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- 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
- 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)
- 1965
Written by Dick Carr, "The Spotlight" is a showcase for Viveca Lindfors in the role of long-retired opera diva Angela Drake. Appointed entertainment-committee chairman of the Virginia City anniversary celebration, Ben persuades Angela to come out of retirement for a command performance. Angela is so euphoric that she accepts the offer, neglecting to admit that she has completely lost her singing voice. Sharp-eared fans will hear a brief but pointed "inside joke" referring to recently departed series regular Pernell Roberts (Hint: It has something to do with Shakespeare). Also seen are Ron Randell as Carleton, Winnie Coffin as Mrs. Brown and Jean Determann as Mrs. Finch. "The Spotlight" originally aired on May 16, 1965, and was rebroadcast as the Christmas offering for Bonanza's 1965-66 season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1965
After purchasing the diary of an alleged suicide victim at an auction, Della (Barbara Hale) is surprised when someone offers her $1000 for the book. Turning down the offer, the intrigued Della begins paging through the diary, ultimately arriving at the conclusion that its author did not kill herself, as originally reported. Della brings the diary to the attention of her boss Perry Mason (Raymond Burr)--thereby setting off a chain of strange and sordid events, culminating in Perry's defense of Josephine Kempton (Lurene Tuttle) on a murder charge. The "grinning gorilla" mentioned in the title is played by celebrated stunt man and simian impersonator Janos Prohaska. This episode is based on a 1952 novel by Perry Mason creator Erle Stanley Gardner. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The Rat Pack packed it in after this sprightly musical comedy that owes more than it should to Damon Runyon's stories and Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows's classic musical Guys and Dolls. Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen's bright and snappy score features such songs as "Style", "Bang-Bang" and the Sinatra standard "My Kind of Town". Set in 1920s Chicago, the tale begins during a birthday party for head mobster Big Jim (Edward G. Robinson) who is shot to death during the celebration. Rival gangster Guy Gisbourne (Peter Falk) immediately declares himself the chief gangster. The northside gang, headed by Robbo (Frank Sinatra) is willing to grant Guy his self-declared title as long as he leaves the northside territory alone. Guy refuses and when small time hood Little John (Dean Martin) joins Robbo's crew, turf warfare breaks out between the two gangs, resulting in the destruction of both Robbo and Guy's nightclubs. Meanwhile, Big Jim's daughter Marian (Barbara Rush) offers Robbo $50,000 to find the man who killed her father. Robbo demurs and gives the money to his henchman Will (Sammy Davis Jr.) to get rid of. Will, hoping to do a good deed, hands the money over to Allen A. Dale (Bing Crosby), who runs an orphanage. Allen, finding out that the money came from Robbo, informs the newspapers of Robbo's philanthropic enterprise and Robbo immediately becomes a local celebrity, referred to as Chicago's Robin Hood. For his part, Robbo is willing to go along with the publicity. On the romantic front, although Robbo is attracted to Marian, he gives her the brush-off when he finds she is using a charitable foundation as a front for a counterfeiting ring being run by herself and Little John. Robbo tells Marian to leave town. Instead, she hooks up with Guy, proposing that he kill both Robbo and Little John. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, (more)
