Efrem Zimbalist, Jr. Movies
The son of world-famous violinist
Efrem Zimbalist and opera star Alma Gluck,
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. received an expensive prep-school education in New England, and at age 16 he briefly studied at Yale University. He became a page at the NBC radio studios in New York City, then took acting lessons at Neighborhood Playhouse. Just before serving in World War II (in which he earned a Purple Heart),
Zimbalist married another aspiring performer, Emily McNair. After the war, he began toting up Broadway acting credits, and in 1949 made his film debut as
Richard Conte's brutish brother in
House of Strangers (1949). After his wife died of cancer in 1950,
Zimbalist briefly retired from acting, moving with his two children to Philadelphia; there he became a researcher at the Curtis Institute of Music, where his father was director. Shortly after returning to acting in 1954 with a recurring role on the TV soap opera Concerning Miss Marlowe,
Zimbalist married East Coast socialite Stephanie Spaulding; the union produced a daughter, also named
Stephanie, who grew up to become a popular actress in her own right (
Zimbalist's son, Efrem III, has likewise earned a place in "Who's Who" as a publishing company executive). Signed to a long-term Warner Bros. contract,
Zimbalist achieved full stardom in the role of suave private detective Stuart Bailey on the weekly TV series 77 Sunset Strip (1958-1964). He went on to another popular Warners series in 1965, playing inspector Lew Erskine in the long-running (nine seasons) The FBI. His later TV roles included Charles Cabot in the 1986 episodes of Hotel, Don Alejandro de la Vega in the first-season installment of the Family Channel's Zorro (1990-1992), and silver-tongued con artist Daniel Chalmers on his daughter
Stephanie's weekly series
Remington Steele (1982-1987). Generally cast in sophisticated or serious roles,
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. has on occasion been permitted to display his flair for zany comedy, as witness his villainous portrayal in the 1990 action-flick satire
Hot Shots! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

- 2004
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In the second episode of Justice League's three-part season-two finale, the Leaguers fall into a trap when attempting to help Hawkgirl's people, the Thangarians, in their war against the Gordanians. Managing to wriggle out of this predicament, the League members reconvene at Stately Wayne Manor, home of Batman's alter ego, Bruce Wayne. Meanwhile, the duplicitous villains who have set this story in motion begin carrying out their plan to destroy the earth. All three episodes of "Starcrossed" were released as a single DVD "movie" in July of 2004. ~ Rovi
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- Starring:
- Victor Rivers, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., (more)

- 2004
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In the conclusion of Justice League's three-part season-two finale, the Leaguers face a showdown with the sinister winged Hawkmen, who intend to destroy the Earth. Complicating matters is the fact that League member Hawkgirl is from the same planet that is presently waging war against mankind. As the story races to its conclusion, the "good guys" (and good girls) must prevention the activation of a Hypergate that will set off an apocalyptic chain reaction. All three episodes of "Starcrossed" were released as a single DVD "movie" in July of 2004. ~ Rovi
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- Starring:
- Victor Rivers, Efrem Zimbalist, Jr., (more)

- 2003
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In the first episode of a two-part story, Superman apparently sacrifices himself for the sake of his fellow Justice Leaguers. Can it be that The Man of Steel is gone from the scene for good? And how will mankind be able to survive without Superman's benevolent protection? Originally intended to be telecast near the end of Justice League's second season, "Hereafter" was bumped forward to an earlier playdate due to its high suspense quotient. ~ Rovi
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- Starring:
- Brad Garrett, Dana Delany, (more)

- 1997
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Lyta makes telepathic contact with an unconscious Shadows victim. Garibaldi hopes to gain the complete trust of his new boss, pharmaceutical mogul William Edgars (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) And Captain Sheridan races against the clock as his guides his troops towards the Earth. Harlan Ellison makes a brief onscreen appearance as a Psi Cop. Originally telecast during the week of June 2, 1997, "The Exercise of Vital Powers" was written by J. Michael Straczynski. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)

- 1997
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Garibaldi hatches a scheme to capture Sheridan, using the Captain's father as bait. Pharameutical baron William Edgars (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) then startles Garibaldi by explaining his true motivations. And Lyta agonizes about the future of Telepaths. Written by . Michael Straczynski, "The Face of the Enemy" first aired during the week of June 9, 1997. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Bruce Boxleitner, Claudia Christian, (more)

- 1997
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- Add The Batman Superman Movie to Queue
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If given the chance, would Batman have the hots for Lois Lane? Would Lex Luthor get along well with The Joker? And what, if anything, would be left for Robin to do? All these questions and more are answered in this conflation of two of the most venerable comic book legends, The Batman Superman Movie. Up to his old tricks, The Joker has stolen a priceless statue from the Gotham City museum. When Batman learns that the green figurine is made of Kryptonite, however, he knows this isn't your ordinary evil caper. The Caped Crusader sets off for Metropolis to tell the Man of Steel the news, and along the way, he falls for the beguiling beauty of Lois Lane. ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Kevin Conroy, Tim Daly, (more)

- 1995
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The Street Corner Kids 2: A Place Called Elmira concerns a group of children in the town of Elmira who attempt to convince a local bigwig (Efram Zimbalist Jr.) to keep open the factory he has decided to shut down. The kinds actions restore the businessman's faith in the community he had soured on. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Efrem Zimbalist, Jr.

- 1993
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Film history buffs will be particularly attracted to this documentary, made by studio boss Jack L. Warner's grandson Gregory Orr. In addition to being the last remaining studio boss to remain active producing films after the studio system fell apart, he was a seminal figure during that period (in his case, from the 1920s to the 1950s). He and his brothers formed the Warner Brothers studio just before the advent of the "talkies" in 1929, and made a big hit with the first commercial talking picture The Jazz Singer. Warner was viewed in deeply contradictory ways by the film community. On the one hand he was an extremly ruthless businessman and competitor, who was known for his tight-fistedness. On the other hand, he was completely forthright about who he was and what he wanted in life, a form of honesty rare in any time. He particularly relished his role as a famous figure whose wishes had to be reckoned with. Special highlights of this documentary include home movies of the mogul with his family and associates, and still photographs. In 1969, after he had ceased being a studio head, he sadly observed "without a studio, I'm just another nobody." ~ Clarke Fountain, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Shirley Jones, Debbie Reynolds, (more)

- 1993
- PG
- Add Batman: Mask of the Phantasm to Queue
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This stylish animated adventure is based on the '90s animated television series, which in turn is based on the original comics and Tim Burton's live action "Batman" films. Unlike the campy 1960s version of Batman, this version is half-mad from the superhero's obsession with justice. It is only his unusual sense of ethics that keeps him from becoming a full-blown psychotic. The story describes the origins of Batman as it follows the Dark Knight's attempts to capture the elusive, deadly Phantasm who kills a crime lord and makes it look as if Batman did it, causing a media smear campaign against the Caped Crusader. At the same time, millionaire Bruce Wayne holds a party at his mansion. There he meets Councilman Arthur Reeves, the man behind the accusations. Reeves derides playboy Wayne for allowing his college sweetheart Andrea Beaumont to leave him. Suddenly Wayne flashes back to his pre-Batman days. He remembers how he met her while visiting his parents' graves to renew his vow that he would spend his life fighting crime to avenge their wrongful deaths. He has already devised an early version of his alter-ego Batman, but that is nearly forgotten when he falls in love with Andrea. The story then jumps from past to present and back as the mysterious Phantasm strikes again. Batman continues his investigation and discovers a disturbing link between Andrea, who suddenly shows up after many years absence, and the villain. Meanwhile, the Phantasm, feeling that Batman is too close to learning his/her identity hires the Joker to kill him. But the Joker has his own agenda and much action ensues before the mystery of the Phantasm identity is solved, Batman clears his name, and justice is served. This film was originally made to go straight to video, Warner's studio liked it enough to release it theatrically. Some of the violence may be inappropriate for very young children. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Kevin Conroy, Dana Delany, (more)

- 1993
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- Add Trade Winds to Queue
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Two rival families clash for control of the Island of St. John in this mini-series. Caught in the middle of the conflict are two lovers, Ocean and Maxine, one from each family. Their secret rendezvous are already putting them both in jeopardy, but when Ocean is accused of killing Maxine's brother, a storm between the families could erupt, leaving no spoils worth taking in the end. ~ Cammila Collar, Rovi
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- 1992
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Len Cariou is back as Michael Hagarty, semi-retired British secret agent and longtime friend of Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury). On this occasion, Hagarty is distressed that his estranged daughter (Kim Johnston Ulrich) has become engaged to a young man engaged in questionable business practices with a mob-connected Hong Kong financial house. When the fiancé is murdered, Hagarty is accused of the crime, but Jessica can't believe he did it (nor can the audience!) ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1991
- PG13
- Add Hot Shots! to Queue
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From director Jim Abrahams, one of the minds behind the Airplane! and Naked Gun films, comes another parody. This time around, Abrahams has his sights set on the action-adventure genre, specifically Top Gun. Charlie Sheen stars as Topper Harley, a maverick air force pilot who constantly lives in the shadow of his father's legacy. Unable to handle the pressure, Harley has left the Air Force to live among a tribe of Native Americans. But when the United States seeks to destroy some Iraqi nuclear facilities, there's only one man for the job. After being coaxed back into service, Harley soon realizes that in addition to Saddam Hussein, he'll have to contend with a rival pilot, played by Cary Elwes, and a devious aerospace executive. Among the many films lampooned are Dances With Wolves, 9 1/2 Weeks, The Fabulous Baker Boys, and Gone With the Wind. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Charlie Sheen, Valeria Golino, (more)

- 1991
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Each episode of the Insight Series gives both parents and teachers of the blind valuable insight into the unique challenges of the disability, and offers techniques to ameliorate its negative impact. In this particular episode, the techniques used to navigate in the larger world are examined. Particular attention is placed on the use of public transportation. Efrem Zimbalist Jr. narrates. ~ Rob Ferrier, Rovi
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- 1990
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Zorro: The Legend Begins is the pilot film for the 1990 revival of Zorro. This time Duncan Regehr assumes the role of foppish Spanish Californian Don Diego, who when the peasants fall under the oppression of the local despots, dons cape, cloak and mask to become Zorro. Efrem Zimbalist costars as Diego's father, who admires Zorro but has little use for his wastrel son (not realizing that both men are one). Filmed in Spain, this TV movie is heavier on the tongue-in-cheek humor than earlier Zorro incarnations--just as well, since it's very hard in AD 1990 to take any of this stuff as gospel. The Zorro series debuted January 5, 1990, over the Family Channel cable service; oddly enough, this pilot film wasn't shown until April 14 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1990
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Jessica (Angela Lansbury) agrees to finish a book that was inaugurated by recently deceased Pulitzer-winning journalist Daniel Hannigan (Van Johnson). The book was intended to reopen a 16-year-old murder case, and to prove that the man convicted of murdering one Lydia Thurlow was really innocent. Following the trail of clues left behind by Hannigan, Jessica comes across a full complement of suspects, among them Lydia's brother and sister-in-law (Raphael Sbrage, Cynthia Harris), and the police commissioner (Bradford Dillman) originally assigned to the case. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1988
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As suggested by its title, this episode is a not-so-goodnatured spoof of the popular "whoddunnit" series Murder She Wrote. Hunter (Fred Dryer) is summoned to the home of his millionaire friend Clarence Hyland (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.), who has narrowly escaped an attempt on his life. Naturally, the house is filled to the brim with suspects, notably Hyland's covetous nieces and nephews. As Hunter tries to weed out the guilty party, he must also put up with the well-intentioned meddling of celebrated mystery writer--and self-styled sleuth--Jennifer Brasher (Marge Redmond. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1988
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During the Korean War, Frank Fletcher, late husband of mystery writer Jessica Fletcher (Angela Lansbury), was forced to bail out of the "Dixie Damsel", a crippled C97 cargo plane. Now, 36 years later, the wreckage of the "Dixie Damsel" has been found--with the remains of a murdered man inside! An Air Force inquiry is established to determine if Frank Fletcher had committed murder, prompting Jessica to team up with her old friend, retired pilot Lee Goddard (Dale Robertson), to clear her husband's name and find out what really happened. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- 1985
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In this 1611 Shakespeare play, the magician Prospero (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) conjures a storm that drives a ship off course to his enchanted island, washing everyone ashore. The company includes King Alonso of Naples; his son, Ferdinand; Antonio, duke of Milan; and members of the king's court. Prospero caused the tempest so he could settle a score with one of the ship's passengers, his brother Antonio. Twelve years before, Prospero was Milan's ruler, but Antonio usurped his dukedom with the king's help. Antonio then set Prospero and his infant daughter, Miranda, adrift to die at sea. But with provisions secretly provided by a friend, Prospero and Miranda survived and reached the island. After the king's son, Ferdinand, separates from the others, Prospero's slave, a spirit of the air named Ariel (Duane Black), uses magic to lead Ferdinand to Miranda (J.E. Taylor), now a nubile 15-year-old. They fall in love. Meanwhile, another slave -- a half-beast, half-man known as Caliban (William Hootkins) -- gathers wood for Prospero, but curses his master, wishing him dead. Two of the king's company appear: the court jester, Trinculo, and the butler Stephano, who is drunk from wine from the barrel on which he floated ashore. They then conspire to kill Prospero and take over the island. Elsewhere, Ariel appears to Alonso and Antonio as a winged beast, a harpy, and reprimands them for their past ill treatment of Prospero. An entertainment then ensues for Miranda and Ferdinand to celebrate their betrothal, and Prospero thwarts the skulduggery of Caliban, Trinculo, and Stephano. The wrongdoers repent, Prospero frees Ariel, and everyone returns to Italy aboard the ship, which was thought lost but is found to be seaworthy. Only Caliban remains on the island. ~ Mike Cummings, Rovi
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- 1983
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Phoebe Cates plays the Baby Sister in this made-for-TV melodrama. A sexually promiscuous college dropout, Cates moves into the home of older sister Pamela Bellwood. Ted Wass, Bellwood's husband, welcomes Cates with open arms...and that's the whole trouble. The original title of this pulpish endeavor was Tainted Love. Baby Sister was first broadcast March 6, 1983. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Phoebe Cates, Pamela Bellwood, (more)

- 1983
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When a successful half-Native American Harvard-grad returns from college to take over the family ranch, two resentful half-brothers scheme to implicate him in a crime. ~ Rovi
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- 1981
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- 1980
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Adapted from the Judith Krantz novel of the same name, the CBS miniseries Scruples zeroes in on a trendy, upscale Beverly Hills boutique. The guiding force behind the Scruples shop is beautiful Billy Ikelhorn (Lindsay Wagner), who, though born into grinding poverty, had risen to the uppermost rungs of L.A. society by virtue of her marriage to millionaire Ellis Ikelhorn (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.). When her husband dies after a long illness, Billy compensates for her grief by becoming a Boadicea of the fashion industry. Her personal and professional life is entangled with those of her closest associates, fashion photographer Spider Elliott (Barry Bostwick) and designer Valentine O'Neill (Marie-France Pisier). Originally telecast in six two-hour episodes on February 25, 26, and 28, 1980, Scruples proved popular enough to warrant a 1981 TV-movie sequel, starring Shelley Smith as Billy, Dirk Benedict as Spider and Olga Karlatos as Valentine. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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- Starring:
- Lindsay Wagner, Barry Bostwick, (more)