Philip Abbott Movies
In critiquing a minor science fiction film of the late '50s, a prominent film historian characterized star Phillip Abbott as "...the kind of actor whose face you forget five minutes after seeing it." While there is some truth in this, let it be recorded here and now that Abbott's professional credentials were as impeccable and impressive as any "unforgettable" star. After serving with... (read more) the U.S. Air Force in World War II (and earning an air medal and three oak-leaf clusters in the process), Abbott attended Fordham University, and later studied acting at the Pasadena Playhouse. Making his Broadway debut in 1948, he went on to appear in such stage successes as Detective Story and Two for the Seesaw. Far from being completely unmemorable in films, Abbott had at least two praiseworthy screen characterizations to his credit: nervous groom-to-be Arnold in The Bachelor Party (1957) and doctor-with-a-secret George Scudder in Sweet Bird of Youth (1962). His many network television credits included a stint as host/narrator on the experimental 1960 psychological soap opera House on High Street, and the continuing role of Assistant Director Arthur Ward on The FBI (1965-1974).
Before, during, and after the height of his film and TV activities, Abbott continued to be a busy stage actor/director. In 1962, he co-founded Theatre West, an L.A.-based actor's workshop. He also produced, directed, and wrote nine instructional films for the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, as well as the ten-episode Lessons for Living, an in-school training project underwritten by the Disney studios. In addition, he created and produced the TV weekly Hidden Places on behalf of Nebraska Public Television. Outside of his professional activities, Abbott was active with the United Cerebral Palsy/Spastic Children's Foundation, and was one of the leading citizens of Tarzana, CA, where he served as president of the Nelson Company. Forgettable though his screen appearances may have been at times, Phillip Abbott will always be remembered by someone. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
Murder, She Wrote: Test of Wills
1989
Jessica (Angela Lansbury) is summoned to the island retreat of her friend Henry Reynard (Gene Barry), a millionaire lumberman. Someone has threatened Henry's life, and he is...
The First Power
R 1989
This lackluster attempt at blending equal parts action movie and supernatural thriller ends up sacrificing the merits of both genres. The plot finds baby-faced homicide detective...
Murder, She Wrote: Deadpan
1988
When one of her former students adapts her novel Mainly Murder as a stage play, Jessica (Angela Lansbury) is honored to attend the show's opening night. Not long afterward,...
Night Court: Harry and the Madam
1984
Stella Stevens guest stars as Irene Danbury, New York City's oldest and most notorious madam. When Irene is brought into Night Court for prosecution, Harry (Harry Anderson)...
The Fantastic World of D.C. Collins
1984
The made-for-TV Fantastic World of D.C. Collins is curiously not a pilot film, despite the presence of the principal character's name in the title. D. C. Collins (played by...
Quincy, M.E.: Women of Valor
1983
Much against her better judgment, unlicensed midwife Olivia Allen (Lynn Hamilton) assists in the emergency delivery of an illegal immigrant's baby. When the child dies, the...
Savannah Smiles
PG 1982
Savannah Smiles is a sweet little film that proved a surprising hit on the Saturday matinee circuit. Mark Miller and Donovan Scott play a pair of good-natured escaped...
Quincy, M.E.: Last Rights
1980
The sixth season of Quincy M.E. begins as pugnacious, compassionate medical examiner Quincy (Jack Klugman) shows up in a small mill town to lend a helping hand to his...
Hangar 18
PG 1980
Could it be true? Is the U.S. government really hiding an alien spaceship in the mysterious Hangar 18? According to the producers at Sunn Classic Pictures, the answer is yes, and...
Little House on the Prairie: The Sound of Children
1979
News that Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson) is pregnant reaches New York, the home of Giles Kendall (Philip Abbott), the estranged father of Mary's husband, Adam...
Quincy, M.E.: A Test for the Living
1978
No murder is committed nor autopsy performed in this episode, in which medical examiner Quincy (Jack Klugman) delves into psychology. The catalyst for the plot is Timmy Carson...
Escape from Bogen County
1977
A Southern big shot (Mitch Ryan) runs his local community like a personal fiefdom. His despotism extends to his abusive marriage to Maggie (Jaclyn Smith). Denied her basic...
The F.B.I.: Confessions of a Madman
1974
Future Newhart costar Mary Frann is cast as female FBI Agent Pat Driscoll. Inspector Lewis Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) is on the trail of a serial killer whose victims...
The F.B.I.: Season 09
1973
The ninth and final season of ABC's longest-running adventure series The F.B.I marks the first time since Season Three that a new actor has been added to the cast. Efrem...
The F.B.I.: The Loper Gambit
1973
Ronald Loper (Robert F. Lyons) heads a gang of kidnappers who are secure in the belief that they've pulled off the perfect crime by snatching the ne'er-do-well son (Tom...
The F.B.I.: Season 08
1972
The longest-running adventure series on the ABC network, The F.B.I continues to go strong in its eighth season on the air. Returning to the fold are Efrem Zimbalist Jr....
The F.B.I.: Season 07
1971
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. continues to bring Federal offenders to heel in the role of Inspector Lew Erskine in Season Seven of ABC's longest-running adventure series The...
The F.B.I.: The Replacement
1971
Targetting a Chicago-based espionage ring, Inspector Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) goes undercover, posing as an injured spy named Eric Cross. It is Erskine's goal to identity...
The F.B.I.: Three-Way Split
1971
In a plot reminiscent of such "perfect crime" films as The Asphalt Jungle and The Killing, three strangers are brought together to commit a $900,000 bank robbery. Much of...
The F.B.I.: The Deadly Gift
1971
Posing as a psychic, silver-tongued con artist Charles Ridgeway (Fritz Weaver) specializing in relieving his wealthy clients of their jewels and other valuables. Ridgeway's...