John L. Greene Movies
Television comedy writer John L. Greene is best remembered as the creator of the popular '60s sitcom My Favorite Martian. Born in Buffalo, NY but raised in Fremont, OH, he earned a master's degree in journalism from the University of Iowa and got his start as a short-story writer. He spent time writing for children's radio shows in New York City before heading to Hollywood in 1938 to write for the Texaco Star Radio program. As a television writer, he has penned episodes for series ranging from Bewitched to I Dream of Jeannie to Andy Griffith to The Flying Nun. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide- 1971
Samantha suffers guilt feelings when she uses witchcraft to do her housework, and her guilt is compounded when Darrin refuses to get mad. As a result, Sam comes down with a bad case of the hiccups, causing expensive gifts to magically appear in the Stephens household. A blessing in disguise? Not quite: All of the "gifts" have been zapped from a local department store, and before long, a team of detectives comes a-knocking at the Stephenses' door. Dr. Bombay finally reveals that Sam's current dilemma is merely a matter of semantics -- or more specifically, bad spelling. Written by John L. Greene, "Samantha's Psychic Pslip" first aired on April 1, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1971
Endora tries her luck on Madison Avenue, but only to get Darrin fired so that he'll have time to attend an out-of-town wedding with Samantha. Her strategy involves passing off a hippie-like warlock named Alonzo (Bernie Kopell) as a brilliantly innovative copywriter, who aces Darrin out of his job with McMann and Tate. But with Sam's help, Darrin deftly turns the tables on Endora. Written by John L. Greene, "The Warlock in the Grey Flannel Suit" first aired on December 1, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
Sr. Bertrille becomes a TV star when she is captured on film in a "hidden camera" detergent advertisement. Unfotunately, her sudden celebrity may end up discrediting our heroine in the eyes of a visiting bishop (Ivor Francis. A pre-One Day at a Time Pat Harrington Jr. appears as Harry. First telecast on March 6, 1970, "The Candid Commercial" was written by John L. Greene. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Jack Cassidy guest stars as George Dinsdale, Darrin's newest client. An unregenerate playboy, Dinsdale falls in love with Samantha's lookalike cousin, Serena, and refuses to believe that Sam and Serena are not one in the same. Before she is able to straighten out this mess, Sam is obliged to briefly transform Dinsdale into a parrot. Scripted by John L. Greene, "A Chance on Love" made its first network appearance on March 19, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
Now Sr. Bertrille is flying in her sleep, with no recollection of her nocturnal forays into the clouds. While snoozing away late one night, she flies over Carlos Ramirez, who is innocently stranded in his car with an impulsive girl named Sofia (Cynthia Hull). The next morning, Sofia's father demands that Carlos marry the girl-and the only witness to the fact that Carlos is blameless doesn't remember anything about the incident. First broadcast on February 20, 1970, "The Somnaviatrix" was written by John L. Greene). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Endora casts a spell on Darrin which causes him to vanish whenever he speaks Spanish. Trouble is, Darrin has been shipped off to Mexico City, where he has been hired to promote a product called "Bueno." Thomas Gomez guest stars as Darrin's client, Mr. Garcia. Written by John L. Greene, "Samantha and Darrin in Mexico City" originally aired on April 24, 1969, as the final episode of Bewitched's fifth season -- and the last episode to feature Dick York as Darrin Stephens. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1969
In order to qualify for a marriage license, Jeannie (Barbara Eden) must take a blood test. This proves problematic when Jeannie reveals to Tony (Larry Hagman) and Roger (Bill Daily) that a genie's blood is green rather than red. In order to safeguard Jeannie's secret, Roger resorts to a bit of larceny--a job for which he is remarkably unqualified. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
At the urging of Sr. Bertrille, casino owner Carlos Ramirez agrees to act as surrogate father to convent orphan Marcello (Manuel Padilla). Things take a tricky turn when Marcello, suffering a severe case of hero worship, insists upon being adopted by Carlos-and even offers to pick his own stepmother. Future Charlie's Angels diva Farrah Fawcett appears as Lila. Originally telecast on October 15, 1969, "Marcello's Idol" was written by John L. Greene. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
- Add The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell to QueueAdd The Private Navy of Sgt. O'Farrell to top of Queue
O'Farrell (Bob Hope) is a navy sergeant who tries to boost the moral of the men by bringing in a shipment of beer. When the beer turns up missing, he calls an all-out search for the suds. In the process, O'Farrell captures a Japanese submarine single-handedly and tries to pilot the boat to safety. Phyllis Diller stars as the nurse who does absolutely nothing for troop moral in this uneven and poorly conceived comedy. Gina Lollobrigida and Jeffrey Hunter also star in the feature. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, (more)
- 1968
When the Hucksters Club elects Darrin as Ad Man of the Year, Samantha pooh-poohs the notion that the honor will go to Darrin's head. To prove Sam wrong, Endora casts a spell which causes everyone to adore Darrin and to hang onto his every word, but only so long as he is in the same room with them. The fun begins when Darrin can't understand why his new fans suddenly become his biggest detractors when his back is turned, a fact that also causes enormous embarrassment for his boss, Larry Tate. Written by John L. Greene, "Man of the Year" originally aired on May 2, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1967
When Samantha complains that Darrin has been forgetful of late, helpful Endora casts a spell on Darrin's wristwatch. So long as he wears that watch, Darrin will be possessed of a photographic memory. Unfortunately, Darrin's newfound facility at conjuring up facts, statistics, and trivia at a moment's notice does not rest well with his know-it-all client, Ed Pennybaker (Dan Tobin). Written by David V. Robison and John L. Greene, "I Remember You...Sometimes" was first telecast on February 16, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1967
Knowing that Darrin is anxious to impress his new client, a golf enthusiast named Joe Baxter (MacDonald Carey), Endora casts a spell on her son-in-law's golf clubs. As a result, Darrin plays golf brilliantly -- too brilliantly to suit the envious Baxter, who drops his account, whereupon Larry Tate drops Darrin. As it turns out, it is Mrs. Baxter (Joan Banks), rather than Samantha, who comes to the rescue. Written by David V. Robison and John L. Greene, "Birdies, Bogies and Baxter" originally aired on October 19, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
When Samantha expresses the wish that Darrin would forget about business and relax once in a while, Endora decides to help out by placing a bowl of magic popcorn in the Stephenses' house. The popcorn has the curious power to induce laziness in anyone who eats it. On cue, Darrin ingests the popcorn just before he is to embark upon an extremely important ad account. Watch for character comedian Paul Dooley as a TV repairman. Written by David V. Robison and John L. Greene, "Oedipus Hex" first aired on November 24, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
When Aunt Bee loses a valuable brooch, deputy Warren surmizes that the item was stolen. As a result of Warren's suspicions, Bee receives a huge insurance settlement. You guessed it-no sooner has the check arrived than Bee finds the missing brooch. "Lost and Found" was written by John L. Greene and Paul David. Given the amount of episode-shuffling during The Andy Griffith Show's sixth season, it is somewhat suprising that this episode, the 178th to be filmed, was also the 178th to be shown. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Samantha's mother, Endora, and aunts, Enchantra (Estelle Winwood) and Hagatha (Reta Shaw), want to take baby Tabitha away to a school for witches. With nowhere else to turn, Sam begs her warlock father, Maurice, to prevent the ladies from carrying out their plans. They receive unexpected and utterly useless assistance from Darrin and Aunt Clara. Written by David V. Robison and John L. Greene, "Witches and Warlocks are My Favorite Things" first aired on September 29, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
Despite all of Samantha's efforts at obfuscation, Darrin realizes that his baby daughter Tabitha is a witch. Once he has come to grips with this information, he is faced with another crisis: How will he hide Tabitha's magical powers from Mr. and Mrs. Tate during the Stephenses' anniversary party? Kasey Rogers makes her first series appearance as Louise Tate, replacing Irene Vernon. Written by David V. Robison and John L. Greene, "The Moment of Truth" originally aired on September 22, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
Goober returns from a fishing trip with a full beard. Basking in the compliments directed towards his distinguished-looking chin whiskers, Goober begins fancying himself an intellectual, and before long he is boring his friends to death with his endless discourses on a variety of topics-all centered on himself. It takes a few harsh words from Andy to bring Goober back down to earth. Written by John L. Greene and Paul David, "Goober Makes History" first aired on December 19, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Henry Jones guest stars as Brian O'Brien, a leprechaun who has lost his pot of gold. Hoping to snap Brian out of his doldrums, Samantha embarks on a search for the missing pot. It turns out that the elusive gold is in the possession of one James Dennis Robinson (Parley Baer), who, as luck would have it, is Darrin's newest client. Written by those darlin' lads Paul David and John L. Greene, "The Leprechaun" was first telecast on March 17, 1966 (Saint Paddy's day, don't ya know). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
Hoping to rescue a thoroughbred race horse named Dalleyrand from its trainer, Samantha transforms the horse into a woman named Dolly (Patty Regan). This proves to be a troublesome spell when the humanized Dolly begins giving "inside" race tips to Darrin's friend, Gus Walters (Robert Sorrells), who desperately needs money to finance a new invention. Sid Clute rounds out the supporting cast as trainer Jack Spindler. First shown on March 3, 1966, "The Horse's Mouth" was written by Paul David and John L. Greene. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
Bernard Fox makes his first Bewitched appearance, but not as his soon-to-be familiar role of Dr. Bombay. Instead, Fox portrays a self-styled "witch debunker" named Osgood Rightmire, who, at a lecture attended by Samantha and Darrin, describes all so-called witches as dull neurotics. Trouble begins a-brewing when Darrin is hired to publicize Rightmire's lecture tour. Adding to the dilemma is an ancient ring in Rightmire's possession -- a ring that has a very strange effect on Sam. Written by Paul David and John L. Greene, "Disappearing Samantha" originally aired on April 7, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
Entering an essay contest, Opie chooses to write a piece on the legendary Battle of Mayberry, wherein the town's earliest settlers ostensibly wrested control of the community from "savage" Indians. Before long, everyone in town is providing Opie with anecdotes, each person claiming to be descended from one of the battle's participants. But when he begins checking the facts, Opie learns several sad truths about the actual size and scope of the so-called battle. Written by John L. Greene and Paul David, "The Battle of Mayberry" first aired on April 4, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Samantha begins to wonder if Darrin would have married her if he'd known beforehand that she is a witch. To find out one way or another, Endora arranges a flashback to the days when both Sam and Darrin were still unattached and unaware of each other's existence. The results are most startling -- and not at all what either Sam and Endora had expected. Written by Paul David and John L. Greene, "What Every Young Man Should Know" first aired on May 26, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1965
Aunt Clara arouses herself from a "witching slump" by creating a new evening wardrobe for Samantha and Darrin. Unfortunately, the couple's fancy clothes suddenly begin disappearing -- right in the middle of a formal dinner party. Darrin must now mollify his outraged client Charles Barlow (Max Showalter), providing he can get out of jail first. Written by Paul David and John L. Greene, "A Very Informal Dress" first aired on November 4, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1965
The Stephens household is set on its ear when Samantha is put in charge of capricious ten-year-old warlock Merle Brocken (Craig Hundley). Upon discovering that the little visitor is from Sam's "world," Darrin makes the boy promise not to perform any magic during his visit. Merle obediently agrees, just before a burglar invades the house and overpowers Darrin. James Doohan of Star Trek fame plays Merle's father, Walker Brocken. Written by Paul David and John L. Greene, "A Strange Little Visitor" originally aired on December 2, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1965
Endora gives Darren a magical statue which forces everyone in its vicinity to speak the unvarnished truth. Trouble ensues when Darren and Samantha entertain Larry Tate's new client, Ed Hotchkiss (Charles Lane), and Ed's wife, Frances (Elisabeth Fraser). Needless to say, on this particular occasion the truth really hurts. Written by Paul David and John L. Greene, "Speak the Truth" made its first network appearance on December 16, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
