Robert Foulk Movies
Starting his Hollywood career in or around 1951, American actor Robert Foulk was alternately passive and authoritative in such westerns as Last of the Badmen (1957), The Tall Stranger (1957), The Left-Handed Gun (1958) and Cast a Long Shadow (1958). He remained a frontiersmen for his year-long stint as bartender Joe Kingston on the Joel McCrea TV shoot-em-up Wichita Town (1959) (though he reverted to modern garb as the Anderson family's next-door neighbor in the '50s sitcom Father Knows Best). In non-westerns, Foulk usually played professional men, often uniformed. Some of his parts were fleeting enough not to have any designation but "character bit" (vide The Love Bug [1968]), but otherwise there was no question Foulk was in charge: as a doctor in Tammy and the Doctor (1963), a police official in Bunny O'Hare (1971) or a railroad conductor in Emperor of the North (1973). Robert Foulk was given extensive screen time in the Bowery Boys' Hold That Hypnotist (1957), as the title character; and in Robin and the Seven Hoods (1964), playing straight as Sheriff Glick opposite such "Merrie Men" as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin Sammy Davis Jr. and Bing Crosby. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Based on a story by Hollywood old-timers Seton I. Miller and S. S. Field, Pete's Dragon divides its time between its flesh-and-blood characters and an animated blue dragon. Pete (Sean Marshall), a lonely orphan boy in turn-of-the-century Maine, runs away from his abusive foster family. He stumbles upon a lovable dragon named Elliot, and the two become inseparable companions. Elliot is visible only to Pete, leading the townsfolk to assume that the boy is a trifle tetched. Pete finally finds happiness with his "new" family, lighthouse-keeper Lampie (Mickey Rooney) and his daughter Nora (Helen Reddy, who sings and sings). British comic actor Jim Dale co-stars as the wacky dentist Dr. Terminus. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Helen Reddy, Jim Dale, (more)
- 1974
Former B-western leading man Donald Barry guest stars as Charlie Bishop, an ex-convict who has ended up on skid row. Relaying a message to Officer Pete Malloy (Martin Milner), Charlie begs to sent back to prison--and indicates that he will go to any lengths to land behind bars. Malloy and his partner Jim Reed (Kent McCord) race against time to prevent Charlie from doing something that everyone will regret. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
In this gritty and violent period drama set in the depths of the Great Depression, Lee Marvin stars as "A No. 1", the acknowledged King of the Hoboes. A No. 1 is famous among his fellow tramps for his ability to catch a ride on any train, no matter how risky the hop or dangerous the guards. He acts as a sort of mentor for Cigaret (Keith Carradine), a young hobo who brags that some day he'll surpass A No. 1 in his accomplishments. But neither has had the courage to ride a train guarded by Shack (Ernest Borgnine), an unusually sadistic railroad cop who will brutally beat or even murder any man who tries to catch a ride on his train. A No. 1 is determined that no one, not even Cigaret, is going to deny him his title, so taking his life in his hands, he and Cigaret hop a ride on Shack's train, and they are soon bearing the full brunt of his violent nature. Emperor of the North features superb location photography by Joseph F. Biroc and a fine supporting cast, including Charles Tyner, Simon Oakland, Elisha Cook Jr., and Sid Haig. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lee Marvin, Ernest Borgnine, (more)
- 1971
- R
Would you believe Bette Davis and Ernest Borgnine as a pair of free-spirited hippies on a crime spree? That's the premise of this unlikely comedy starring the two Oscar-winning veterans. Bunny O'Hare (Bette Davis) is an elderly woman living in New Mexico who is trying to keep herself afloat financially while supporting her two grown children, both of whom have fallen into bad straits. Thanks to a mistake by her bank, Bunny is evicted from her home, which is quickly torn down, but not before one Bill Green (Ernest Borgnine) can repossess her commode. Bunny is left with nowhere to go, and Bill allows Bunny to tag along in his trailer after he leaves. Bunny soon learns that Bill was once a bank robber who is still on the run from the law, and she persuades him to show her the ropes so she can steal her nest egg back from the bank. Dressed as hippies, Bunny and Bill pull the job, but rather than escape to Mexico, Bunny decides to stay in the Southwest and rob more banks with Bill to help keep her kids out of hock. Bunny O'Hare also features Jack Cassidy, John Astin, and Jay Robinson; ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bette Davis, Ernest Borgnine, (more)
- 1971
Skin Game was historically significant as the 2000th film produced by Warner Bros. studios. The film is a comedy western starring James Garner and Louis Gossett Jr. as a pair of clever Antebellum con men. Garner regularly "sells" the black Gossett into slavery for an exalted price, then "liberates" Gossett so that they can move on to the next sucker. Unfortunately, they outsmart themselves, and before long Gossett seems doomed to a lifetime of forced servitude. They are rescued by pretty pickpocket Susan Clark, who has a few surprises in store for them. Skin Game was supposed to be spun off into a TV series, but the project never got any farther than the 1974 pilot film Sidekicks. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
As the wedding of Eb (Tom Lester) and Darlene (Judith McConnell) approaches, money matters again complicate things. But Eb has got a foolproof scheme to collect free wedding gifts. All he has to do is stage his marriage in the car wash of a department store. Inevitably, Eb's "parents" Oliver (Eddie Albert) and Lisa (Eva Gabor) become intimately involved in this soapy strategy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judith McConnell, Robert Foulk, (more)
- 1970
Despite a severe lack of financial resources, handyman Eb (Tom Lester) persists in his plans to marry his sweetheart Darlene (Judith McConnell). Now Eb wants to get an engagement ring, but of course he hasn't the money to purchase the rock. Generous Lisa (Eva Gabor) offers her own engagement ring as a wedding present -- and thus the ball starts rolling for another typical Green Acres avalanche of crossed purposes and misunderstandings. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judith McConnell, Robert Foulk, (more)
- 1970
Having decided to marry his sweetie Darlene (Judith McConnell), handyman Eb (Tom Lester) decides to buy a house as well. Unfortunately, his "collateral" consists of a turtle, a pocket knife, a bag of marbles, and an autographed picture of Ozzie and Harriet Nelson. In his efforts to scare up more money, Eb banks heavily on the largess of Oliver (Eddie Albert) and Lisa (Eva Gabor) -- and in so doing, he not only introduces the Douglases as his birth parents, but also transforms their into a reasonable facsimile of the city dump! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judith McConnell, Robert Foulk, (more)
- 1970
Oliver (Eddie Albert) and Lisa (Eva Gabor) must come to the rescue when two of their closest friends get themselves in similar romantic entanglements. It seems that handyman Eb (Tom Lester) has invited both his steady girlfriend Darlene (Judith McConnell) and attractive newcomer Carol (Kris Nelson) to an upcoming dance. At the same time, Arnold the pig is likewise "seeing double," having fallen in love with two different cows! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Judith McConnell, Kristin Nelson, (more)
Those who worried that the Disney studio would collapse without the presence of the late Uncle Walt were put at ease when the profits starting rolling in for The Love Bug. The "star" is Herbie, a lovable little Volkswagen with a personality all its own. Abused by a bad guy race-car driver (David Tomlinson), Herbie is rescued by a good guy racer (Dean Jones). Out of gratitude, Herbie enables the luckless good guy to win one race after another. The real fun begins when the ruthless hot-rodder connives to get Herbie back through fair means or foul. Based on a story by Gordon Buford, The Love Bug inspired two equally lucrative sequels, Herbie Rides Again and Herbie Goes to Monte Carlo. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dean Jones, Michele Lee, (more)
- 1968
This episode of Green Acres was cunningly timed to air just before the 1968 presidential elections. Upset over the do-nothing record of incumbent state representative Ben Hanks (J. Pat O'Malley), Oliver (Eddie Albert) angrily declares that there is more to being a good politician than handing out gifts, slapping backs and kissing babies. The result: Oliver ends up running against Hanks on the "reform" ticket. Skip Young, best known as the goofy Wally on The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet, is here cast as an equally goofy campaign worker. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Foulk, J. Pat O'Malley, (more)
- 1968
Hoping to improve business in his new restaurant, Jethro decides to hire topless waitresses. No, it's not what you think: Jethro's definition of "topless" is that the waitresses don't wear any caps. But Mr. Drysdale doesn't know that, and he is aghast when the Clampetts put up placards publicizing Jethro's diner and its "added attractions." A typical Beverly Hillbillies response to a then-current social phenomenon, "Topless Anyone" was originally telecast on January 17, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
Ben Cartwright hires a new horse trainer named Will Holt (Michael Murphy), who brings with him an Indian bride named Moon (Dawn Wells, fresh from her stint on Gilligan's Island). When the neighbors express vicious bigotry towards the interracial couple, the Cartwrights try to smooth over the problem. Meanwhile, Moon forms a strong bond with little Bridger Green (Bobby Riha), himself a victim of persecution at the hands of his cruel stepfather Aaron Gore (played by Victor French, long before he and Bonanza star Michael Landon appeared together in Little House on the Prairie and Highway to Heaven). Written by William H. Wright and Carol Saraceno, "The Burning Sky" was originally telecast on January 28, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1968
Captured by the mysterious Captain Kraspo (Robert Foulk), Penny (Angela Cartwright) is told that she is not a member of the Robinson family, but instead the long-lost Princess Alpha of the planet Beta. As the plot runs along its Anastasia-like course, Penny finds that the duties of royalty also include vanquishing a horde of hostile computers! The supporting cast includes a pre-Laugh In Arte Johnson and producer Irwin Allen's actress wife Sheila Matthews--and as a bonus, Angela Cartwright dons a blonde wig to portray the real Princess Alpha in the final scene. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
A pair of crooks conspire to rob the ticket booth at the Los Angeles Coliseum during a Rams game. Before they can perform the heist, the two must find precisely the right henchmen to join them. Each potential gang member must undergo a rigorous test of skill. Thanks to care and precise planning, the caper comes off smoothly and afterward the gang leader (Jim Brown) hides the money in the apartment of his ex-wife (Diahann Carroll). She only agrees to keep the money on the provision that he reform so they can get back together. Unfortunately, the wife's lust-crazed landlord (James Whitmore) busts into her house the next day and tries to rape her. During the struggle he kills her and then takes the loot. Later a crooked cop (Gene Hackman) investigates. Meanwhile, when the gang members learn that the loot is missing, they suspect a double-cross and engage in a huge battle. The cop finds the money and at first keeps it for himself. The head crook eventually figures out that the cop has it and so goes to him to make a little deal. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jim Brown, Diahann Carroll, (more)
Del (John Ashley) is an auto mechanic who leaves his brother Marty (Marty Robbins) to open his own business in this routine action drama. The brothers are kidnapped when Del is chased by federal agents for running moonshine. Marty races stock cars during the day and sings at night. How else could they make room for him to sing five songs? Connie Smith and The Stonemans provide further music, with Robert Faulk and Frank Gertile as the moonshiners. The brothers face each other in a showdown at the racetrack for the finale. The interest for this film is fueled by fans of stock-car racing and the popularity of country singers Robbins and Smith. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Marty Robbins, John Ashley, (more)
- 1967
Nina Foch guest-stars as Clarissa, Ben Cartwright's snooty Eastern cousin. Swooping down upon the Ponderosa, the well-meaning but insufferable Clarissa manages to alienate all of the Cartwrights' friends-and even worse, causes ranch cook Hop Sing to tender his resignation. It has been suggested that Chester Krumholz' teleplay was specifically designed to prove that a regular female character would be disastrous for Bonanza. Whatever the reasons for its gestation, "Clarissa" originally aired on April 30, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1967
Passing through a time warp, the Jupiter 2 crash-lands on Earth in the year 1947, exactly fifty years before the vessel was launched. The locals of Hatfield Corners--who seem to have the collective IQ of a junebug-- assume that the Robinsons are Martians, and as a result Will (Billy Mumy) is captured and the rest of his family must avoid a band of vigilantes. Meanwhile,the opportunistic Dr. Smith (Jonathan Harris), who wants to remain on earth, does his best (or worst) to blend in with the mob. In one remarkable scene, the Robinsons are confused by the presence of an old-fashioned rotary telephone (well, wouldn't YOU be?) ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
As every loyal Green Acres fan knows, Hooterville carpenter Ralph Monroe is, despite her moniker, a bona fide female (played by Mary Grace Canfield). Of course, this fact is hard to ascertain, since Ralph is always dressed in men's overalls and seemingly goes out of her way to be unattractive. Even so, Ralph gets all moony-eyed whenever she sees the object of her adoration, nerdish agricultural agent Hank Kimball (Alvy Moore). Big-hearted Lisa (Eva Gabor) sets about to help Ralph ensnare the elusive Kimball by giving the woman a whirlwind two-day fashion makeover. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Once again, Lucy (Lucille Ball) has a hankering to see some movie stars close-up. Her first step in this direction is to take over the "maps to the movie stars' homes" kiosk owned by her recently departed neighbor (Reta Shaw). One thing leads to another, and by episode's end Lucy has become an usher (in an ill-fitting boy's uniform!) at a theater where a gala Hollywood premiere is about to be staged. The episode's inevitable special guest stars include Kirk Douglas, Edward G. Robinson, Jimmy Durante, Ben Casey star Vince Edwards, and Hollywood columnist Johnny Grant. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Reta Shaw, Bert Freed, (more)
- 1966
A ricocheting bullet catches Little Joe Cartwright in his-er-nether regions. Seeking answers to his brother's non-fatal but certainly embarrassing injury, Hoss tries to communicate with world-weady female gunslinger Willie Mae Rikeman (Louise Latham) and her two uncontrollable sons Judd (Mark Slade) and Jeb (Robert Doyle. Both Cartwright boys emerge from the experience with a better appreciation of their own family. Written and directed by Herman Hoffman, "A Real Nice, Friendly Little Town" was first shown on November 27, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1966
Fifteen years after Ben Cartwright's testimony sent a man named Preston to the gallows, Preston's son Colter arrives in Virginia City. A self-styled troubador, Colter sings a bitter ballad denouncing Ben and proclaiming his own father's innocence, forcing the authorities to re-open the case. Colter even goes so far as to shoot himself so that Ben will be arrested for attempted murder. Also appearing are Ann Doran as Lisa Stanley, Roger Davis as Harold Stanley, and John Archer as Dave Sinclair. The teleplay, by series costar Michael Landon and Rik Vollaerts, manages to include a reference to long-department Cartwright brother Adam. "Ballad of the Ponderosa" was first shown on November 13, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1966
Originally broadcast April 17, 1966, "The Big Shadow on the Land" was the first of three Bonanza episodes focusing on the Rossis, an immigrant Italian family. Headed by bombastic Giorgio Rossi (Jack Kruschen), the family encamps on the Ponderosa, intending to revitalize their winemaking business. Ben Cartwright's efforts to force the Rossis to leave his property are compromised by his growing fondness for the family. Also appearing are Penny Santon as Giorgio's wife Maria, Brioni Farrell as their daughter Regina and Michael Stephani as their son Lorenzo. "The Big Shadow on the Land" was written by William F. Leicester and Richard H. Bartlett. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1966
Bonanza closed out its seventh season on May 15, 1966 with the comic episode "A Dollar's Worth of Trouble." Gypsy palm reader Mme. Adella (Mabel Albertson predicts that Hoss Cartwright's life will soon accommodate a blue-eyed blonde, a moonshiner, and a murderous gunslinger. As these prognostications come true in the form of blue-eyed Kathleen Walker (Sally Kellerman) and booze-brewing John Walker (Elisha Cook Jr.), Hoss nervously gears himself for his inevitable confrontation with gun-wielding Craig Bonner (Hampton Fancher III). This episode was written by Robert L. Goodwin. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
