Alice Ghostley Movies
Born in Missouri and educated at the University of Oklahoma, Alice Ghostley created a sensation in her first Broadway production, New Faces of 1952. In the company of such powerhouse co-stars as Paul Lynde, Robert Clary and Carol Lawrence, Ghostley stole the show with her plaintive renditions of the satirical ballads "The Boston Beguine" and "Time for Tea." Within a year of New Faces, she was headlined in the film version of that popular revue and was cast as a regular on the network-TV series Freedom Ring. Ghostley has been convulsing audiences ever since, playing a rich variety of man-chasing bachelorettes, overprotective mothers and dotty neighbors. While most of her film appearances have been in comedies (Viva Max!, The Graduate, Grease), Ghostley proved quite effective in the comparatively straight role of Stephanie Crawford in To Kill a Mockingbird (1962). In 1965, she won a Tony award for her performance in the Broadway seriocomedy The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window. In addition, Ghostley has been a regular or semi-regular on a multitude of TV series: The Jackie Gleason Show, Car 54 Where Are You, Captain Nice, The Jonathan Winters Show, The Golddiggers, Designing Women and a host of others. She is most fondly remembered for her portrayal of bumbling witch Esmerelda on the long-running (1964-72) sitcom Bewitched. On both this series and 1972's Temperatures Rising, Alice Ghostley was reunited with her old New Faces cohort, Paul Lynde. Ghostley died of colon cancer at age 81 in September 2007. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1997
Manhattan pediatrician Meg Salter (Priscilla Presley) impulsively flies to Paris to surprise her professor husband Brian (Ben Masters). But it is Meg who is surprised, and not pleasantly so: Also on board the plane is Brian's pregnant mistress Olivia (A. J. Langer)--who goes into labor during a heavy rainstorm. With Monica (Roma Downey and the other angels occupied elsewhere, rookie caseworker Celeste (Hudson Leick) may have to straighten out this situation all by herself, a task that becomes more problematic with each passing minute! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1990
In this entry in the long-running mystery series, Perry Mason represents a former student who is accused of murdering a singing star. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
If the Perils of Pauline were set in a campy New York City with a dash of trash added in, Not for Publication would result, though the awful jokes and kinky characters are not going to be entertaining to everyone. Lois (Nancy Allen) is a reporter at a sleazoid newspaper, a paragon of yellow journalism that she is determined to turn back to its first incarnation as The New York Enforcer, a better paper. The not-so-good Mayor Franklyn (Laurence Luckinbill) adopts Lois as his personal assistant when she bursts into his office one day and strongly advises him to cut the pressure to shut down porn shops or he will lose the vote of New York's youth. She hires a photographer (David Naughton) to work in the mayor's office, planning to use his skills for her tabloid paper -- but then a quirky menage à trois arises between the mayor, the photographer, and Lois. After some undercover sleuthing in Long Island, Lois connects the mayor to various robberies that have occurred in the city and thinks of a way to bring back the New York Enforcer and handle the mayor at the same time. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nancy Allen, David Naughton, (more)
- 1977
J.J. (Jimmie Walker) has visions of limitless wealth when he and his friends go into the greeting-card business. When the orders begin pouring in, J.J. realizes he can't keep up with the demand. Worse still, the "gold mine" business ends up netting a pathetic 68 dollars, forcing J.J. to take potentially drastic action to keep his head above a sea of creditors. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
In the concluding episode of Good Times' fifth-season opener "The Evans Get Involved," Willona (Ja'net DuBois) hopes to adopt 10-year-old Penny Gordon (Janet Jackson), but may not be able to do so because she is unmarried. In a misguided effort to help Willona (and, incidentally, to increase her rent), landlord Bookman (Johnny Brown) claims to be her husband. Meanwhile, the Evans children ponder a move to Arizona, the new home of their mother Florida and stepfather Carl. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Just before purchasing a Christmas present for her foster mother, Willona (Ja'net DuBois), Penny (Janet Jackson) is robbed of her wallet. Desperate to get Willona a gift, Penny resorts to shoplifting -- and ends up in police custody. Will this unpleasant episode lead to Willona losing her opportunity to legally adopt Penny? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
When Cliff Robertson was toasted by Ralph Edwards on the TV series This is Your Life in 1972, Robertson was standing on the set of Ace Eli and Roger of the Skies. This production was announced as an "upcoming release"-though as it turned out, the film lay on the shef for several years thereafter. Robertson plays a barnstorming stunt flyer of the Roaring Twenties. Accompanying him from job to job is his 11-year-old son, Eric Shea. Despite having a child in tow, Robertson has no trouble scoring with the local lovelies wherever they go. 20th Century-Fox had so little faith in Ace Eli and Roger of the Skies that the company changed many of the names in the production credits: producer "Boris Wilson" was really Robert Fryer, director "Bill Sampson" was actually John Erdman and screenwriter "Chips Rosen" was known to friends and family as Claudia Salte. Only poor Cliff Robertson was denied the opportunity to cloak himself in an alias. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
Bumbling Esmerelda is pressed into service to babysit young Ralph (Ricky Powell), the son of Darrin's new client, Mr. Norton (Richard X. Slattery). In the course of the evening, Esmerelda takes it upon herself to tell Ralph that she's a witch, performing several disastrous acts of witchcraft to prove her point. It is up to Samantha to run damage control by claiming that Esmerelda is really a professional magician. Written by Philip Sharp and Henry Sharp, "Samantha's Magic Sitter" first aired on January 5, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1972
Will Geer guest stars as George Washington, who has been accidentally zapped into the 20th century by bumbling Esmerelda. Impressed at the progress made by the country which he fathered, Washington decides to exercise his right of free speech in a local park. As a result, he is arrested for creating a public disturbance and threatening a policeman, forcing Samantha to do some quick witchery. Thad Geer, son of Will Geer, appears as a hippie. The first episode of a two-part story, "George Washington Zapped Here" was written by Michael Morris and originally aired on February 19, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1972
In the second episode of a two-part story, Esmerelda again accidentally causes George Washington (Will Geer) to materialize in the Stephens living room -- and this time George has brought along his wife, Martha (Jane Connell). As Mrs. Washington drinks in the wonders of Samantha's modern kitchen, George insists upon defending himself in court from the public disturbance and assault charges he'd accrued in the previous week's episode. To top it off, Larry and Darrin lose an account thanks to Washington's inability to tell a lie. Written by Michael Morris, "Father of Our Country" first aired on February 26, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1971
Hogan intends to use a fundraising tea party, orchestrated by the wives of several German officers, as a cover to relay penicillin to an injured Underground agent. The scheme relies heavily upon Newkirk's ability to convincingly adopt female drag as a General's wife! Alice Ghostley, who previously made a one-shot appearance as General Burkhalter's sister Gertrude, is here cast as Mrs. Mannheim. Written by Arthur Julian, "That's No Lady, That's My Spy" was originally scheduled to air on January 3, 1971, but was moved back to January 24 due to a late-breaking news special. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1971
Long ago and far away, Patty Duke occasionally played hippie types. One can get a glimpse of Duke's "far out" period in the 1972 TV movie Two on a Bench. Psychedelic Patty finds herself eyeball to eyeball with uptight square Ted Bessell when each suspects the other of working for a notorious spy. The supporting cast includes Alice Ghostley as Duke's klepto mom, John Astin (Duke's future husband) as a psychiatrist, and Jeannie Berlin (Elaine May's daughter) in a comedy vignette. Filmed in Boston, Two on a Bench is a surprising misfire from the otherwise dependable writing team of Richard Levinson and William Link. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
Esmerelda is in another funk and Samantha takes it upon herself to restore the maid/witch's confidence. To this end, Sam creates a magic mirror that makes Esmerelda seem younger and more attractive -- but only to herself. Even so, the results are quite surprising when Esmerelda is reunited with her 400-year-old warlock boyfriend, Ferdy (Tom Bosley). Originally telecast on April 8, 1971, "Samantha's Magic Mirror" was written by Ed Jurist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1971
In the fourth episode of a seven-part story arc, Samantha and Darrin are vacationing in Italy when Sam discovers that Esmerelda was the one who caused the tower of Pisa to lean way back in the 15th century. In endeavoring to make up for her past blunders, Esmerelda succeeds only in ruining the Pisa tourist trade. Everything is resolved by yet another "blast into the past," courtesy of Sam. Originally seen on October 6, 1971, "Samantha's Not So Leaning Tower of Pisa" was written by Ed Jurist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
Bewitched enters its eighth and final season with the usual dramatis personae present and accounted for: Elizabeth Montgomery as sexy, spunky witch Samantha Stephens; Dick Sargent as "Sam"'s long-suffering mortal husband, ad executive Darrin Stephens; Agnes Moorehead as Sam's imperious witch mother, Endora; Erin Murphy as Darrin and Sam's enchanted daughter, Tabitha; and, appearing as the Stevens' son, Adam, twin child actors David and Greg Lawrence. Also making recurring appearances are Alice Ghostley as klutzy witch Esmerelda, the Stevens' housekeeper; David White as Darrin's dyspeptic boss, Larry Tate; Maurice Evans as Sam's erudite warlock dad, Maurice; Paul Lynde as her prankish warlock uncle Arthur; Bernard Fox as resourceful warlock general practitioner Dr. Bombay; and Sandra Gould as the Stephens' snoopy neighbor Gladys Kravitz. Highlights during the series' terminal season include the two-part opener, in which Sam is transported back to 16th century London, only to become the fiancée of that old head-chopper Henry VIII; a journey to Scotland, in which the Stephens learn the surprising secret of the Loch Ness monster; Endora's capricious spell which brings a statue of Venus to life; and the final episode, in which poor Darrin is placed under a spell compelling him to speak the absolute, unvarnished truth -- at the worst possible time! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
When Tabitha won't eat, Esmerelda conjures up a glass of magic milk to improve her appetite. Unfortunately, the milk is downed by Samantha, who promptly goes upon an uncontrollable eating binge at a local supermarket. Can Dr. Bombay curb Sam's sudden insatiability? Bernie Kopell returns in the role of warlock Apothecary. Written by Richard Baer, "Samantha's Lost Weekend" originally aired on January 8, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
Samantha gives Darrin a magic amulet, which, when worn, forces Endora to be nice to him. When Endora discovers the source of her uncharacteristic good nature, she spitefully turns the tables on Sam and Darrin. Naturally, this fit of pique occurs just when Darrin is trying to curry favor with his latest client, greeting-card manufacturer Augustus Sunhsine (John Fiedler). Originally telecast on April 9, 1970, "Turn on the Old Charm" was written by Richard Baer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
Jilted again, Esmerelda turns to Dr. Bombay for assistance. The doctor creates a love potion designed to cause one Mr. Norton (Cliff Norton) to fall madly in love with Esmerelda. Instead, the potion is accidentally served as a snack at Samantha and Darrin's dinner party for Darrin's new client, Mr. Meiklejohn (Charles Lane) and his wife (Sara Seegar). Written by Richard Baer, "Make Love Not Hate" first aired on April 15, 1970, as the final episode of Bewitched's sixth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
Samantha's temporary decision to curb her witchcraft causes the formation of a magical vapor lock, trapping Sam, Darrin, Endora, and Esmerelda in the Stephens' house. Normally, Dr. Bombay would be able to come up with a solution to the dilemma, but he is likewise locked in the house, with no means of escape. As Darrin's boss, Larry, fumes outside the door and Sam tries to come up with convoluted excuses, the problem is resolved through the usual unexpected means. First shown on March 12, 1970, "Okay, Who's the Wise Witch?" was written by Richard Baer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
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
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
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
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
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
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1969
This comedy was banned in Mexico and plagued by vandalism and threats of violence during film production in San Antonio, Texas. General De Santos (Peter Ustinov) organizes a ragtag group of Mexican nationals for the purpose of retaking the Alamo. Using the Washington's Birthday Parade in Laredo as a guise to enter the United States, the group continues towards San Antonio ignored and unchallenged. With the help of Sergeant Valdez (John Astin), the unlikely invaders manage to raise the Mexican flag over the old mission for 24 hours. General Billy Joe Hallson (Jonathan Winters) is a colorful redneck called on to lead the National Guard to the site of the occupied landmark. Keenan Wynn, Alice Ghostley, Pamela Tiffin and Harry Morgan also star in this film farce. During filming, one irate Texan was arrested after waving a rifle in protest over the raising of the Mexican flag over the Alamo, long a symbol of Texas' pride and history. Electric cables were cut during the filming of this production, as some Texans could not even tolerate the fictional premise of the plot. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Ustinov, Pamela Tiffin, (more)
