Martin Mull Movies
Martin Mull intended to become a painter when he enrolled in the Rhode Island School of Design, but his Scaramouche-like sense of the ridiculous led to a career as a nightclub comedian. The deceptively conservative-looking Mull is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished satirists in show business. Even before he gained TV fame, Mull's barbed comedy albums had earned him a following on the college campus circuit. His first major TV assignment was Mary Hartman Mary Hartman (1976-77), where he was seen as Garth Gimble, an ill-tempered wife beater who ended up being impaled by a Christmas tree. When Mary Hartman Mary Hartman producer Norman Lear developed the spin-off series Fernwood Tonight in 1977, Mull was brought back as glad-handing emcee Barth Gimble, Garth's twin brother. In films since 1978, Mull is often called upon to portray an underhanded or vacillating CEO (vide Mister Mom). His well-groomed mustache and tweedy appearance served him well as Colonel Mustard in the 1985 movie version of the venerable board game Clue. Back on television, Mull has etched such indelible comic characterizations as Leon Carp, Roseanne Connor's gay boss, on Roseanne (1988- ), and the leading roles of Martin Crane in Domestic Life (1984) and Dr. Doug Lambert in His & Hers (1990). In collaboration with Allan Rucker, Martin Mull was the creator/writer of a devastating series of lampoonish "cultural studies" books and TV specials, under the blanket title The History of White People in America. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1993
Dan accidentally knocks out one of Roseanne's teeth. Unfortunately, it's on the day she has to meet with the health inspector, who ends up being her old boss from Rodbell's diner, Leon (Martin Mull). Meanwhile, Darlene and David (Johnny Galecki) eagerly await their response letters from the art school in Chicago, only to find out that Darlene gets accepted and David doesn't. Bob Odenkirk guest stars. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1993
Leon (Martin Mull) thinks Jackie and Nancy (Sandra Bernhard) should open the restaurant for breakfast. Roseanne thinks he is trying to kick her out of the business. Meanwhile, D.J. steals the car, causing Roseanne to lash out in anger and fear that she is turning out like her parents. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1993
- R
Bud Cort's directorial debut is a dark comedy about a romantic obsession that leads to tragedy, featuring a wide array of cameo performances including James Brolin, Carol Kane, Rhea Perlman, Martin Mull, Andrea Martin, Woody Harrelson, Timothy Leary, and Gena Rowlands. Cort is Ted Whitley, a local poet celebrity in Venice Beach, California, who spends his time drifting along the boardwalk and delivering his beat poetry inspirations at a local dive. As he sits on a pier composing his latest art work, a vision of incredible beauty --Linda Turner (Kim Adams)-- strolls by in a bikini and Ted is immediately smitten. Linda turns out to be the manager of the agency that Ted has used to try to find a new apartment. He flatters her with his attentions and his poetic rambles. For her part, she likes Ted but doesn't consider him romantic material. Ted misinterprets Linda's friendliness for amorousness and when Linda tries to back off from Ted, Ted cannot be stopped. His out-of-control obsession for Linda turns Linda's once-friendly demeanor into one of terror. But Ted continues stalking her until tragedy strikes. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bud Cort, James Brolin, (more)
- 1992
- PG
In this comedy-fantasy, beach-bum Scotty McKay and his buddies are granted their every wish by a luscious genie who has been assigned to do Scotty's bidding. Soon the fellows are carousing in splendor surrounded by their hearts' desires. Unfortunately, it isn't enough for Scotty, who really wants his sexy super-model neighbor Dana. Unfortunately, Jeanie has no power over love. Still she does her best to make him attractive to the shallow cover-girl. It works, but just as Scotty is to get his wish, Jeanie realizes that she is in love with him and that Dana cares nothing for him. She disobeys her commands and interferes with Scotty's wish and all sorts of mayhem ensues until at last true love prevails. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ami Dolenz, Dean Cameron, (more)
- 1992
The Conners star as the "All-American family" in a television ad for Rodbell's diner. Rick Dees guest stars as Ken, the director of the commercial, and Adam Hendershott plays the producer. Meanwhile, next-door neighbors the Bowmans get ready to move back to Chicago, leaving D.J. upset about losing his friend Todd (Troy Davidson). ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1992
Roseanne considers trying to cheat a lie-detector test at Rodbell's because she's been stealing food. Meanwhile, Darlene asks Dan and Becky for advice about her relationship with David (Johnny Galecki). Roseanne gets upset because Darlene didn't go to her. At the end of the episode, Darlene and David have their first kiss on the basketball court. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1992
With the help of Dan, Crystal (Natalie West) goes into labor while Roseanne and Bonnie (Bonnie Sheridan) are fighting over who will be the new manager to replace Leon (Martin Mull). Meanwhile, it appears that Rodbell's diner is going out of business. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1992
In this finale episode of the fourth season of Roseanne, the Conners once again are faced with a grim financial situation. Roseanne loses her job when Rodbell's diner goes out of business and Dan is out of work when he is forced to close his bike shop, Lanford Custom Cycle. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
Robert Altman takes a scalpel to Hollywood ethics in the 1990s (or the lack thereof) in his acidic satire The Player, adapted from Michael Tolkin's novel. (Tolkin also wrote the screenplay.) The film concerns a sleek and smooth Hollywood studio executive who starts receiving death threats from a disgruntled writer because he has committed the ultimate Hollywood sin -- he promised the writer he would call him back and he never did. This is particularly ironic because the studio executive, Griffin Mill (Tim Robbins), is considered "writer-friendly," spending his days listening to pitches from such noted screenwriters as Buck Henry, who is pushing "The Graduate, Part II" and Alan Rudolph, who is hawking a Bruce Willis action film described as "Ghost meets The Manchurian Candidate." But The Player finds Griffin's comfortable life style in danger of collapse. He is trying to find a way to unload his girlfriend (Cynthia Stevenson) whose independence and intelligence make her a poor candidate for a trophy wife. More importantly, it seems that Larry Levy (Peter Gallagher), a slippery executive from Twentieth Century Fox, is angling for his job. And then there are those nasty postcards and faxes from a screenwriter threatening to kill him. Altman cast over 65 stars in cameo roles as texture for his scabrous tale. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tim Robbins, Greta Scacchi, (more)
- 1992
A supposedly quiet dinner with Artie (Rip Torn) turns into an all-out party in this episode of HBO's popular behind-the-scenes late-night talk show parody The Larry Sanders Show. Following up on Jeannie's (Megan Gallagher) suggestion that he and Artie get together outside the context of the work, Larry's paranoia kicks into high gear as the ever-increasing guest list continues to grow. Martin Mull appears as a special guest. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1991
When Darlene gets asked to the school dance, Roseanne goes overboard trying to help her find the right outfit. Darlene eventually backs out of the dance, preferring to stay home and watch the game rather than play dress up with her mom. Meanwhile at Rodbell's Diner, Roseanne and Bonnie (Bonnie Sheridan) indirectly discover that Leon (Martin Mull) is gay after he rejects the advances of Linda (Amy Aquino). ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Roseanne and Dan open up the Lanford Custom Cycle shop, but it's not initially successful. Becky gets extra responsibilities around the house. First appearance of tax accountant Art (Dan Butler). ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Starting her freshman year of high school, Darlene quits the basketball team, takes to wearing all black, and sinks into a deep depression. Dan and Roseanne try to help her, but she won't move off the couch. Meanwhile, Becky begs for a car and complains that it's not fair for Darlene to get whatever she wants. In order to get a motorcycle, Becky tries sulking around the house trying to get sympathy. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Jackie runs into her ex-boyfriend, Gary (Brian Kerwin), and his new girlfriend. She acts out her desperation and ends up sleeping with Arnie (Tom Arnold), which she instantly regrets. Roseanne's boss, Leon (Martin Mull), visits the Conner home for Dan's weekly poker game. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Next-door neighbor Kathy Bowman (Meagan Fay) blames Roseanne when she arrives home from a vacation and finds her house robbed. While at work at Rodbell's Diner, Roseanne gets involved in the fight between her boss, Leon (Martin Mull), and his boyfriend, Steven (Michael Des Barres). Bob Hope guest stars as a criminal in a lineup. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Roseanne is stressed out at work so she resorts to secretly smoking cigarettes. Dan finds out and she tries to quit. Meanwhile, Becky is caught helping Darlene cheat in school. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Darlene makes friends with a bookstore owner. Roseanne convinces her boss, Leon (Martin Mull), to let her take a job at the mall dressed up as Santa. She gets the job and ends up meeting Darlene's new friend, Karen Miller (Lee Garlington), who turns out to be Roseanne's age. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Roseanne
- 1991
Roseanne's job is threatened when she announces her plan to go with Dan to Las Vegas to see Wayne Newton. Their flight is canceled and they have to drive home in a snowstorm and spend the night in Chicago. Meanwhile, Jackie does her best to act like a police officer at Becky's party. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
After several strippers are murdered, a reporter (Barbara Alyn Woods) goes undercover at a seedy club to unmask the killer. ~ John Bush, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Becky tries to help Darlene get the attention of the boy she likes, Barry (Tristan Tait). But Darlene she gets mad when he asks Becky to the school dance instead. This episode marks the first appearance of two reoccurring characters: Martin Mull as Leon and Bonnie Sheridan as Bonnie. Roseanne gets upset with Dan for not getting her a Valentine's Day present, so he goes shopping for lingerie. Tobey Maguire guest stars. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
Starring many of his family members, this is Tommy Chong's (of the well-known duo, Cheech and Chong) first solo production. As an outdated hippie, Far Out Man (Tommy Chong) searches to relive his lost youth by traveling across the country. C. Thomas Howell, Judd Nelson, and Cheech Marin all make cameo appearances in this far out film. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tommy Chong, Shelby Chong, (more)
- 1990
- PG
Professional wrestlers Peter Paul and David Paul star in this muscle-bound comedy about two slowwitted truck drivers who are hired to transport a heap of toxic waste across the country to Los Angeles. Along the way, the boys run into a 16-year-old girl genius who is on the run from a secret government research center because she holds plans for a mysterious secret weapon. With government agents in pursuit, the two lunkheads and the teen prodigy have to make it to L.A. with their toxic waste and avoid being captured by amoral government forces. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Paul, David Paul, (more)
- 1989
- PG
In this slapstick comedy, a group of faithful ski patrol members set out to save Snowy Peaks ski resort from the evil plans of greedy businessman Maris (Martin Mull). ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Roger Rose, Corby Timbrook, (more)
This reject from slasher-movie remedial school -- featuring copious amounts of teen sex and the usual unimaginative gore murders -- involves the return of a problem teen (Donovan Leitch) to high school after his release from an institution. After essentially pinning the "Red Herring" sign on the main character, the filmmakers then pander what passes for suspense as Leitch's classmates head for that big D-hall in the sky. Not even a supporting performance by then-unknown Brad Pitt managed to rescue this lackluster thriller, which arrived far too late in the game to appeal to the teen-horror crowd -- an audience which by then had already migrated from Halloween clones and Friday the 13th sequels to Freddy Krueger territory after Wes Craven's crafty A Nightmare on Elm Street. ~ Cavett Binion, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Donovan Leitch, Jill Schoelen, (more)
- 1988
Married couple Hal and Joyce Harrison are visited by humorist Martin Mull who brings disruption into their lives. ~ All Movie Guide
