Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees (1997) (TV)

Not to be confused with the much less impressive "Hey, Hey We're the Monkees" from the same year, this is written and directed by uber-Monkee Michael Nesmith. With all four of the guys in place there is a hint of a story and a handful of musical numbers. Before you scoff, remember the Monkees were an illusion, underneath the obvious mockfest were noted songwriters and musicians writing great songs that became their original library. Some, not all but some, of the songs are actually pretty good! If you can ignore the way, way obvious fake drumming. Micky's calling it in, just like the old days. Obviously this is for the fans, I'm one and I loved it. Check out the song, "Circle Sky". Fourteen year old vintage pop music, these guys should live forever.

Hey, Hey, It's the Monkees (1997) (TV)

Cast: Davy Jones, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, Peter Tork, John Brockman, Chuck Woolery

11th Annual American Comedy Awards (1997) (TV)

This is the usual star-studded affair to honor all things comedic. A huge room with a sea of faces, look for your favorites. A few of the obvious; David Alan Grier, Brooke Shields with Andre Agassi, John Cleese, Carol Burnett, Kathy Bates, Kelsey Grammer, Ellen Degeneres, Rosie O'Donnell, Lily Tomlin, Dennis Farina, Phil Hartman, Paul Reiser, Mel Brooks, Carl Reiner, Rob Reiner and it just goes on and on. The energy in the room is high and the production is well done except the lighting and color gel usage seem excessive. The entire ballroom is awash in over-saturated color making things look a little muddy, I prefer a sharper picture. Overall a real fun time. God bless Phil Hartman.

11th Annual American Comedy Awards (1997) (TV)

Host: Kelsey Grammer

Late Night with David Letterman - 5th Anniversary Special (1987) (TV)

Another excellent anniversary show from the first iteration of Dave's late night enterprise. Not all is first-rate but that's part of the charm. A good example would be the dreadful 5 minutes from Jay Leno. That's right, in the days before their widely publicized personal feud, they used to be comrades. You'll also see a slightly better short stand-up routine from one of their mutual buds, Carol Leifer. This is lots of fun from a less jaded time.

Late Night with David Letterman - 5th Anniversary Special (1987) (TV)

Cast: David Letterman, Paul Shaffer, Andy Summers, Peter Frampton, Herbie Hancock, Joe Cocker, Jay Leno, Carol Leifer, Calvert DeForest, Chris Elliot

Summertime Switch (1994) TV Movie

In this adventure, a poor street urchin and a poor-little-rich boy with the same name meet and decide to switch roles. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi

Summertime Switch (1994) TV Movie

Cast: Jason Weaver, Rider Strong, Richard Moll, Teresa Ganzel, Soleil Moon Frye, Barry Williams, Nicole Rochelle, Tighe Swanson, David Tom, Patrick Renna, Casey Sander

Stranger Within, The (1990) TV Movie

Rick Schroder has, before our eyes, grown into a skillful, intriguing actor. This former child star used his doughy baby face to portray a naive cowpoke in "Lonesome Dove", and, earlier this year, he was convincing as the brave oldest brother in a family of orphans in "Too Young the Hero". Now, in "The Stranger Within", Schroder uses his wide-eyed innocence to become a scary psycho. He plays a teenager who shows up on the doorstep of Kate Jackson ("Charlie's Angels, Baby Boom"), claiming to be her son. Sixteen years earlier, as we see in a flashback, Jackson's baby boy was snatched in a supermarket while her head was turned. Now she has to figure out whether Schroder is telling the truth. And pretty quickly, she hopes to heaven he isn't, because this kid is given to insanely jealous rages and worse: During one of Schroder's fits, Jackson's boyfriend (Chris Sarandon) meets his end in the grisliest ice-fishing scene you've ever seen.

Eventually, Schroder begins menacing Jackson as well, but by then the movie has become hokey and overwrought. Still, director Tom Holland proved with 1989's "Child's Play" that he knew how to make an unsettling horror film. With "The Stranger Within", he proves he can cut back on the gore and still make you jump. B
Reviewed by Ken Tucker | Nov 23, 1990

The Stranger Within (1990) TV Movie

Cast: Rick Schroder, Kate Jackson, Chris Sarandon, Clark Sandford, Peter Breitmayer

Original Batman Series Returns, The (1992) (TV)

This fantastic one hour retrospective from June of 1992 comes to us via the great minds at KTTV-11, the Los Angeles Fox affiliate. Hosting duties go to the affable Mark Thompson, one of our local heroes. This is a sincere fan document done well. Seldom seen (most likely only broadcast once) and very rare. In 1992 most of the older character actors from the original series were still alive but at this point in time it's a very nostalgic watch.

The Original Batman Series Returns (1992) (TV)

Host: Mark Thompson

Love Thy Neighbor (1984) TV Movie

See if you can predict the ending of this one. John Ritter and Cassie Yates are the next-door neighbors of Penny Marshall and Bert Convy. Ritter and Marshall can't stand each other. But Presto! Ritters' wife Yates runs off with Marshall's husband Convy. The two spurned spouses meet to bemoan their individual fates. "Love Thy Neighbor" is a TV-movie comedy with a TV-movie cast and a TV-movie denouement. The only surprise is the absence of a laugh track. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi 

Love Thy Neighbor (1984) TV Movie

Cast: John Ritter, Penny Marshall, Cassie Yates, Bert Convy, Constance McCashin, Lucas Haas, Robert Jayne, Jerry Supiran

Welcome Home, America! - A USO Salute to America's Sons and Daughters (1991) (TV)

A broadcast of a concert honoring the United States armed forces and fifty years of service by the USO. This is a great document featuring speeches by former presidents and their men combined with some wonderful musical performances. You'll see Dick Cheney and Colin Powell all smiles as they stand shoulder to shoulder waving to the black tie audience. Also, a standout gospel performance from Miss Sandi Patty, a definite high point. Tom Selleck, a great American, handles the hosting duties initially and Tony Danza brings it home with some enthusiastic tap dancing. Believe it.

Welcome Home, America - A USO Salute (1991) (TV)

Cast: Dick Cheney, Colin Powell, Ronald Reagan, George and Barbara Bush, Frank Sinatra, Steve Martin, The Pointer Sisters, Tony Danza, Tony Orlando, Mark Russell, Gerald Ford, John Forsythe, Alan Thicke, Bob Hope, Debbie Allen, James Woods, Nell Carter, Tom Selleck

Confirmation: The Hard Evidence of Aliens Among Us? (1999) (TV)

Real witnesses. Real encounters. Never before seen footage.

That was the tagline. I have to laugh since the only unseen footage would be their own shoddy re-creations. And how exactly would we have "seen" this footage? By standing over the shoulder of the working artists fabricating this nonsense? COME ON! If I'm to be intrigued by a claim of "never before seen" it better be closer to this; "Never before seen footage of an ACTUAL alien being" since anything less is just more of the same crapola. Some people saw some lights or heard a thing or whatever. Even the title is ambiguous. Words like "confirmation" and "evidence" with a question mark? Well, is it or isn't it? But that's just me.

Confirmation: The Hard Evidence of Aliens Among Us? (1999) (TV)

Host: Robert Davi

Jay Leno's Family Comedy Hour (1987) (TV)

Reminiscent of a "Tonight Show" test-drive for Jay including JC himself. Corny opening scene with Johnny passive-aggressively putting Jay in his proper place. It's supposed to be funny lest we forget the power of Mr. Carson; nothing was light or frivolous. IMHO he was setting the groundwork or foundation of an enterprise that was inevitably passing from one hand to another. And whomever got Johnny's scraps was going to more than earn them. After the opening credits we're introduced to the lovely cast including the late Bea Arthur, whom only recently passed as did the legendary Barbara Billingsley. On the day Mrs. B. passed we had dinner at "Billingsley's", their family-owned restaurant here in Los Angeles. RIP to both of these great ladies and also to one of my personal favorites; John Hancock. He was large, he was black and he was usually in charge. A great character actor, RIP big guy.

If you can forgive a little corniness there are some funny skits, unlike the live chit chat. The writing for the live segments is a fail but the skits are genuinely funny. Some of them at least. Worthy viewing.

Jay Leno's Family Comedy Hour (1987) (TV)

Cast: Bea Arthur, Corbin Bernsen, Barbara Billingsley, Brian Bonsall, Chao Li Chi, Don DeFore, Richard Dysart, John Hancock, Florence Henderson, Jay Leno, Roger Nolan, Susan Ruttan

Elvis Files, The (1992) (TV)

Entertaining conspiracy theory based drivel regarding the death/non-death of the King. Hosted by the late, great Bill Bixby, whom we are told (by Bixby himself) was a close friend. Introduces much in the way of wacky, but I'm serious when I say I found it entertaining. Goofy good fun with nostalgic moments.

The Elvis Files (1992) (TV)

Host: Bill Bixby

Adventures of Mark & Brian, The (TV Series) 1991–1992

Two Los Angeles disc jockeys adapt their radio antics and hi-jinx to a network television program with shocking results. Not really, but considering they're still on the radio 20 years later (same station, same city) and this show had to be cheap to produce, I guess what I'm trying to say is "Why isn't this show still on TV?" Did it get canceled for lack of viewers or did they get tired from the routine and schedule? If it was on today, I'd still be watching. Keep up the good work guys, LA loves ya'.


AVAILABLE EPISODES

Weightless

September 1991

Fatherhood

September 1991

Firefighters

October 1991

The Adventures of Mark & Brian (TV Series) 1991–1992

Cast: Mark Thompson, Brian Phelps

Blame Game, The: Are We a Country of Victims? (1994) (TV)

Excellent production. Investigative reporting in the most transparent, confrontational manner. John Stossel asks insightful, direct questions of people involved in all forms of daily activity. Questions relevant to the economy, politics, and society in general and to these questions he gets nothing in return. Blank stares, indecipherable babble and apparent anger is his reward. Victims will be victims, as unrepentant as sex offenders. Consider this is from 1994, 17 years ago as of this writing. As when I watch Bill Cosby's show, "Kids Say the Darndest Things" and wonder about the current whereabouts of the youngsters involved; when I watch this show I wonder about the same thing regarding the losers involved. This should be mandatory viewing in high schools.

The Blame Game: Are We a Country of Victims? (1994) (TV)

Host: John Stossel

Carol Burnett Show, The: Let's Bump Up The Lights! (2004) (TV)

Carol and crew bring what appears to be a regular taping of her classic show to an unexpected halt and "bump up the lights" for an impromptu Q&A panel. Great fun for fans of the great lady.

The Carol Burnett Show: Let's Bump Up The Lights! (2004) (TV)

Cast: Carol Burnett, Tim Conway, Harvey Korman, Vicki Lawrence, Lyle Waggoner

Don't Try This at Home! (1990) (TV)

A variety special hosted by the comedy-magic team of Penn & Teller. The duo reveal some of the secrets behind their illusions.

Don't Try This at Home! (1990) (TV)

Cast: Penn Jillette, Teller, Victoria Jackson, Jane Curtin, Carol Perkins

83rd Annual Academy Awards, The (2011) (TV)

Best Picture: The King's Speech

Actor in a Leading Role: Colin Firth

 
Actress in a Leading Role: Natalie Portman

Directing: Tom Hooper

The 83rd Annual Academy Awards (2011) (TV)

Hosts: James Franco, Anne Hathaway

Deep in My Heart (1999) TV Movie

A white woman who was raped by a black man gives the baby up for adoption. We follow the life of the child as she grows and has children of her own.

Deep in My Heart (1999) TV Movie

Cast: Anne Bancroft, Lynn Whitfield, Alice Krige, Cara Buono, Gloria Reuben, Jesse L. Martin, Kevin O'Rourke, Peter MacNeill

Timeless: Barbra Streisand Live in Concert (2001) (TV)

Barbra Streisand's Timeless: Live from the MGM Grand is not merely a career retrospective - it's a life retrospective, and a show rather than a concert. The opening scene is 1955, with a young singer (ably played by Lauren Frost) finding her voice. As she wistfully begins "Something's Coming," the grown-up Streisand joins in to an electrifying ovation and proceeds to take us on a journey through her life: the torchy period ("A Sleepin' Bee"), the Broadway period ("Don't Rain on My Parade"), the movie period ("Evergreen"), the Sondheim period ("Putting It Together"), and the James Brolin period ("I've Dreamed of You"). She also recalls through video clips several duets before she sings "I've Got a Crush on You" with a clip of Frank Sinatra, and debuts a new song by Marvin Hamlisch and Alan and Marilyn Bergman, "Simple Pleasures," then counts us down to the new year (or new millennium, depending on your math).

Timeless: Barbra Streisand Live in Concert (2001) (TV)

Cast: Barbra Streisand, Lauren Frost, Savion Glover

Road to Fame (1999) (TV)

If you never wanted to see or hear Jerry Springer sing, then DON'T watch this. His singing voice is terrible but this show was actually not too bad, if that's any recommendation. Loaded with clips, bloopers, outtakes and audition tapes it's possible you'll be surprised more than a few times. A notch up from mediocre, worth the watch if you're a fan of all things Hollywood.

Road to Fame (1999) (TV)

Host: Rick Sanchez

Doo Dah Parade, The (1990) (TV)

Conceived in 1978 by several friends, including Peter Apanel, Ted Wright, Charles "Skip" Finnell, among others, sitting in a bar called "Chromo's" (which no longer exists) in Pasadena, as an irreverent alternative to the traditional formality of the Rose Parade, which is also held in Pasadena. In 1978, January 1st fell on a Sunday, and the Rose Parade, which typically takes place on January 1, will not march on a Sunday. So they decided it would be fun to have an alternate parade on January 1 that year. Some of the early participants were Wright as first Grand Marshall, Snotty Scotty and the Hankies, The Lawn Mower Drill Team, The Briefcase Drill Team and General Hershey Bar, among many others. It was the first Pasadena Doo Dah Parade.

From November of 1990 this is the first televised broadcast of the notable parade. The historic, now defunct KCOP-13 displayed extraordinary balls and showed this live without any fancy delays or anything. Suffice it to say, no network big or small would ever do this in the present. This is expressionism and free-flowing creativity at it's American best. Everyone's favorite Richard Simmons and everyone's favorite for real Vicki Lawrence are the hosts, very obviously working sans script but bringing plenty of off the cuff funny. This is SO much fun and still holds up nicely after 20 years.

The Doo Dah Parade (1990) (TV)

Hosts: Richard Simmons, Vicki Lawrence Schultz

Comedy Store's 20th Birthday, The (1992) (TV)

As of this writing The Comedy Store is still alive and kickin'. Should we anticipate a 40th birthday celebration next year? We can hope because this was a fantastic, now legendary gathering of some of the greatest. It's all good, front to back, but seeing Sam K. in his glory certainly brings the memories. And if you've ever wanted to see Jim Carrey naked stay tuned. Seriously.

The Comedy Store's 20th Birthday (1992) (TV)

Cast: Jim Carrey, David Letterman, Louie Anderson, Jeff Altman, Richard Pryor, Sam Kinison, Bob Saget, Sandra Bernhard, Pauly Shore, Garry Shandling, Arsenio Hall, Damon Wayans, Whoopi Goldberg

Burt Bacharach: One Amazing Night (1998) (TV)

Songwriter Burt Bacharach has been writing tunes that blend pop hooks with intelligence and sophistication since the 1950s, and this special concert, staged at New York's Hammerstein Ballroom, features a variety of major stars from pop, rock, country, and R&B paying tribute to his genius, with Bacharach on hand and leading the orchestra. Burt Bacharach: One Amazing Night features guest performances from Sheryl Crow, Wynonna Judd, Chrissie Hynde, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Elvis Costello, Mike Myers, Barenaked Ladies, and many more. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Burt Bacharach: One Amazing Night (1998) (TV)

Cast: Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello, Sheryl Crow, George Duke, Ben Folds, Chrissie Hynde, Wynonna Judd

Born in My Heart - A Love Story (2002) (TV)

A look at members of the ABC Network family who desperately wanted children and whose lives have been transformed by adoption. The special marks the first time Walters' daughter Jackie speaks publicly about being adopted and what it is like being the daughter of Barbara Walters. Connie and Maury, Rosie O, disgraced former ABC newsanchor Carol Simpson and others are here to share their stories. My favorite segment is a great story about a rogue Romanian orphanage and an inadvertent adoption. Just amazing.

Born in My Heart - A Love Story (2002) (TV)

Hosts: Barbara Walters, Cynthia McFadden

Conspiracy Theory: Did We Land on the Moon? (2001) (TV)

On Thursday, February 15th 2001 (and replayed on March 19), the Fox TV network aired a program called "Conspiracy Theory: Did We Land on the Moon?", hosted by X-Files actor Mitch Pileggi. An hour long program, it featured interviews with a series of people who believe that NASA faked the Apollo moon landings in the 1960s and 1970s. The biggest voice in this is Bill Kaysing, who claims to have all sorts of hoax evidence, including pictures taken by the astronauts, engineering details, discussions of physics and even some testimony by astronauts themselves. One of the program's conclusion was that the whole thing was faked in the Nevada desert (Area 51). According to them, NASA did not have the technical capability of going to the Moon, but pressure due to the Cold War with the Soviet Union forced the deception.

Some of the main questions and topics:
- The likelihood of success was calculated to be so small that it is inconceivable the moon landings could have actually taken place.
- Every Apollo mission before number 11 was plagued by about 20,000 defects apiece. Yet, with the exception of Apollo 13, NASA claims there wasn't one major technical problem on any of their Moon missions.
- The poor video quality of the first moon landings was a deliberate ploy so nobody could properly examine it.
- There can't be any pictures taken on the Moon because the film would melt in the 250° temperatures.
- Every Apollo photograph appears to be perfectly composed, focused and exposed, despite the fact the astronauts used cameras without viewfinders and light meters.
- The black sky should be full of stars, yet none are visible in any of the Apollo photographs.
- The astronauts should have seen a beautiful star-filled sky above them, yet they never mention it.
- There are several photographs of objects that are in shadows, yet they appear lighted and with surprising detail. Objects located in shadows should appear totally black.
- In many photographs the shadow side of the astronauts appear illuminated, while the shadow side of rocks appear totally black.
- Shadows cast on the lunar surface should be parallel. Some shadows in the Apollo photos are not parallel indicating more than one light source, thus the photos are fakes.
- Many Apollo photographs show lighting "hot spots", as well as a darkening of the surface toward the horizon. Sunlight should not produce hot spots, nor should the surface fade in an airless environment.
- Only two men walked on the Moon during each Apollo mission, yet there are photos in which the astronaut reflected in the visor has no camera. Who took the shot?
- Not one still photograph matches the video footage, yet NASA claims both were shot at the same time.
- Some of the Apollo video shows the American flag fluttering. How can the flag flutter when there is no wind on the airless Moon?

Conspiracy Theory: Did We Land on the Moon? (2001) (TV)

Host: Mitch Pileggi

AFI's 100 Years... 100 Laughs: America's Funniest Movies (2000) (TV)

Cary Grant is the most represented actor with eight films on the list. The Marx Brothers and Woody Allen star in five films. Spencer Tracy, Buster Keaton, Charles Chaplin and Bill Murray each star in four films.

AFI's 100 Years... 100 Laughs: America's Funniest Movies (2000) (TV)

Host: Drew Barrymore

We Were There: CBS News at 50 (1998) (TV)

With the easy delivery of Charles Osgood we are lead through the high points of the last half of the last century through the eyes of the CBS news machine. Particularly good Cold War document.

We Were There: CBS News at 50 (1998) (TV)

Host: Charles Osgood

Motown 30: What's Goin' On! (1990) (TV)

A music special commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Motown recording label. The program features recording artists, as well as comedians and actors who have been influenced by the Motown sound. Taped before an audience at the world famous Pantages Theatre, this is a live musical tribute celebrating the achievements of entertainers from the late 1950s to 1990.

Personally, this is one of my favorites. A fantastic line-up with everyone's favorite, Whoopi as our host. From the first seconds the excitement builds as a full-blown college marching band comes down Vine and takes a raucous and rowdy left on Hollywood Boulevard aiming for their eventual target, the Pantages Theatre. And no side door cast and crew entrance here, this marching band goes through the front doors, into the lobby and down the main aisle blasting and blairin'. One of the all-time classic entries, from the opening shot it runs over 3 minutes! And this is before any musical acts, before the first words are spoken. Which, by the way, are hilarious. You'll understand, it's classic Whoopi. Anything, and I mean ANYTHING with both Gladys and Patti is okay in this household.

Motown 30: What's Goin' On! (1990) (TV)

Cast: Brandon Quintin Adams, Debbie Allen, Michael Bolton, Tracy Chapman, Natalie Cole, Kim Coles, Terence Trent D'Arby, Wilhelmenia Fernandez, The Four Tops, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Guillaume, Heavy D, Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, Sinbad, Meshach Taylor, The Temptations, Lily Tomlin, Robert Townsend, Denzel Washington, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Stevie Wonder

Motown 45 (2004) (TV)

By Gail Mitchell
Billboard
updated 4/6/2004 5:19:02 PM ET

LOS ANGELES  — Gladys Knight’s searing version of “Neither One of Us” and Smokey Robinson and newcomer Joss Stone’s cover of the Miracles R&B/pop classic “I Second That Emotion” are among the highlights of the upcoming ABC television special “Motown 45.”

Taped Sunday night at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium, the special celebrates Motown Records’ hit-filled legacy, pairing the label’s original artists and contemporary singers with timeless Motown songs.

Co-hosted by Lionel Richie and Cedric the Entertainer, the event sported such notables as Dick Clark, the Backstreet Boys, comedian George Lopez and ’N Sync’s Joey Fatone introducing the various segments.

Though such key Motown players as Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and Rick James were missing, the taping still managed to serve as a mini-family reunion. Acts such as Martha Reeves & the Vandellas and Thelma Houston were able to catch up with former labelmates the Four Tops, Commodores and original Supremes Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong, as well as formidable backing band the Funk Brothers.

Performances taped on Sunday included Destiny’s Child’s Kelly Rowland teaming with Wilson and Birdsong on a Supremes medley and with Richie on “Endless Love,” and Michael McDonald covering Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” Nick Lachey and Jermaine Jackson dueted on “I’ll Be There” and the Funk Brothers supported “American Idol” finalist Kimberley Locke on “What Becomes of the Brokenhearted” and Gerald Levert on “Do You Love Me.”

Brian McKnight and Macy Gray were on hand to celebrate Marvin Gaye, with the former performing “What’s Going On” and the latter interpreting “Let’s Get It On.” Ashford & Simpson took part in the grand finale, joining McDonald, Knight, Robinson and Stone to perform “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

“I was there from day one,” Robinson said backstage. “To be here celebrating the 45th anniversary of Motown goes beyond all our wildest dreams.” ABC plans to air “Motown 45” in May.

Motown 45 (2004) (TV)

Cast: Nick Ashford, Cindy Birdsong, Wayne Brady, Cedric the Entertainer, Dick Clark, Macy Gray, Thelma Houston, Gladys Knight, Gerald Levert, Brian McKnight, Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson, Valerie Simpson, Mary Wilson, Joey Fatone, Joss Stone, Nick Lachey

In the Line of Duty: Siege at Marion (1992) TV Movie

Bob Bryant is the F.B.I. agent in charge of an operation to arrest Adam Swapp and his brother Jonathan, both suspects in the bombing of a Utah Mormon Center.

In the Line of Duty: Siege at Marion (1992) TV Movie

Cast:  Ed Begley Jr., Dennis Franz, Tess Harper, Paul Le Mat, Kyle Secor, William H. Macy, Rex Linn

Cab to Canada (1998) TV Movie

Based on a true story, the made-for-TV "Cab to Canada" stars the indomitable Maureen O'Hara as Katherine Eure, a wealthy and very proper "little old lady from Pasadena." En route to a funeral, Katherine summons the cab driven by one Mike Donahue (Jason Beghe). In answer to the traditional "Where to, lady?," Kathryn knocks Mike for a loop when she imperiously insists upon being driven to Vancouver, British Columbia...some 3,100 miles away. During the motor odyssey that follows, Kathryn proves that she's something substantially more than just another arrogant old dowager, just as the down-to-earth Mike loses his natural-born animosity toward those better off than himself. Meanwhile, the authorities are at their wit's end, convinced that Kathryn has been kidnapped, and are prepared to mete out harsh punishment for her captor. A pre-Sixth Sense Haley Joel Osment appears as Bobby. "Cab to Canada" made its CBS network bow on November 29, 1998. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Cab to Canada (1998) TV Movie

Cast: Maureen O'Hara, Jason Beghe, Catherine Bell, Haley Joel Osment, Brigitta Dau, Azura Skye, Efrem Zimbalist Jr.

Saturday Night Live Goes Commercial - Volume II (1998) (TV)

Mostly excellent, personally would like to see more of the contemporary stuff and less of the too familiar 1st gen gang, especially since this is Volume II. Should have got that stuff out of the way with the first volume. Otherwise, fun to see some of these truly forgotten classics. If they were classics in '98, they've only become more so with time. Ably hosted by the great Will Ferrell via a fake behind the scenes look at the making of a SNL commercial. Forced but funny, like much of his work. This is Volume II, no notes available anywhere. Weird.

Saturday Night Live Goes Commercial - Volume II (1998) (TV)

Host: Will Ferrell

Counterfeit Contessa, The (1994) TV Movie

A case of mistaken identity goes too far in this made-for-television romantic comedy. Tea Leoni  stars as Gina Nardino, a young store clerk who pretends to be an Italian countess in order to impress a rich man of society. Her charade starts to fall apart though when his brother gets wise to her schemes. ~ Bernadette McCallion, Rovi

The Counterfeit Contessa (1994) TV Movie

Cast: Téa Leoni, D.W. Moffett, David Beecroft, Karla Tamburrelli, Susan Walters, Molly Price, Nicole de Boer, Holland Taylor

Return of TV Censored Bloopers, The (1993) TV Series

More of the same with a slightly blue hue. Very slight. Actually quite corny. The usual array of celebrities, Tom Arnold is along for some special bloopers from his then-current sitcom, "Tom". Fun for the record.

The Return of TV Censored Bloopers (1993) TV Series

Host: Dick Clark

Tales from the Far Side (1994) (TV)

A series of "Far Side" short animated gags, such as a Frankenstein cow; an insect airline's in-flight movie; deers, hunters, and UFOs; wolf home-movies; egg horror flicks; and cowboys & aliens.

Tales from the Far Side (1994) (TV)

Cast: Kathleen Barr, Doug Parker, Lee Tockar, Dale Wilson

Funny Flubs & Screw-Ups (2000) TV Series

Any way you want to say it, these are bloopers. New packaging, same stuff. Short-lived series that had nothing to offer. Cheech does an OK job and each hour long episode would have a couple guest hosts. Fun watch, just don't expect any revelations.

AVAILABLE EPISODES
Leah Remini, Charlie Schlatter 

5 May 2000

Funny Flubs & Screw-Ups (2000) TV Series

Host: Cheech Marin

27th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards, The (2000) (TV)

This was the year of "Timmy", you either know what that means or you're not a soap fan. Josh Ryan Evans was a special soul whose talents will now elude us forever.

The 27th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards (2000) (TV)

Host: Nancy O'Dell

TV's All-Time Funniest Holidays (1996) (TV)

An assortment of funny holiday clips from different shows of the recent past. Some familiar faces but a fairly lukewarm production. As much as I love "The Simpsons", seeing them used in a Fox anthology is just lazy producing. Holiday auto-pilot viewing.

TV's All-Time Funniest Holidays (1996) (TV)

Host: Ted McGinley

Mrs. Santa Claus (1996) TV Movie

Neglected by her husband during the pre-Christmas rush, Mrs. Santa Claus takes the reindeer and sleigh out for a drive.

Mrs. Santa Claus (1996) TV Movie

Cast: Angela Lansbury, Michael Jeter, Terrence Mann, Lynsey Bartilson, Bryan Murray, Debra Wiseman, Charles Durning

High Incident (1996–1997) TV Series

A fast paced look at life for the officers of the El Camino Police Department, "High Incident" takes the viewers into the trenches with the street police officers.

AVAILABLE EPISODES
Season 1, Episode 1
Pilot 
4 March 1996

Season 1, Episode 2
Till Death Do Us Part
11 March 1996

Season 1, Episode 5
Sometimes A Vague Notion
8 April 1996

Season 1, Episode 6
Father Knows Best
15 April 1996

Season 2, Episode 4
Who'll Stop the Bombs?
3 October 1996

Season 2, Episode 9
Bullet the Blue Sky
21 November 1996

Season 2, Episode 11
Christmas Blues
12 December 1996

Season 2, Episode 15
Black & Blue
6 February 1997

High Incident (1996–1997) TV Series

Cast: Matt Beck, Matt Craven, Cole Hauser, Louis Mustillo, David Keith, Aunjanue Ellis, Wendy Davis, Lindsay Frost, Blair Underwood, Lisa Vidal

Funniest Joke I Ever Heard, The (1984) (TV)

Great old school fun, bad jokes told poorly but with lots of heart. Some websites have Priscilla Barnes incorrectly listed as a co-host but it's a very beautiful Heather Thomas. Other than a terrible, long story by a friend of Burt Reynold's it's all easy viewing. On board with their "funniest" joke; Dom Deluise, Jack Lemmon, Rich Little, Cyndi Lauper, Barbara Mandrell, and Tony Geary among many others.

The Funniest Joke I Ever Heard (1984) (TV)

Hosts: Robert Urich, Heather Thomas

Death in Canaan, A (1978) TV Movie

Paul Clemens plays the real-life Peter Reilly, who in September of 1973 was charged with the mutilation and murder of his mother. The confused 18-year-old signs a confession after being told that he's flunked a lie detector test. Later renouncing the confession, Reilly demands a reopening of his case. The citizens of Peter's home town of Canaan, CT, who'd been willing to see the boy thrown in jail for life when the case first hit the papers, now rally around the youth, insisting that his constitutional rights have been violated. New evidence uncovered by a sympathetic detective enables Peter to press his case. Stefanie Powers plays Joan Barthel, the Canaan resident and free-lance journalist who chronicled Peter's bid for freedom. The made-for-TV "A Death in Canaan" was first telecast March 1, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

A Death in Canaan (1978) TV Movie

Cast: Stefanie Powers, Paul Clemens, Tom Atkins, Jacqueline Brookes, Brian Dennehy, Conchata Ferrell, Charles Haid, Floyd Levine, Kenneth McMillan, Gavan O'Herlihy, Yuki Shimoda, James Sutorius, Bonnie Bartlett

Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World (1973)

Digby consumes a bowl of Project X, a liquid growth formula. Soon, he becomes a sheepdog of gigantic size!

Digby, the Biggest Dog in the World (1973)

Cast: Jim Dale, Spike Milligan, Angela Douglas, John Bluthal, Norman Rossington, Milo O'Shea

Visions... (1972) TV Movie

A professor who has visions of the future informs the police that someone is about to plant a bomb.

Visions... (1972) TV Movie

Cast: Barbara Anderson, Jim Antonio, Joseph Sirola, Lonny Chapman, Monte Markham, Robert DoQui, Telly Savalas, Tim O'Connor

Grammy's Greatest Performances (1999) (TV)

Opening Narration: For 29 years it's been music's biggest night. Careers have been made, achievements celebrated and through it all there have been the greatest performances. Tonight at the end of the century, Grammy looks back on it's highest and most memorable moments. From number 10 to number 1, we'll track the all time highlights of Grammy's past and look at it's future. Tonight, the recording academy proudly presents; Grammy's Greatest Performances, hosted by Natalie Cole and Whitney Houston. 

This is excellent front to back and another great example of a buried treasure. No listings or information anywhere short of the Library of Congress and it's an incredible record. The Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin has 2 entries on the final list, including the top spot. She's #8 for 'Nessum Dorma' in 1998 and #1 for a stellar 1990 performance of her signature hit, "Respect", and it is THE definitive live version. Long live the Queen!

Grammy's Greatest Performances (1999) (TV)

Hosts: Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston

Bobby Darin: Beyond the Song (1998) (TV)

Documentary on the life and career of 1950s/'60s pop singer Bobby Darin, including photos from his childhood, clips from his concerts and TV appearances, and interviews with friends, family and colleagues.

Bobby Darin: Beyond the Song (1998) (TV)

Host: Keith Olberman

Woodstock: Return to the Planet of the 60's (1989) (TV)

This is absolutely great and completely forgotten. From the original hour-long CBS primetime broadcast, this selection has no listing info anywhere, it's not even in Mr. Hesseman's bio. Weird, man. Hosted by Howard Hesseman and featuring lost performances by; Joan Baez, The Band, Country Joe McDonald, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Arlo Guthrie, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, John Sebastian, Sly & The Family Stone, and Johnny Winter and special Woodstock-times remembrances from Penn Jilette, Robert Klein, Martin Mull, Susan St. James, Judy Tenuta, Steven Wright and the legendary Henny Youngman. There's also a funny segment with Mr. Vassmer of Vassmer's market, he was still there as of '89. Personal favorite is Johnny Winter strangulizing a bitchin' electric 12-string guitar. Awesome!

Woodstock: Return to the Planet of the 60's (1989) (TV) 
Host: Howard Hesseman

Women of Country, The (1993) (TV)

Special on the history of women in country music, featuring music performances, interviews, and vintage footage.

This is fantastic and apparently pretty rare since I couldn't find but scant info. Lots of history, lots of classic old faces, nameless to me but I'm sure emotional to others. Great music, great archival footage and best of all the words from the women themselves, many of whom have left us by now. If they were alive, female and singing country, they're here. Absolute must-see for country music fans.

The Women of Country (1993) (TV)

Cast: Emmylou Harris, The Judds, Patsy Montana, Linda Ronstadt, Kathy Mattea, Jeannie C. Reilly

Flesh 'n' Blood (1991) TV Series

When the matriarch of a family passes away her surviving adult daughter has a chance to meet a half-brother. She's Baltimore and he's from the swamps of Florida. Of course he wants to live with the her for the sake of reunification, she has other plans.  We love Lisa Darr, worked with her on "Popular" and Peri Gilpin is here too. Mr. Nielsen died just days ago, a Hollywood giant and personal favorite.

The weekly opening title scene is classically great; Leon Russell sings and it's the dashboard from the driver's POV with the garbage accumulating over the long road trip from the boonies to the destination city. There's even a LIVE mouse rambling freely, just hilarious.

AVAILABLE EPISODES

Season 1, Episode 4

King's Strings

04 October 1991

Season 1, Episode 6

Arlo and Starr

01 November 1991

Season 1, Episode 8

The Wrath of Con

15 November 1991

Flesh 'n' Blood (1991) TV Series

Cast: David Keith, Lisa Darr, Peri Gilpin, Leon Russell

Barbara Walters - The 12 Most Fascinating People of 1993 (1993) (TV)

In reverse order; K D Lang, Rush Limbaugh, Stan Winston, Connie Chung, Clint Eastwood, Jack Kevorkian, Shaq, Barry Diller, James Freed, David Letterman, Maya Angelou, and the most fascinating of all..., Hillary Rodham Clinton. Believe it or don't.

Barbara Walters - The 12 Most Fascinating People of 1993 (1993) (TV)
Host: Barbara Walters