Lee Philips Movies
Lee Philips studied playwriting at Adelphi College, and later with Harold Clurman. Originally a stage actor, Phillips made his stage debut in the early '50s and appeared on Broadway in dramas such as Paddy Chayefsky's Middle of the Night, with Edward G. Robinson, Gena Rowlands, Anne Jackson, and Martin Balsam, and The Mandragola, directed by Sanford Meisner and starring Albert Paulsen, John Fiedler, and Mark Rydell. He followed this with television work on Armstrong Circle Theatre, and other dramatic anthology shows, and feature film appearances in movies such as Peyton Place (1958), in which he distinguished himself with an impassioned performance as the earnest school principal. Additionally, he appeared in the television productions of Marty and 12 Angry Men. Phillips turned to directing in the early '60s on sitcoms such as The Dick Van Dyke Show, and followed this with numerous TV movies and occasional feature films, most notably The Girl Most Likely To (1973), a black comedy about a formerly homely girl (Stockard Channing), transformed by plastic surgery, who decides to revenge herself on the high school classmates who tormented her. ~ Bruce Eder, Rovi- 1976
Katherine Ross, who played Etta Place in 1969's Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, reprises the role for the made-for-TV Mrs. Sundance Rides Again. History doesn't record what exactly happened to former schoolteacher Etta after Butch and Sundance were shot full of holes in Bolivia, but it isn't likely that she ran guns for Pancho Villa in Mexico. We could be wrong, however, for that is exactly what she does in this grimy little film. Hector Elizondo plays Villa rather nervously, as though he's afraid his agent will find out. Mrs. Sundance Rides Again was originally telecast as Wanted: The Sundance Woman--the same week in 1976 that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid made its network TV debut. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
James Michener's Dynasty is aptly named. This TV movie is indeed based on a novel by Michener, which does indeed cover thirty five years (1820-1855) in the lives of a land-rich family. Harris Yulin and Stacy Keach play the Blackwood brothers, a pair of enterprising Ohio pioneers. The ongoing rivalry between the older Yulin and younger Keach is intensified when Yulin's wife Sarah Miles leaves her husband in favor of Keach. As the brothers try to outdo each other in business, the Blackwood land empire grows to epic proportions. Unfortunately, this TV movie does not; at 2 hours, there just isn't enough time to do justice to Michener's sprawling novel. James Michener's Dynasty is worth noting for the supporting-cast contributions of Amy Irving and Harrison Ford. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stacy Keach, Harris Yulin, (more)
- 1975
Olivia Walton's namesake Young Olivia (Deborah White) brings her city-bred husband Bob (Bruce Davison) to Walton's Mountain for their wedding. Realizing that Bob would neither understand nor appreciate the old mountain custom of the "shivaree", in which the local boys kidnap the groom on his wedding night, John-Boy calls off this traditional event. But John-Boy's prankish friends Ike (Joe Conley) and Yancy (Robert Donner) are determined to go through with the shivaree anyway--and as a result, Young Olivia's marriage is nearly over before it begins. Director Lee Philipsappears as a minister. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1975
In this made-for-television drama, a fugitive mental patient kidnaps an illiterate girl from a nearby farm and forces her to go to a lonely mountain cabin. There he teaches her to read and, ultimately, how to love. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1975
In his TV dramatic debut, Ben Vereen stars as legendary jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong. The teleplay dramatizes a single incident in 1931, when Armstrong, still struggling for recognition, was playing a small Chicago bistro. Local gangsters catch Louis' act and offer him a huge salary increase to move to their nightspot, but our hero doesn't want to get anywhere near organized crime. Alas, Louis' white manager Red Cleveland (Red Buttons) is not above taking a bribe to frame Armstrong on a phony marijuana charge, thereby forcing the trumpeter into the hands of the Mob. But Louis emerges triumphant through the simple expedient of retreating to Europe, where superstardom is at last bestowed upon him. Louis Armstrong-Chicago Style originally aired January 25, 1976, on ABC. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1974
Richard Matheson picked and chose the most effective elements of such earlier films as Rosemary's Baby and The Exorcist, then glossed over all with his own original touch. The result was this superior (if occasionally wavering) TV movie. Barbara Eden, who after five years of I Dream of Jeannie was no stranger to the supernatural, is here cast as a mother-to-be whose baby is inducing more than the standard kicks and labor pains. Fact is, the little stranger in the womb is an extraterrestrial being, bent upon controlling Eden's body and mind. The Stranger Within should not be watched in a natural-childbirth class anywhere at any time. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1974
Although she is becoming increasingly infirm and hard of hearing, Grandma Walton (Ellen Corby) stubbornly refuses to see a doctor. Grandma's intractability is more or less mirrored by 14-year-old Mary Ellen Walton (Judy Norton-Taylor), who wakes up one morning determined never again to be treated like a child. Unfortunately, Mary Ellen's declaration of independence may have negative results when she falls in love with a much-older college boy (James Carroll Jordan). The episode's closing narration clues us in to what the future holds in store for Mary Ellen--information which completely contradicts what will actually occur in such later Waltons episodes and TV-movies like Mother's Day on Walton's Mountain! ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1974
In this acclaimed version of Stephen Crane's The Red Badge of Courage, Richard Thomas stars as a young Civil War soldier who runs away during his first big battle. Tortured by his seeming lack of bravery, he eventually learns that courage is just as dependent upon common sense as on bravado. He returns to battle and proves himself a hero in the process. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Richard Thomas, Michael Brandon, (more)
This TV movie stars Stockard Channing as an "ugly duckling" who is dumped on by everyone with whom she comes in contact. After her heart is broken by a callous campus jock, Stockard tearfully speeds off in her car and is involved in a serious accident. Plastic surgery is required, and when Ms. Channing emerges from behind the bandages, she is ravishingly beautiful. She uses her new attractiveness to exact revenge on those who'd wronged her, murdering her former nemeses in a variety of creative ways (for example, she entices a nasty cheerleader to back-flip out of a high rise window). Police inspector Ed Asner is called on the scene when the death rate soars, only to find himself falling in love with the crafty Ms. Channing. Despite its morbid plotline, The Girl Most Likely To... is actually a comedy, written by none other than Joan Rivers. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Stockard Channing, Ed Asner, (more)
- 1973
Competition proves fierce when Keith (David Cassidy) runs for school president. His chief opposition is Phyllis Goldberg (Holly Near), who though nowhere near as popular as Keith is undeniably smarter--and besides, Keith's ambitious sister Laurie (Susan Dey) is managing Phyllis' campaign. Figuring into the political intrigue are the ever-fluctuating voter polls and a tense debate (sound familiar?). Song: "There'll Come a Time". ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1973
While Miss Hunter (Mariclare Costello) is out of town on family business, her classroom is taken over by youthful substitute teacher Megan Pollard (Catherine Burns), a transplanted New Yorker. Though undeniably brilliant, Megan is incapable of "relating" to mountain folk, and before long her rigid, dictatorial teaching methods have alienated students and parents alike. Meanwhile, Grandpa resists the temptation to help Ben build a kite for a contest. This episode represents a reunion between series regular Richard Thomas and guest star Catherine Burns, who had previously costarred in the memorable "coming-of-age" film drama Last Summer (1969). ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1973
Lynn Hamilton makes her first series appearance as Verdie Grant (Lynn Hamilton), one of the black residents of Walton's Mountain. Receiving word that her daughter is about to graduate from college, Verdie is reluctant to attend the ceremonies because she is unable to read or write, a secret she has always been too proud to reveal. John-Boy (Richard Thomas) offers to tutor Verdie on the condition that no one will ever find out about her illiteracy. The two work out a subterfuge whereby John-Boy will instruct Verdie while pretending to "play school" with his little sister Erin (Mary Elizabeth McDonough)--who reveals the truth at a critical juncture in the story. This episode earned an Emmy Award for scriptwriter John McGreevey. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1973
Sian Barbara Allen makes her first series appearance as Jenny Pendleton, a runaway from her family in Richmond. Convinced that there is no room for her at home now that her widowed father (Gordon Rigsby) has remarried, Jenny hides out on a patch of her family's property on Walton's Mountain. It is here that the girl is found by John-Boy Walton (Richard Thomas)--who instantly falls in love with her and invites her to stay a while with his family. Luxuriating in the warmth and kindness of the Walton household, Jenny hopes to remain there permanently...but then tragedy intervenes. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1973
John-Boy (Richard Thomas) develops a crush on his teacher Miss Hunter (Mariclare Costello), whom he regards as his literary inspiration. But when Reverend Fordwick (John Ritter begins courting Miss Hunter, the envious John-Boy may nip his writing career in the bud just out of spite! Meanwhile, brother Ben (Eric Scott) is likewise having "heart trouble", prompting him to go the body-building route (courtesy of a mail-order course) to impress the girl of his dreams. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1972
Concerned by Danny's disruptive classroom behavior, Shirley (Shirley Jones) consults psychologist Dr. Beecher (Charlotte Rae), who suggests that Danny (Danny Bonaduce) is frustrated because he feels like a powerless child. At Beecher's suggestion, Shirley temporarily allows Danny to indulge his every whim--only to incur the anger of the other kids who resent their brother getting such preferential treatment. Ultimately, Danny must realize on his own that it's not much fun to be a grownup and to give "powerless" childhood a second chance. Frequent Partridge Family guest star Bruce Kimmel shows up as yet another of Laurie Partridge's boyfriends, this one named Richard. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1972
Hollywood comes to South Korea when General Clayton (Herb Voland) orders the members of the 4077th to appear in a filmed documentary. Disgusted by the intrusive moviemakers and the idiotic propaganda slogans he's being forced to recite, Hawkeye (Alan Alda) sabotages the epic and produces his own movie -- a zany Marx Brothers-style farce, with himself in the role of Yankee Doodle Doctor. Despite all the wackiness, there's a serious message lurking somewhere within Hawkeye's cinematic masterpiece. "Yankee Doodle Doctor" originally aired on October 22, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1971
In this drama, two middle-aged businessmen decide to chuck it all and get back to the land. Unfortunately, they too soon discover that living a "natural" life isn't all it is cracked up to be; they return to the rat race from whence they came. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- 1968
Convinced that her life is in a rut, Aunt Bee decides to take flying lessons! Naturally, Andy and Opie are nervous when Bee takes to the air-but they're nowhere near as nervous as Bee herself. Ultimately, Bee is required to make her first solo flight, bringing the episode to a hilarious, heartwarming and logical conclusion. Veteran character actor John McLiam is cast as Bee's instructor Mac. First broadcast on February 12, 1968, "Aunt Bee's Big Moment" was written by Dick Bensfield and Perry Grant. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1968
Incredible but true: While attending college, Mayberry schoolteacher Helen Crump was arraigned on a felony charge! Andy tries to cover up this skeleton in the closet, but since it was he who dug up the story in the first place, he manages only to make things worse. To save her job, Helen has to tell all to the school board-and her explanation makes a lot more sense than anyone would have previously suspected. Written by Doug Tibbles, "Helen's Past" first aired on February 19, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1968
With his 25th wedding anniversary approaching, Emmett Clark plans to buy his wife Martha a fur coat; unfortunaetly, he has only fifty dollars to spare. Hoping to get a price break, he heads to Mt. Pilot to negotiate with Martha's friend, fur-shop owner Flora (Alberta Nelson). But when Martha sees Emmett and Flora walking and talking together, she jumps to the wrong conclusion-and "helpful" Andy doesn't make matters any better with his explanation. Originally shown on February 26, 1968, "Emmett's Anniversary" was written by Dick Bensfield and Perry Grant. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Paul Hartman
- 1968
At long last, Howard Sprague's domineering mother (Mabel Albertson) remarries and moves out of Howard's house. To celebrate his liberation, Howard transforms his conservative domicile into a "swingin' bachelor pad." Alas, his first bachelor party-with Andy and Helen in attendance--proves to be a bust. Love those hanging beads and Howard's new threads! Written by Joe Bonaduce, "The Wedding" originally aired on March 4, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Paul Hartman
- 1968
Originally telecast March 11, 1968, this episode served to introduce future Mayberry RFD star Ken Berry in the role of widowed farmer Sam Jones (in fact, it was Berry's second appearance on The Andy Griffith Show, but the first to be shown). When town councilman Herb Bradshaw retires, Sam and Emmett Clark both run for Bradshaw's vacant seat. Old Emmett is a tough and not altogether scrupulous campaigner, but Sam has the advantage of youth and sincerity-and more importantly, he has Andy in his corner. Former musical-comedy star Gil Lamb appears as Lou. "Sam for Town Council" was written by Dick Bensfield and Perry Grant. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1968
Buddy Foster, the brother of Jodie Foster, makes one of his first appearances as Mike Jones, the son of widowed farmer Sam Jones (Ken Berry). Taking an immediate liking to Mike, Opie protects the boy from schoolyard bully Edgar. But the new friends quickly fall out over the affections of pretty Heather Campbell (Diane Quinn). Written by Doug Tibbles, this was one of three episodes designed to ease fans of The Andy Griffith Show into the spinoff series Mayberry RFD. "Opie and Mike" first aired on March 18, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- 1968
Subscribing to a computer dating service, Goober misunderstands the questions on the application form and supplies misleading information. For example, he describes himself as a voracious reader, neglecting to mention that his reading material consists entirely of comic books. But the computer doesn't know that, and as result Goober is matched up with worldly, erudite psychologist Dr. Edith Gibson (Nancy Malone). Scripted by Bruce Howard from a story by Bob Ross, "A Girl for Goober" was the 249th and final episode of The Andy Griffith Show. It was, however, originally telecast as the next-to-last episode, on March 25, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Starring:
- Ken Berry
- 1968
At Andy's urging, Aunt Bee becomes the star of a cooking show on Silver City television station WZAZ. Scoring a hit as "The Mayberry Chef", Bee worries that she is neglecting her duties at home, but Andy and Opie assure her otherwise-even though their own attempts at cooking are, to put it charitably, gosh-awful. Jack Bannon, the son of Petticoat Junction star Bea Benaderet, appears as the TV announcer. Written by 27-year-old James L. Brooks (Taxi, The Simpsons etc.), "The Mayberry Chef" originally aired on January 1, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
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