William Joseph Keene Movies
American character actor William Joseph Keene is best remembered for playing the preacher on the Andy Griffith Show and re-creating the same role on Mayberry, RFD. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide- 1969
During a murder trial, Ben Cartwright is trapped in the basement of the courthouse by a mine cave-in. Also entombed with Ben are the accused murderer, the main prosecution witness, the witness' fiancee, and the court clerk. As Joe, Hoss, and Candy race against time to rescue the prisoners before the complete collapse of the courthouse, Ben unearths several startling facts about the people around him. The guest cast includes Tiffany Bolling, Scott Thomas, Don Knight, Ted Gehring and Eddie Firestone. Written by Ken Trevey, "Five Candles" has seldom aired since its network TV debut on March 2, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1968
Milton Berle is both guest star and cowriter of this episode, which was clearly inspired by the rantings of provocative TV talkshow host Joe Pyne. Playing completely straight, Berle is cast as vituperative TV personality Ross Howard, who hopes to parlay both his war record and his media notoreity into a political career. Not surprisingly, Howard has made dozens of enemies throughout his career, one of whom begins sending him death threats. Despite his distate for Howard's tactics, Ironside (Raymond Burr) agrees to protect the man from his unknown would-be murderer--a difficult assignment that becomes even more so when Howard's alcoholic wife is killed by a car bomb. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
The three-person Mayberry Church Finance Committee wonders how best to spend an unexpected $500 endowment. It all boils down to a decision whether to purchase new choir robes or invest in some much-needed exterior church repairs. Andy must cast the deciding vote, but it is Howard who thinks up the ultimate solution. First telecast on January 22, 1968, "The Church Benefactor" was written by Robert C. Dennis and Earl Barret. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
Considering his previous lack of matrimonial success (specifically, he was jilted at the altar), handyman Eb (Tom Lester) surprises one and all by announcing his plans to marry the toothsome Lorelei Appleby (played by Melody Patterson of F Troop fame). Reluctantly elected as "father of the groom," Oliver (Eddie Albert) is expected to foot all the expense of the upcoming wedding. But worse is still to come: Oliver must also act as mediator between Eb and his grouchy future father-in-law (portrayed by veteran character actor John Qualen of Grapes of Wrath and Casablanca fame). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Melody Patterson, John Qualen, (more)
- 1966
The IMF agents arrive in the Iron Curtain country of Lubjanka. Their mission: to topple the regime of dictator Janos Karq (William Keene), "The Butcher of the Balkans." The success of their scheme depends upon the photographic memory of embittered ex-agent Barrish (Albert Paulsen). If all else fails, the IMF will be forced to rely upon "Alternate Plan X59"--which may mean certain death for all concerned. Written by Robert Lewin, "Memory" first aired September 24, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steven Hill, Barbara Bain, (more)
- 1966
Elaine Bayler (Mala Powers), the wife of small-town big shot Richard Bayler (Lloyd Gough), is being blackmailed by an unknown party who threatens to expose Elaine's romance with her protegee, musician Donald Hobart (Will Hutchins), unless she ponies up $10,000. While making the "drop", Elaine is murdered, whereupon Donald's girlfriend Cynthia Perkins (Luana Patten) is charged with the crime. Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) is forced to relinquish a long-awaited fishing excursion to defend Cynthia in court. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Clara coerces Andy into taking up a collection to buy a new church organ. But when time comes for the donors to ante up the money that they promised, everyone begs off. Taking matters in her own hands, Clara tries to charm the owner of the organ-a taciturn bachelor named Harlan Robinson (Woodrow Chambliss)-into donating the instrument for free. Written by Paul Wayne, "The Church Organ" was originally telecast on December 13, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Wealthy California widow Millie Barton (Cathy Downs) is matched up by a computer-dating service with Oklahoman Lucas Tolliver (Noah Beery Jr.). Though he pretends to be a poverty-stricken rube, Lucas is actually a filthy-rich oil man. This sets Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) to wondering why Lucas wants to draw up a will leaving Millie's fortune to him in the event of her death. Also problematic is the fact that Lucas' first wife died from an "accidental" poisoning--and guess what eventually happens to poor Millie! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
In her third and final Perry Mason appearance, Fay Wray is incongruously cast as voodoo dancer Mignon Germaine, the mother of DA Hamilton Burger's new assistant Larry (played by future talkshow host Gary Collins). Though Burger (William Talman) tries to warn Larry that the young man's girlfriend Carina (Karen Steele) is no good, Larry doesn't listen--and as a result, he finds himself the in the middle of a nasty conflict-of-interest situation which threatens to destroy his career. Holding Carina responsible for Larry's plight, Mignon places a voodoo curse on the girl's head. . .but when Carina ultimately dies, it is Larry who is charged with the murder. Though forced to prosecute his luckless assistant, Burger secretly hopes that his "friendly enemy" Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) can ultimately save the day. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Opie and his pal Howie start publishing a penny newspaper, but are unable to attract any customers. Sensing that their editorial policy needs a bit of spicing up, Opie begins printing all the local gossip, eavesdropping on Andy, Barney, Aunt Bee et. al. in his newsgathering efforts. Needless to say, Opie's career in tabloid journalism results in naught but headaches for all concerned. First aired on March 22, 1965, "Opie's Newspaper" was written by Harvey Bullock. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Incensed when Deputy Barney gives him a ticket for littering, tough guy Fred Plummer (Allen Melvin) threatens to beat Barney senseless if he ever catches him out of uniform. Accordingly, the nervous Barney wears his uniform on a "24/7" basis-until, fed up by his own cowardice, he finally decides to don his "civvies" and face the music. To save Barney from a pummelling, Andy enlists the aid of local judo instructor Izamoto (Yuki Shimoda) First broadcast on November 9, 1964, "Barney's Uniform" was written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Posing as "Frank Jordan", Kimble (David Janssen) hires on as gardener for wealthy Mike Pryor (John Lasell) and his family. Meanwhile, Harold Cheyney (Leslie Nielsen), embittered over a crippling accident suffered while working for Pryor, has sworn revenge on his former partner. Cheyney plans to kidnap Pryor and hold him for ransom--but through a fluke, he ends up snatching Kimble instead. Now the perennial fugitive is trapped between the proverbial rock and hard place: Even if he manages to escape from Cheyney, he faces the likelihood of returning to Death Row. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Appearing in Santa Barbara with her Shakesperean acting troupe "A Company of Four", former Broadway star Ramona Carver (Virginia Field) is confronted by a man who claims to be the son she gave up for adotion. Whether or not this is good news to Ramona seems inconsequential when she accused of murdering an old enemy, ex-drama critic Ogden G. Kramer (Sherwood Keith). Originally hired to help Ramona locate her son, Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) must now defend her life in court. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
William Keene is cast as the Rev. Hobart M. Tucker, a New York minister visiting Mayberry. Invited to deliver the Sunday sermon, Tucker advises the local citizens to "slow down" and start enjoying life. Taking heart, the locals prepare for a relaxing band concert-and in the process, end up working twice as hard as before! Written by John Whedon, "Sermon for Today" originally aired on October 21, 1963; though filmed as the 100th episode of The Andy Griffith Show, it was the 99th to be shown. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
In this Emmy-nominated episode, harried businessman Malcolm Tucker (Robert Emhardt) is stranded in Mayberry on a quiet Sunday when his car breaks down. Impatient and imperious, Tucker bristles at the notion of being stuck in the tiny community until his car can be repaired on Monday. Even worse, he can't even call his home office because the local party line is tied up by two of Mayberry's gabbiest gossips. Ever so gradually, however, the magic of Mayberry and its residents weaves a spell around Tucker, who learns how to relax and enjoy himself for the first time in his life. Written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, this episode is so full of highlights that it is impossible to list them all. As a bonus, this is the program in which the world was introduced to the redoubtable Gomer Pyle (Jim Nabors). "Man in a Hurry" originally aired on January 14, 1963. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
After he is seen literally throwing his money away, eccentric businessman Gus Dalgran (Otto Kruger) is locked up in a mental instution. Dalgran's far from loyal employees decide to use his absence as an opportunty to double-cross him, whereupon he escapes--and then things really get out of hand! Can it be that Dalgran was merely feigning insanity to cover up the murder of his duplicitous nephew Kenneth (Don Dubbins)? And what clues will Perry Mason find while visiting the military base which also figures into the story? Featured in the cast is a young Burt Reynolds, as well as soap-opera veteran John Larkin, who had previously starred in the radio version of Perry Mason. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
Dan O'Herlihy guest-stars as Matthew Raine, a brilliant artist who has gone blind. Wallowing in self-pity, Matthew begins coming out of his self-imposed exile when he befriends housekeeper Ann Loring (Virginia Grey). But a nasty character named Gavin (Arch Johnson), is determined to keep the former artist in a debilitated state. First telecast on October 7 1962, "The Artist" was written by Frank Chase. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1961
Upon discovering that his business partner Jimbo Cobb (Buddy Ebsen) possesses psychokinetic powers enabling him to move things with his brain power alone, café owner and compulsive gambler Ace Larsen (Dane Clark) hightails it to Las Vegas with Jimbo in tow. It is Ace's contention that Jimbo's unsual gift will enable him to "fix" dice games and roulette wheels without detection, and for a while this proves to be the case. But what Ace hasn't counted on is the fact that Jimbo has a conscience -- and that Jimbo is disgusted by Ace's cavalier treatment of his erstwhile girlfriend Kitty Cavanaugh (Christine White). Scripted by Charles Beaumont from a story by George Clayton Johnson, "The Prime Mover" made its Twilight Zone debut on March 24, 1961. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Buddy Ebsen, Dane Clark, (more)
- 1961
Con artists Morgan (Wally Brown) and Axe (Dave Willock) flimflam Clementine Hawkins (Beatrice Kay), a former dance-hall girl turned boarding-house keeper, with an elaborate scam involving "The Burma Rarity", a priceless emerald. Inasmuch as Ben Cartwright introduced Clementine to the crooks, he figures it is his responsibility to recover her money. To that end, Ben puts together a "sting" operation-which backfires so spectacularly that Ben may well have to marry Clementine to make amends! Written by N.B. Stone,"The Burma Rarity" originally aired October 22, 1961. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1961
For reasons beyond comprehension, the Earth has changed its orbit and is moving inexorably toward the sun, sending temperatures soaring into the triple digits. Though most of New York City has been deserted, art student Norma (Lois Nettelton) and her landlady Mrs. Bronson (Betty Garde) elect to stay behind, braving the intense, blistering heat until the bitter end. And don't be misled by that "is it all a bad dream?" finale. Written by Rod Serling, "The Midnight Sun" made its Twilight Zone debut on November 17, 1961 (imagine the audience reaction had the episode been telecast in August). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lois Nettleton, Betty Garde, (more)
- 1958
This classic Emmy-nominated episode stars Barbara Bel Geddes as Mary Maloney, the wife of philandering police chief Patrick Maloney (played by former cowboy star Allan Lane, best known to TV fans as the voice of Mister Ed). When Patrick comes home to tell his wife that he is leaving her for another woman, the outraged Mary clubs her husband to death with a frozen leg of lamb. She then calls the police to announce that she has come home to find her husband dead, with no murder weapon in sight. Eventually the cops arrive to comb the Maloney apartment for evidence -- little realizing that the solution to the crime is literally under their noses. Arguably the most famous Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode of all, "Lamb to the Slaughter" is one of those rare murder yarns which can be enjoyed repeatedly even after the viewer knows the outcome. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
