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- 1976
Bob accepts the invitation of his pal, Cliff Murdock (Tom Poston), to revisit a bar that they both frequented in their college days. Alas, times have changed, and the bar has a distinctly seedy-looking clientele. Worse still, Bob and Cliff try to purchase basketball tickets from a brace of sexy girls -- who, revealing themselves to be undercover policewomen, place the heroes under arrest. Featured in the cast are Bobby Ramsen as Johnny Carson Jr. (sic), Kim O'Brien as Kim, Lucy Lee Flippin as Darva, Jean Palmerton as Corinne, David Himes as the detective, and Rhodes Reason as the patron. Written by Gordon and Lynne Farr, "The Slammer" first aired on November 20, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Emmaline Henry guest stars as Mrs. Walker, Bob's newest patient. When Mrs. Walker convinces herself that she's in love with Bob, he tries to take it in stride, writing off her ardor as a professional hazard. But when he returns home, Bob discovers that his wife, Emily, is not inclined to be quite so understanding of Mrs. Walker's unwarranted attentions. First aired on January 27, 1973, "The Two Loves of Dr. Hartley" was written by Bill Idelson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Emily can't understand why Bob refuses to meet his former girlfriend. Bob's answers are vague, but serve to satisfy Emily. And then helpful Howard blurts out the truth: Bob had dated both Emily and his ex-sweetheart at the same time. The supporting cast includes Casey Connors as Jennifer, David Knapp as Ralph, Wayne Tippit as the pilot, Gary Krawford as the co-pilot, and Joseph Sicari as the salesman. Originally telecast on January 18, 1975, "The Way We Weren't" was written by Roger Beatty. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Surrending to Emily's power of persuasion, Bob agrees to run for the chairmanship of the school board. By all appearances, Bob is a shoe-in; the incumbent is a washout who hasn't attending a board meeting in nearly half a year. But as usual, Bob seems poised to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. Future Oscar-winning screenwriter Quinn Redecker is seen as Dr. Dalton, while other cast members include George Wyner as Rex Pottinger, and Lillian Garrett as Rita Montez. Written by Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher, "Think Smartly - Vote Hartley" first aired on January 11, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
As Ellen prepares to marry Howard, who should pop up in Chicago but Ellen's egotistical former boyfriend, John Tobin (Fred Willard). With the confidence of a born winner, John is certain that he can persuade Ellen to take him back. Alas, the neurotic Howard is equally certain that Ellen will go back to John -- and doesn't know what to do about it. Written by Michael Zinberg, "Tobin's Back in Town" originally aired on January 4, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1972
Bob's feelings are hurt when he is not invited to speak before Emily's third-grade students on Vocation Day. Though she feels Bob's pain, Emily can't bring herself to admit that she thinks Bob will not be able to "thrill" the kids with his speech. Her fears come to full fruition when Bob is called in to speak at the very last minute. King Moody, best known as "Ronald McDonald" in a series of fast-food commercials, is here cast as a fireman. Written by Carl Gottlieb and George Yanook, "Tracy Grammar School, I'll Lick You Yet" first aired on September 23, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1976
William Redfield guest stars as Howard Borden's brother, Gordon, a bird-sanctuary warden with a history of claiming things that rightfully belong to Howard. Arriving in Chicago to witness the mating ritual of two rare whooping cranes, Gordon makes himself right at home in Howard's apartment. Unfortunately, brother dear also begins making the usual moves on Howard's fiancée (and Bob's sister), Ellen. Written by Gordon and Lynne Farr, "Warden Gordon Borden" originally aired on January 17, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Bob's first mistake is to allow his all-female consciousness-raising group to hold a session in his apartment. His second mistake is to let Emily sit in during the discussion. His third mistake is not to duck when his patients, enraged at Emily's "unliberated" marriage, kick Bob out of his own group. Featured in the cast as Rhoda Gemignani as Joan Rossi, Ann Weldon as Adele Sinclair, Inge-Maria as Ingrid, and Joan Tompkins as Mrs. Cowens. First shown on November 30, 1974, "We Love You...Good-Bye" was written by Charlotte Brown. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Feeling that both his life and career are worthless, Bob consults his college mentor, distinguished psychologist Professor Albert (Keenan Wynn). Chuckling at Bob's discomfiture, Albert insists that the "shrink" business is all an elaborate fraud. These soothing words succeed only in making Bob feel more insignificant than ever. Featured in the cast are Tom Fitzsimmons as Webb Franklyn and Bobby Eilbacher as David. Written by Phil Davis, "What's It All About, Albert?" originally aired on November 1, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Bob is persuaded to appear on a TV interview show hosted by soft-spoken Ruth Corley (Jennifer Warren). But the moment the cameras are turning, Ruth transforms into a barracuda, aggressively attacking both Bob and his profession. Unnerved, Bob is trapped into revealing that he has been treating a prominent local politician -- and then the fur really begins a-flying. Also appearing are Alan Manson as Congressman Avery and Claudette Duffy as Sister Mary Catherine. Written by Bruce Kane, "Who Is Mr. X?" first aired on November 8, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1977
With the help of Bob and a bottle, henpecked Mr. Petersen (John Fiedler) stands up to his wife. The consequences are enormous, not only for the Petersens, but also for Bob. Toni Lamond appears as the much-discussed but seldom-seen Doris Petersen, while Larry Goldman is cast as the cop. Scripted by Glen and Les Charles and directed by the series' comedy consultant, Dick Martin, "Who Was That Masked Man?" first aired on October 15, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
After a fight with his latest girlfriend, a heartbroken Jerry moves in with Bob and Emily. It doesn't take long for Jerry to thoroughly make himself at home -- and even less time to drive the Hartleys crazy with his endless self-pitying monologues. Also appearing are Herbie Faye as Atlee and Renee Lippin as Michele. Written by Jerry Mayer, "Who's Been Sleeping on My Couch" originally aired on March 10, 1973, as the final episode of The Bob Newhart Show's first season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Bob becomes a celebrity of sorts when his therapy snaps the Chicago Cubs' star pitcher out of a slump. Bob soon learns the drawbacks of fame when another Cubs player, a second-string catcher named Moose Washburn (Vern Rowe), comes to him for advice. It turns out that Moose's problems go far beyond the boundaries of Wrigley Field. Written by Bill Idelson, "You Can't Win 'Em All!" made its first network appearance on February 24, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Hoping to lighten his workload, Bob interviews several candidates for the job of his assistant. When his efforts fail to yield fruit (most of the candidates, alas, are unable to diagnose a hangnail, much less a neurosis), Bob turns to his former college professor, Alan Dreesen (guest star Ralph Bellamy), who has volunteered for the job. Not unexpectedly, Bob lives to regret taking Dr. Dreesen into his practice. First telecast on November 19, 1977, "You're Fired, Mr. Chips" was written by Lloyd Garver. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Carol startles Bob and the rest of the doctors when she announces that she's pregnant. No sooner has Bob digested this information than Emily drops another bombshell; she, too, is expecting. Series semiregulars Tom Poston and Jean Palmerton reprise their familiar roles of Cliff and Corinne Murdock. Written by Gordon and Lynne Farr, "You're Having My Hartley" aired on March 19, 1977, as the final Bob Newhart Show of the 1976-1977 season, and incidentally, as the lead-in for the now-legendary final episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
The made-for-TV Valentine Magic on Love Island was accurately dismissed by one reviewer as a "bubble headed brew of I Dream of Jeannie and a Club Med Vacation." Janis Paige stars as Madge, a benign sorceress who runs a lavish tropical resort with the help of her nephew Jimmy (Christopher Knight) and niece Cheryl (Dominique Dunne). Through mystical, magical means of her own (manifested in a bouquet of enchanted roses), Madge sets about to transform eight of her unattached hotel guests into four loving couples. Naturally, the supporting cast is top-heavy with celebrity guest stars, among them Adrienne Barbeau, who was seen in one of the two Fantasy Island pre-series specials, and Bill Daily, an alumnus of the aforementioned I Dream of Jeannie. The pilot for an unsold weekly series, Valentine Magic on Love Island first aired February 15, 1980, on NBC; in syndication, it was retitled simply Magic on Love Island, apparently to avoid the "holiday special" onus. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
