John Phillip Law (1937-2008)

biography

Born in Hollywood on September 7, 1937, it's ironic that John Phillip Law had his first success in films as an actor in European films. Raised in the Los Angeles area, the 6'4" blonde youth spent a lot of time at movie studios as a child, where he found frequent but uncredited work as an extra. Upon graduating from high school, Law left California for the University of Hawaii in the mid 1950s. After dabbling in acting in college, Law went to New York after completing his studies and soon found roles on Broadway. Eventually, he found plum roles in the Broadway productions Come on Strong (1962), The Changeling (1964), and the comedy Tartuffe (1965). When he was between Broadway shows, on occasion Law would nab quick roles in Italian films, such as Smog (1962) and Three Nights of Love (1964; with Adolfo Celi). His breakthrough role came in the comedy The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming (1966; with Alan Arkin and Carl Reiner). With his well recevied performance in that film, Law's career took off in the late 1960s, when he was cast in such films as Barbarella (1968; with Jane Fonda, Danger: Diabolik (1968; with Marisa Mell), and The Sergeant (1968; with Rod Steiger). In 1970, when actor Brian Kelly was paralyzed following a motorcycle accident, Law stepped into Kelly's starring role in Columbia's then-shocking release The Love Machine, adapted from Jacqueline Susann's best-selling novel.

the films of john phillip law

The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming (1966)

Hurry Sundown (1967)

Danger: Diabolik (1968)

Barbarella (1968)

The Sergeant (1968)

Death Rides a Horse (1968)

The Love Machine (1971)

The Red Baron (1971)

The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1974)

The Cassandra Crossing (1976)

later years

With his career slowing down in the 1980s, John Phillip Law took roles in low budget productions and direct-to-video releases including Night Train to Terror (1985; with Richard Moll), Space Mutiny (1988; with Reb Brown), and Cold Heat (1989; with Britt Ekland). Active in films until the end, his most recent release was the drama Vic (2006; with Clu Gulager). His final film, Chinaman's Chance, is slated for release later in 2008. Sadly John Phillip Law passed away at home in Los Angeles on May 13, 2008. He is survived by a daughter and grandson.

john phillip law films available from movies unlimited

The Mystery Science Theater 3000 Collection, Vol. 4 [DVD] DVD
Four Sci-Fi Channel episodes make their video debut in this four-disc collection. Watch as Mike and the bots go-go their way through the tawdry '60s dance drama "Girl in Gold Boots"; behold the futuristic golf cart chase that climaxes "Space Mutiny"; see how even the Bard isn't safe from riffing in "Hamlet" (1960); and protest baboon defamation in "Overdrawn at the Memory Bank." 8 1/4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English; episode introductions; more.
The Russians Are Coming, The Russians Are Coming [DVD](1966) DVD
An irreverent and wacky "Cold War" comedy about a Russian submarine that strands itself outside a small New England town, throwing people on both sides into a panic. All-star cast includes Alan Arkin, Carl Reiner, Jonathan Winters, Eva Marie Saint. 126 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby mono, French mono; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; featurette; trailer.
The Sergeant [DVD](1968) DVD
Decades before the era of "don't ask, don't tell," Rod Steiger played a 1950s military man struggling with homosexual desire in this gripping, emotional drama. Assigned to a supply unit located in France, master sergeant Steiger soon has the morale of his troops improved, but his close mentorship of one duty clerk tests his moral fiber and his ability to remain true to himself while serving his country. With John Phillip Law, Frank Latimore. 108 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Barbarella [DVD](1968) DVD
Welcome to the 41st century, where Barbarella, sexy queen of space, battles monsters and robots and handles men as handily as she wrestles with nasty intergalactic villains. Jane Fonda turns in a revealing performance as the heroine in this outrageous adventure based on the famed French comic strip. David Hemmings, Milo O'Shea, John Phillip Law. 98 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby mono, French mono; trailer.
Death Rides A Horse [DVD](1969) DVD
A young man looking for the outlaws who killed his parents teams up with an embittered gunslinger after those responsible for his imprisonment in this violent Western tale. Lee Van Cleef, John Phillip Law, Anthony Dawson star. 112 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English; trivia; biographies; scene access.
The Golden Voyage Of Sinbad [DVD](1974) DVD
The fabled sailor embarks on a danger-filled quest in this dazzling fantasy-adventure, populated by living statues, ferocious griffins and centaurs, and other Harryhausen-created menaces. With John Phillip Law, Caroline Munro, and Tom Baker ("Dr. Who") as the villain. 105 min. Widescreen (Enhanced) and Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, Portuguese Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Thai; featurettes; theatrical trailers; publicity materials; scene access.
The Sinbad Collection [DVD] DVD
Three-disc set includes "The 7th Voyage of Sinbad" (including an exclusive interview with Ray Harryhausen), "The Golden Voyage of Sinbad" and "Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger."
The Cassandra Crossing [DVD](1977) DVD
Sophia Loren, Ava Gardner, Richard Harris and Burt Lancaster are four members of an all-star passenger list on board a trans-European train that has been contaminated with an infectious plague by terrorists. Co-stars Martin Sheen and O.J. Simpson as Father Haley. 132 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby stereo; scene access.
Target Of An Assassin [DVD](1978) DVD
Thrill-packed story set in South Africa, where a hospital worker (Anthony Quinn), faced with a fatal illness and desperate to provide for his family, kidnaps a visiting dignitary and must dodge the police and a political assassin. With Ken Gampu, John Phillip Law. AKA: "African Rage," "Fatal Assassin," "Tigers Don't Cry." 102 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English; biographies; trivia; scene access.
Tarzan, The Ape Man [DVD](1981) DVD
Bo Derek is the swinging-est Jane yet in this sexy version of the legend. Dry, wet or undressed, Bo will steal your heart and bulge your eyes. No wonder jungle king Miles O'Keeffe screams, "ah uhh-uhh ah-uh!" Richard Harris co-stars. 115 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; theatrical trailer.
Attack Force Z (Widescreen Version) [DVD](1981) DVD
Mel Gibson stars in a rousing WWII saga about an elite Australian army unit charged with rescuing a defecting Japanese official from an island in the South Pacific in 1945. The mission seems easy for Gibson and fellow soldiers John Phillip Law and Sam Neill, but thousands of Japanese soldiers and the elements provide cause for trouble. 90 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono.
Night Train To Terror (1985)/The Thirsty Dead [DVD](1974) DVD
First, in the anthology "Night Train to Terror," God and Satan discuss the fate of such characters as the residents of an insane asylum, visitors to a "death club," and one of the Devil's servants. John Phillip Law, Cameron Mitchell, Marc Lawrence star. AKA: "Shiver." Then, in "The Thirsty Dead," young women are abducted from city streets by the members of a vampire cult. Jennifer Billingsley, Judith McConnell, John Considine star. AKA: "Blood Hunt," "The Blood Cult of Shangri-La." 3 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
Horror Classics, Vol. 6 [DVD] DVD
As a rock band breakdances its way through the "Night Train to Terror" (1985), God and Satan debate mankind's capacity for good or evil (which is depicted through segments from such other Philip Yordan-scripted films as "Death Wish Club," "Scream Your Head Off," "Shiver" and more). John Phillip Law, Cameron Mitchell, Marc Lawrence, Ferdy Mayne star. Also includes "The Devil's Nightmare," "Moon of the Wolf," and "Snowbeast." 6 hrs. total. Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1.
Space Mutiny [DVD](1988) DVD
An interplanetary starship becomes the setting for adventure and suspense, as the ship's pilot must turn to a race of psychic aliens for help in putting down a treacherous revolt orchestrated by a band of rebels who plan to sell the rest of the crew into slavery. Reb Brown, John Phillip Law, Cameron Mitchell star. Standard; Soundtrack: English.
Marilyn Alive And Behind Bars [DVD](1992) DVD
Distraught over his wife's death, a suicidal man is rescued and taken to an unusual sanitarium. There, he is given mind-controlling drugs and forced by the sinister staff to lure beautiful women into their dastardly white slavery ring. Can he escape with the help of an inmate who claims to be Marilyn Monroe? Bizarre chiller, footage of which was used in 1985's "Night Train to Terror," stars John Phillip Law, Francine York, Richard Moll. AKA: "Scream Your Head Off." Soundtrack: English.
My Magic Dog [DVD](1997) DVD
A boy's best friend is his dog...especially when that dog is Lucky, a magical mutt that is totally invisible to everyone except Toby, his 8-year-old master. Watch the fun as Lucky helps Toby save his inheritance from a nasty aunt in this live-action fantasy for the whole family. Leo Millbrook, Russ Tamblyn and John Philip Law star. 98 min.
Mario Bava: Maestro Of The Macabre (2000) [DVD] DVD
For years he was practically unknown, but in recent years Italian director Mario Bava has acquired an incredible following. Here's a concise reason why, as this documentary looks at such masterworks as "Black Sunday," "Black Sabbath," "Baron Blood," "Lisa and the Devil" and more. 60 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo.
CQ [DVD](2001) DVD
Groovy riff on moviemaking in the psychedelic era from Roman Coppola (son of Francis Ford), centering on Jeremy Davies, a film editor in France in 1969. While working on a sci-fi action epic, Davies is also directing his own personal film featuring himself and girlfriend Elodie Bouchez. When he gets a chance to direct the actioner, Davies begins to fall for Angela Lindvall, the picture's sexy star. Gerard Depardieu, Giancarlo Giannini and Jason Schwartzman also star. 88 min. Standard and Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital 5.1; Subtitles: English, French, Spanish; audio commentary by Coppola; featurettes; photo gallery; theatrical trailer; deleted scene; documentaries.
Miner's Massacre [DVD](2003) DVD
After discovering a fortune in gold in a dilapidated mine, a group of friends take the loot and think they've struck it rich. However, the pals soon learn the cost of their greed as they fall victim to a legendary curse inflicted by a ghostly miner determined to protect his claim on the wealth. Scare-packed horror tale stars Karen Black, John Phillip Law, Richard Lynch. AKA: "Curse of the Forty-Niner." 86 min. Soundtrack: English.

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filmography

FILM
Chinaman's Chance (2007) with Timothy Bottoms, Jason Connery, Coolio, Ernest Borgnine, Olivia Hussey, Lorenzo Lamas, Christopher Atkins, Geoffrey Lewis, Martin Kove, Edward Albert, Bo Svenson, Theresa Russell, and Tommy Chong
Vic (2006) with Clu Gulager, Tom Gulager, Carol Lynley, Gregory Sierra, Gary Frank, and Peter Mark Richman; a short directed by Sage Stallone
Three Tales of Terror (2004) with Lamberto Bava
Miner's Massacre (2003) with Richard Lynch, Jeff Conaway, Karen Black, and Martin Kove
CQ (2001) with Gerard Depardieu, Giancarlo Giannini, Billy Zane, and Dean Stockwell
Citizens of Perpetual Indulgence (2000) with Udo Kier, Joe Dallesandro, Holly Woodlawn, Mary Woronov, Mink Stole, and Alexis Arquette
Wanted (1999)
Ghost Dog (1997) with Russ Tamblyn
Hindsight (1996) with Robert Forster and Ron Jeremy
Burning Heart (1995)
Angel Eyes (1993) with Erik Estrada, Monique Gabrielle, Richard Harrison, and Fred Olen Ray
Marilyn Alive and Behind Bars (1992) with Richard Moll and Francine York
Shining Blood (1992)
Alaska Stories (1991)
Little Women of Today (1990)
Nerds of a Feather (1990) with Charles Pierce
Alienator (1989) with Jan-Michael Vincent, Ross Hagen, P.J. Soles, and Robert Clarke
Cold Heat (1989) with Britt Ekland
Gorilla (1989)
Quattro piccole donne (1989)
A Case of Honor (1988) with Timothy Bottoms
The Overthrow (1988)
Blood Delirium (1988) with Gordon Mitchell
Space Mutiny (1988) with Reb Brown and Cameron Mitchell; once featured on Mystery Science Theater 3000
Thunder Warrior III (1988)
Una grande storia d'amore (1987) with Claudine Auger and Sylva Koscina
Moon in Scorpio (1987) with Britt Ekland and William Smith
Striker (1987)
Johann Strauss: The King Without a Crown (1986) with Oliver Tobias, Mary Crosby, Audrey Landers, Karin Dor, and Zsa Zsa Gabor
American Commandos (1985) with Christopher Mitchum
L.A. Bad (1985) with Esai Morales, Janice Rule, and Carrie Snodgress
Night Train to Terror (1985) with Richard Moll and Cameron Mitchell
No Time to Die (1984) with Christopher Mitchum
Tin Man (1983) with Timothy Bottoms, Deana Jurgens, and Troy Donahue
Attack Force Z (1982) with Mel Gibson and Sam Neill
Tarzan, the Ape Man (1981) with Miles O'Keeffe, Bo Derek, and Richard Harris; directed by John Derek
The Best Place to Be (1979) with Donna Reed, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Betty White, Gregory Harrison, Timothy Hutton, Lloyd Bochner, and Madlyn Rhue
Ring of Darkness (1979) with Anne Heywood, Marisa Mell, and Irene Papas
Der Schimmelreiter (1978) with Gert Frobe
Eyes Behind the Wall (1977) with Fernando Rey
A Whisper In the Dark (1976) with Joseph Cotten
Target of an Assassin (1976) with Anthony Quinn
The Devil's Bed (1976)
The Cassandra Crossing (1976) with Sophia Loren, Richard Harris, Martin Sheen, O.J. Simpson, Lionel Stander, Ava Gardner, and Burt Lancaster
Doctor Justice (1975) with Gert Frobe
Your God My Hell (1975)
The Spiral Staircase (1975) with Jacqueline Bisset and Christopher Plummer
Open Season (1974) with Peter Fonda, Richard Lynch, William Holden, and Helga Line
The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1974) with Caroline Munro
Stardust (1973)
The Last Movie (1971) with Dennis Hopper, Julie Adams, Sylvia Miles, and Toni Basil
The Love Machine (1971) with Dyan Cannon, Robert Ryan, Jackie Cooper, David Hemmings, and Shecky Greene
The Red Baron (1971) with Don Stroud and Robert La Tourneaux
Strogoff (1971) with Mimsy Farmer and Hiram Keller
The Hawaiians (1970) with Charlton Heston, Geraldine Chaplin, Keye Luke, Lyle Bettger, and Chris Robinson
Diary of a Telephone Operator (1969) with Claudia Cardinale
The Sergeant (1968) with Rod Steiger
Skidoo (1968) with Jackie Gleason, Carol Channing, Frankie Avalon, and Frank Gorshin
Barbarella (1968) with Jane Fonda, Anita Pallenberg, and David Hemmings
Death Rides a Horse (1968) with Lee Van Cleef
Danger: Diabolik (1968) with Marisa Mell and Adolfo Celi; featured in the final episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000
Hurry Sundown (1967) with Michael Caine, Jane Fonda, George Kennedy, Robert Hooks, and Burgess Meredith
The Russians Are Coming, the Russians Are Coming (1966) with Carl Reiner, Eva Marie Saint, Alan Arkin, Brian Keith, and Jonathan Winters
Three Nights of Love (1964) with Adolfo Celi
High Infidelity (1964) with Claire Bloom and Ugo Tognazzi
Smog (1962)

TELEVISION SERIES
The Young and the Restless, 1973-present CBS TV series. Law portrayed Jim Gringer from 1998-1999

TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES
It's a Living, episode Cassie's Cowboy, originally aired October 5, 1985
Murder, She Wrote, episode Widow, Weep for Me, originally aired September 29, 1985
The Love Boat, episode Green, But Not Jolly/Past Perfect Love/Instant Family, originally aired January 30, 1982
Password Plus, five episodes, originally aired May 21-25, 1979

john phillip law film now showing

Watch John Phillip Law's 1967 spaghetti western Death Rides A Horse