Ritch Brinkley
A boy in the deep South learns the joys and sorrows of first love in this comedy-drama based on the short story by Truman Capote. Billy Bob Murphy (Joe Pichler) is a thirteen-year-old boy growing up in a small Alabama town in 1947. Billy Bob's mother Elinore (Sheryl Lee) lost her husband during World War II, and has been struggling to raise her son on her own. Billy Bob's best friend is Preacher Star (Jesse Plemons); Preacher has a pronounced mischievous streak, which is hardly tempered by the fact his Dad has a drinking problem and his older brothers are teenage thugs in training. When thirteen-year-old Lily Jane Bobbitt (Tania Raymonde) moved into town with her mother, a strange woman who never speaks, both Billy Bob and Preacher are entranced; groomed to act like a "lady" and convinced she's destined for stardom in the movies, Lily Jane isn't like any of the girls in town. But Billy Bob not only has Preacher as a rival for Lily Jane's affections, his best friend's coarse personality makes her wonder if Billy Bob is the sort of young gentleman who is worthy of her company. Lily Jane also earns the enmity of many of her schoolmates when she befriends Sister Rosalba, a girl her age from the town's African-American neighborhood. As Billy Bob struggles with first love, he also has to deal with his mother's budding romance with Speedy, the local auto mechanic (Christopher McDonald. Children On Their Birthdays was the first film directed by Mark Medoff, a noted screenwriter and playwright who received an Oscar nomination for his work on the film Children Of A Lesser God. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
In this suspense thriller, a man discovers the unexpected danger of trusting a good Samaritan. Jeff Taylor (Kurt Russell) and his wife Amy (Kathleen Quinlan) are driving through the New Mexico desert en route to California when an incident with a lunatic driver causes their jeep to break down in the middle of nowhere. Jeff is trying to fix the vehicle when an apparently friendly truck driver, Red Barr (J.T. Walsh), stops by to offer help. Red tells the couple that there's a diner a few miles down the road where they can call for help; Jeff decides to stay with the car while Amy hops a ride with Red to see if she can find a mechanic to help them. After a long wait, Jeff is able to get the jeep running again, and he discovers that the diner is indeed a few miles down the road. But everyone there claims they've seen no sign of Amy, and Red claims to know nothing about picking her up. When Jeff attempts to file a missing person's report, he discovers mysterious disappearances are disturbingly common in this stretch of the desert; he soon realizes that someone has kidnapped his wife, but he's not sure who, or for what purpose. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kurt Russell, J.T. Walsh, (more)
- 1996
Murphy's past comes back to bite her as the "FYI" crew prepares to cover the 1996 Presidential election. A support group consisting of all of Murphy's former secretaries--led by Secretary #2, aka Robert (Charley Lang, who was fired in the very first episode--breaks into the studio to hold their ex-boss hostage. Now Murphy must plead her case before 86 different people (some of them VERY different) who would just as soon see her sleeping with the fishes. (The official cast list for this episode identifies several of the former secretaries by their now-famous character flaws: the "mimicker", the "slow speaker", the "Hitler", the "wrestler," and on into the night!) ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
While covering the Presidential Primary in Wisconsin, the "FYI" staff is stranded at a diner several miles from Madison when their fancy T-2000 bus breaks down. Undaunted, Murphy (Candice Bergen) decides to seek out interviews and photo ops amongst the diner's patrons. Alas, what begins as a unique and compelling "human interest" story degenerates into Politics as Usual when the other networks and several GOP aides find out what Murphy is up to. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
When the "FYI" studio is decimated by a truck (you had to be there!), the news team heads en masse to Murphy's alma mater, where our heroine is to receive a doctorate for helping to create the school's Women's Studies Program. Murphy (Candice Bergen) of course anticipates being received like a conquering warrior by the female students. Unfortunately, times have changed, and now Murphy's "protégées" regard her particular brand of feminism as being hopelessly out of date! Featured among the students is future That 70s Show regular Lisa Robin Kelly. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
In deciding to whom he should assign a high-profile political story, Miles (Grant Shaud) finds himself stuck in a no-win situation. He can either risk losing a romantic evening with wife Corky (Faith Ford) or having all of his bones broken by Murphy (Candice Bergen). Miles' ultimate decision is both democratic and imbecilic: He assigns BOTH ladies to the story! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Former NBC intern and Get a Life creator Chris Elliott stars as the title character, a recent graduate of the exclusive Fancy Lad Academy who unwittingly boards the wrong sea vessel and ends up a whipping post for its gruff, foul-mouthed crew after his predecessor (Andy Richter of The Late Show) falls overboard. Over the course of their adventures, Elliot eventually earns the respect of the crew as he also earns his manhood. This supremely silly film features sight gags and tastelessness galore, including a love scene with a woman who's all hands -- literally. Elliot's old boss David Letterman appears in an amusing unbilled cameo as a sarcastic villager in port. In all, Cabin Boy works much in the same vein as Elliot's former TV show; a crass sense of humor is helpful for full appreciation. ~ Jeremy Beday, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Chris Elliott, Ritch Brinkley, (more)
- 1993
Once again drawing from "today's headlines" for story material, this episode concerns itself with the notorious "Beltway Madam", who as owner of Washington's most expensive prostitution ring has plenty of dirt to dish out. Miles (Grant Shaud) manages to outscoop his competition by securing an interview with the Beltway Madam; the problem now is to persuade a reluctant Murphy (Candice Bergen) to go through with the assignment. And wait until you see who's been hired as Murphy's "Secretary No. 63." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
- R
Doctor Mordrid (Jeffrey Combs) is an interdimensional sorcerer whose earth cover consists of acting as a super for a Manhattan apartment building. He gets word from his contact that a rival sorcerer, Kabal (Brian Thompson), has escaped and is coming to earth to take over the planet. Framed by Kabal for murder, Mordrid is sent to jail where his girlfriend (Yvette Nipar) is the only one who can help him escape -- and prevent the destruction of Earth. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeffrey Combs, Yvette Nipar, (more)
Here's a fictionalized account of Jack Ruby's perspective of the events leading up to his assassination of Lee Harvey Oswald. Danny Aiello appears convincingly as the nightclub-owner Ruby who (according to this telling) points the finger at an FBI conspiracy as the force behind the Kennedy assassination. The film includes some actual footage from Ruby's Oswald shooting. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Danny Aiello, Sherilyn Fenn, (more)
- 1992
A pre-Star Trek: Voyager Kate Mulgrew guest stars as Hillary, the woman hired to temporarily replace the pregnant Murphy (Candice Bergen) on "FYI". Everyone on the staff is fascinated by the Toronto-bred Hillary's range of expertise and incredible on-camera poise. Everyone, that is, except Murphy, who quickly discerns that Hillary is on the verge of becoming a problem drinker--just as Murphy herself had once been. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
In the now-legendary final episode of Murphy Brown's fourth season, pregnant Murphy (Candice Bergen) goes into labor right in the middle of an "FYI" telecast. Once in the hospital, Murphy still can't believe that she's about to give birth, especially when the process seems to be so easy and free of care. . .at first. But when the contractions begin coming more rapidly--and the baby steadfastly refuses to make its debut appearance--the situation quickly deteriorates into comic chaos, as the pain-racked Murphy launches into her famous "childbirth rant", loudly and profanely railing against every male on the face of the earth--especially her Lamaze partner Eldin (Robert Pastorelli), who for reasons unknown has not showed up for the Big Moment. This episode earned an Emmy award for Candice Bergen, who has listed "Birth 101 as her all-time favorite (an opinion clearly not shared by Vice President Dan Quayle, but that's another story). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1992
In the concluding half-hour of Murphy Brown's Season Five opener (originally telecast as a single hour-long episode), Murphy is still seething over the words of Vice President Dan Quayle, who has publicly chastised her decision to bear a child out of wedlock as a mockery of "Family Values" (this episode is of course based on the real-life controversy surrounding Mr. Quayle's reaction to the series' Season Four finale). While trying to mount a suitable response to these words, Murphy is also being stressed out by her efforts to choose a name for her baby--to say nothing of hiring a suitable nanny and prepping herself to return to "FYI". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A teenager in the '50s moves to a new neighborhood and has to deal with all the problems that come with it in this lighthearted feature--complete with a rock 'n' roll soundtrack. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Chris Young, Keith Coogan, (more)
- 1991
Silhouette, an excellent made-for-cable thriller, is the story of a businesswoman who is stranded by car trouble in a small town and who is the only witness to a murder. Samantha Kimball (Faye Dunaway), while waiting for her car to be repaired, stays in a rundown hotel in a small town. There, unable to sleep, she watches through her window as a car drives up to the home of a local waitress. She sees the shadow of a man get out and a violent attack and murder take place inside the home. After having made her statement to the police, Samantha becomes increasingly frightened as the killer begins to stalk her and her daughter, afraid that he can be identified. Dunaway is terrific as the woman who must fight to protect herself and her child, and she gives a cool, nuanced performance in a somewhat cliched role. The identify of the killer, not revealed until the bloody finale of the film, is not much of a surprise, but Silhouette, fast-paced and nicely directed by Carl Schenkel, makes the most of its familiar material and delivers an exciting, suspenseful lady-in-distress thriller. ~ Linda Rasmussen, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Although the network has given the okay to Murphy's unwed pregnancy and allows her to remain on "FYI", Miles (Grant Shaud) worries that Murphy (Candice Bergen) will soon be physically incapable of maintaining her usual exhausting pace. Her first big challenge is to secure an interview with President Bush, who agrees to talk with her only while he's jogging. Once she realizes that being on foot with the Prez is out of the question, Murphy tries to keep up with the Chief Executive on a bicycle--yet another in a long line of blunders! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
- R
This clever and well-crafted production (produced for Home Box Office) goes the distance with its innovative concept, which is equal parts Raymond Chandler and H.P. Lovecraft. Taking place in 1948 Hollywood -- in an alternate reality where magic spells, curses and demons are commonly used and accepted -- the story revolves around hard-boiled gumshoe Harry P. Lovecraft (Fred Ward, looking nothing like his character's namesake and everything like Mike Hammer), the only detective in the business who relies on brains and instinct instead of gazing into a crystal ball or casting runes. This pure perspective is sought out by wealthy eccentric Amos Hackshaw (David Warner), who is trying to retrieve the legendary "Necronomicon" (a key component in the works of the real H.P. Lovecraft). The book is reputed to have the power to release the "Elder Gods" from their cosmic confines and return them to Earth, whereupon Hackshaw believes they will appoint him ruler of all mankind. The chief rival for possession of the book is a seedy gangster (Raymond O'Connor) whose favorite nightclub singer (Julianne Moore) takes a shine to Harry. Followed by a sequel, Witch Hunt, which applies a more sublime (if unnecessary) re-interpretation of the material, and features Dennis Hopper in the Lovecraft Role. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Fred Ward, David Warner, (more)
- 1991
It's time for a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T at the "FYI" studio, as Murphy (Candice Bergen) anxiously awaits her opportunity to interview singer Aretha Franklin. So momentous is this assignment that Murphy wangles extra airtime from her co-anchors. Unfortunately, she gets a LOT more airtime than she ever expected--or wanted--when Aretha's train and limosine are both delayed by unexpected traffic! The episode's highlight is a duet (or something like it) between Lady Soul and the famously tone-deaf Murphy Brown! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
In an episode blatantly inspired by current events (those of early 1991, that is), the network carrying "FYI" is taken over by a huge corporation called American Industrial Enterprises. Almost immediately, the company's barracudalike VP Barbara Boyle (Nancy Youngblut) begins imposing Draconian budget limitations on the "FYI" staffers; at one point, investigative reporter Frank [Joe Regalbuto] is forced to go undercover wearing only a ludicrous pair of "Groucho glasses" as a disguise. Finally, Murphy (Candice Bergen) decides to stage a revolt--with astonishing results. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
The made-for-TV Jailbirds is a distaff comedy variation on The Defiant Ones. Phylicia Rashad plays an important LA business executive, while Dyan Cannon portrays a trailer-trash babe from Louisiana. Both Rashad and Cannon are thrown into a dank Southern jail for crimes they didn't commit. While manacled together, the ladies escape, driving each other cuckoo as they elude their captors. Apparently, CBS had so little faith in Jailbirds that the network hardly bothered to advertise the film went it premiered May 16, 1991. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Frank (Joe Regalbuto), Miles (Grant Shaud) and Jim (Charles Kimbrough) have all elected to get in touch with their inner selves by joining a new men's movement created by Eli White (Brandon Maggart). All of this is a source of great amusement for Murphy, who dismisses the movement as merely a scam. Even so, she agrees to join her male coworkers for a weekend of "bonding"--meaning she'll be the only pregnant person on the premises. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
For most of the United States, February is the month of Presidents' birthdays and Valentine's Day; at the headquarters of "FYI", February means "Sweeps Month." Hoping to score a huge ratings coup, Murphy (Candice Bergen) and Corky (Faith Ford) team up to write a shocking expose of a crooked oil company. Unfortunately, their investigation requires the ladies to pose as members of the World's Oldest Profession--fish-net stockings and all! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Not only has potty-mouthed tabloid journalist Jerry Gold (Jay Thomas) ended his romance with Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen), but he has also given up his own show to accept a post with "FYI" team. Miles (Grant Shaud) cooks up a point-counterpoint weekly feature called "Nose to Nose", then assigns Murphy and Jerry to debate over a variety of hot-button topics on each telecast. At first, the two journalists really heat up the airwaves with their arguments and insults--but when the romantic flames are rekindled, the couple's on-camera performance suffers mightily. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Frank (Joe Regalbuto) considers himself quite the clever fellow when he chooses a present for Murphy's 42nd birthday. The "gift" turns out to be a woman named Maddie (Christine Ebersole), who for the next 12 hours will pretend to be the sister that Murphy (Candice Brown) never had. It hadn't occurred to Frank that Murphy never wanted a sister--and she certainly doesn't want the annoyingly persistent Maddie! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
