in 1840, Julia (Grayson Hall) releases Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) from his coffin, assuming he is the same Barnabas whom she left behind in 1970. But this Barnabas is as yet unaware of his future existence, and, not recognizing Julia, he attacks her. Rescuing Julia, Ben (Thayer David) makes plans to keep Barnabas chained up and out of trouble. Meanwhile, the psychic Gerard Stiles (James Storm) begins to suspect that Julia is not the "cousin from England" that she claims to be. This episode first aired on September 29, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
The Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) of 1840 bites Roxanne Drew (Donna Wandrey), hoping to make her a vampire like himself so that they can spend all eternity together. Secure in the belief that Quentin is dead, Gerard (James Storm) woos Quentin's widow, Samantha (Virginia Vestoff), thereby gaining control of the Collins fortune. Aware that Gerard is really an international swindler named Ivan Miller, Quentin's brother, Gabriel (Christopher Pennock) -- likewise covetous of the Collins millions -- hopes to blackmail Gerard into helping him eliminate Samantha. This episode originally aired on October 2, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
The Barnabas of 1970 has at last arrived in 1840, saving Julia (Grayson Hall) from being killed by the 19th century version of Barnabas. Taking over his counterpart's body, Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) intends to stay around long enough to prevent disaster from befalling 1970 Collinwood at the ghostly hands of con artist Gerard Stiles. Meanwhile, Flora Collins (Joan Bennett), the matriarch of Collinwood -- and the exact lookalike of her 20th century counterpart, Elizabeth Collins Stoddard -- expresses dismay at the arrival of her son, Desmond Collins (John Karlen), who bears a marked resemblance to Willie Loomis of 1970 Collinwood. This episode initially aired on October 6, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Julia (Grayson Hall) tries to save the dying Roxanne (Donna Wandrey) from becoming a vampire. Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) attempts to kill Julia for her efforts, but he suddenly and inexplicably collapses to the floor. Samantha (Virginia Vestoff) continues to place her trust in the duplicitious Gerard (James Storm). This episode first aired on October 5, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Driven mad at the sight of the head of Judah Zachary, Ben (Thayer David) apparently kills himself. Hoping to enlist Gerard's aid in eliminating Samantha (Virginia Vestoff) and thereby gaining control of her fortune, Gabriel (Christopher Pennock) is taken aback when he learns that Gerard (James Storm) and Samantha have gotten married. This episode originally aired on October 8, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Samantha (Virginia Vestoff) is shocked when her "dead" husband Quentin (David Selby) arrives at Collinwood -- especially since she has just gotten married to Gerard Stiles (James Storm). Explaining that he survived the shipwreck that supposedly took his life, Quentin reveals that his son Tad also emerged from the watery ordeal unscathed. As Samantha wrestles with the dilemma of two husbands, Barnabas (Jonathan Frid) learns of Quentin's return -- and also catches a glimpse of Daphne Harridge, whom he recognizes as posing a dire threat to the future of the Collins family. This episode initially aired on October 12, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1970
Desmond (John Karlen) is warned that he must destroy the head of Judah Zachary lest disaster befall Collinwood. Before he can do so, the head gains control of Desmond's mind. No sooner has Samantha (Virginia Vestoff) married Gerard (James Storm) than her supposedly dead first husband Quentin Collins (David Selby) shows up at her doorstep! This episode first aired on October 9, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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