Martin Brooks Movies

Shot entirely in black and white and produced by the team of Kevin Smith and Scott Mosier, the duo behind Clerks (1994) and Mallrats (1995), this low-budget, independent Canadian production failed to stir up much excitement on the festival circuit. Co-writers, editors, and directors Matt Gissing and Malcolm Ingraham created the tale of a group of Generation X "slacker" types from the Great White North. Bored by their existence and running out of funds provided on the public dole, Ethan (Ethan Suplee), Meg (Renee Humphrey), Cassidy (Carmen Lee), Az (Jason Mewes), and Donner (Jason Lee) decide to repair to the forest in search of the legendary cryptozoological specimen known alternately as Bigfoot or Sasquatch. They're equally sure that they'll attain the peace of mind afforded by escaping society, but of course, their sabbatical is not quite what they expected. Joey Lauren Adams and Canadian comedian Bruce McDonald appear, as does Smith, in a cameo appearance as his recurring Silent Bob character. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Defense attorney Mike Snow (Martin E. Brooks), longtime nemesis of police detective Hunter (Fred Dryer), is the first person contacted by a distraught woman (Wendie Malick) whose husband has just been killed in an "accidental" boat explosion. Though Snow is certain that he'll be able to clear the woman of murder charges, Hunter is convinced that she is guilty as Hell, but has no proof to back him up. A neat "Second Time's The Charm" plot twist wraps this one up in a nice, tidy package. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

In the conclusion of a two-part story, McCall (Stepfanie Kramer) faces the possibility of permanent paralysis as she undergoes surgery to remove a bullet from her spine. Meanwhile, Hunter (Fred Dryer) heads to Mexico, there to settle accounts with notorious pimp Big Jack Hemmings (Robert Ridgely), whom he holds responsible for McCall's plight. When Big Jack turns up murdered, Hunter is arrested--and as the story winds down, the detective must place his life in the hands of his old enemy, gonzo defense attorney Mike Snow (Martin E. Brooks). This final episode of Hunter's third season was directed by series costar Stepfanie Kramer. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

After rape victim Rhonda Burke (Sonia Curtis) suffers a fatal attack, one of the many suspects comes forth with a confession--which is promptly thrown out of court. Outraged by this breach of justice, Rhonda's sister Sheila (Lauren Tewes) swears vengeance on all those suspected of assaulting Rhonda. Subsequently, two suspects are killed, and Hunter (Fred Dryer) and McCall (Stepfanie Kramer) are ordered to go after Sheila--even though Hunter cannot reconcile himself to the notion that Sheila is a murderer. Attorney Melvin Belli and TV journalist Ines Pedroza appear as themselves. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Quincy (Jack Klugman) is outraged to learn that young Sherry Anderson (Heidi Bohay) has died from injuries sustained in a car accident after being treated at a standard emergency hospital. It seems that Sherry's father Bruce (Leonard Stone), who at the crash scene appeared to be the more seriously injured of the two, was rushed to the Memorial Hills emergency trauma center, where the doctors were able to save his life. Arguing that the same special medical care should have been made available to Sherry, Quincy begins lobbying the city to finance additional trauma centers--even as Memorial Hills faces extinction due to lack of funds. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rod Serling, a master of speculative scriptwriting, penned the screenplay of The Man. Set a few days into the future, the story contrives to kill off the President, the vice president, and virtually everyone in line of succession in a bizarre accident. This turn of events elevates African-American senator James Earl Jones directly into the Oval Office. Based on a novel by Irving Wallace, The Man was originally intended as TV movie, but released theatrically because most sponsors were afraid of its supposed controversial content. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

The IMF's mission is to smash the unholy alliance between East European officials Skarbeck (Fritz Weaver) and Lom (Kevin Hagen) and enable a pro-US candidate to win an important government post. The plan requires Cinammon to pose as a recently deceased cabaret entertainer, with Rollin impersonating her Joel Grey-like partner. The episode's highlights include her impression of Marlene Dietrich, and her rendition of three songs: "Buy My Glass of Wine", "10 Tiny Toes" and "The Lady 'Bove the Bar". The lyrics were written by series producer Bruce Geller, while two of the songs were composed by Mission: Impossible musical director Lalo Shifrin. Scripted by Laurence Heath, "Illusion" first aired on April 13, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Now working as a trucker under the alias "Stan Dyson", Kimble (David Janssen) falls in love with his company's dispatcher Barbara Wells (Janice Rule). What Kimble doesn't know is that Barbara is a parolee who must return to her jail cell every evening. Nor is he aware of this arrangement when Barbara breaks out of jail to join Kimble at a lakeside resort--with parole officer Art Meredith (Steve Ihnat) and the relentless Lt. Gerard (Barry Morse) hot on the couple's trail. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

SS Captain Reichhart (George Backman) and his minions take sadistic delight in capturing and torturing American officers. Reichart's latest "catch" is none other than Lt. Hanley (Rick Jason) of King Company. Sgt. Saunders (Vic Morrow) must locate the Nazi's secret headquarters before it is too late for Hanley. Prominent in the supporting cast is future Star Trek costar Leonard Nimoy, adopting a German accent for the occasion. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi