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Reviews
The Motown Revue Starring Smokey Robinson (1985)
I was writer/producer
Just for the record - there were 5 episodes of this show produced in the summer of 1985. It was a fun show, of course featuring many great Motown stars as well as such luminaries as Linda Ronstadt, Pee Wee Herman, Weird Al, Dean Martin, Chaka Khan, Wilson Pickett, Ray Charles, Boy George, Tears for Fears, Rick Nelson in what was one of his last TV appearances, a young Bill Maher (!) and others. Future stars Arsenio Hall and Khandi Alexander were part of the regular cast ("the Hitsville Gang") and future director Kenny Ortega was the choreographer. There was of course talk of it going a full season. But it came down to the decision of one guy, Brandon Tartikoff, president of NBC, and he nixed that notion. Which was unfortunate. We did a bit with Stevie Wonder wherein he professed the desire to be a make up artist, so he slathered on make up on a member of the troupe. I read his lines to him through an ear piece! Laugh-in's great producer George Schlatter, a friend of mine as well as of "the chairman" of Motown Berry Gordy. George was a sort of advisor/godfather. Yeah it was a golden TV moment. It may be viewable somewhere, and it's worth seeing if I do say so myself.
Steps of Faith (2014)
Very sweet funny and uplifting Indy film
I am a cynical guy but I thoroughly enjoyed this film. Chrystee Pharris delivers a powerful performance as a young woman (Faith Houston) certain she's had an epiphany, a call to work at a horse farm in rural Texas which is dedicated to "hippo therapy" - helping challenged kids by introducing them to the love of horses. A lot of changes are in store for Faith, involving a whole strange gamut of experiences and emotions which are dramatic, funny and emotional, testing her confidence, courage and her faith. But it's all part of her transformation from cluelessness to wisdom. It's a simple, refreshing little movie filmed on location in various parts of Texas. The supporting cast is superb - with nice appearances by Ted Lange (Love Boat) and Tracey Ross (Passions). Kudos to all who pulled this independent project together and especially to Ms. Pharris in this her first star turn.