Cops and Robin (1978 TV Movie)
8/10
Enjoyable made-for-TV sci-fi item
28 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Marge Loren (nicely played by Elizabeth Farley) disappears after witnessing the murder of a millionaire. Marge finally resurfaces five years later, but is reluctant to testify because she's afraid someone might hurt her precious little daughter Robin (adorable Natasha Ryan). It's up to veteran officer Joe Cleaver (a delightfully exuberant portrayal by Ernest Borgnine) and his android partner Haven (a solid and likable performance by Michael Shannon) to protect Robin.

Director Allen Reisner relates the entertaining story at a brisk pace and stages an exciting car chase with considerable aplomb. Moreover, this telemovie has some real heart to it: The scenes between the two police officers and Robin are quite sweet, warm, and appealing while the moments in which Haven gets pointers on what it means to be human from Cleaver are pretty charming and amusing. Borginine and Shannon display a winning and natural chemistry in the leads; they receive sturdy support from Carol Lynley as the perky Dr. Alice Alcott, John Amos as no-nonsense police sergeant Al Bundy, Terry Kiser as the wormy Wayne Dutton, and Richard Bright as corrupt detective Richards. Howard Schwartz's sharp and lively cinematography boasts a few neat visual flourishes. Charles Bernstein's funky score hits the right-on groovy spot. A fun little flick.
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