Richard Whorf Movies
At 15 he quit school to join a Boston stage company; by 21 he had reached Broadway. He went on to a substantial career in theater as an actor, director, and set designer. In the late '30s he enhanced his reputation by working with the Lunts in Theater Guild productions. He appeared in one film in the '30s, then moved to Hollywood in 1940 as a contract player; he was busy onscreen until 1944, when he began a new career as a film director, averaging a film a year through 1951. Later he produced three films, then switched to TV, for which he directed many episodes of a number of different series. ~ All Movie Guide- 1965
Unjustly accused of desertion at the Battle of Bitter Creek, Captain Jason McCord (Chuck Connors), the sole survivor of that skirmish, is dishonorably discharged from the Army and booted out into the world. In this premiere episode of Branded, McCord has already embarked upon his westward odyssey to gather proof that he is innocent of the charges against him. While wandering in the desert, McCord comes across Jed Colbee (Alex Cord), who is barefoot and near death. Rescuing Colbee, McCord is "rewarded" when the man steals his horse and canteen--but there is more to this act than mere treachery. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
The wacky world of "insider trading" is roundly spoofed in this episode. When Jed Clampett announces that he'd like to share his crawdad shipment from back home with banker Drysdale, a pair of stock investors overhear the conversation and assume that J.D. Clampett has cornered a "hot stock" called Crawdad. Veteran character actors Lester Matthews and Addison Richards play misguided investors Pendleton and Lucus. "The Great Crawdad Hunt" originally aired on April 15, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Commerce Bank building, the Clampetts show up with picks, shovels, and hammers in hand, intending to help build the structure. They soon learn that the ceremony is, well, merely ceremonial. But this doesn't stop them from invading the construction site after everyone else has gone home and putting up their own jerry-built version of the new bank. The exteriors for this episode were clearly filmed on a very windy day, as indicated by the actors' tendency to shout their lines in the climactic scene. "The Bank Raising" first aired on April 8, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Spring is here, and "Doctor" Granny hopes to administer her special tonic (read: moonshine) to her friends and neighbors. Among the recipients of Granny's master brew is the Clampetts' Beverly Hills neighbor, jet-setting Maria von Holstein (Jean Willes). Once she tastes the tonic, Maria is "hooked" -- and so, hopefully, are the viewers of this half-hour laughfest. "Another Neighbor" made its initial network appearance on April 1, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
"Doctor" Granny feels rejected when Elly May calls in a veterinarian (Russell Collins) to look after one of her ailing critters. The fun really begins when Granny mistakes a door-to-door insecticide salesman for the aforementioned vet. Mark Goddard, later one of the stars of Lost in Space, appears as the nonplussed salesman. First telecast March 11, 1964, "The Critter Doctor" was one of the few episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies that was not telecast in the order of its production; it was filmed before "Lafe Returns," "Son of Lafe Returns," "The Clampetts Go Fishing," and "A Bride for Jed," but broadcast after those episodes had aired. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
With the help of numerous never-fail omens, not to mention her pet beetle, Granny has predicted that it is going to rain. Conversely, the Weather Bureau has declared that sunny skies are in the forecast. Inevitably, it all boils down to sophisticated science versus mountain instinct. John McGiver guest stars as pompous weather expect Judson Addison, while Helen Kleeb plays Addison's secretary. "Granny Versus the Weather Bureau" originally aired on March 25, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Country and western stars Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, who performed the theme music for The Beverly Hillbillies, make return guest appearances in this episode. Concerned that their old friend Jed Clampett is still unmarried, Lester and Earl ask Jane Hathaway to help find Jed a wife. The singers also take the opportunity to perform the title song from the upcoming feature film Mail Order Bride, which starred Buddy Ebsen (who also penned the song!) "A Bride for Jed" was originally telecast on March 4, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Mr. Drysdale encourages the Clampetts to take up deep-sea fishing as a hobby. Following his advice, the hillbillies grab their rods and reels, then head off to land some "big ones" -- at "Marineland of the Pacific." Filmed on-location at the aforementioned tourist attraction, this was the third highest-rated episode of The Beverly Hillbillies, spawning a sequel during the series' third season, titled "Back to Marineland." "The Clampetts Go Fishing" first aired on February 26, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Upon learning that Jed Clampett is seeking a proper husband for his daughter, Elly May, lazy Lafe Crick (Peter Whitney) makes yet another bid for a chunk of the Clampett millions. No, Lafe doesn't want to wed Elly, but he does offer a candidate for the job -- his own son, Dub (Conlan Carter), who is every bit as shiftless as his old man. Also in the cast is former child actor Bobs Watson as bank clerk Fred Penrod, who has likewise set his cap for Elly. "Son of Lafe Returns" originally aired on February 19, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Peter Whitney returns in the role of lazy-lout mountaineer Lafe Crick. Still hoping to claim a share of the Clampett millions, Lafe presents Granny with a pawpaw tree -- with the understanding that he expects a gift in return. All this coincides with Jed's efforts to find a suitable boyfriend for Elly May. Former child actor Bobs Watson appears as Fred Penrod. "Lafe Returns" made its first network TV appearance on February 12, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
First shown on February 5, 1964, "The Race for Queen" was the fifth highest-rated episode of The Beverly Hillbillies. This time out, the Clampetts strike oil again, this time on their Beverly Hills property. Meanwhile, Elly May competes in the Miss Beverly Hills beauty contest. Robert Cummings, who starred in the previous Paul Henning-created series Love That Bob, appears as himself, while Susan Hart, a regular in the American-International beach pictures of the 1960s, is seen as Candy Davis. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
In the conclusion of a two-part story arc, the Clampetts are still stuck with their freeloading house guest, fellow mountaineer Lafe Crick (Peter Whitney). Though most of the family is too polite to ask Lafe to leave, Granny is outspoken in her contempt for the lazy layabout. Finally, she declares an ultimatum: Unless Lafe gets a job, out he goes. Originally telecast on January 22, 1964, "Lafe Lingers On" was the eighth highest-rated episode of The Beverly Hillbillies. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Peter Whitney makes the first of four series appearances as shiftless mountaineer Lafe Crick. Arriving in Beverly Hills in hopes of freeloading off his old "friend" Jed Clampett, Lafe brings along his plump daughter, Essiebelle (Muriel Landers), who hopes to land Jethro as a husband. While Essiebelle is supposed to be a beauty contest winner, the real Miss Rheingold of 1963, Kathy Kersh, plays a supporting role. The second highest-rated episode of The Beverly Hillbillies, "The Girl From Home" originally aired on January 15, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
The Clampetts call the Beverly Caterers to help them prepare a tasty meal, consisting mainly of jackrabbit stew. Meanwhile, Mr. Drysdale receives a kangaroo as a practical joke from an Australian banker. Anyone who's ever seen one of the Warner Bros. "Hippity Hopper" cartoons will be able to guess what happens next. Originally telecast January 8, 1964, "The Giant Jackrabbit" received a 44 percent ratings share, making history as the highest-rated half-hour program since 1960. Over 40 years later, it remains one of the 20 top-rated TV episodes of all time. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Granny thinks she has found the ideal husband for Elly May: Quirt Manly, the rugged hero of Granny's favorite TV Western. Here at last is a "real man," one who can tame the rambunctious Elly. Without giving away the ending of this episode, it will suffice to say that Quirt Manly is played by Henry Gibson, who later portrayed the wispy poet laureate of Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In. Originally telecast January 1, 1964, "A Man for Elly" was The Beverly Hillbillies' highest-rated episode to date -- though that record would be spectacularly broken one week later! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
In the conclusion of a two-part story arc, Mrs. Drysdale demands that the city of Beverly Hills tear down the replica of Granny's Ozark cabin that has been erected in the back yard of the Clampett mansion. At the same time, a group of well-meaning social workers, headed by a girl named Ginny Jennings (Sheila James), mount a campaign to rescue Granny's "home" from the wrecking ball. John Stephenson, best known for his voice-over work as Mr. Slate on The Flintstones, appears as Professor Graham. "Jed Foils a Home Wrecker" originally aired on June 3, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
The big day has arrived: Jethro has been promoted to the sixth grade, the first step towards his chosen profession as a brain surgeon! Alas, when time comes for the graduation ceremony at Mrs. Millicent Potts' private school, Jethro is nowhere to be found. Helpfully, Elly May sends along a substitute -- her own "critter," Skipper the Chimp. "Jethro's Graduation" first aired on June 10, 1964, as the final episode of The Beverly Hillbillies' second season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Granny is flattered when a cab driver named Richard Burten (the inimitable Mel Blanc) offers to give her a ride to the Clampett mansion. She is outraged, however, when Burten demands payment for his "favor." As a result, Granny decides to learn to drive -- which is how this episode earned its spell-it-out title. One of the funnier episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies' second season, "Granny Learns to Drive" originally aired on May 20, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Homesick Granny is yearning for the simple pleasure of her old mountain cabin in the Ozarks. Not wishing to lose the Clampett account, banker Drysdale mollifies Granny by constructing a replica of the old cabin in the backyard of the Clampetts' Beverly Hills mansion. The presence of this eyesore incurs the wrath of Mrs. Drysdale -- and the heart-on-sleeve compassion of a band of social workers. Sheila James, the former Zelda Gilroy on Dobie Gillis, guest stars as Ginny Jennings, while cartoon voice-over specialist John Stephenson is seen as Ginny's professorial mentor. "Cabin in Beverly Hills" first aired on May 27, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Having been given a stylish makeover by a famous French couturier, Elly May Clampett is mistaken for a visiting foreign princess by Mrs. Drysdale. Hoping to get in good with "royalty," Mrs. D throws a fancy party for Elly. This time around, the old dear is certain that her soiree won't be invaded by "those dreadful hillbillies." The supporting cast includes Maurice Marsac as Maurice and Janine Grandel as Madame Potvin. "The Continental Touch" made its original network appearance on May 5, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Seeking a convenient tax shelter, banker Drysdale creates a company called Clampco, Inc. -- and places Jed Clampett in charge as president. Naturally, Drysdale assumes that Jed will merely occupy space in his new corporate offices. But the too-smart-by-half banker should realize by now that whenever the Clampetts are given a job, they take it very, very seriously. "Jed, Incorporated" was originally network-cast on May 13, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Future Gilligan's Island co-star Natalie Schafer appears as Madame Renée, owner of a ritzy, exclusive Beverly Hills dress shop. On the advice of Mr. Drysdale, the Clampetts become the owners of "The House of Renée" -- and within hours the establishment's name has been changed to "The House of Granny." Marjorie Bennett is featured as Mrs. Langwell. The first installment of a two-episode story arc, "The Dress Shop" was originally broadcast on April 22, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Now that the swanky Beverly Hills dress shop "House of Renée" has been converted into the "House of Granny" (complete with potbellied stove), Jed and Jethro hope to make a thriving business of the establishment. Intending to one-up the competition, they begin opening up the shop at the crack of dawn. Alas, the Beverly Hills police assume that the shabbily garbed Clampett menfolk are burglars. The conclusion of a two-part story arc, "The House of Granny" first aired on April 29, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
The fact that Christmas is approaching only strengthens the Clampetts' resolve to leave Beverly Hills and head back to their old mountain home. Terrified of losing the family's multimillion-dollar account, Mr. Drysdale showers the Clampetts with Christmas presents, hoping to convince them to stay. But Jed and all his kin misinterpret Drysdale's grand gesture, sparking yet another comedy of errors. "Christmas at the Clampetts" was logically telecast on December 25, 1963, as the 50th episode of The Beverly Hillbillies. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Try as they might, the Clampetts just can't seem to fit in with Beverly Hills society. Sadly, they tell banker Drysdale that it is time for them to pack up and return to the Ozarks. Not wishing to lose the Clampett account, Drysdale promises to help the Clampetts "get culture," which is how this episode got its title. Eleanor Audley makes a return appearance as Jethro's schoolteacher, Millicent Potts. "The Clampetts Get Culture" was originally broadcast on December 18, 1963. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
