Jim Drake Movies

Attempting to take a well-deserved sharp poke at those based-on-a-true-story television movies that have usurped the old B-movies that once fed the public's addiction for exploitation fare, this satire chronicles the tragedy of a perfume magnate whose empire is endangered when she suddenly finds herself unable to smell. Worried, the beautiful Satin (Morgan Fairchild) runs to her longtime friend Varda (Dyan Cannon) for advice and then takes off to find her true roots. This leads her to Velour (Rikki Lake) and Corduroy (Victoria Jackson), her sister from whom she was separated at birth. It is they who finally solve her painful mystery with the odious truth of Satin's past. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

The normally caustic Roz (Marsha Warfield) is beginning to show signs of fear and foreboding. The reason? Roz's male pen pal Alex is planning to pay a visit to the courtroom. Thing of it is, the man has formulated an image of Roz that is totally at odds with the facts--thanks to a few "tall tales" submitted by Roz herself. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the conclusion of a two-part story (originally networkcast as a single one-hour special), Harry (Harry Anderson) is offered several jobs, from superior court-judge to road manager for Mel Torme, before making his final decision. Elsewhere, Christine (Markie Post) rather surprisingly wins the congressional election; Dan (John Larroquette) finally finds his true love; and Bull (Richard Moll) has a very close encounter with some Jupiterians. Though intended as the final installment of Night Court's nine-season run, this episode was originally seen next-to-last, with an additional first-run episode shown three weeks later. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Mac (Charlie Robinson) wants to purchase a suburban home for wife Quon Le (Denice Kumagai), but he's a little short of cash (well, more than a little, truth to tell!) With this in mind, Mac is receptive to an offer to appear in an underwear commercial. Elsewhere, Dan (John Larroquette) is entrusted with the safekeeping of Roz's most precious valuables--and Roz (Marsha Warfield) isn't the sort of person to accept a loss gracefully. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Dan (John Larroquette) isn't quite prepared for the outcome of his flirtation with courtroom coquette Faye (Lisa Robins). Nor is the courtroom staff prepared for the results when Harry (Harry Anderson) redecorates his office. And who among the ladies could have predicted the ramifications of the combination poker party and makeup party presided over by Roz (Marsha Warfield)? ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

With a scant few days left before his wedding, Bull (Richard Moll) participates in yet one more weird ritual. It's all for the purpose of performing another "miracle"--in this case, the restoration of Bull's virginity. Meanwhile, Christine is disillusioned by the off-the-bench behavior of former law professor Peter Collingswood (George Coe), a man she has idolized all her life. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The ninth and final season of Night Court begins with the first episode of a two-part story, in which Judge Harry T. Stone (Harry Anderson) and his staff awaiting word about prosecutor Dan Fielding (John Larroquette), who has been on the lam from the law since the collapse of the Phil Foundation. As the courtroom adjusts to Dan's wacky temp replacement Oscar Brown (Gilbert Gottfried), Harry tries to work up the courage to tell public defender Christine (Markie Post) that he loves her. But Harry's efforts are interrupted by the sudden appearance of a masked phantom, who swoops down to kidnap Christine! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

"Instant" celebrity goes to the head of Judge Harry T. Stone (Harry Anderson) when a magazine article names him one of New York City's ten most interesting men. But Harry's rapidly-expanding ego is exploded by an unexpected put-down from Christine (Markie Post). Meanwhile, Dan (John Larroquette) vows to mend his ways and devote himself to the best interests of the Phil Foundation--no matter how much it hurts his pocketbook. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Night Court bows to 1990s sitcom tradition with this extended spoof (replete with black-and-white sequences) of the classic 1946 film It's a Wonderful Life. In the throes of despondency after being dumped by Margaret Turner, Harry (Harry Anderson) expresses the wish that he'd never been born. Enter Harry's idol Mel Torme, in the guise of his Guardian Angel, to show Harry what life in Night Court would have been like without him. Predictably, the scenario is nightmarish indeed, with smarmy prosecutor Dan (John Larroquette) promoted to crooked judge, court matron Roz (Marsha Warfield) languishing behind bars, and court bailiff Bull (Richard Moll) acting like a gutless toady. All this, plus a lively rendition of "Pick Yourself Up"! It should come as no surprise that this "very special episode" originally aired during the February sweeps. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Despite his sorry mishandling of the Phil Foundation--to say nothing of his recent abduction of Christine--Dan (John Larroquette) is allowed to return to practicing law. Unfortunately, there's a price to pay: rather than being reinstated in Night Court, Dan has been demoted to dog-law court. At the same time, Judge Harry T. Stone (Harry Anderson) nearly sparks an international crisis by offending an arrogant diplomat (Stephen Lee) from a tiny but troublesome country. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

On the anniversary of his first date with matchmaker Wanda Finn (Cathy McAuley), Bull (Richard Moll) is on the brink of proposing marriage. First, however, he is required to perform a "miracle"--and please don't ask why. As Bull prepares to pull off this phenomenon, a nervous Wanda wonders how long it will be before the couple can return to their special anniversary repast of Tang and Jello. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The big day has arrived: Bull (Richard Moll) is about to marry Wanda (Cathy McAuley), with his mother "Hank" (Paddi Edwards) at his side and the three Del Rubios scheduled to sing. Unfortunately, it looks as though the ceremony is doomed from the start, thanks largely to the overbearing behavior of wedding planner Christine (Markie Post) and the Wanda's flat refusal to wear Hank's wedding gown. And just when things can't get any worse, a full-scale war breaks out between Harry (Harry Anderson) and Art (Mike Finneran) over who will be Best Man--forcing Roz (Marsha Warfield), of all people, to act as arbitrator! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The guys get together to throw a bachelor party for Bull (Richard Moll). Alas, before the evening is over, the party is stranded in a cheap motel without money, their chartered bus has exploded, and Bull has been kidnapped. Reviewing the situation, Harry (Harry Anderson) can reach only one conclusion: It's all the fault of the long-suffering Dan Fielding (John Larroquette). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi