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- 1975
Emily feels that Bob's weight workshop could use a motivational speaker. Pressed into service is Bob's secretary, Carol, who tells her story of how she lost one hundred pounds after graduating "magna cum lard" from high school. Unfortunately, Carol's words result more in perspiration than inspiration. Also appearing are Cliff Osmondas Leonard de Paolo and Marcia Lewis as Louise Gross. First telecast on October 11, 1975, "The Heavyweights" was written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses. ~ 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)
- 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)
- 1975
Worried that the marriage between her friend Diane Nugent (Cynthia Harris) and her gym-teacher husband, Frank (Mike Henry), is on the verge of collapse, Emily asks Bob to counsel the couple. Reluctant to break his personal rule of not getting involved in the problems of his friends, Bob finally agrees. The fruits of his efforts are swift and startling: Mrs. Nugent leaves Mr. Nugent and moves in with Bob and Emily. Written by Phil Davis, "Bob Hits the Ceiling" originally aired on February 15, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Bob agrees to give Emily a free hand when she redecorates the Hartley apartment. As a result, the place is festooned with ugly antiques and uncomfortable furniture -- and even worse, Bob takes his life in his hands every time he walks into the living room. How can he express his annoyance without hurting Emily's feelings? Also in the cast are Cliff Norton as Maury and Marcia Lewis as Dorothy. Written by Gordon and Lynne Farr, "The New Look" first aired on February 8, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Bob can't understand why he is rapidly losing patients. When his practice shrinks to near-nothingness, so does his ego. There is no other alternative for Bob than to consult a fellow psychologist, Dr. Walburn (Phillip R. Allen). The supporting cast includes Ray Stewart (Congressman Shetlan), Mary Jo Catlett (Mrs. Englehart), Timothy Blake (Midge), and Jay Kogen (Jay). Written by Arnie Kogen and Alan Rafkin (who also directed), "My Business Is Shrinking" originally aired on February 1, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Howard intrudes upon Bob and Emily's sixth anniversary celebration with another big problem. In love with Bob's sister, Ellen, Howard is too nervous to propose. It is up to Bob himself to pop the question -- and never mind the implications. Also appearing are Richard Balin as Fred Goring, Don Nagel as the waiter, and Verne Rowe as the trumpet player. Written by Gordon and Lynne Farr, "Here's Looking at You, Kid" first aired on September 20, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Though not the first episode filmed for The Bob Newhart Show's fourth season, "The Longest Good-Bye" was chosen as the season opener on September 13, 1975. Tom Poston makes the first of several appearances as Bob's prankish old college chum Cliff Murdock. Having arrived in Chicago to close a business deal, Cliff moves in "temporarily" with Bob and Emily -- and before long has firmly entrenched himself, virtually taking over the Hartleys' home and lives. "The Longest Good-Bye" was written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
The ceiling in Bob's office collapses, forcing him and his patients to do some quick improvising. It doesn't take long for Bob to establish a reputation for having the only "floating therapy session" in Chicago. Also appearing are Lucian Scott as Mr. Vickers, Jess Nadelman as Bud Brey, Don Nagel as the waiter, and Bob Newhart's real-life father-in-law, Bill Quinn as Eddie. Written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses, "The Ceiling Hits Bob" was telecast on March 8, 1975 (though it was filmed much earlier), as the final third-season episode of The Bob Newhart Show. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Jerry needs money for a new motorcycle, but Bob intends upon following Polonius' advice: "Neither a borrower nor a lender be." Fortunately, Howard is willing to extend Jerry the necessary funds. Unfortunately, the loan results in a serious rift between the two friends -- and Bob, who has been cold-shouldered by Jerry, is disinclined to mend any fences. Semi-regular Merie Earle plays a dual role. Written by Jerry Mayer, "A Pound of Flesh" first aired on January 25, 1975. ~ 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)
- 1975
Bob is invited to form a partnership with another psychologist, a high-living gentleman named Frank Walburn (Phillip R. Allen). The reason, explains Frank, is that the low-pressure Bob would provide a welcome contrast to the usual Walburn method. But the real reason, or so it seems, is for Bob to take over Walburn's entire workload while his partner continues to enjoy his "swinging" lifestyle. The supporting cast includes Titos Vandis as Gene the Janitor and Lisa Sublette as Kelly. First aired on November 15, 1975, "Seemed Like a Good Idea at the Time" was written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Will Mackenzie makes the first of several series appearances as mercurial travel agent Larry Bondurant. The office is abuzz with speculation and trepidation when Carol announces her engagement to a man whom she met on a blind date -- 12 hours earlier. Others in the cast are Robert Casper as Judge Tanner, Pat Cranshaw as the Old Gentleman, and Vince Milana and Ric Mancini as the moving men. Written by Gordon and Lynne Farr, "Carol's Wedding" was the first Bob Newhart Show episode filmed for the 1975-1976 season, but was not shown until October 18, 1975, when the season was already six weeks old. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Bob's participation in a medical foreign-exchange program obliges the Hartleys to play host to arrogant French psychologist Alan Durocher (Rene Auberjonois). Neither Bob nor Emily are quite prepared for Dr. Durocher's "continental" outlook on life. Things come to head when Bob is forced to mediate between the contentious Durocher and his long-suffering mistress, Louise (Francois Ruggieri). Richard Forojny rounds out the guest cast as Artie Berkowitz. Written by Douglas Arango and Phil Doran, "Shrinks Across the Sea" first aired on October 25, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Already a mass of neuroses to begin with, Howard's self-esteem suffers another punch in the gut when he loses his job as a jet plane navigator. Hoping to find some purpose in life, Howard joins Bob's unemployed therapy group, "The Out-of-Work Workshop." It is not for nothing that Bob has a rule against treating his friends. The guest cast includes Howard Hesseman as Mr. Plager, the worst TV program planner in history. Written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses, "The Jobless Corps" originally aired on January 19, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Suddenly possessed with a sense of social consciousness, Bob offers free counseling sessions to Miles Lascoe, a recently paroled armed robber. The new patient is relaxed enough, but Bob is a bundle of nerves. The role of Lascoe is played by Henry Winkler, just before his ascent to stardom as the Fonz on Happy Days. The first Bob Newhart Show directed by series regular Peter Bonerz, "Clink Shrink" was written by Paul B. Lichtman and Howard Storm, and first aired on January 26, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Raul Julia guest stars as orthodontist Jerry Robinson's younger brother, Greg. Fresh out of dental school, Greg accepts Jerry's invitation to move in with him. Before long, Greg has not only taken over Jerry's life, he has also stolen most of his older brother's patients. Rhoda Gemignani rounds out the guest cast as Miss Rossi. Written by Martin Cohan, "Oh, Brother" made its first network appearance on January 5, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Emily never felt older nor more out of touch with the world than the day Bob gave her a blender as a birthday present. Determined to change her image, Emily rushes out and buys a "younger" wardrobe. What is one person's trendiness is another person's childishness -- and it hurts when that other person is Bob. Also in the cast are Sharon Gless as Rosalie, Bill Miller as Roy, and Erica Hagen as Miss Carmichael. Written by Charlotte Brown, "The Modernization of Emily" first aired on January 12, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
- Add The Bob Newhart Show: Season 03 to QueueAdd The Bob Newhart Show: Season 03 to top of Queue
It's another year of deadpan hilarity for Chicago psychologist Bob Hartley (Bob Newhart), his schoolteacher wife Emily (Suzanne Pleshette), and all their friends and co-workers as The Bob Newhart Show enters its third season. In addition to such familiar supporting characters as neurotic airline pilot Howard Borden (Bill Daily), swinging bachelor dentist Jerry Robinson (Peter Bonerz), and scatterbrained receptionist Carol Kester (Marcia Wallace), a number of other well-known faces dot the guest-star landscape during season three. Among these are Daniel J. Travanti (in the episode "The Battle of the Groups"), John Ritter ("Sorry, Wrong Mother"), Barnard Hughes ("An American Family") and Fred Willard ("Tobin's Back in Town"). Episode highlights this season include "Life Is a Hamburger," in which Carol announces her engagement to would-be poet Don Fezler (Richard Schaal); "Jerry Robinson Crusoe," wherein Jerry's latest romance may inspire him to pull up roots and move to Tahiti; "Think Smartly--Vote Hartley," which finds a reluctant Bob dragooned into running for the chairmanship of the school board; "The New Look," outlining the chilling aftereffects when Emily decorates the apartment with antiques; and "The Separation Story," in which Bob and Emily conduct an experiment with separate residences. The season ends with a trilogy of episodes unified only by (almost) common titles: "Bob Hits the Ceiling," wherein Bob comes to grief when he agrees to treat a family friend; "Emily Hits the Ceiling," a tale of summer camps and silly nicknames; and "The Ceiling Hits Bob," or what happens when Bob is forced into a change of scenery. Though The Bob Newhart Show dropped from 12th to 17th place in the ratings during season three, the series was still among the most popular of CBS' sitcoms. ~ All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
When Carol's latest romance begins to adversely affect her job performance, Jerry takes it in stride, chalking it up to a professional hazard. When Carol's problems begin seeping into his own private life, it's too much to bear. Per the episode's title, Jerry has to fire Carol. Richard Schaal appears as Don, while other cast members include Dick Wilson (aka "Mr. Whipple") and Gene Blakely. Originally telecast on February 16, 1974, "By the Way...You're Fired!" was written by Barbara Gallegher and Sybil Adelman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Filling in for another psychologist, Bob finds out that his first patient is his best friend, Jerry. Initially reluctant to listen to Jerry's problems, Bob decides that his is not to reason why, etc. etc. Then Jerry confesses that he is secretly in love...with Bob's wife, Emily. Also in the cast are Roger Perry as Dr. Walker and Teri Garr as Mrs. Brennan. Written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses, "Confessions of an Orthodontist" first aired on February 23, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Hoping to put his financial matters in order, Bob hires a business manager named Jeff Boggs (Ron Rifkin). It isn't long before both Bob and Emily have been put on a budget so tight that Bob can barely afford the peanut butter sandwiches that Emily is forced to pack him for lunch. Also in the cast are Katherine Dunfee as Dee Dee and Lou Cutell as the delivery man. First broadcast on February 2, 1974, "Mind Your Own Business" was written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Bob's sister, Ellen, has become engaged. Bob's neighbor, Howard, has fallen in love again. Taken separately, these two events in Bob's life would be reason for celebration. Unfortunately, Howard has fallen in love with Ellen, and is determined to woo her away from her fiancée. Martha Scott makes another appearance as Bob's mother. Written by Martin Cohan, "A Love Story" made its initial network appearance on February 9, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
