Garry Marshall Movies
The career of producer/director Garry Marshall has been marked by many peaks, the highest of which include such classic television sitcoms as The Odd Couple (1970-1975), Happy Days (1974-1984), and Mork and Mindy (1978-1982), and the phenomenally popular feature film Pretty Woman (1990). A Brooklyn native, Marshall (born Gary Marsciarelli) is the son of an industrial filmmaker and a dance instructor. His sister, Penny Marshall, is a comic actress and noted film director. Marshall majored in journalism at Northwestern University and subsequently served a stint in the army before becoming a reporter for the New York Daily News. He was also a jazz drummer in a band before becoming a television comedy scriptwriter for such artists as Joey Bishop and Phil Foster and the writer for Jack Parr on The Tonight Show.Marshall moved to Los Angeles in 1961, but he didn't make it big until he teamed up with writer Jerry Belson. Together, they penned numerous episodes for several sitcoms, notably The Dick Van Dyke Show and The Lucy Show. In 1970, Marshall produced The Odd Couple, which starred Jack Klugman and Tony Randall and was based on a popular Neil Simon play and movie. He reached his apex as a television producer during the '70s, with such hits as Laverne and Shirley (1976-1983) (a Happy Days spin-off starring sister Penny) and Mork and Mindy. In addition to his producing and television directorial efforts, Marshall occasionally appeared as a supporting actor.
In features, Marshall co-produced and co-wrote (with Belson) his first film, How Sweet It Is!, in 1968. A year later, the two produced and penned The Grasshopper. Marshall made his directorial feature film debut in 1982 with Young Doctors in Love, a comic look at daytime serials. As a film director, Marshall's output has received uneven critical reviews. Films such as the Goldie Hawn/Kurt Russell vehicle Overboard and the Bette Midler/Barbara Hershey melodrama Beaches (1988) had good box-office business, but were considered of average quality. 1990's Pretty Woman was Marshall's first big movie hit. Following its tremendous success, he tried his hand at a serious drama with Frankie and Johnny (1991) starring Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer. Since then, Marshall's films have tended more toward sentimental and straight dramas such as The Twilight of the Golds (1997) and The Other Sister (1999). Marshall returned to comedy -- and to his teaming of Julia Roberts and Richard Gere -- in 1999 with Runaway Bride.
In addition to his work behind the camera, Marshall has occasionally appeared as an actor in films and television shows alike. During the mid-'90s, many TV audiences came to recognize him for playing Candice Bergen's ratings-crazy boss, Stan Lansing, on Murphy Brown. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Veteran director Garry Marshall helms this ensemble comedy featuring multiple overlapping storylines set during a Valentine's Day in L.A. Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Shirley MacLaine, Ashton Kutcher, and Topher Grace topline the cast. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide
- 2008
Jessica Biel, Garry Marshall, Steven Collins, and Jason Clarke headline director Bill Purple's melancholy short about an anti-social math wiz and chess fanatic whose misanthropic worldview is challenged by a lovable little canine. Howard (Clarke) is a "perpetual student" whose uncanny knack for numbers has resulted in a false sense of superiority. Simply put, Howard sees himself as superior to nearly everyone he encounters - including the ageing chess champion that he defeats in a high-profile tournament. When Howard realizes that he's in serious need of some work-study money, his advisor sets him up with a job in a research lab. Now, as the mousy, sensitive lab tech works overtime to prevent Howard from discovering the secrets of their research, the man who views the world through darkened shades of contempt strikes up a most unexpected friendship. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jason Clarke, Jessica Biel, (more)
- 2008
A man who has spent much of his life wandering through a haze of liquor and drugs learns that clearing his mind isn't an easy process in this independent comedy-drama. Truman (J.R. Bourne) is a hard-drinking cab driver who lives and works in Fairbanks, Alaska, driving home boozers and tourists who can't find their way in the frozen winter nights. While Truman is intrigued by a rough-edged stripper named Eleanor (Emily Wagner) who is a regular fare, for several years he's been dating Emily (Stacy Edwards), an aspiring novelist, and when she leaves him for another man, he takes the news hard. After a long night's bender of booze and LSD, Truman attempts suicide, and wakes up in a metal hospital where he dries out and tries to put his life back together with the help of a good natured psychiatrist (Garry Marshall). While attending group therapy, Truman notices a familiar face -- Eleanor, who is dealing with demons of her own and is willing to let Truman into her life. Truman falls in love with Eleanor, but once he is settled back in Fairbanks and tries to restart his life, he falls prey to the bad habits and poor choices that have dogged him for years. Also featuring Paul Dooley, Jeffrey Scott Jensen and Dan Butler, Chronic Town was the first feature film from director Tom Hines. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- J.R. Bourne, Emily Wagner, (more)
- 2007
Oscar-winning Hollywood visionary Steven Spielberg teams with reality television pioneer Mark Burnett for an unscripted series in which undiscovered filmmakers compete for the opportunity to win a development deal at DreamWorks -- the production company behind such major box-office hits as Dreamgirls and War of the Worlds. Each week the contestants are provided with the best resources that the film industry has to offer, provided with a limited budget, and given the assignment of completing various types of film projects. After completion, each film is screened in a one-hour episode and critiqued by three judges: director Garry Marshall, actress and screenwriter Carrie Fisher, and a special guest judge, such as Brett Ratner, Michael Bay, and D.J. Caruso. Though the professional critiques allow the contestants an opportunity to gain a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses as filmmakers, the final outcome of the competition rests in the hands of the viewing audience -- who are given the opportunity to vote for their favorite film each week. The results of the vote are announced during the next week's episode, and the filmmaker(s) behind the feature with the fewest votes are sent home. In the end, the one director left standing is granted a one-million-dollar development deal at DreamWorks, which could allow the filmmaker the opportunity to realize his or her dream of becoming a major Hollywood director. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 2002
In the final episode of Monk's first season, the ultra-phobic Mr. Monk (Tony Shalhoub) is forced to take his first plane ride. Galvanized by sheer terror, Monk spends the first part of the flight driving his fellow passengers crazy with his anxious questions. Before long, he really has something to obsess over when he deduces that passenger Stephan Chabrol (Carl Marotte) has murdered his wife in mid-flight--even though a woman claiming to be Mrs. Chabrol is seated right next to him. The topheavy guest cast includes Tony Shalhoub's former Wings costar Tim Daly) as himself; Shalhoub's real-life wife Brooke Adams as a suspicious stewardess; and prolific producer-director Garry Marshall as a garrulous extension-cord salesman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
A novice filmmaker finds himself dealing with both personal and professional dilemmas when his life takes some unexpected turns in This Space Between Us. Alex (Jeremy Sisto) is a director whose first feature has received a frosty reception from the Hollywood brass, and the best job his agent can find him is directing a TV movie reuniting the cast of Punky Brewster. Alex decides it's time to give up on Los Angeles and heads to his old stomping grounds in the San Francisco Bay area, through his memories of his days there are now bittersweet following the death of his wife, Maggie (Vanessa Marcil). Alex is soon reacquainted with several of his old flames, including French artist Zoe (Clara Bellar), cheery high school pal Arden (Poppy Montgomery) and rich but flaky Paternelle (Alex Kingston). He also finds that his best buddy from school, Jesse (Erik Palladino) is still feuding with his old rival Sterling (Vincent Ventresca), who is now a city supervisor. This Space Between Us features cameo appearances from musicians David Charles Lowery (of Cracker and Camper Van Beethoven) and Brian Van Der Ark (of The Verve Pipe). ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeremy Sisto, Vanessa Marcil, (more)
This biography charts Garry Marshall from when he first gained fame as the creator of such '70s television classics as Mork and Mindy and Happy Days to directing the 1998 mega-hit Runaway Bride. ~ Jonathan Crow, All Movie Guide
- 1997
The newly unattached Jim (Charles Kimbrough) looks forward to escorting the Raven-Haired Receptionist (Mary-Margaret Humes) to Mr. Lansing's testimonial dinner (actually a charity benefit for strippers!) Unfortunately, a few wires get crossed, and Miller (Christopher Rich) ends up with the "dream" date instead. Meanwhile, the relationship between Frank (Joe Regalbuto) and Dana is sorely strained by Frank's sudden upsurge in popularity with the opposite sex. Hector Elizondo and Jane Seymour appear as themselves. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
In a spoof of a famous David Brinkley moment, Murphy (Candice Bergen) makes a disparaging remark about President Clinton while she thinks she's off the air--but she's not. Fired by network president Lansing (Garry Marshall) when she refuses to apologize, Murphy hardly knows what to expect when she is summoned to a special meeting at the White House. Astonishingly, the Clinton administration wants to offer Murphy a job--leaving her to ponder her future as Murphy Brown closes out its ninth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Murphy (Candice Bergen) is stunned when, in the course of a live TV interview, billionaire media mogul Duncan Briggs (Ian Ogilvy) proposes marriage. Though flattered, Murphy refuses, only to discover that Briggs is willing to go to any lengths to get an affirmative answer--even if it means "buying" our heroine from network president Stan Lansing (Garry Marshall). Politician-comic actor-game show host Ben Stein also appears in this episode (though he doesn't mention "Bueller" even once). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1997
Murphy (Candice Bergen) desperately seeks an ally at the network when Kay (Lily Tomlin) presumptively decides to move the entire "FYI" staff to California. The situation prompts Murphy to join forces with Mr. Lansing's weaselly nephew Andrew (Paul Reubens), now ensconsed in a Buddhist monastery. Unfortunately, Andrew proves to be an even greater threat to "FYI" than Kay, whereupon Murphy comes up with "Plan B" (or is it "Plan C"). Watch for a hilarious cameo by Drew Carey Show regulars Diedrich Bader and Ryan Stiles. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Murphy (Candice Bergen) is certain that obnoxious Andrew Lansing (Paul Reubens) is trying to come on to her when she is barraged with candy, flowers and other assorted gifts from a "mysterious" admirer. Not surprisingly, Murphy goes to great pains to convince Andrew that he is not and never will be the man in her life. Ultimately, Murphy is "rescued" by gallant Frank (Joe Regalbuto), but not before both colleagues are slammed with a jaw-dropping surprise. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
With Miller Redfield's "Q" ratings in the toilet, Murphy (Candice Bergen) at last sees a chance to get rid of her hated co-anchor. Her plan involves handing Miller (Christopher Rich) over to her incompetent former agent Steve (Chris Elliott), knowing that Steve will try to use the "underdog" plan to get Miller a raise--a plan that always failed spectacularly for Murphy. Miracle of miracles, the scheme works--but it still manages to backfire on our conniving heroine. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Hoping to get Kay (Lily Tomlin) off her back, Murphy (Candice Bergen) arranges for Kay to produce an afternoon talk show--hosted by network president Stan Lansing (Garry Marshall), and featuring a band fronted by "FYI" investigative reporter Frank (Joe Regalbuto). Unfortunately for Kay, the first telecast of the new show threatens to be the last when guest star Tom Hanks flees from the studio in terror. But Murphy's triumph turns to disaster when she is forced on-camera as Hanks' replacement! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
As the ninth season of Murphy Brown gets under way, the staff of "FYI" is still adjusting to the loss of longtime producer Miles Silverberg. Network president Stan Lansing (Garry Marshall) wants to install his "little weasel" nephew Andrew (Paul Reubens) in the producer's chair, but Murphy Brown (Candice Bergen) and her colleagues angrily reject this idea out of hand. Lansing's second choice is former game show producer Kay Carter-Shepley (Lily Tomlin in her first series appearance)--a tough customer indeed, and one who may well prove to be Murphy's match in every way. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Having resigned from "FYI" in the wake of his controversial confrontation with Big Tobacco, Jim (Charles Kimbrough) accepts the position of news-division head at the upstart ICN network. Much to dismay of the "FYI" staffers, dimbulb Miller Redfield (Christopher Rich) is chosen as Jim's replacement. It finally falls to Murphy (Candice Bergen) to try to coax Jim back into the fold--a job which she thinks will be easy considering the cacophonous chaos within ICN headquarters. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
In case there's any doubt, this episode is a sly takeoff of the notorious 60 Minutes debacle later dramatized in the 1999 film The Insider. Contentious ex-"FYI" anchorman Stuart Best (Wallace Shawn) returns to his former stamping grounds as a Man on a Mission. A former lobbyist for the tobacco industry, Best has "seen the light" and intends to blow the whistle on Big Tobacco. Murphy (Candice Bergen) is eager to tackle the story on the air, but the network backs down in the face of a huge lawsuit. Ultimately, it is Jim (Charles Kimbrough) who attempts to carry Best's anti-tobacco message to the public--with shocking results. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Murphy (Candice Bergen) protests the severe cut-backs at "FYI" by quitting the network, with Frank (Joe Regalbuto) and Corky (Faith Ford) following suit. Forced by Miles (Grant Shaud) to admit he has made a mistake, network president Lansing (Garry Marshall) tries to woo back the "FYI" staff--and even attempts to bring Jim (Charles Kimbrough), now head of the ICN network news division, back into the fold with an offer he can't refuse (well, maybe he can't). This final episode of Murphy Brown's eighth season also marks the last regular appearance of costar Grant Shaud. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
The 200th episode of Murphy Brown is actually the first episode of a two-part story, bringing the series' eighth season to a close. Now that she's been clean and sober for eight whole years, Murphy (Candice Bergen) now dedicates herself to healing the wounds of those whose feelings she has hurt during that same period. This may prove impossible when Murphy finds out that "FYI" will be moved to a less choice timeslot, and that the staff will be severely reduced--two facts which she is forced to keep secret from her colleagues! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1996
Acting on orders from Mr. Lansing (Garry Marshall), Jim (Charles Kimbrough) takes on the challenge of transforming vapid "Front and Center" host Miller Redfield into a "real newsman." The "FYI" staff is astonished that stuffed-shirt Jim would accept such an demeaning (and seemingly impossible!) assignment. But as it turns out, Jim has his own personal reason--one might even call it payback--for helping Miller gain respectability. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
After nearly getting killed during a jailhouse interview with a multiple murderer, Frank (Joe Regalbuto) wants nothing more to do with "action" stories. Network president Lansing (Garry Marshall), however, has other ideas, and insists that Frank continue risking his neck for big ratings. Thus it is that the hapless Mr. Fontana is subjected to one hazardous on-the-air stunt after another--and if this keeps up, he will be literally riding for a fall! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
It is bad enough when the insufferable Miller Stanfield (Christopher Rich) wins the Humboldt Award for a story which the "FYI" staff had labored on to save Miller's behind. It's even worse when the clueless Miller displays a mile-long streak of ingratitude, acting as though he and he alone was responsible for his success. Curiously, Murphy (Candice Bergen) makes no move to exact vengeance upon Miller--at least not right away! Edwin Newman makes a cameo appearance. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Shelley Long makes her first appearance as Dottie Wilcox, one-half of the hosting team of the popular daytime talk show "Dick and Dottie" (based on guess-which syndicated talkfest). Unable to hide her disdain for the lightweight Dottie, Murphy (Candice Bergen) makes a catty comment about the woman during an "FYI" broadcast. Forced by the network to apologize to Dottie, Murphy proceeds in her own inimitable fashion to make a bad situation worse. Comedian Dom DeLuise and Hollywood columnists Army Archerd and Liz Smith appear as themselves. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1995
Network president Stan Lansing (Garry Marshall) enters the hospital after an alleged heart attack, but he's actually covering his behind while executing a series of radical changes on the "FYI" format. His most controversial move is to hire an ultra-hip MTV veejay named McGovern (Paula Korologos in her first series appearance) as an "FYI" anchorperson in order to cater to youthful viewers. Though uncomfortable at first, Murphy begins to warm up to McGovern--until she finds out a deep dark secret about the girl's political persuasion. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
