Mike Farrell Movies
Born in Minnesota, Mike Farrell was two years old when his family moved to LA; his father, a carpenter, had just gotten a lucrative movie-studio job. Exposed to showbiz from an early age, Farrell began acting in high school plays, hoping to pursue the theatre as a career. He was forced to put his thespic urges on the back burner during his hitch with the U.S. Marines, but upon being discharged he attended drama courses at Los Angeles City College and UCLA, and also studied at the Jeff Corey Workshop. He made his professional debut in a 1961 stage production of Rain, then spent several years playing bits in such films as Captain Newman MD (1963), The Graduate (1967) and Targets (1968). His first real break came in 1968, when he was cast as architect Scott Banning on the NBC daytime drama Days of Our Lives. Two years later, he put his John Hancock on a contract with Universal, playing supporting roles in such prime-times series as The Interns (1969) and Man and the City (1971).Unhappy with the type of roles offered him by his studio, Farrell asked for and received his release in 1975 when the opportunity came to audition for the popular sitcom M*A*S*H. Wayne Rogers had just left that top-rated series, leaving an opening in the category of "Hawkeye's Best Friend." Farrell read for the assignment, hit it off immediately with M*A*S*H leading-man Alan Alda (something Rogers had never been able to do), and was cast as wise-cracking army surgeon B. J. Hunnicutt, a role he'd fill until the series' final episode in 1983. Like Alda, Farrell directed several M*A*S*H episodes; also like Alda, he was a dedicated political and social activist, devoted to such causes as gay rights and prevention of child and spousal abuse. Since M*A*S*H's demise, Farrell has chosen to cut down on his acting appearances, preferring to direct; in addition to his series-TV work as director, he has also helmed the 1988 TV movie Run Till You Fall. In 1988, he co-produced the critically acclaimed theatrical feature Dominick and Eugene. Previously married to actress/documentary filmmaker Judy Farrell (nee Hayden), Mike Farrell is currently wed to Coach co-star Shelley Fabares. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Made for TV, A Deadly Silence was based on the book by New York Times reporter Dena Kleiman. It is the doleful story of Long Island teenager Cheryl Pierson (Heather Fairfield), who in February of 1986 orchestrated the murder of her electrician father James Pierson (Charles Haid). The film does not argue that Cheryl was innocent. It does, however, delve into the deep waters of "extenuating circumstances". With the utmost taste and discretion, A Deadly Silence reveals that, four at least five years, Cheryl had endured sexual abuse at the hands of her father. Over and above the basic story, the film explores the "deadly silence" of incest-a silence often maintained not only by the victim, but by friends and family members who don't want to cause "trouble". Mike Farrell, Richard Portnow, Jeff Corey and Sally Struther costar, while future Friends regular David Schwimmer essays an important minor role. A Deadly Silence premiered April 16, 1989. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
Battered concentrates upon three female victims of spousal abuse. Chip Fields is the new wife of struggling young Levar Burton. Joan Blondell is the alcoholic middle-aged spouse of the equally bibilous Howard Duff. And Karen Grassle (who cowrote the screenplay) is married to Ivy leaguer Mike Farrell. While a bit too cut-and-dried, Battered handles the issues at hand with intelligence and an avoidance of sensationalism. Made for television, the film debuted September 26, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Karen Grassle, LeVar Burton, (more)
- 1972
Circuitously commenting upon the drug culture of the 1970s, this Bonanza episode probes the dangers of the onetime "wonder drug" morphine. Future MASH regular Mike Farrell is cast as Dr. Will Agar, who is revealed to be a morphine addict after he inadvertently causes the death of a young patient during routine surgery. Also in the cast are Gary Busey as Dr. Agar's hapless victim Henry Johnson, David Huddleston as Henry's father, Melissa Murphy as Agar's wife Nancy, and Mons Kjellin (the son of director Alf Kjellen) as Agar's son Chris. Written by Stanley Roberts and Jack B. Sowards, "The Hidden Enemy" first aired on November 28, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1992
Narrated by Mike Farrell, this film takes a hard look at the problem of ritual child abuse in America. As different cults continue to take root across this country, the instances of the use of children in their rituals grow. This film talks with parents, therapists, children, and law enforcement personnel to shed light on this growing problem and explain warning signs and prevention. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mike Farrell
- 1983
Choices of the Heart (aka In December the Roses Will Bloom Again) recounts the life and death of Irish lay missionary Jean Donovan. Together with three American nuns, the 27-year-old Donovan (here played by Melissa Gilbert) was murdered in El Salvador in 1980. Constructed in a complex flashback-flashforward style, the film shows how Donovan went from a selfish, materialistic girl to a champion of human rights. Martin Sheen plays the priest who is instrumental in Donovan's turnaround. The increasing demand for the US to withdraw its support of El Salvador's military-oriented government is a secondary but vital ingredient to the full dramatic impact of this made-for-TV movie. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Melissa Gilbert, Martin Sheen, (more)
- 1983
As in the title of this documentary, the political career of Allard Lowenstein is illustrated from the time he first made headlines testifying about the abysmal situation in southwest Africa to the loss he suffered in trying for a second term as congressman in 1972. Lowenstein seemed to automatically go where help was needed -- to Mississippi for a voter registration drive to help Afro-Americans in their efforts to register and to the campaign headquarters for Eugene McCarthy to help him in his bid to oust Johnson as the Democratic presidential candidate. Interviews with people as varied as Edward Kennedy, William F. Buckley, Jr., and a few housewives who worked on his campaign testify to Lowenstein's dedication to human rights issues and to promoting a positive attitude in all his acquaintances, workers, and friends. Lowenstein's tragic murder in 1980 cut short a dynamic career. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Kirby (Jack Hogan) begins to question his priorities when he risks life and limb to make certain that a deadbeat soldier pays off a poker debt of several hundred dollars. The situation worsens when it becomes obvious that Kirby's debtor is willing to let his "buddies" die so that he can stay alive. Featured in the cast is future M*A*S*H star Mike Farrell, presciently cast as an Army doctor. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
More formally known as Father Damien: The Leper Priest, this made-for-TV biopic stars a heavily-wigged Ken Howard in the title role. Father Damien was a Belgian priest who, in 1873, was assigned a far-from-desirable congregation: the leper colony of Molokai in the Hawaiian islands. At first appalled by the colony and its denizens, Damien devoted his life to administering to their needs and improving their living conditions. He died in 1889 at the age of 49, having long earlier contacted leprosy himself. When originally telecast October 27, 1980, Damien: The Leper Priest was dedicated to the memory of David Janssen, who before his death was slated to portray Father Damien. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
Destiny of a Woman is comprised of vignettes from the Man and the City TV series, which ran for 13 weeks in the fall of 1971. Anthony Quinn plays Thomas Jefferson Alcala, the Mexican-American mayor of a large southwestern city (possibly Albuquerque). The bulk of Destiny of a Woman concerns a disturbed woman (Lois Nettelton) who kidnaps a baby. When an extortionist complicates the rescue, Alcala steps in. This "TV movie" made the network and syndication rounds long after Man and the City bit the desert dust. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Dominick Luciano (Thomas Hulce) is the moderately retarded twin brother of highly intelligent young intern Eugene (Ray Liotta). Anxious to become a successful doctor, Eugene finds he must devote most of his time to caring for Dominick. For his part, Dominick has been contributing to the family unit as a trash collector; in fact, it is his earnings that keeps food on the table. All Dominick wants out of life is a house by the lake where he and his brother can be together for all time. But the ambitious Eugene can't always bring himself to share that vision. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Hulce, Ray Liotta, (more)
- 1981
This political documentary illustrates the turbulent history of El Salvador from the1920s-1970s, and the role of the U.S. government in that history. As the title suggests, the presence of U.S. military advisors in a military dictatorship fighting guerrilla factions that are labeled communist is highly reminiscent of the beginnings of the U.S. escalation of the war in Vietnam. Although El Salvador is a dot on the map compared to the much-larger Vietnam, the potential for escalation and/or the deaths of American soldiers was not discounted. Material for the documentary came from European and North American sources, historical footage, and interviews with the dissidents -- some subsequently murdered. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- 1967
This sci-fi drama is set aboard a nearly derelict spaceship about to fail. With little remaining supplies and little oxygen, only a few of the crew will survive to make it back to Earth, leaving them to decide which of them must die. The film is also known as The Doomsday Machine. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1994
In this made-for-TV movie inspired by the popular series Hart to Hart, jet-setting Jennifer and Jonathan Hart (Stephanie Powers and Robert Wagner) are attending a party for a successful publisher on his private island resort. Jennifer happens to overhear two men discussing a murder they plan to commit -- and their intended victim appears to be Jonathan. Suddenly the Harts have to find out why Jonathan has become a marked man while staying out of harm's way as they track the killers. Hart to Hart: Old Friends Never Die also stars Mike Farrell and Paul Williams. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1968
In the third episode of a four-part story, Jeannie (Barbara Eden) is still locked in a safe that is destined to be sent to the moon. Her lookalike sister Jeannie II (also Barbara Eden) shows up, intending to use the situation at hand in order to ensnare Jeannie's master Tony (Larry Hagman) for herself. Unfortunately, Jeannie II's own master Habib (played by Ted Cassidy, aka "Lurch" on The Addams Family) likewise appears--fully prepared to kill several characters whom we care about! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1989
The made-for-cable Incident at Dark River stars Mike Farrell as a working-stiff family man. When his daughter falls ill, Farrell discovers to his horror that the girl is suffering from toxic poisoning. A local battery factory has been polluting the area with its deadly waste, but when Farrell tries to take legal action, he finds that the law favors the factory. Albert Rubin's slowly paced script leans towards "bad guy vs. good guy" rather than shades of gray, but it successfully hits all the right emotional buttons. The presence of well-known environmentalist Mike Farrell in this sincere, medium-budget effort is a prime example of putting one's money where one's mouth is. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
Policewoman Fran Belding (Elizabeth Baur) has a new man in her life: Jim Marshall (Gary Lockwood), a police detective who is long on charm but dangerously short on temper. Marshall's well-known propensity for violence catches up with him when he is suspected of two murders. Ironside (Raymond Burr) wants to know if Marshall's current dilemma is linked to a case he once pursued with his former partner--a private detective who is no saint himself. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Based on a comic-book story by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons, "For the Man Who Has Everything" is that rarest of rare Justice League Unlimited episodes, giving center stage to the series' three biggest stars. It's Superman's birthday, so Batman and Wonder Woman head to the Fortress of Solitude to surprise their comrade. Upon arrival, the pair finds that Superman has already been surprised by a gift from the evil Mongul -- a parasitic plant that has immobilized the Man of Steel. As Batman and W.W. struggle to free their fellow Leaguer, the comatose Superman experiences what life would have been like had Krypton never exploded and had he remained on the planet as Kal-El -- with a very familiar-looking wife named Loana, and a "dream son," Van-El. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Eric Roberts, Dana Delany, (more)
- 2003
This Christmas show is the only single-part episode of Justice League's second season. With Yuletide approaching, the various League members go their separate ways to celebrate the holiday. Superman invites Martian Manhunter J'onn J'onnz (here seen in one of his many earthly aliases) to Christmas dinner with the Man of Steel's earth parents, Ma and Pa Kent; The Green Lantern and Hawkgirl continue to draw closer together, especially during a hilarious snowball fight; and longtime foes Flash and Ultra-Humanite bury the hatchet long enough to help a group of needy orphans. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mike Farrell, Shelley Fabares, (more)
- 1979
Frank is Frank Miller (Art Carney), a 65 year old newspaper man. His letters are to his oldest son Richard (Mike Farrell), and they're decidedly on the vitriolic side. Frank, you see, was involuntarily retired from his job and replaced by a computer. But with the help and support of his wife Betty (Maureen Stapleton), Frank bucks the system and comes out on top. The script of the made-for-TV Letters from Frank was flexible enough to allow for a wide range of ages in the supporting cast, from seventysomething veterans Margaret Hamilton and Lew Ayres to 19-year-old relative newcomer Michael J. Fox (billed ninth, without the "J"). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
The science of "cryogenics" forms the basis of the made-for-TV Live Again, Die Again. Donna Mills plays a young woman who dies of rheumatic fever. At her deathbed request, Mills' body is frozen, in hopes of reviving her in the future. Thirty years later, Mills awakens, returning to the not-so-open arms of her doddering husband (Walter Pidgeon), her spiteful daughter (Vera Miles) and her mixed-up son (Mike Farrell). No, this was not produced by Walt Disney Studios. Adapted by Joseph Stefano from a novel by David Sale, Live Again, Die Again first aired February 16, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Framed for a murder he did not commit, a detective is sent to a prison where each day's survival is a victory. Sickened by the brutality he encounters there, he plans his escape, knowing that only on the outside will he be able to prove his innocence. ~ Mark Hockley, All Movie Guide
- 1979
Sometimes, Cupid's arrows land in the wrong targets. How else can one explain why the high-born Charles (David Ogden Stiers) has fallen in love with low-born Korean bar girl Sooni (Sylvia Chang)? And what other compelling reason would cause fashionable nurse Debbie Clarke (Kit McDonough) to enter into romance with blue-collar Klinger (Jamie Farr)? (It can't simply be because Debbie is impressed by Klinger's cross-dressing wardrobe--though she is, she truly is). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
It looks like the 4077th won't get the Christmas turkey dinner they'd been promised. The only staffer not feeling sorry for himself is Father Mulcahy (William Christopher), who is more concerned that a group of local youngsters will not be properly fed. Mulcahy takes up a collection for the kids, with all but the Scroogelike Charles Winchester (David Ogden Stiers) pitching in with a contribution. Contrary to popular belief, it turns out that Charles is in his own way as generous as the next fellow--but this generosity may have an unintended negative result. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
Col. Potter (Harry Morgan) and Charles (David Ogden Stiers) prove to be difficult patients when both are quarantined with the mumps. It is particularly irksome for Charles, who fears that his temporary replacement Newsome (Edward Herrman), who has toted up an impressive combat surgery record, will prove to be better at the job than the man he's replacing. But things take an unexpected term during a medical emergency. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
