Dick Sargent Movies

Dr. Bombay's new pills have a strange side effect on Uncle Arthur. His "power system" on the fritz, Arthur began transforming into whomever and whatever he happens to be thinking about -- a pony, a demon, a Native American, and finally Superman. Somehow or other, Arthur's out-of-control morphing saves Darrin and Larry's latest advertising campaign. Written by Ed Jurist, "Super Arthur" made its first network appearance on February 5, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Believing that she has flipped her lid, Darrin's mother, Phyllis (Mabel Albertson), checks herself into a sanitarium after witnessing Samantha's magical redecorating technique. Unwilling to let Phyllis languish in an institution, Sam decides to reveal the truth about her witchcraft. Trouble is, the Witches' Council has temporarily removed Sam's powers. Ineluctable Bewitched supporting player Bernie Kopell is here cast as Dr. Rhinehouse. Written by Lila Garrett and Bernie Kahn, "Samantha's Secret is Discovered" first aired on January 22, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Determined to test Darrin's loyalty to Samantha, Serena and Endora transform Dusty Harrison (Melodie Johnson), the strait-laced daughter of Darrin's new, ultra-conservative client (Arch Johnson), into a swingin' hippie chick. In her new form, Dusty makes an unsubtle play for Darrin's affections, outraging both Mr. Harrison and Darrin's boss, Larry. The plot is resolved by the personal peccadilloes of Harrison himself. Written by Ed Jurist, "The Generation Zap" first aired on March 5, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The singing/songwriting duo of Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, whose other Screen Gems TV credits included episodes of The Monkees and The Flying Nun, appear as themselves in this episode of Bewitched. When Boyce and Hart's agent, Chick Cashman (Art Metrano), turns down Serena's invitation to appear before the Witches' annual Cosmos Cotillion, Serena retaliates by casting a spell which robs the performers of their popularity. Elizabeth Montgomery plays the dual role of Samantha and Serena, and in the latter guise performs the Boyce-Hart composition "I'm Gonna Blow You a Kiss in the Wind," while the duo themselves perform "I Wonder What She's Doing Tonight?" Written by Richard Baer, "Serena Stops the Show" originally aired on February 19, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Endora's latest spell transforms Darrin into a 73-year-old man. Thinking quickly when the Tates arrive, Samantha passes off Darrin as his own grandfather, Gordon. But there's even more trouble ahead when Larry Tate tries to match up "Gordon" with Louise's Aunt Millicent (Ruth McDevitt), a geriatric swinger. Sam solves matters in characteristic fashion by appealing to Endora's vanity. Written by Ed Jurist, "Samantha's Old Man" originally aired on December 3, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Filmed largely on-location in Salem, MA this lively episode of Bewitched was written by Richard Michaels. Misinterpreting her orders from the Witches Council, Esmerelda zaps Samantha back to 17th century Salem -- where she is promptly put on trial for witchcraft. Likewise hurtled back to the past, Darrin tries to save Sam from the stake, even though she has no idea who he is (nor, for that matter, whom she is). Frequent series supporting players Ronald Long, James Westerfield, and Maudie Prickett are cast respectively as the Magistrate, innkeeper Mr. Farley, and Mrs. Farley. The final episode of an eight-part story arc, "Samantha's Old Salem Trip" originally aired on November 12, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the sixth episode of an eight-part story arc, the Stephenses and the Tates continue their sightseeing tour of Salem, MA, where most of the episode was filmed. When she accidentally causes Larry's expensive Paul Revere teapot to vanish, she tries to make amends, only to conjure up the spirit of Paul Revere (Bert Convy) himself. Still thinking that he is in colonial times, Revere vows to prevent British businessman Sir Leslie (Jonathan Harris) from "invading the American market." Written by Philip Sharp and Henry Sharp, "Paul Revere Rides Again" was originally telecast on October 29, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the fourth episode of an eight-part story arc, Darrin finds himself locked up in the Salem, MA, jail, accused of stealing an antique bedwarmer from the House of the Seven Gables. It soon turns out that the "stolen" item is actually a warlock in disguise -- namely, Sam's former boyfriend, Newton (Noam Pitlik). It is up to Sam to return Newton to his original form, a task made doubly difficult by the fact that the witch who originally cast the spell is nowhere to be found. Actress/playwright Joan Hotchkis appears as Miss Ferndale. Written by Ed Jurist, "Samantha's Hot Bedwarmer" originally aired on October 15, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Darrin suffers an unusually long spell of bad luck, a fact which he wrongly attributes to his contentious mother-in-law, Endora. Samantha must utilize psychology to smooth Darrin's ruffled feathers and give him his confidence back. Frequent Bewitched supporting actor Charles Lane is once more magnificently typecast as Darrin's intractable client, Mr. Harmon. Written by Shirley Gordon, "Samantha's Magic Potion" made its network debut on December 17, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The seventh season of the fantasy sitcom Bewitched is launched by a multi-episode story arc, representing the first time that the series was filmed on location outside of Hollywood. In "To Go or Not to Go, That Is the Question," "Salem Here We Come," "Samantha's Hot Bedwarmer," and several other episodes, glamorous witch Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery), her mortal husband, Darrin (Dick Sargent), and their two children are compelled to pay an extended visit to Salem, MA, a community that has historically been hostile to witches (even pretty ones). These episodes were largely lensed in the actual town of Salem, much of which had of course been redesigned in classic 17th century fashion for the tourist trade. The journey to Salem proved to be a terrific ratings boost for Bewitched, which after six years on ABC was beginning to show signs of wear and tear. In subsequent season-seven episodes, Imogene Coca guest stars as the Tooth Fairy, who accidentally gets plotzed on medicinal brandy while trying collect a tooth from the Stephens' daughter, Tabitha (Erin Murphy); Bob Cummings appears in a tale of a toy troll come to life, with Felix Silla (formerly "Cousin Itt" on The Addams Family) playing said troll; and future Happy Days regular Tom Bosley is seen as the mortal boyfriend of the Stephens' klutzy witch housekeeper, Esmerelda (Alice Ghostley). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The first episode of Bewitched's sixth season, "Sam and the Beanstalk" also marked the series debut of Dick Sargent as the "new" Darrin Stephens. Written by Michael Morris, the story hinges on the jealousy of Samantha and Darrin's daughter, Tabitha, who is none too happy that Sam is about to have a second child. Retreating into her own fantasies, Tabitha takes the place of Jack in her Jack and the Beanstalk storybook, while Jack (played by Family Affair's Johnnie Whitaker) takes Tabitha's place in the "real" world. Frequent Bewitched supporting player Ronald Long is seen as the Giant, with Bobo Lewis as the long-suffering Mrs. Giant. "Sam and the Beanstalk" originally aired on September 18, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Endora casts a spell on Darrin, hoping to make him more "agreeable." As a result, Darrin goes around agreeing with everyone and everything -- ruffling the feathers of his new client, Shotwell (Charles Lane), who hates and despises "yes-men," and concludes that Darrin is either insincere or crazy, or both. You guessed it: Darrin gets fired again and Samantha comes to the rescue. Written by Ed Jurist, "You're So Agreeable" originally aired on December 11, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the conclusion of a two-part story, an enchanted pocket watch has endowed Darrin with the powers of a warlock. Alas, Darrin's newfound magical skills have gone to his head, delighting Endora and Maurice, while devastating Samantha. Clearly, Sam's parents will have to be convinced that Darrin would be better off as a mortal. As it turns out, however, Darrin is not quite as intoxicated by his powers as it seems. Written by Rick Mittleman and Ed Jurist, "Darrin the Warlock" was originally telecast on November 27, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide