Dick York Movies
Actor Dick York started out as a child performer on radio, playing important roles in such airwaves favorites as Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy. In the early '50s, York began showing up in New York-based instructional films, including a now-infamous reel about proper dating etiquette. Establishing himself as one of Broadway's most versatile young character actors, he was seen in such major productions as Tea and Sympathy, Bus Stop, and Night of the Auk. In films from 1955, York's most famous movie role was schoolteacher Bertram Cates in Inherit the Wind, the 1960 dramatization of the Scopes Monkey Trial. Though a prolific TV guest star, he didn't settle down on a weekly series until 1962, when he co-starred with Gene Kelly and Leo G. Carroll in a short-lived video adaptation of Going My Way. Two years later, he landed his signature role: Darren Stephens, the eternally flustered husband of glamorous witch Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery), in Bewitched. He remained with the series until 1969, when a recurring back ailment (the legacy of an on-set injury suffered while filming the 1959 feature They Came to Cordura) forced York to relinquish the role of Darren to Dick Sargent. Though he was for all intents and purposes retired from acting, York remained active on behalf of several pro-social causes. He was the founder of Acting for Life, an organization designed to help the homeless help themselves. Living a spartan existence in Grand Rapids, MI, an increasingly infirm Dick York tirelessly continued giving of himself for the benefit of others until his death from emphysema in 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1969
Nancy Kovack, who played Darrin Stephens' ex-girlfriend, Sheila, in earlier episodes of Bewitched, is here cast as Clio Vanita, Darrin's beautiful and flirtatious female client from Italy. Upset at Clio's blatant efforts to ensare Darrin, Samantha's lookalike cousin, Serena, transforms the sexy seductress into a monkey. Only trouble is, Clio goes "ape" just before closing a deal worth half a million dollars. The first episode in a two-part story arc, "Cousin Serena Strikes Again" was written by Ed Jurist, and originally aired on January 9, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1969
At the insistence of her social-climbing mother-in-law (Mabel Albertson), Samantha hires a maid named Amelia (Nellie Burt). Intending to fire Amelia before she can be a witness to witchcraft, Sam finds it impossible to do so: Amelia is too nice and too dedicated to her work, to warrant dismissal, nor will she allow herself to be fired. The story's unexpected solution is provided by hoity-toity dowager Mrs. Otis (Virginia Gregg). Written by Peggy Chantler Dick and Douglas M. Dick, "Samantha's Super Maid" first aired on January 2, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1969
At the insistence of his boss Larry Tate, a reluctant Darrin joins the snooty and exclusive Burning Oak country club. Believing that he has sold out his egalitarian values, Endora transforms Darrin into an insufferable, bigoted snob. Samantha straightens out the mess by revealing a few unsavory truths about the ancestors of "blue-blooded" club chairman J. Earl Rockeford (Edward Andrews) and his equally haughty wife, Hortense (Glenda Farrell). Taking time out from her duties as Mrs. Drysdale on The Beverly Hillbillies, Harriet MacGibbon is seen as Jessica. Written by Pauline Townsend and Leo Townsend, "The Battle of Burning Oak" was first broadcast on March 13, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1969
On another of his "no witchcraft" kicks, Darrin wants nothing to do with the magical cigarette lighter given to him as a birthday present by Samantha's father, Maurice. His feelings hurt, Maurice pays Darrin back for his stubborness by transforming him into a mule. This metamorphosis coincides with Gladys Kravitz's strident efforts to clean up zoning violations in the neighborhood -- beginning with the "unsanitary" mule in the Stephenses' living room. Written by Michael Morris, "Daddy Does His Thing" first aired on April 3, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1969
Endora casts a spell on Darrin which causes him to vanish whenever he speaks Spanish. Trouble is, Darrin has been shipped off to Mexico City, where he has been hired to promote a product called "Bueno." Thomas Gomez guest stars as Darrin's client, Mr. Garcia. Written by John L. Greene, "Samantha and Darrin in Mexico City" originally aired on April 24, 1969, as the final episode of Bewitched's fifth season -- and the last episode to feature Dick York as Darrin Stephens. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1969
In the conclusion of a two-part story, a 500,000-dollar contract hangs in the balance as Samantha searches high and low for a runaway monkey -- actually Darrin's sexy Italian client Clio Vanita (Nancy Kovack), who has been "zapped" into simian form by Samantha's cousin, Serena. Along the way, Sam runs into several snags thanks to a flustered cop (Richard X. Slattery) and an Italian gentleman named Scibetta (played by frequent Bewitched supporting player Cliff Norton). Both parts one and two of "Cousin Serena Strikes Again" were written by Ed Jurist. The concluding chapter first aired on January 16, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1969
Thanks to a spell cast by warlock Professor MacAllister, Darrin becomes the lucky marketer of "the Fuzz," a cute little doll which is literally irresistible. Anticipating a huge financial windfall, Darrin embarks upon a shopping spree, while Samantha and Tabitha, both immune to the Fuzz's charms, try to cure Darrin's enthusiasm before it's too late. Frequent Bewitched supporting actor Cliff Norton is seen as MacAllister. Written by Jerry Mayer and Paul L. Friedman, "One Touch of Midas" originally aired on January 23, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1969
Samantha falls victim to "the Venetian Verbal Virus," which causes her to speak in nothing but rhymes. Unfortunately, her malady coincides with the arrival of Darrin's new client, Oscar Durfee (Larry D. Mann), a man who has grown sick and tired of rhyming jingles. Sara Seegar is featured in another of her innumerable "confused client's wife" roles as Mrs. Durfee. Written by Richard Baer, "Samantha the Bard" was originally telecast on January 30, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1969
When Samantha takes up sculpting, Darrin insists that she avoid using witchcraft in her hobby. Reacting with her usual hostile impulsiveness, Endora causes Sam's impressionist statue of Darrin to come to life during a dinner party. The ubiquitous Cliff Norton appears as Darrin's latest client, Mr. Campbell, who thinks that the double Darrins are a result of delirium tremens. Written by Douglas Tibbles, "Samantha the Sculptress" first aired on February 6, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Samantha joins her neighbors in opposing a plan to build a new supermarket on the site of a children's playground. Alas and alack, Darrin has been hired to publicize the supermarket's owner, greedy Colonel Mossler (Arte Johnson). Sam refuses to resort to witchcraft until she realizes that Darrin is willing to lose his job rather than let down the neighborhood. Written by Rick Mittleman, "Samantha Fights City Hall" made its first network appearance on November 28, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
At the suggestion of Darrin's mother (Mabel Albertson), Samantha enters a slogan contest conducted by one of Darrin's clients, the Tinker Bell Diaper Company. Amazingly, Sam wins first prize: an all-expense-paid trip to Tahiti. But Darrin refuses to belief in the efficacy of blind luck, falsely accusing Sam of winning through witchcraft. Written by frequent Bewitched supporting actor Arthur Julian, "Is It Magic or Imagination?" first aired on November 21, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Despite her trepidations that Tabitha may try out her witchcraft on strangers, Samantha enrolls her daughter in nursery school. Though Tabitha tries to rein in her powers, the jig is up when her classmate, Amy (Maralee Foster), refusing to imitate a toad in a school play, insists she'd rather be a butterfly. Veteran character actress Maudie Prickett appears as long-suffering teacher Mrs. Burch. Written by Douglas Tibbles, "I Don't Want to Be a Toad" originally aired on December 21, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Leaping upon a chance comment made by Samantha, prankish Uncle Arthur switches Sam and Darrin's voices around. It's bad enough that Sam now sounds like Darrin and vice-versa, but it's even worse that this vocal confusion occurs just when Sam's help is needed to patch up the marriage of Larry and Louise Tate. This episode was scripted by frequent Bewitched contributors Lila Garrett and Bernie Kahn. "Samantha Loses Her Voice" first aired on December 5, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Feeling that Darrin has been rude to her, Endora retaliates with a magic spell that transforms Darrin into a perfect gentleman. Unfortunately, his excessive gallantry arouses suspicion rather than admiration from his friends and associates. Mala Powers, the actress who played Darrin's old girlfriend, Mary Jane, in the fourth-season episode "No Zip in My Zap," is here cast as Adrienne. Scripted by John L. Greene from a story by Arthur Alsberg, "Instant Courtesy" first aired on December 26, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
In his efforts to save the weeping willow tree which Darrin gave Samantha when Tabitha was born, Dr. Bombay inadvertently causes Sam to start sobbing uncontrollably. Because she is unable to explain the source of her melancholy, everyone assumes that Darrin has "done her wrong." The only cure for her copious weeping is unbridled laughter -- and that's even worse! Written by Douglas Tibbles, "Weep No More, My Willow" was originally scheduled to air on October 31, 1968, but ended up making its first network appearance on December 19 of that same year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Season five of Bewitched got under way on September 26, 1968, with the episode titled "Samantha's Wedding Present." Miffed at Darrin, Endora once again sets out to prove that her mortal son-in-law is a "small, small man." Accordingly, she casts a spell which causes Darrin to start shrinking -- on his wedding day. Before the mess can be straightened out, the teeny-tiny Darrin finds himself at the mercy of a dog, a brace of garbagemen (Jack Griffin, Art Metrano), and a greedy drunk (Dick Wilson, best known as "Mr. Whipple" of Charmin Bathroom Tissue fame). A comic variation on the sci-fi classic The Incredible Shrinking Man (complete with oversized props), "Samantha's Wedding Present" was written by Richard Baer, though some sources credit Bernard Slade. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
A few seasons back, Abner Kravitz moved in with Darrin and Samantha when his wife, Gladys, kicked him out of the house. This time, it is Gladys' turn to bunk with the Stephenses after an argument with Abner. Unable to make the best of a bad situation, Darrin pleads with Sam to use witchcraft to bring the Kravitzes back together again. Frequent Bewitched supporting actor and scriptwriter Arthur Julian appears as Hogersdorf, the butcher. Written by Richard Baer, "Splitsville" was first telecast on May 16, 1968, as the final episode of Bewitched's fourth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
In this episode, the spelling of the name of Darrin and Samantha's daughter changed from Tabatha to the more familiar Tabitha (though the role continued to be played by Erin Murphy). Doting grandmother Endora casts a spell to transform four-year-old Tabitha into a piano prodigy, much to the astonishment of her music teacher Johann Sebastian Monroe, played by Jonathan Harris, fresh from his three-year stint on Lost in Space. Featured in the cast is Fritz Feld as hand-popping orchestra conductor Maestro Ferranini. Written by Richard Baer, "Samantha on the Keyboard" was first telecast on October 10, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Mistaking Samantha for her lookalike cousin Serena, a jealous witch named Brunhilde (Barbara Morrison) zaps Sam back to 1868 New Orleans. Unable to remember who she really is, Sam will remain spellbound in the past until she willingly kisses a mortal. Jack Cassidy guest stars as Southern "gentleman" Rance Butler, who ends up challenging Darrin to a duel. Also in the cast is Isabel Sanford of Good Times fame as family retainer Aunty Jenny. Written by Ed Jurist, "Samantha Goes South for a Spell" first aired on October 3, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Though she promised Darrin that she'd give up her responsibilities as Queen of the Witches, Samantha is obliged to attend an important witches' convention. To fool Darrin, Sam prevails upon her lookalike cousin, Serena, to take her place in the Stephens household -- just when Darrin is planning a second honeymoon at Moonthatch Inn. This episode not only offers a rare instance in which Darrin teaches Sam a lesson, but also represents one of the final TV appearances of French-accented comedienne Fifi D'Orsay, in the role of concierge Madame Wageir. Originally telecast on October 24, 1968, "It's So Nice to Have a Spouse Around the House" was written by Barbara Avedon. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Mercedes McCambridge guest stars as ancient witch Carlotta, an old "friend" of Samantha's mother, Endora. Years earlier, Endora had promised that Sam would marry Carlotta's namby-pamby warlock son, Juke (Steve Franken). Now, Carlotta threatens to utterly destroy Darrin if the promise is not honored. Written by Lila Garrett and Bernie Kahn, "Darrin Gone! And Forgotten?" first aired on October 17, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Henry Gibson takes time off from his Laugh-In duties to appear in this episode of Bewitched. While trying to magically create a French dessert, Uncle Arthur accidentally conjures up the spirit of Napoleon Bonaparte (Gibson). Though Samantha offers to zap "Nappy" back to his own time, the Little Corporal decides to stick around, especially after he becomes a popular TV commercial star. Written by Richard Baer, "Samantha's French Pastry" originally aired on November 14, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Still determined to prove that Darrin is unworthy of Samantha, Endora casts a spell which transforms Darrin into a narcissistic fop, replete with love beads and Nehru jacket. Darrin's "new look" nearly costs him his job when he incurs the wrath of conservative client Mr. Hascomb (Herb Voland). On this occasion, it is the changing attitude of Mrs. Hascomb (Sara Seegar), rather than Sam's magic, which saves the day. First shown on November 7, 1968, "Mirror, Mirror on the Wall" was written by Lila Garrett and Bernie Kahn. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
After a botched sales meeting and a run-in with Larry, Darrin is convinced that he's been hexed by Endora and retreats to his bedroom, utterly defeated. Enter prankish Uncle Arthur, who gives Darrin a lucky charm which will supposedly make him immune to witchcraft. Chances are that this is another of Arthur's practical jokes, but Darrin won't find that out for certain until it's too late. Written by Ed Jurist, "The No-Harm Charm" first aired on April 25, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
When the Hucksters Club elects Darrin as Ad Man of the Year, Samantha pooh-poohs the notion that the honor will go to Darrin's head. To prove Sam wrong, Endora casts a spell which causes everyone to adore Darrin and to hang onto his every word, but only so long as he is in the same room with them. The fun begins when Darrin can't understand why his new fans suddenly become his biggest detractors when his back is turned, a fact that also causes enormous embarrassment for his boss, Larry Tate. Written by John L. Greene, "Man of the Year" originally aired on May 2, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
