William Idelson Movies
- 1978
A crisis arises when the 4077th is deluged with wounded British troops. Someone has been stealing the camp's precious penicillin, and the evidence points to a ring of black marketeers. Klinger (Jamie Farr) and Father Mulcahy (William Christopher) risk life and limb to acquire some fresh penicillin, a task exarcerbated by a rash of "culture clash" within the camp. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1976
Soon-Teck Oh guest stars as Dr. Syn Paik, a captured North Korean surgeon. As weary of war as his American counterparts Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and B.J. (Mike Farrell), Dr. Paik begs for a chance to tend to his wounded countrymen. Hawk and Beej oblige by trying to pass Paik off as a South Korean--but xenophobic Frank Burns (Larry Linville) smells a rat. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Emmaline Henry guest stars as Mrs. Walker, Bob's newest patient. When Mrs. Walker convinces herself that she's in love with Bob, he tries to take it in stride, writing off her ardor as a professional hazard. But when he returns home, Bob discovers that his wife, Emily, is not inclined to be quite so understanding of Mrs. Walker's unwarranted attentions. First aired on January 27, 1973, "The Two Loves of Dr. Hartley" was written by Bill Idelson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Bob has reached "the big four-oh," and Emily has bought him an expensive gold watch as a birthday present. Impishly, Bob intends to show off the watch at the surprise party he's not supposed to know about. But when he finds out how much the watch really cost, his insecurities kick in and he refuses to show up at the festivities. The guest cast includes Joan Tompkins as Aunt May, Mimi Torchin as Wendy Rivers, and Michael Lerner as Carolla. Written by Bill Idelson, "The Man With the Golden Wrist" first aired on January 20, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Bob becomes a celebrity of sorts when his therapy snaps the Chicago Cubs' star pitcher out of a slump. Bob soon learns the drawbacks of fame when another Cubs player, a second-string catcher named Moose Washburn (Vern Rowe), comes to him for advice. It turns out that Moose's problems go far beyond the boundaries of Wrigley Field. Written by Bill Idelson, "You Can't Win 'Em All!" made its first network appearance on February 24, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Anxious to help out her recently divorced friend, Marilyn Dietz (Mariette Hartley) -- who frankly needs no help whatsoever in affairs of the heart -- Emily goes on another matchmaking expedition. As a result, both Howard and Jerry end up dating Marilyn. The ensuing rivalry threatens to spread throughout Bob and Emily's small circle of friends. Also in the cast is David Fresco as Brown. First telecast October 20, 1973, "Have You Met Miss Dietz?" was written by Bill Idelson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Bob panics when he discovers that he's gained eight pounds since his last birthday. Having seen the light, Bob immediately goes on a crash diet. When this ploy inevitably fails, Jerry arranges for Bob to attend a reducing class run by a sixtysomething health freak named Olga (Lilyan Chauvin). Featured in the cast are Bruce Kirby as Dr. Klein, Samantha Harper as Nurse Burke, and voice-over specialist Bob Ridgely and future Barney Miller regular Ron Glass as the elevator repairmen. Written by Bill Idelson and Harvey Miller, "Fit, Fat and Forty-One" first aired on November 24, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1968
In the conclusion of a two-part story arc, an unpleasant encounter with Darrin's former sweetheart, Sheila Sommers (Nancy Kovack), leads Samantha to wonder what would have happened if she had never met Darrin. "Helpful" Endora casts as spell to allow Sam to see how Darrin's romance with Sheila would have progressed without Sam to break things up. At first, Sam is heartbroken, but this being a family sitcom, a happy ending is not long in coming. Along with the returning Nancy Kovack, Frank Wilcox makes an encore appearance as Sheila's millionaire father, J.P. Sommers. Written by Ed Jurist, "If They Never Meet" first aired on January 25, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1967
Don Knotts makes another of his highly-rated return trips to The Andy Griffth Show in the role of Barney Fife. When Andy comes to visit him in Raleigh, Barney boasts about his importance as a city detective. In truth, however, bumbling Barn' is on the verge of being fired. His only hope for salvation is to solve a string of supermarket robberies-and as it turns out, the solution is closer to home than Barney ever realized. Richard X. Slattery appears as Captain Dewhurst, while Betty Kean plays Barney's deceptively sweet-natured landlady. The first of a two-episode story arc, "A Visit to Barney Fife" was written by Bill Idelson, and originally aired on January 16, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Don Knotts
- 1966
Captivated by her niece Martha's baby, Aunt Bee offers to take care of the infant. Andy expresses reluctance at this notion, but Bee is insistent-only to have the baby burst into tears whenever she picks the kid up. Heartbroken, Bee is convinced that the child hates her, but the real reason for the baby's crying jags have nothing to do with likes or dislikes. Alvy Moore, better known as Hank Kimball on Green Acres, is here cast as a salesman. First telecast on March 7, 1966, "A Baby in the House" was written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Don Knotts makes a return visit to The Andy Griffith Show in the role of ex-deputy Barney Fife. The occasion is the Mayberry High School reunion, where Barney hopes to rekindle his romance with Thelma Lou. But there are more than a few surprises in store for ol' Barn' as the evening draws to a conclusion. This episode earned Don Knotts another Emmy Award, and deservedly so. First telecast on January 10, 1966, "The Return of Barney Fife" was written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Don Knotts
- 1966
Novice fisherman Howard Sprague joins Mayberry's veteran anglers on the first day of fishing season. Almost immediately, Howard hooks "Old Sam", the legendary silver carp of Myers Lake. In so doing, Howard almost single-handedly destroys the morale of the town. Originally broadcast on November 28, 1966, "Big Fish in a Small Town" was one of several top-rank Andy Griffith Show episodes written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Howard McNear
- 1966
Jack Dodson makes his first Andy Griffith Show appearance as Howard Sprague in "The County Clerk." Whenever Howard wants to go out on a date, his domineering mother (Mabel Albertson) feigns illness. Andy and Helen try to help poor Howard cut those pesky apron strings. Nina Shipman rounds out the guest cast as nurse Irene Fairchild, Howard's newest hearththrob. Written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick, "The County Clerk" first aired on March 14, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Aneta Corsaut
- 1965
Too shy to ask a girl on a date, Deputy Warren envies the womanizing techniques demonstrated by the hero of his favorite TV spy show. Then, suddenly, Warren begins to emulate his TV idol-but only when he is walking in his sleep. Unfortunately, the bold "new" Warren has selected Andy's girlfriend Helen as the object of his affections. First telecast on December 20, 1965, "Girl-Shy" was written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Burns
- 1965
Hoping to contribute to the Taylor household's bank account, Aunt Bee takes a job as a part-time receptionist. Little does she suspect that the print shop where she works is the headquarters of a counterfeiting gang. Even Andy is a bit slow on the uptake in this episode! The supporting cast includes Milton Frome as Kingsley, James Milhollin as Finch and Herbie Faye as Clark. Written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick, "Aunt Bee Takes a Job" first aired on December 6, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Burns
- 1965
The Belmont Film Company of Hollywood decides to make a feature film about Andy's life and career, titled Sheriff Without a Gun. Accordingly, the studio sends Andy a check for $1000-and before long, everyone has come out of the woodwork to advise Andy how best to spend his sudden windfall. Finally, Andy decides to use the money to visit Hollywood, with Aunt Bee and Opie in tow. The first installment of the three-episode "Hollywood arc," "Off to Hollywood" was written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick, and first aired on October 25, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Andy, Opie and Aunt Bee arrive in Hollywood, there to witness the filming of Andy's life story Sheriff Without a Gun. But upon paying their first visit to Belmont Studios, the Taylors are none too pleased with the liberties taken by the scriptwriter. Aunt Bee in particular is aghast to discover that her movie counterpart is a shapely young blonde! Featured in the cast are two sitcom favorites: Hayden Rorke (I Dream of Jeannie) as Considine, and Gavin McLeod (The Mary Tyler Moore Show) as Bender. First telecast November 1, 1965, "Taylors in Hollywood" was written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Goober finds himself the servant of two masters when he simultaneously promises to answer the courthouse phone in Andy's absence, and to perform emergency maintenance on Gilly Walker's automobile. Killing two birds with one stone, Goober takes Gilly's car apart piece by piece and reassembles the vehicle within the courthouse walls. Naturally, Andy blows his stack, but it turns out that Goober has actually done the Sheriff a big public-relations favor. The role of Gilly is played by future Hogan's Heroes and Laugh-In regular Larry Hovis. Written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick, "Goober Takes a Car Apart" first aired on January 11, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Hoping to increase his income, Deputy Barney begins moonlighting as a real estate salesman. His first client is Andy, who is resistant to the notion of selling his house and purchasing another. As it turns out, however, Barney's big sale is thwarted when he fails to take into consideration that certain people, namely children-have a disturbing habit of telling the truth. Dabbs Greer and Amzie Strickland appear as a couple of prospective homeowners named Sims. First telecast on January 4, 1965, "Barney Fife, Realtor" was written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Cleaning out old courthouse files, Barney comes across a never-closed assault case involving Floyd the barber and Charlie Foley (Frank Ferguson). The incident happened so long ago that both Floyd and Charlie have forgotten all about, but that's not good enough for a completist like Barney. In attempting to "reconstruct" the events leading up to the case, Barney succeeds only in rekindling old hostilities, which spread like wildfire throughout Mayberry. Written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick, "The Case of the Punch In the Nose" was first shown on March 15, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1965
Anticipating the imminent departure of Don Knotts from The Andy Griffith Show, the series' producers tested a number of actors to replace Knotts as Griffith's sidekick. One such actor was comedian Don Rickles, who played the title role in the April 12, 1965 episode "The Luck of Newton Monroe." A spectacularly unsuccessful travelling salesman, Newton suffers from a distinct lack of self-esteem. In trying to help Newton find his proper place in life, Andy hires him to paint the Taylor house-but Newton is as inept a painter as he is a peddler. "The Luck of Newton Monroe" was written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Don Rickles
- 1964
Filmed as the first episode of The Andy Griffith Show's fifth season, "Barney's Bloodhound" was not telecast until October 26, 1964, by which time the season was already six weeks old. Hoping to track down an escaped convict (Arthur Banatides), Barney adds a stray bloodhound named Blue to the Mayberry Police Force. Alas, Blue does not respond to Barney's commands-and even worse, the dog develops a strong affection for the fugitive! "Barney's Blodhound" was written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Mayberry's customary calm is disrupted when Walker's Department Store is plagued with a wave of thefts. To catch the shoplifter red-handed, Barney poses as a store mannequin, with hilariously chaotic results. Andy and Barney eventually trap the crook, but in doing so they risk public ostracization (tune in, and see why). This episode was written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick. "The Shoplifters" made its network broadcast premiere on March 2, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
When Andy and Helen complain that they're both too busy to spend any quality time together, Barney generously offers to handle their chores while they take a sabbatical at Myers Lake. Not surprisingly, Barney cannot keep apace of his new responsibilities, making a thorough mess of things. The fun really begins when, receiving a message that Andy needs some money to pay a fine, Barney misinterprets the missive and assumes that Andy and Helen have secretly gotten hitched. Written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick, this episode was directed by actor Howard Morris, who briefly forsakes his usual "Ernest T. Bass" role to play a TV repairman named George. "Andy and Helen Have Their Day" first aired on December 14, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Incensed when Deputy Barney gives him a ticket for littering, tough guy Fred Plummer (Allen Melvin) threatens to beat Barney senseless if he ever catches him out of uniform. Accordingly, the nervous Barney wears his uniform on a "24/7" basis-until, fed up by his own cowardice, he finally decides to don his "civvies" and face the music. To save Barney from a pummelling, Andy enlists the aid of local judo instructor Izamoto (Yuki Shimoda) First broadcast on November 9, 1964, "Barney's Uniform" was written by Bill Idelson and Sam Bobrick. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
