Bill Daily Movies
From the late '60s through the mid-'70s, first on I Dream of Jeannie and later on The Bob Newhart Show, Bill Daily was one of the most visible comic acting talents in television, despite the fact that he'd always intended on a career in music. Born in Des Moines, IA, in 1928, he was raised by his mother with help from several aunts and uncles after the death of his father and he gravitated toward music as a teenager. Following a stint in the army in the late '40s, Daily became a professional musician, playing upright bass with different groups in the Midwest, and he eventually added little bits of stand-up comedy to his repertory in the course of performing. He hooked up with an NBC station in Chicago, first working behind the camera as a writer and musician and then doing comedy on the air. Eventually, he became a regular guest as a comedian on The Mike Douglas Show, which originated from Chicago. From there, he was discovered by Steve Allen who brought him onto his show as a comedian and sidekick. Daily subsequently credited his musical side with providing him with the sense of timing to become a successful comedian. During the early and mid-'60s, Daily moved into acting roles on programs like Bewitched -- on which he debuted in a straight dramatic role, in a Christmas episode in which he was highly effective -- and was given a small role in the pilot of I Dream of Jeannie. That part, of Major Roger Healy, turned into the co-starring role after the program's first season. Following five successful seasons on that program, he moved to The Bob Newhart Show as Howard Borden, providing comedic support similar to the part he'd played on I Dream Of Jeannie, as Newhart's befuddled, constantly jet-lagged next door neighbor. Daily has only ever appeared in two feature films, both of them comedies -- the made-for-television In Name Only in 1969, as a carefree bachelor (clearly modeled after one aspect of his character on I Dream of Jeannie) and in Disney's release of The Barefoot Executive in 1971. Since the first Bob Newhart series left the air, his television appearances have been infrequent and always in supporting, guest starring roles, although he did appear on Nick-at-Nite helping to promote The Bob Newhart Show when it aired on the channel. He has since reportedly become a theatrical actor and director in the Albuquerque, NM, area. ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide- 1978
Several of vice-principal Emily's students have gotten low scores in reading, and their parents are angry about it. Demonstrating the leadership qualities for which he is famous, Principal Bannister (Edward Andrews) goes on vacation, leaving Emily to deal with the problem all by her lonesome. The supporting cast includes Robert Costanzo as Sal Petrone, Patricia Stevens as Wanda Moss, Jan Fisher as Ms. Hunsinger, Bill Zuckert as Mr. Kreever, Delores Albin as Miss Nightingale, and Brian Miller as Billy. Written by Earl Pomerantz, this was one of several sixth-season episodes in which series star Bob Newhart did not appear. "Crisis in Edukation" first aired on March 11, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daily, (more)
- 1977
Having consulted his friends and patients to face up to their fears and phobias, Bob experiences an epiphany of sorts when he nearly falls down an elevator shaft. Convinced that his days are numbered, Bob can't be talked out of his conviction -- not even by those whose problems he has solved in the past. Series executive producer Tom Patchett makes a guest appearance as Mr. Death (or, to be more precise, Mr. Dave Death); others in the cast include Oliver Clark as Mr. Herd and Lieux Dressler as the Laughing Lady. Written by Sy Rosen, this classic Bob Newhart Show episode originally aired on February 12, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Bob's plans to hold a surprise party for his therapy group are messed up by the non-arrival of one patient, Mr. Gianini. Somewhat miffed, Bob exiles Gianini in absentia. Expressing long-withheld hostility towards the missing member, the rest of the group applauds Bob's action, but they quickly change their tune (and the target for their animosity!) when they discover that Gianini has been killed in a freak accident -- buried under a ton of zucchini. Written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses, "Death of a Fruitman" originally aired on September 27, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1977
While standing in the deposit line of his bank, Bob is taken hostage by a likable bank robber named Mel (Robert Pine). As the police, headed by Sgt. Webber (Walker Edmiston), negotiate Bob's release, the nonplussed psychologist tries to analyze his way out of the situation. Also appearaing are Ron Vernan as the police officer, Andrea Adler as the teller, and Richard Dioguardi as the bank guard. Written by Michael Zinberg and Martin Davidson, "Desperate Sessions" first aired on February 26, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1972
Bob and Emily adopt a policy whereby they will resolve any and all arguments before going to bed. This new policy is put to the supreme test when Emily asks that Bob spend time with her on Monday evenings, while Bob insists upon watching the weekly network football game. Determined to reach a compromise, the Hartleys succeed only in depriving themselves of a good night's sleep. Written by Gene Thompson, "Don't Go to Bed Mad" first aired on November 11, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Shirley O'Hara makes a return appearance as vague-minded receptionist Debbie. Hired by Jerry as a temp while Carol is on vacation, Debbie drives everyone to distraction with her incessant ineptitude. Bob would like to say something about the problem, but Debbie is just so darned nice. Also in the cast are Maxine Stuart as Mrs. Chaney and Paula Victor as Stella. Written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses, "Dr. Ryan's Express" first aired on October 26, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1976
It seems that even before Dennis Rodman, the Chicago basketball world was plagued with showboaters who thought that they were the center of the universe. In this episode of The Bob Newhart Show, Anthony Costello is cast as Dwayne Granger, aka "The Duke of Dunk," a star basketball player. Upset that Dwayne's monumental ego has resulted in a drop in morale and a long losing streak, the team's coach goes to Bob for help. Written by Douglas Arango and Phil Doran, "Duke of Dunk" originally aired on January 31, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1978
Jerry Fogel is cast as Paul Billingham, aka "Ralph Alfalfa the Happy Farmer" of Chicago radio fame. Though a huge success on the airwaves, Billingham harbors a dark secret: He stutters. Now that he has been offered a TV job, Billingham is terrified that the bizarre physical subterfuges he uses to speak coherently into the microphone will be exposed -- so naturally, he goes to Bob for advice. Written by Andrew Smith, "Easy for You to Say" originally aired on February 11, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1978
In Bob's absence, Emily agrees to pose as Mr. Carlin's wife at a class reunion. If Emily feels at all flattered by Carlin's request, she certainly changes her mind at the reunion itself: Carlin has taken a "wife" solely to arouse the jealousy of a former classmate named Peggy Ann (Karen Ericson), who didn't even know he was alive during their school years. Also in the cast are Michael Alldredge as Burt, Carole Shelyne Barry as Bonnie, and Woody Skaggs as Jack. Written by Laura Levine, "Emily Carlin, Emily Carlin" was one of several sixth-season episodes in which Bob Newhart was conspicuous by his absence; the program first aired on February 4, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Suzanne Pleshette, Bill Daily, (more)
- 1975
Emily is swept up by the enthusiasm of a group of fellow teachers, who want to open a children's summer camp. Though Bob is disdainful of the idea -- and of the silly nicknames the future counselors have bestowed upon themselves -- he finally breaks down and agrees to help Emily set up the camp. There's only one teeny-tiny problem: This undertaking is going to require an awful lot of money. Also in the cast are George Wyner as Flipper, Tom Newman as Spitball, Susan Davis as Band Aid, and Lillian Garrett as Shingle. Written by Jerry Mayer, "Emily Hits the Ceiling" was originally broadcast on February 22, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
When Carol goes on vacation, Emily offers to fill in as receptionist. Everybody on the "professional" floor is in favor of the idea, except Bob, who worries that Emily's presence will foment marital discord. Once she reports to work, Bob's predictions come true -- along with several unexpected complications. Featured in the cast are Teri Garr as Miss Brennan, Rhoda Gemignani as Joan Rossi, and Nora Marlowe as Mrs. Manning. Written by Jerry Mayer, "Emily in for Carol" first aired on October 13, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Emily accepts a full-time job with the Board of Education. Not keen on the idea in the first place, Bob becomes even more disapproving when he is left at the mercy of temporary maids and is forced to cook his own dinners. But how can he tell Emily to quit her job when she clearly finds her new responsibilities so fulfilling? Edward Winter guest stars as Professor Trainer. Written by Martin Cohan, "Emily, I'm Home...Emily?" was first telecast on February 17, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1976
Although the opening episode of The Bob Newhart Show's fifth season was not the first of that season to be filmed, "Enter Mrs. Peeper" was a logical extension of the final episode of season four. Tom Poston makes another appearance as Bob's fun-loving college buddy, Cliff Murdock, aka "the Peeper." Having remarried, Cliff insists that he's a changed man. Jean Palmerton appears as Corinee Murdock, with Charles Thomas Murphy as the messenger and series story consultant Jay Tarses as the waiter. Written by Gordon and Lynne Farr, "Enter Mrs. Peeper" originally aired on September 25, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1976
This week, Bob is besieged from all sides. Not only is Carol threatening to give notice to two of her four bosses, but Howard has given Bob a bad-taste gift -- and he expects to be praised for his largesse. Completing the canvas is the unscheduled appearance of a human fly. Shirley O'Hara appears as Debbie Flett. Written by Gary David Goldberg of Family Ties fame, "Et Tu, Carol?" originally aired on October 30, 1976, as the final episode in The Bob Newhart Show's familiar 9:30 p.m. Saturday time slot; thereafter, the series would be shown one hour earlier. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1977
Volunteering his services, Bob heads to the local slammer to counsel five men about to be paroled. His efforts to reach out to these lost souls is stymied by the most outspoken of the cons, who refers to Bob as a "suit that's fat-mouthin'." Trouble is, Bob is in complete agreement. Taurean Blacque, Allen Case, Ric Mancini, Wyatt Johnson, and Bert Rosario are cast respectively as Arthur Tatum, Steve Kopelson, Al Brolio, Richard Hawkins, and Reubin Ortiz, while H.B. Haggerty makes an appearance as "The Hammer." Written by Ziggy Steinberg, "Ex-Con Job" first aired on October 1, 1977; it was followed in January of 1978 by a sequel of sorts, "Son of Ex-Con Job." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1972
Howard Borden is convinced that his son, Howie (Moosie Drier), no longer cares for him. His trepidations seem to be given weight when, during their usual four-days-per-month visitation period, Howie would rather spend his time with Jerry. It is up to ex-wife Lois to restore Howard's shaky self-esteem. Written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses, "Father Knows Worst" originally aired on November 4, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Bob's parents are briefly uprooted while their house is being painted. While Dad Hartley (Barnard Hughes) goes off on a fishing trip, Mom Hartley (Martha Scott) stays with Bob and Emily -- and the viewers brace themselves for another round of concentrated maternal smothering. Meanwhile, Bob has to mediate between elderly patient Edward T. Vickers Sr. (Lucien Scott) and his fractious son, Edward Jr. (William Daniels). Written by Arnold Kane, "Father & Sons & Mothers" first aired on November 29, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Bob panics when he discovers that he's gained eight pounds since his last birthday. Having seen the light, Bob immediately goes on a crash diet. When this ploy inevitably fails, Jerry arranges for Bob to attend a reducing class run by a sixtysomething health freak named Olga (Lilyan Chauvin). Featured in the cast are Bruce Kirby as Dr. Klein, Samantha Harper as Nurse Burke, and voice-over specialist Bob Ridgely and future Barney Miller regular Ron Glass as the elevator repairmen. Written by Bill Idelson and Harvey Miller, "Fit, Fat and Forty-One" first aired on November 24, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1972
Though not the first episode of The Bob Newhart Show to be filmed, "Fly the Unfriendly Skies" was chosen as the series' premiere telecast on September 16, 1972. Bob Hartley's "Fear of Flying" workshop has booked plane passage from Chicago to New York. Emily supportively goes along on her husband Bob's maiden flight, neglecting to mention, until the last moment, that she too is terrified of flying. A pre-Laverne and Shirley Penny Marshall appears as the stewardess. "Fly the Unfriendly Skies" was written by series creators David Davis and Lorenzo Music. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1978
Bob hopes to get away from his work by joining Emily on a relaxing ocean voyage. Fat chance! No sooner have they cast off than Bob has offered his psychological services to a battling married couple. Featured in the cast are Jeff Donnell as Clara, aka "The Little Woman"; John Crawford as Vern; Robert Phelps as Graham; and Jack Scalici, Claudette Duffy, and Timoth Himes as three wild-eyed participants in a shipboard scavenger hunt. Written by Earl Pomerantz, "Freudian Ship" first aired on January 7, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1972
Though Emily does not look forward to a visit from Bob's former girlfriend, Nancy (Penny Fuller), and Nancy's husband, Chuck (Dick Schall), Bob is in a state of anticipatory glee. It seems that Nancy had thrown over Bob in favor of Chuck; now, convinced that Nancy is still carrying a torch for him, Bob wants to have the honor of rejecting her. Future Hill Street Blues co-star James B. Sikking appears as Dick. First telecast on October 21, 1972 (after being pre-empted from its scheduled October 14 playdate), "Goodnight, Nancy" was written by Susan Silver. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1977
It seemed like only yesterday that Bob and Emily celebrated their seventh wedding anniversary (actually, it was in an episode which aired approximately ten months earlier, in February of 1977). And now here they are, blowing out the candles on their tenth anniversary cake. On this momentous occasion, both Bob and Emily wonder what life would have been like had they married other people -- and a brace of fantasy sequences shows them what life would have been like. The supporting cast features Morgan Fairchild as Linda Bianca and E. William Parker as Marcus. Written by Lloyd Garver, "Grand Delusion" first aired on December 17, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1978
Emily intends to "bond" with Bob and his father, Herb (Barnard Hughes), by accompanying them on a fishing trip. But before long, the old rules are set in place: Bob and Herb get to do all the rugged "men's stuff," while Emily is saddled with the cooking and cleaning. Laura Levine's teleplay is so on-target that one suspects she was drawing from her own experiences. "Grizzly Emily" originally aired on January 14, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1978
Future WKRP in Cincinnati co-star Howard Hesseman reprises his role as Mr. Plager, the gay, culturally inclined member of Bob's therapy group. Urged on by Bob and the other patients, Plager writes, produces, and directs a play. Unfortunately, Plager's masterpiece, though ostensibly set during WWI, is a thinly disguised carbon copy of the group's therapy sessions, replete with characters based on Mr. Carlin, Mr. Petersen, Mrs. Bakerman -- and Bob himself. (For the record, these "faux" roles are filled by Jerry Devine, Lou Cutell, Amzie Strickland, and Frank Ashmore, respectively). Scripted by Andrew Smith, "Group on a Hot Tin Roof" was originally scheduled to air in February or March of 1978, but was moved up to January 28, due to Bob Newhart's absence from several other like-vintage episodes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1976
Carol decides to go to night school in pursuit of a degree in psychology. Not only does this upset the routine in Bob's building, but it also drives the inhabitants to distraction as Carol insists upon analyzing everyone in her immediate vicinity. But, as usual, Bob has problems that go far beyond the obvious ones. Featured in the cast are Will McKenzie as Carol's husband, Larry, and Paul and Claudia Bryar as the Firmans. Written by Sy Rosen, "Guaranteed Not to Shrink" first aired on February 7, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
