John Brahm Movies
Hailed by some as a unique stylist and by others as a rank imitator of better directors, John Brahm was the son of German actor Ludwig Brahm and the nephew of European theatrical impresario Otto Brahm. Shuttling between Vienna, Berlin and Paris after World War I, the Hamburg-born Brahm was resident director for such acting troupes as Deutsches Kunstler Theatre and the Lessing Theatre; along the way, he married prominent Teutonic stage and film actress Dolly Haas. The emergence of Hitler compelled Brahm to emigrate to England, where, after working as a movie production supervisor, he was given his first chance to direct a film, the 1936 remake of the old D.W. Griffith chestnut Broken Blossoms, which starred his wife. He came to America in 1937 with a fat contract from Columbia Pictures in his hand, helming many of that studio's "A"-minus and "B" pictures before moving to 20th Century-Fox in the early 1940s. Amidst many pedestrian efforts, Brahm directed the atmospheric, shadow-drenched terror pieces The Undying Monster (1942), The Lodger (1944) and Hangover Square (1945). His career flagging in the 1950s, Brahm switched his attentions to television, where he helmed some of the best-ever episodes of such series as "Alfred Hitchcock Presents," "The Twilight Zone," "Thriller" and "The Outer Limits." John Brahm's last theatrical feature was the 1967 potboiler Hot Rods to Hell, which was originally intended to be a made-for-TV movie. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In this youthful actioner, two young hot-rodding hoods torment a family while they are en route to a motel in the California desert. The film is also known as 52 Miles to Midnight. The family goes there to take over the establishment. When they finally arrive, tired and frightened by their ordeal, they are horrified to discover that the ramshackle inn is all but abandoned but for the teens who use it as a place to drink. The father and his clan then head for his brother's house 52 miles down the road. Again the young hoodlums launch a vicious attack. Something inside the father snaps. Suddenly stopping his speeding car, he aims his headlights right into the windshield of the oncoming teens, blinding them with the light. The kids crash. The father then forces them to promise to mend their delinquent ways. If they don't, he will send them to jail for a long, long, time. The creepy kids decide to reform. The father, decides to return to the motel and try to fix it up. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dana Andrews, Jeanne Crain, (more)
- 1967
Sharon Farrell stars as novice author Jacqueline Midcult, whose best-selling novel inexplicably contains secret U.N.C.L.E. and T.H.R.U.S.H. information, apparently gleaned from stolen T.H.R.U.S.H. diaries. Suffering from amnesia, Jacqueline is spirited away by U.N.C.L.E. agents Solo and Illya to her Midwestern hometown in an effort to unlock her memory. Meanwhile, T.H.R.U.S.H. operatives Judith Merle (Grayson Hall) and Ellipsis Zark (Theo Marcuse) likewise show up in town, equally anxious to pick Jacqueline's brain -- even if means killing her in the process. Originally telecast on February 24, 1967, "The Pieces of Fate Affair" was scripted by Harlan Ellison, from a story by Ellison and Dale Yudoff. It was initially withdrawn from the Man From U.N.C.L.E. syndicated package because Ellison capriciously used the names of several friends for his characters; unfortunately, one of those friends sued. The episode would not again see the light of day until 1985, when Man From U.N.C.L.E. was rebroadcast over the CBN cable service. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
The Napoleon in the title is not the U.N.C.L.E. agent Napoleon Solo, but instead the genuine article, Napoleon Bonaparte. In Paris, Solo tries to foil the scheme of African subversive Malanez (Joseph Sirola) to steal Napoleon's body and thereby spark a war between his country and France. Both Solo and Malanez also try to capitalize on the romance between Malanez' boss, President Tunick (Kurt Kasznar), and the lovely Candyce (Mercedes Molinar). Former Addams Family regular Ted Cassidy appears in the Lurch-like role of Edgar, while others in the cast include that dependable all-purpose bit player Fritz Feld. Written by James Whiton, "The Napoleon's Tomb Affair" first aired on January 27, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
Pursued by THRUSH agents, Mark Slate is forced to hide a list of enemy spies in the car owned by accountant Sydney Morgan (Sorrell Booke). Realizing that he has somehow come into possession of something quite valuable, Morgan takes out a classified newspaper ad, offering to sell the list to the highest bidder. As a result, both Morgan and UNCLE agent April Dancer are captured by THRUSH leader George Kramer, played by a decidedly pre-Lou Grant Ed Asner. Feeling responsible for April's plight, Mark defies Mr. Waverly's order and formulates his own rescue scheme. Written by Dean Hargrove, "The Double-O-Nothing Affair" originally aired on March 21, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
In Lisbon, Solo is captured by T.H.R.U.S.H. agent Pharos Mandor (Jack Lord), who proposes an unusual deal: Mandor will defect to U.N.C.L.E. if Solo will kill rival T.H.R.U.S.H. operative Stephan Valandros (Nehemiah Persoff), who originally trained Mandor in the gentle art of treachery. Caught in the middle of the intrigue is Mandor's all-too-trusting girlfriend, Cathy Welling (Leslie Parrish). First telecast on October 16, 1967, "The Master's Touch Affair" was written by Boris Sobelman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
T.H.R.U.S.H. has yet another superweapon geared to destroy U.N.C.L.E. This time, the demon device is a molecutronic gun, developed by Dr. James Febray (William Marshall). In his efforts to stop T.H.R.U.S.H.'s plans, Illya is duped into acting as a trojan horse for a bomb destined to demolish U.N.C.L.E.'s New York headquarters. Also in the cast is Ahna Capri as Abbe. Written by Leonard Stadd, "The Maze Affair" originally aired on December 18, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Solo and Illya must guard Eastern European dictator Georgi Koz (Akim Tamiroff) during his Yuletide-season visit to New York City. While Koz's hard heart is melted by virtuous Salvation Army lass Priscilla Worth (Elen Willard), the two U.N.C.L.E. agents busy themselves by fending off assassins -- notably in a school for sidewalk Santas run by Francis X. O'Reilly (J. Pat O'Malley). Scriptwriter William Fay aims for warmth and whimsy, and generally succeeds. "The Jingle Bells Affair" was appropriately telecast on December 23, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Singer Leslie Uggams delivers an atypically villainous performance as jewel thief Natasha Brimstone. Posing as an UNCLE agent, Natasha has gained the confidence of Prince Nicholas (Brooker Bradshaw), the leader of the diamond-rich African nation of Topango. Genuine UNCLE operatives April and Mark must expose the impostor before THRUSH is able to destroy the nation's economy -- not to mention all the gems in its treasury. Written by Berne Giler, "The Jewel of Topango Affair" first aired on December 20, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
UNCLE agents April and Mark head to Mexico in hopes of rescuing three kidnapped rocket scientists. The two spies end up in the lavish home of suave THRUSH agent Alejando DeSada (Fernando Lamas). Thanks to the jealousy of DeSada's girlfriend Sarita (Sandra Sullivan), April's cover is blown, and the poor girl ends up in the bullring facing an ill-tempered bull. Written by Tony Barrett, "The Horns-of-the-Dilemma Affair" was first shown on October 18, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Though technically the fifth episode of The Girl From U.N.C.L.E., "The Montori Device Affair" appears to have been the first one to be filmed -- especially since Stefanie Powers plays UNCLE agent April Dancer as an ingenuous klutz rather than a cool-headed Briton. On this occasion, April and Mark pose respectively as a clothes buyer and a bodyguard to infiltrate the headquarters of famed fashion designer -- and suspected THRUSH agent -- Cornad Brassano. The episode's principal villain is Professor Budge (John Carradine), who has created an electronic device capable of jamming UNCLE's worldwide communications network. Others in the cast include Dee Hartford as fashion model Chu-Chu and Ted Cassidy as towering henchman Tullio (who at one point lifts April off the floor with one hand!). Written by Boris Sobelman, "The Montori Device Affair" originally aired on October 11, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Real-life husband and wife Michael Wilding and Margaret Leighton are cast respectively as inventor Franz Joseph and retired THRUSH agent Gita Volander. Hoping to be reactivated, Gita banks upon the effectiveness of Franz's latest invention, a "matter transporter." Ordered to seize the device, UNCLE agents April and Mark go undercover as staffers for THRUSH kingpin Count Egan (Cesare Danova) -- who falls in love with April. Written by Robert Hill, "The Lethal Eagle Affair" originally aired on November 29, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Larry Blyden guest stars as meek UNCLE clerk George Donnell, who may or may not be a THRUSH mole. To find out, Solo and Illya set several traps to flush George out. It soon develops, however, that George is an innocent dupe, but the truth of the matter rests with the efficiency of a special device called the Waverly Ring. Rounding out the supporting cast is Elizabeth Allen as George's main accuser (and erstwhile lady friend) Carla. The first Man From U.N.C.L.E. episode written by Jerry McNeely, "The Waverly Ring Affair" originally aired on January 28, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Howard da Silva guest stars as Captain Basil Calhoun, the somewhat tattered commandant of the last remaining Foreign Legion outpost. Unaware that the legion has long since disbanded, Calhoun is determined to protect his fort against any and all intruders -- including UNCLE agent Illya Kuryakin and French stewardess Barbara (Danielle DeMetz), who have just parachuted from a crippled plane. The fact that Illya has in his possession a cache of THRUSH documents spells trouble for himself, his travelling companion, and the hapless Calhoun. Written by Berne Giler, "The Foreign Legion Affair" first aired on February 18, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Posing as, respectively, a toy salesman and a hairdresser, Solo and Illya try to rescue orphaned boy-genius Bartlett Armand from his THRUSH tutors. Complicating matters is Bartlett's eccentric movie-star aunt Elfie Von Donck, who doesn't know what a "thrush-bird" is but who is nonetheless determined to keep Solo and Illya at arm's length. Former Dennis the Menace star Jay North appears as Bartlett, while future Murder She Wrote leading lady Angela Lansbury is cast as Elfie. Also appearing are Diane McBain as damsel-of-the-week Joanna Lydecker and Arnold Moss as sinister THRUSH agent Telemakian. Written by Robert Hill, "The Deadly Toys Affair" first aired on November 12, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Peg Beale (Anne Francis) is fed up with her marriage to wealthy toy manufacturer Ted Beale (Robert Strauss), a boorish, thick-witted practical joker. Nor is Peg happy when Ted hires as his new assistant the handsome, college-educated John Cochran (Donnelly Rhodes) -- mainly because John has already seen Peg in the arms of another man. Before long, however, Cochran himself has fallen under the spell of the promiscuous Peg, who hopes to use John as a pawn in her scheme to murder her husband. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Donnelly Rhodes, Anne Francis, (more)
- 1965
Former vaudeville headliner Rudolph Bitzner (Franchot Tone) has been washed up for years, reduced to running a cheap motel. As Rudolph dreams of making a spectacular comeback, his young fiancée, Rosie (Sharon Farrell), falls in love with a handsome TV writer named Cliff Allen (Roger Perry). Ultimately, Rudolph confronts Cliff and forces Rosie to choose between them -- or at least that's how it appears in the grim climax of this tale, in which we learn with startling suddenness why the old trouper was once billed as "Rudolph the Great." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Franchot Tone, Sharon Farrell, (more)
- 1964
When businessman Oliver Pope (Edward Andrews) strikes down a young bicyclist with his car, he panics and races home, leaving the boy to die of his injuries. Upon learning of the boy's death, Oliver remains silent, even allowing his business rival Pete Radcliffe (Kevin Hagen) to take the rap for the hit-and-run accident. But though Pope doesn't seem to be burdened with a conscious, the same cannot be said for his automobile. One of several Twilight Zones scripted by Waltons maven Earl Hamner, Jr., "You Drive" first aired January 3, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Edward Andrews, Helen Westcott, (more)
- 1964
Clearly inspired by the then-current publicity blitz surrounding the Elizabeth Taylor film version of Cleopatra, this Twilight Zone episode was credited to scriptwriter Charles Beaumont, even though Jerry Sohl did the actual writing. Ann Blyth stars as Pamela Morris, a seemingly ageless movie queen. Determined to find out why Pamela is as beautiful as she was during the silent-film era, journalist Jordan Herrick (Lee Herrick) shows up at the actress' home for an interview. He ends up getting the story of his life -- which turns out to be a significant shorter life than that enjoyed by Pamela Morris. "Queen of the Nile" first aired March 6, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ann Blyth, Lee Philips, (more)
- 1964
The Seaview is assigned a mission in the Aegian Sea, to investigate a series of research ship disasters, and an attempt to destroy the sub. Captain Crane (David Hedison) goes undercover in a small seaside village and finds that someone is prepared to kill anyone who asks (or answers) too many questions. He and Nelson (Richard Basehart) follow the trail to Zeraff (Hurd Hatfield), a mad inventor who has built a huge and powerfully armed undersea installation and plans to rule the world, even if it means destroying a good portion of it in the process. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide
- 1964
In Volume 18 of a collection culled from the 1963-1965 science fiction anthology television series, an entomologist hires a new lab assistant, never guessing that she is actually the agent of an alien culture of bee-like creatures. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Luis Spain (Don Gordon), Genaro Planetta (Tony Mordente), and Henry Castle (Chris Warfield) are three seeming social misfits who are recruited into the ranks of the Invisibles, a subversive underground organization run by an alien race. The Invisibles, small creatures with hard shell-covered bodies and sharp claws, have the ability to invade and merge with any human being, taking over control of their minds and bodies; they have already done this with several high-ranking politicians and other prominent personalities, and are planning on doing it with more, with help from Spain, Planetta, and recruits like them. Spain turns out to be an agent of the GIA (Government Intelligence Agency), sent to infiltrate the ranks of the Invisibles' followers. Cut off from his agency by the murder of his partner (William O. Douglas, Jr.), he is sent on his first mission, the takeover of a top defense department advisor (Neil Hamilton), only to learn that the Invisibles have suspected him from the beginning, and that he is the target, their goal to get one of their own into the ranks of the GIA. Seriously injured and desperately seeking help, Spain turns to his fellow recruit Planetta, with whom he developed a tenuous bond during their indoctrination. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Richard Bellero (Martin Landau) is a brilliant but frustrated scientist, forever failing to find approval from his wealthy, pacifist-oriented father Richard Sr. (Neil Hamilton), even when he develops a practical high-energy laser. Much to the displeasure of his ambitious wife Judith (Sally Kellerman), he has been told by his father that he is being passed over for chairmanship of the family-founded corporation. By accident, however, Richard's laser device draws in an alien being (John Hoyt) who, among other attributes, possesses an invisible force-shield. Judith sees this shield as something that would earn her husband the respect of his father and the world, and the chairmanship of his father's corporation, if he could claim it as his discovery. With help from her servant Mrs. Dame (Chita Rivera), she shoots the alien and takes the control device, a button attached by a vein to the being's body, and activates the shield for her father-in-law; the shield is, indeed, impenetrable, but Judith finds she is unable to deactivate it. With her air running out, it becomes apparent that nothing, including her husband's laser, can get her free. Her father-in-law finds the alien's body, but is killed by Mrs. Dame, an act that stirs the alien -- who is barely alive -- just long enough to rescue Judith. Now freed, she starts to move across the room but is blocked by a barrier that only she sees -- she has gone insane. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide
- 1964
This episode marks a rare joint appearance by John Cassavetes and his wife, Gena Rowlands. Married to Charles Justin (Murray Matheson), an elderly diamond merchant, young Diana Justin (Rowlands) decides to finance a stage play with her husband's money -- and hires an ex-lover of hers, actor Lee Griffin (Cassavetes), for the leading role. Not surprisingly, Diana and Lee are soon plotting Charles' murder, with a key element of the plot being Lee's impersonation of Charles while pulling off a lucrative business transaction in Europe. What Lee doesn't know is that the late Mr. Justin had performed one last act of retribution before shuffling off his mortal coil. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Cassavetes, Gena Rowlands, (more)
- 1964
The Soviet Union launches a satellite carrying a nuclear reactor that goes out of control and comes down off the coast of California. The Seaview is assigned to pick up a pair of Russian technicians equipped to deactivate the reactor -- but the distrust between the two sides may doom the mission. And complicating matters even more for Seaview and her crew is the fact that the Soviet satellite was brought down by sabotage in their own ranks -- and there may be further attempts to sabotage the mission. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Hoping to arrange a profitable marriage between his son Al (Don Galloway) and wealthy vineyard owner Kitty Norris (Laura Devon), wine merchant Luis Aguilar (Gilbert Roland) ends up disowning Al when the boy insists upon marrying another girl. Later on, Al's wife becomes pregnant, compelling him to return home and beg his father for money. Luis agrees -- but only if Al can outdrink Luis in an all-night binge. Inevitably, this "wager" ends in murder, with Luis' long-suffering secretary, Ruth (Laraine Day), taking a hand in matters. (Incidentally, Ruth is not the "Joyful Woman" of the title.) ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gilbert Roland, Laraine Day, (more)
