John Smith Movies
Actor John Smith may best be remembered for starring in the television westerns Cimarron City (1958-60) and Laramie (1959-63), but he also played supporting roles in numerous feature films. Smith was born Robert Earl Van Orden in Los Angeles. He began his career singing with the Bob Mitchell Choir Boys. The musical group appeared in two Bing Crosby efforts Going My Way (1944) and The Bells of St. Mary's (1946). While one might think a distinguished-sounding name such as Robert Van Orden has as star quality all its own, the actor himself didn't agree and partially as a jest decided to change his name to the more generic John Smith. Accompanied by agent Henry Willson (the man who provided Tab Hunter and Rock Hudson with their stage names), Van Orden went before a skeptical judge. When asked why he would adopt such a plain-jane name, Van Orden claimed that he would be the only actor in Hollywood with that name. Thus far, he has been right. As John Smith, his film credits include The Kettles on Old Mac Donald's Farm (1957), Circus World (1964) and Justin Morgan Had a Horse (1981). ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide- 1988
- R
You don't become a playwright, at least a successful one, without having more than your share of sensitivities. In fact, a goodly proportion of the artists in present-day L.A. are too sensitive for their own good, which causes no end of problems. For Tom, an Australian-born playwright who has "made good" in la-la-land, his success has resulted in serious strains in his relationship with his wife and daughter back in Melbourne, and with himself -- strains which he eases with a succession of mood-altering pills. When a fresh young actress in one of his productions falls for him, he is so emotionally battered that he finds her attentions confusing and unsettling. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Waters, Penelope Stewart, (more)
Todd Barrett (John Dye) is an Arizona State University student who needs money for tuition in this teen comedy. He recruits his handsome friend Bret Wilson (Steve Lyon) from the school diving team to pose for a series of photographs. The enterprising Todd uses the photos to print a calendar that quickly becomes a hot-selling item and ends his financial woes. This feature was shot on location at ASU. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Dye, Steve Lyon, (more)
This psychodrama is set in New Zealand during the 1880s and is based on the true story of an orphaned 18-year-old who marries a cruel, much-older man. He constantly abuses her and keeps her under his thumb until she snaps and using hypnotism, kills him. Later she is tried in court. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jodie Foster, John Lithgow, (more)
- 1985
The stage is set for a series of confrontations when photographer Mark Jefferson (Tom Eplin) agrees to help his friend Roger (John Mayall) defend his night club against a handful of organized crime figures. Mark has an added incentive for becoming involved as his ex-girlfriend Carol (Cheri Cameron Newell) sings at the club. But the gangsters are willing to use mayhem and murder in order to take over Roger's business. It appears that the petty mobsters are out to sell illegal weapons to anyone who wants them, especially L.A.'s youth, instead of using the club as a front for a prostitution ring as Roger suspects. Soon Mark and his trusty motorcycle have their work cut out for them. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tom Eplin, Cheri Cameron Newell, (more)
- 1985
In an adolescent softcore story with a plot that is hardly credible, a young teen (Lance Sloane) has taken a bet that he can seduce the daughter of the town's minister in less than seven days. Once that premise is established, sexual encounters and low-level erotica follows with an understanding female (Sylvia Kristel). Character development is not of the essence here, and neither is the troubled, insecure woman who is the target of the bet. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lance Sloane, Kimberly Evenson, (more)
This sci-fi adventure concerns an interstellar crew who abandon an exploding space station for a small craft that has just made a trip to Mars. While on the red planet, the craft accidentally picks up an alien who possesses a crystal that is both a power supply and a computer. The alien starts knocking off the crew one by one, until a member of the crew discovers out how to communicate with it through the computer. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Faye Bolt, John Smith, (more)
- 1984
- R
This tale of doomed romance set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War was the last in a string of box office disappointments from director Sidney J. Furie before he struck gold again with Iron Eagle (1986). Ken Wahl stars as Dr. Don Jardian, a Navy medical officer assigned to duty in Vietnam. Jardian is no flag-waving patriot, however; the reluctant warrior is just biding his time until he can return stateside and start a lucrative private practice. Then he meets and falls in love with Deborah Solomon (Cheryl Ladd), a devoted nurse who at first keeps the handsome doctor at bay, disgusted by the avariciousness that led him to choose what Deborah considers a noble profession. Eventually, however, Deborah's selflessness inspires Don and their romance blooms despite their bloody surroundings, leading to a dangerous mission that could separate them forever. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ken Wahl, Cheryl Ladd, (more)
In 1982, there was a brief cycle of homosexual-relationship films, none of which were successful enough to form the basis of a trend. Producer/director/writer Robert Towne's Personal Best is one of the finest. It stars Mariel Hemingway and Patrice Donnelly as athletes participating in the 1980 Olympics. Growing ever closer during the training process, Chris (Hemingway) and Tory (Donnelly) fall in love. Up to this point, Chris has been "straight," thus has trouble sustaining the relationship with older Tory. Their relationship is counterbalanced with the attitudes held by their male coach, Terry (Scott Glenn). While the homosexual element of the film is secondary to the endless shots of athletes in training, the critics latched on to the film's romantic angle, which may have sabotaged its chances for box-office success (the world was a different place in 1982). Personal Best was the directorial debut for Robert Towne, who was not to direct another film until 1987's Tequila Sunrise. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mariel Hemingway, Scott Glenn, (more)
- 1981
This Disney TV movie traces the origins of the Morgan saddle horse, America's first distinct breed. The story begins during the Revolutionary War, when Colonial schoolteacher Justin Morgan (Don Murray), though nearly penniless, sets about to develop a sire for horse-racing purposes. Not one but two exciting races cap this recreation of a little-known historical event. Featured in the cast are Lana Wood, R. G. Armstrong and Gary Crosby. Based on the book by Marguerite Henry, Justin Morgan Had a Horse was originally telecast February 6 and 13, 1972, as a two-part installment of The Wonderful World of Disney. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
Blood Legacy was also released as Legacy of Blood (as was a like-titled, though dissimilar, 1978 film). Looking older than dirt, John Carradine plays a crotchety millionaire who wills his fortune to his estranged children. There is, of course, a proviso. The kids, all grown up and none too savory, must spend a week in Carradine's estate. Naturally, this leads to a lot of petty spitefulness...which in turn leads to murder. Jeff Morrow and Faith Domergue, who in happier times co-starred in This Island Earth, show up as two of the heirs, as do 1950s favorites Merry Anders and Dick Davalos (James Dean's brother in East of Eden). Rudolfo Acosta is top-billed as a local sheriff who must contend with seven days' worth of carnage. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
Released theatrically in Europe, Hondo and the Apaches was stitched together from the first two episodes of the Hondo TV series, telecast September 7 and 15, 1967. Ralph Taegar plays the title role of western U.S. Army agent Hondo Lane, with Noah Beery Jr. as sidekick Buffalo Baker. Guest-star Robert Taylor is given top billing, but his participation is secondary to the main plotline: Hondo is told to help make peace with Indian Chief Vittoro (Michael Pate), whose daughter--Hondo's wife--had been killed by the Cavalry. Once the peace pipe is smoked, Hondo must deal with a renegade Native American who threatens the peace by randomly attacking settlers. The original TV series Hondo lasted only 13 weeks, knocked off in the ratings by the competing Star Trek. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
In this western, a gunfighter is hired to clean up the chaotic streets of Emporia, Wyoming. The gunfighter arrives and finds that his ex-lover is there and is married to the town preacher. Though the two are still attracted, they resist temptation. When he sees how violent the town really is, the gunman sends for help. As soon as his friend gets there, the two begin cleaning up the town. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Howard Keel, Jane Russell, (more)
- 1964
Filmed in Cinerama and Technicolor, Circus World may have drawn the crowds for various reasons -- not the least, perhaps, for the big names. John Wayne stars as circus owner Matt Masters, who takes his show to Europe hoping to save it from financial ruin. Accompanying Matt, is young Toni (Claudia Cardinale), whom Matt had raised since her aerialist mother Lili (Rita Hayworth) left them years before. Just before he departs from New York, Matt is reminded that Lili may be somewhere in Germany. Upon their arrival in Europe, much of the equipment is lost when their ship sinks in a Spanish port. Matt doesn't let that get the best of them, and he is soon up and running with the show, becoming a hit throughout Europe. Against Matt's wishes, Toni trains to become an aerialist like her mother. A quiet figure in the shadows proudly watches Toni rehearse her daring routines. The writing team of Ben Hecht, James Edward Grant and Julian Halevy adapted their screenplay from a story by Philip Yordan and Nicholas Ray. Though this was not a gunslinger role for Wayne, Matt Masters was not a far stretch. This could have been due to the fact that Wayne had previously worked on several projects with director Henry Hathaway and writers Hecht and Grant -- and the part was altered to suit him. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Wayne, Claudia Cardinale, (more)
- 1959
Afraid to tell his pregnant wife, Francie (Joyce Meadows), that he has lost his entire 80-dollar paycheck in a poker game, stock clerk Irving Randall (John Smith) concocts a story about being mugged and robbed on his way home. As a "convincer" for his wife, Irving goes so far as to report the faux robbery to the police. But things get sticky when the cops arrest a man answering to Irving's description -- which of course he made up out of whole cloth -- and insist that Irving press charges. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1959
In this adventure, a pilot and a radio commentator crash on an island just off the Australian coast and discover a crazed scientist and his three lovely daughters Venus, Urana, and Mercuria. The girls have never seen a man other than their father. When the commentator realizes that the scientist has been working on atomic experiments, he threatens to expose the scientist. In retaliation, the scientist destroys their airplane. Fortunately, the lovely daughters help them build a raft. Unfortunately, the mad mad scientist sets off a dreadful explosion. The ensuing blast attracts the attention of the Australian authorities. The survivors are soon rescued. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeff Richards, Venetia Stevenson, (more)
- 1958
In this drama, a law student discovers corruption in city hall while researching a class project involving mock grand-jury work. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dean Jones, Joan O'Brien, (more)
- 1958
A former fighter's younger brother decides that he too wants to enter the squared circle and so leaves his native Maine to try his luck in New York. Things go well until he finds himself entangled with mobsters who try to convince him to throw his fights. Meanwhile, his big brother, who simply vanished a few years after stubbornly refusing to take a dive during a major fight, hears about his younger sibling's dilemma and shows up to stop him. He succeeds, but the gangsters go for brutal revenge. Fortunately, a sportswriter hears about the mess and calls in the cops. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1957
Original slated for release through United Artists, the Wisberg-Yarborough production Women of Pitcairn Island was ultimately distributed by 20th Century-Fox. The film purports to detail the aftermath of the mutiny on the Bounty in the late 18th century. When the last of the male mutineers dies, the wives and daughters of the Bounty crew are left behind to make the best of things on Pitcairn Island. Trouble arises in the form of a band of pirates, who've landed on Pitcairn with the intention of hiding a cache of stolen pearls. After dallying with the ladies, the pirates come to grief by fighting amongst themselves. James Craig hams it up as the bearded pirate captain, while second-billed Lynn Bari seems grimly determined to get the film over with as quickly as possible. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Craig, Lynn Bari, (more)
- 1957
The 8-year-old "Ma and Pa Kettle Series" came to an end with The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm. In her last screen appearance, Marjorie Main is back as Ma Kettle, while Parker Fennelly replaces the defecting Percy Kilbride as Pa Kettle. This time, Ma and Pa try to smooth the path of romance for newlyweds Sally Flemming (Gloria Talbot) and Brad Johnson (John Smith). Despite her wealthy parents' objections, Sally intends to "rough it" with her back-to-the-soil husband by living on the Kettles' old, ramshackle farm. Ensuing comic complications include a set-to with a bunch of crooked loggers and a wild appearance at a rodeo. A worthwhile finale to this durable series, The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm was still making the second-run-theater rounds as late as 1960. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marjorie Main, Parker Fennelly, (more)
- 1957
Fury at Showdown stars John Derek as a gunfighter who hopes to hang up his guns and live the peaceful life of a cattle ranch. Settling down on his new spread with his brother Nick Adams, Derek finds that he can't live down his reputation. When his brother is murdered on the orders of land-grabbing lawyer Gage Clarke, Derek is forced to strap on his guns again. But Clarke, one step ahead of our hero, tries to save himself from prosecution by kidnapping Derek's girlfriend Carolyn Craig. As the title indicates, a showdown is inevitable, though not as predictable as one might suspect. Fury at Showdown was adapted from a novel by Lucas Todd. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Derek, John Smith, (more)
- 1957
In this western, a circuit rider endeavors to warn the cavalry after he sees masked men cruelly abusing an Indian band. En route, the brave rider is shot and left to die. Fortunately, a gunfighter comes upon him and saves his life. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1957
In this western, angry Apaches begin a series of raids on a cavalry outpost. First they steal all the horses from a regiment on maneuvers forcing them to march back to the fort. Upon their return, the soldiers discover that everyone at the fort has been massacred. Now a rookie West Point officer is left in charge, and unfortunately, he is too green to lead. Fortunately, a sergeant is there to take over the reins. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Smith, Susan Cummings, (more)
Adapted from the best-selling novel by Jessamyn West, Friendly Persuasion is set in Southern Indiana in the early days of the Civil War. Gary Cooper plays Jess Birdwell, patriarch of a Quaker family which does not believe in warfare. Birdwell's son Josh (Anthony Perkins) wishes to adhere to his family's pacifism, but is afraid that if he doesn't sign up for military service, he'll prove to be a coward. Josh joins the Home Guard, which disturbs his mother Eliza (Dorothy McGuire). But Jess Birdwell realizes that his son must follow the dictates of his own conscience. Josh proves his courage to himself when he is wounded during a Rebel raid, while the elder Birdwell is able to stay faithful to his religious calling by not killing a Southern soldier when given both a chance and a good reason to do so. Allegedly, writer Jessamyn West nearly scotched her deal with producer/director William Wyler and distributor Allied Artists when Gary Cooper, taking his fans into consideration, insisted upon including a scene in which he forsakes his pacifism and takes arms against the Rebels. If true, then wiser heads prevailed, since no such scene exists in the final release print. Though uncredited due to his status as a blacklistee, Michael Wilson wrote the screenplay for Friendly Persuasion--and even won an Oscar nomination. Also nominated was the film's chart-busting theme song, "Thee I Love" (by Dmitri Tiomkin and Paul Francis Webster). The story was remade as a 2-hour TV pilot film in 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gary Cooper, Dorothy McGuire, (more)
- 1956
Matt (James Arness) is caught in the middle of the violent property dispute between a family of settlers named Gabriel and a greedy rancher named McCready (Paul Fix). Things get worse when there's an outbreak of cholera at the Gabriel ranch, whereupon McCready has Doc (Milburn Stone) kidnapped so he won't be able to attend to the ailing Gabriel boy. But Mrs. Gabriel (Peg Hillias) manages to wreak vengeance upon McCready in a most unpleasant fashion. This episode is based on the Gunsmoke radio broadcast of December 4, 1954. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
