Lesley Ann Warren Movies
Publicity notwithstanding, Lesley Ann Warren did not exactly burst fully grown into the world in 1966 to star in the Rodgers and Hammerstein TV special Cinderella. Trained at New York's Professional Children's School, Lesley Ann studied under Lee Strasberg before making her Broadway debut in 110 in the Shade, the 1964 musical version of The Rainmaker. On the strength of Cinderella, Lesley Ann was signed to a Disney contract; but after starring in The Happiest Millionaire (1966) and The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band, she rebelled against her studio-imposed sweetness-'n'-light image. Upon replacing Barbara Bain in the long-running espionage TVer Mission: Impossible in 1970, Warren publicly emphasized that her character, Dana Lambert, was a "now" person, wise in the ways of sex. She stayed with Mission for only a year, after which she established herself as a leading light in the made-for-TV movie field, frequently cast as an older woman involved romantically with a much-younger man. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her hilarious performance as bleach-blond gangster's moll Norma in Victor/Victoria (1981), then starred in a couple of intriguing Alan Rudolph-directed dramas, Choose Me (1984) and The Songwriter (1986). Her more recent roles include Molly, the homeless woman in Mel Brooks' Life Stinks(1991), who goes into a "death throes" act whenever she feels like it, and the barracuda booking agent for c-and-w star George Strait in Pure Country (1994). For nearly a decade, Lesley Ann Warren was the wife of producer/hairstylist Jon Peters. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1970
Seldom has a TV-movie title been more appropriate than Love Hate Love. Ryan O'Neal, Lesley Ann Warren and Peter Haskell comprise the three points of an unfortunate love triangle. Ms. Warren is a fashion model engaged to engineer O'Neal; she falls in love on a whim with charismatic playboy Haskell. Unfortunately, Haskell is off in the coop, given to sudden, unexplained spurts of hatred and violence. When Warren tumbles to this and leaves for California with O'Neal, Haskell utilizes his seemingly unlimited transportation resource to stalk the couple. He's careful to stay within the law, but any moment...he'll...SNAP! Eric Ambler wrote the original story upon which the satisfactorily suspenseful Love Hate Love is based. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Season five of Mission: Impossible finds only two of the series' original regulars still in the cast: Greg Morris as the IMF team's electronics genius Barney Collier and Peter Lupus as muscle man Willie Armitage. Peter Graves, cast as IMF leader Jim Phelps, had been with the series since season two, when he'd been brought in as a replacement for Steven Hill; and Leonard Nimoy was entering his second -- and as it turned out, his last -- season in the role of magician and master of disguise Paris, a character created to fill the gap left by the defection of former regular Martin Landau. Although the producers had not found a suitable replacement for another ex-regular, Barbara Bain, during season four, they obviously felt they'd solved this problem in the fifth season with the hiring of Lesley Ann Warren as new IMFer Dana Lambert. Like Bain's character Cinnamon Carter, Dana was a bit of a femme fatale, albeit more on the vulnerable side; and also like Cinnamon, Dana could impersonate a wide variety of familiar female "types," from wide-eyed ingenue to worldly courtesan. Alas, despite her talent, beauty and versatility, Warren was unable to supplant Barbara Bain in the hearts and minds of the series' fans, and by the end of season five she too had left the show. Another addition to the cast this season is Sam Elliott as Dr. Doug Lane, who is from time to time brought into the IMF's various counterespionage and infiltration schemes because of his medical knowhow and his understanding of the criminal psyche. Although Dr. Doug Lane was also dropped from the show at season's end, he would make an unexpected return appearance in the sixth-season episode "Encore." Suffering from progressively diminishing ratings since the departure of Martin Landau and Barbara Bain, Mission: Impossible continued to be plagued by viewer drop-off during season six, even though it had moved to a "safe" Saturday evening slot opposite such soft competition as The Andy Williams Show, Let's Make a Deal, and The Newlywed Game. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
As part of his latest IMF assignment, Paris assumes the idenitity of an influential American industrialist. Unfortunately he his kidnapped and held hostage by a band of Latin-American revolutionaries who are convinced he is the man he pretends to be. The kidnappers demand that three political prisoners be released by their government, or else Paris will be immediately killed. It is up to the IMF to rescue Paris while keeping his true identity a secret. First broadcast on December 19, 1970, "The Hostage" was written by Harold Livingston. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
The "amateur" in this Mission:Impossible adventure is greedy Iron Curtain nightclub owner Eric Schilling (Anthony Zerbe). Having come into possession of one of the pieces of a new secret weapon, Eric endangers the IMF's effort to smuggle the weapon--and resistance leader Father Bernard (Peter Brocco)--out of the country. To put Schilling out of the way, the IMF agents again resort to elaborate disguises, with Dana Lambert posing as a singer in the villain's seedy cabaret (as good an excuse as any to show off Lesley Ann Warren's musical talents). First broadcast November 14, 1970, "The Amateur" was written by Ed Adamson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
During the IMF's attempt to rescue black freedom fighter Dr. Frederick Kolda from the sadistic minions of an Apartheid African nation, Barney is wounded and left stranded in the jungle. He takes refuge in the hut of Gabby (Ta-Tanisha), a beautiful deafmute. Falling in love with Barney, Gabby is fiercely determined to protect him from his white pursuers--unaware that she is endangering the IMF's efforts to rescue their fellow agent. Written by Helen Holblock Thompson, "Hunted" was first seen on November 21, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
The IMF works hand in hand with a band of guerillas to rescue three rebellious scientists from a Communist prison. One of the captives is the beautiful Irina (Davana Brown), who has committed to memory all the secret information gathered by a recently executed scientist. The question: Will the IMF inadvertently cause Irina's own death when they hand her over to the guerillas? In the episode's most memorable scene, Phelps and his temporary ally Alex (Robert Purvey) hide in a huge statue. Originally telecast on November 28, 1970, "The Rebel" was scripted by Ken Pettus, from a story by Pettus and Norman Katkov. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
Albert Paulsen guest-stars as Albert Zembra, a terminally ill Syndicate drug dealer. The IMF's mission: to extract details of Zembra's operation from the dying mobster, thereby severely crippling the heroin trade. The strategy: Paris poses as an underworld kingpin who aspires to become Zembra's most trusted friend--and his most likely successor. Seen in the supporting role of Eve is Victoria Vetri, aka Ahna Capri, whom film buffs will remember as the Coven's first victim in Rosemary's Baby. Scripted by David Moessinger from a story by Moessinger and Walter Brough, "Squeeze Play" first aired on December 12, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
John Colicos makes another guest-star appearance on Mission:Impossible, this time as Manuel Ferrar, the would-be dictator of small Caribbean island republic. To prevent Ferrar from assassinating the republic's rightful ruler, the IMF stages an elaborate and often bizarre ruse. The spotlight is on Barney, who almost single-handedly creates a simulated airline flight--and a deadly mid-air crisis. First telecast on October 17, 1970, "The Flight" was scripted by Harry Livingston, from a story by Leigh Vance. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
Captured by brainwashing expert Dr. Paul Tabor (Mark Richman), IMF agent Paris is transformed into a human killing machine. Released from captivity, Paris remembers nothing of his ordeal, and returns to his colleagues--unaware that he has been programmed to assassinate IMF leader Jim Phelps. Jill Haworth costars as Enid, a beautiful double agent with whom Paris falls in love, and who may or may not be willing and able to prevent Jim's death. Scripted by Gene Kearney from a story by Kearney and William Wood, "My Friend, My Enemy?" was first broadcast on October 24, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
Harry Kellem (Russ Conway), an American businessman working in Tokyo, has been accused of murdering his Japanese wife. The actual culprit is Kellem's brother-in-law Toshio Masaki (Khigh Dheigh), who for political reasons is bent on destroying Japanese-American diplomatic relations. Assigned to clear Kellem and expose Masaki, the IMF embarks upon a series of clever ruses, wherein Paris impersonates a Kabuki dancer, Willy poses as a martial arts champion and Dana disguises herself as the late Mrs. Kellem. Originally seen on October 31, 1970, "The Butterfly" was scripted by Eric Bercovicci and Jerry Ludwig, from a story by Sheldon Stark. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
Assigned to assist in the defection of Anna Kerkoska (Julie Gregg), the daughter of a recently deceased IMF dictator, Phelps becomes aware that both he and Anna have been set up as "dead ducks" by the woman's government. With his usual professional aplomb, Phelps contacts his fellow IMF agents and concocts a sting operation that will hoist the villains on their own petard. But he hadn't counted on falling in love with the beautiful Anna. Written by John D.F. Black, "Decoy" first aired on November 7, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
Lesley Ann Warren makes her first appearance as IMF agent Dana Lambert in Mission: Impossible's fifth-season opener "The Killer." Guest star Robert Conrad plays the title character, a professional assassin named Eddie Lorka. With only a few hours at their disposal, the IMF team must determine the identity of Lorka's newest target--not to mention the name of the underworld czar who hired Lorka in the first place. Based on an idea by Bruce Lansbury, "The Killer" was written by Paul Krasny. Originally telecast September 19, 1970, the episode was later remade as the pilot for the 1988 Mission: Impossible revival. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
In order to smash an international drug cartel, the IMF must stop the three men involving in an intricate smuggling route. Sal Mineo plays Mel Bracken, the Los Angeles distributor of the illicit drugs; Dana Elcaris seen as C.W. Cameron, the midwestern drug manufacturer; and Robert Alda rounds out the guest-star roster as the cartel's middleman, Maximillian. To break up this triumvirate, the IMF organizes an incredibly complex counter-conspiracy. Written by Jackson Gillis, "Flip Side" was orginally broadcast on September 26, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
While attempting to break into a Middle Eastern chemical plant, the better to destory a computer which is manufacturing poison gas, Barney is captured and put out of commission. The successful completion of Barney's mission now rests in the hands of computer expert Dr. Jerry Carlin (Christopher Connelly). Unfortunately, Carlin has become disillusioned with the United States and wants no part of the IMF. Future MASH costar Larry Linville makes his third Mission:Impossible guest appearance, again playing a villain. First aired on October 3, 1970, "The Innocent" was scripted by Marc Norman and Laurence Heath, from a story by Norman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1970
In a change-of-pace Mission:Impossible episode, Jim Phelps makes a sentimental journey to his rural home town. Even here, however, Phelps finds himself waist-deep in a danger, as a series of unexplained murders terrorizes the community. Summoning the aid of his fellow IMF agents, Phelps conducts his own investigation of the killings, and comes to a disturbing conclusion: The murderer may well be an old and trusted boyhood friend. Among the guest stars is future MASH regular Loretta Swit, in a truly offbeat characterization. Written by Laurence Heath, "Homecoming" originally aired on October 10, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Leonard Nimoy, (more)
- 1969
Seven in Darkness has the distinction of being the first made-for-TV "ABC Movie of the Week." The "seven" are all blind people, passengers on a flight en route to a convention for the visually impaired. The plane crashes, forcing the sightless seven to struggle for survival in the hostile wilderness. Arthur O'Connell is given "special guest star" billing, a reliable tip-off as to which of the seven dies first. The rest of the party includes Dina Merrill, Barry Nelson, Sean Garrison, Milton Berle, Alejandro Rey and Lesley Ann Warren. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
- G
- Add The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band to QueueAdd The One and Only, Genuine, Original Family Band to top of Queue
Set in 1888, this tuneful fact-based Disney production concerns the attempts of a musically talented family of Dakota pioneers -- who are politically divided on the upcoming presidential election -- to wrangle an invite to that year's Democratic convention in cosmopolitan St. Louis. Incumbent Grover Cleveland is attempting to win his second straight election and is challenged by Benjamin Harrison. The results are that Cleveland won the popular vote, but Harrison won the electoral vote to be declared President of the United States. Cleveland would win the next election to become the only President to ever serve two non-consecutive terms. Walter Brennan, Buddy Ebsen, Janet Blair, Richard Deacon, Wally Cox, John Davidson and Leslie Ann Warren round out the adult cast. Along with the moppets, they sing and dance to espouse their political allegiances to the candidate of their choice. Look closely for Goldie Hawn in her first film role as a laughing chorine. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Walter Brennan, Buddy Ebsen, (more)
Adapted from the book and play of the same name, The Happiest Millionaire is the (mostly) true story of eccentric Philadelphia millionaire Anthony J. Drexel Biddle (Fred MacMurray). The Biddle mansion is the gathering place for a pugilistic boxing class, pet alligators and would-be opera singers. Cordelia Biddle (Lesley Ann Warren), the daughter of Anthony and his wife (Greer Garson), wants to marry wealthy and handsome Angie Duke (John Davidson), but Angie's parents are shocked by the Biddles' freewheeling lifestyle. Thanks in part to the ebullient intervention of John Lawless (Tommy Steele), the Biddles' butler, all misunderstandings are eventually swept away. Like Disney's previous Mary Poppins, The Happiest Millionaire is decked out with a vibrant musical score by Richard and Robert Sherman, but the magic is somehow lacking this time around. This was the last live-action film to personally supervised by Walt Disney; released several months after Disney's death, the film was made available in 141-minute and 164-minute versions. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Fred MacMurray, Tommy Steele, (more)
- 1966
No sooner has Sophia (Lesley Ann Warren) moved in with her daughter Susan (Teri Hatcher) than she sets to work stage-managing her daughter's love life -- and, by extension, hopes to reactivate her own. Bree (Marcia Cross) has no idea what her son, Andrew (Shawn Pyfrom), has in store for her; the only one who does know is bound by a vow of silence. Carlos (Ricardo Antonio Chavira) unwittingly drives Gabrielle (Eva Longoria) back into the arms of her stud-muffin lover, John (Jesse Metcalfe). And in a moment of near-fatal weakness, Lynette (Felicity Huffman) thinks kindly of the monumentally unkind Mrs. McClusky (Kathryn Joosten). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Lesley Ann Warren plays the title role in this television production of the classic Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein III musical. Cinderella (Warren) is a sweet and pretty young woman who has been given a poor hand by fate; her stepmother (Jo Van Fleet) treats her cruelly, and while her graceless sisters are invited to a royal ball, Cinderella is not allowed to attend. But her Fairy Godmother (Celeste Holm) has other plans, and Cinderella attends the ball, where she makes a tremendous impression upon the Prince (Stuart Damon). But her Godmother's magic only works until midnight, and Cinderella is forced to leave the festivities at their height; will she ever see the Prince again? And how will he ever find her? This was the second television production of this musical version of the classic fairy tale; the original 1957 version featured a young Julie Andrews in the lead. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lesley Ann Warren
