Bob Schiller Movies
- 1979
Theodore Bikel returns as Bronx butcher Alvin Klemmer, the man who fell in love with Edith during All in the Family's eighth season. Insisting that he's gotten over his infatuation with Edith, Alvin introduces the Bunkers to his new fiancée, a mittel-European woman named Judith Klammerstadt. But even slow-on-the-uptake Archie realizes that Alvin's latest love bears an astonishing resemblance to Edith as well she should, since both Edith and Judith are played by Jean Stapleton (who, in her "other" role, is billed as Giovanna Pucci, an Italianized variation of the actress' married name, Mrs. Jean Putch). Written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, "A Girl Like Edith" originally aired on January 14, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1979
Blanche Hefner has walked out on husband Barney several times in the past, but this time it's permanent. As usual, Barney tries to drown his sorrows at Archie's bar, thoroughly depressing the other patrons. Hoping to divest himself of Barney, Archie tries fixes his pal up with a wealthy and hefty widow named Martha Birkhorn (Peggy Rea). Written by Bob Schiller, Bob Weiskopf, Phil Sharp, and Milt Josefsberg, "Barney the Gold Digger" was first telecast on February 5, 1979 (in a Monday-night slot, a brief departure from the series' customary Sunday-evening home). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1979
Richard MacKenzie makes a return visit in the role of Archie Bunker's black-sheep brother, Fred (originally called Alfred in the 1978 episode "Archie's Brother"). Still hoping for a reconciliation with Archie, Alfred arrives at the Bunker household with his new bride, Katherine (Elissa Leeds), in tow. But this occasion makes Archie madder than ever -- Katherine is barely 18 years old. Scripted by Bob Schiller and Bob Weisskopf, "The Return of Archie's Brother" originally aired on March 11, 1979. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Archie fully expects that his bar will make a fortune on Super Bowl Sunday. What Archie hadn't counted on was the fact that two holdup men would likewise covet the contents of the bar's cash register. This is the episode in which virtually the entire cast is stripped to their undies. Written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, "Archie and the Super Bowl" originally aired on January 15, 1978, right after CBS' telecast of Super Bowl XII (Broncos vs. Cowboys, in case you need a reminder). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Nobody in Edith's family cared much for nasty old Aunt Rose -- least of all Archie, who knew that Rose heartily disapproved of his marriage to Edith. But when Rose finally dies, Edith regards it as her duty to attend the old battleaxe's funeral. In this respect, Edith finds herself all alone. Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf wrote the script, from a story by Sam Greenbaum. "Edith's Final Respects" first aired on October 22, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Mike and Gloria are all packed and ready to head to their new home in Santa Barbara, CA. Just before their departure, the couple decides to reaffirm their marriage vows -- and request that Archie and Edith do the same. The concluding scene between Archie and Mike may well be the most touching moment in the series' history -- all the more so for what it tells about Archie. Written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, "The Stivics Go West" originally aired on March 19, 1978, as the final episode of All in the Family's eighth season; indeed, it was intended as the final episode, period, but at the last moment Carroll O'Connor and Jean Stapleton agreed to stay on for at least one more year. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
The irrepressible Pinky (Eugene Roche) plays another practical joke on Archie while attending an out-of-town VFW convention. Thus, when Archie awakens from a drunken stupor, he finds that he is sharing his motel bed with an attractive black woman named Marabel (Jonelle Allen), who insists that the two of them had engaged in an evening of unbridled passion. Both amused and touched by Archie's flustered efforts to apologize, Marabel reveals the joke, and agrees to help Archie get even with Pinky. Written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, "Archie's Other Wife" first aired on November 5, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jonelle Allen, (more)
- 1978
Archie discovers that the cash register in his bar contains several counterfeit ten-dollar bills. Alas, he makes this discovery after Edith has been arrested for trying to spend one of those phony bills. Even more embarrassing is the fact that Edith was using the "funny money" to buy him some new underwear. This episode was written by All in the Family fixtures Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf. "Bogus Bills" first aired on December 3, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1978
Archie and Edith arrive in Santa Barbara, CA, where they intend to spend Christmas week with Mike and Gloria. But all is not holly-jolly in the Stivic household; Mike and Gloria are on the verge of getting a divorce. At first, Archie threatens dire consequences to Mike, but ends up taking The Meathead's side when he finds out that Gloria is responsible for the split. The ending of the episode is not entirely happy and upbeat, thereby setting the stage for Sally Struthers' subsequent "solo" sitcom effort Gloria a few years later. Originally telecast as a one-hour episode on December 17, 1978, "California, Here We Are" was originally planned as two half-hour installments, and has since been syndicated in this divided form. The first half of the program was written by Milt Josefsberg and Phil Sharp; the second half was by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
One of the most controversial and compelling episodes of All in the Family, "Edith's 50th Birthday" begins as the rest of the family prepares a surprise party for Edith at Mike and Gloria's house. Left alone in her own house, Edith is attacked and held at knifepoint by a rapist (David Dukes). Though the intruder leaves before inflicting any physical damage, the experience so unnerves Edith that she refuses to go to the police and testify against her attacker; in fact, it appears as if she will be too frightened ever to leave her house again. Offsetting the grimness of the central situation is a surfeit of broad comedy, including Archie and Mike's slapstick efforts to search the Bunker house just in case the rapist is still lurking about. Written by Bob Weiskopf and Bob Schiller, "Edith's 50th Birthday" originally aired as a 60-minute episode on October 16, 1977; it has since been re-edited as two 30-minute episodes for syndication purposes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
Archie reluctantly accompanies Edith to the funeral of her cousin, Liz. At first, an uncharacteristically quiet Archie enters into the solemnity of the occasion. But things change radically when the Bunkers make the acquaintance of the decedent's longtime female roommate, Veronica Cartright (K. Callan), who also turns out to be the late Liz's lesbian lover. Written by Bob Weiskopf and Bob Schiller, "Cousin Liz" first aired on October 9, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the first episode of a two-part story, Lori Shannon returns to the role of Edith's female-impersonator friend, Beverly LaSalle. While heading for a Christmas party at the Bunkers, Beverly and Mike are attacked by a violent street gang -- and Beverly is killed. Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf wrote the script, from an original story by Erik Tarloff. Part one of "Edith's Crisis of Faith" was first telecast on December 18, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In another flashback episode, Mike and Gloria recall their first blind date way back in 1968. Once again, the audience is treated to a glimpse of the curly haired, squeaky-voiced, pre-Lib Gloria and the bearded, oversexed radical Mike. Christopher Guest, who later appeared in the Rob Reiner-directed films The Princess Bride and This is Spinal Tap, is here cast as Jim, with Priscilla Lopez as Debbie. Written by Bob Schiller and Bob Weiskopf, "Mike and Gloria Meet" first aired on December 11, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Archie has been duped into joining the KKK (which, undoubtedly for legal reasons, has been renamed "The Kweens Kouncil of Krusaders"). Even worse, the group plans to burn a cross on Mike and Gloria's lawn. Aghast, Archie puts his own life on the line to save his loved ones from harassment. Dennis Patrick appears as Gordie, with Roger Bowen as Mitch. Written by Bob Schiller, Bob Weiskopf, Mort Lachman, and Milt Josefsberg, part two of "Archie and the Ku Klux Klan" originally aired on December 4, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1977
In the first episode of a two-part story, Archie is offered membership in a secretive "patriotic" organization. Only when it is too late does Archie realize that he's been "rushed" by the KKK, who have designated his own son-in-law, Mike, as their latest target for persecution. Dennis Patrick and Roger Bowen head the supporting cast as Gordie and Mitch, respectively. Written by Bob Schiller, Bob Weiskopf, Mort Lachman, and Milt Josefsberg, part one of "Archie and the Ku Klux Klan" originally aired on November 27, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1964
Lucy (Lucille Ball) needs to have a check signed on behalf of daughter Chris (Candy Moore). Unfortunately, the only person authorized to sign the check is banker Mr. Mooney (Gale Gordon), who is laid up in the hospital with a broken leg. Taking advantage of her "candy striper" status, Lucy tries to visit Mooney at the hospital, but when she is banned from doing so she returns disguised as a doctor--and almost has to perform an operation to keep up the pretense! Look for Bernie Kopell, the future "Doc" on The Love Boat, in a small role as (appropriately!) an intern. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gale Gordon, Kathleen Freeman, (more)
- 1964
Michael J. Pollard, best known to film buffs as the moronic "C.W. Moss" in Bonnie and Clyde, makes his one-and-only Lucy Show appearance as Ted Mooney, son of banker Theodore J. Mooney (Gale Gordon). Ted is going steady with Lucy's daughter Chris (Candy Moore) a situation that neither Lucy (Lucille Ball) nor Mr. Mooney (Gale Gordon approves of. To break up the young couple, Lucy applies reverse psychology, suggesting that Chris and Ted should get married. To teach her mom a lesson, Chris pretends to elope with Ted--and somehow this situation climaxes with Lucy and Mooney literally up a tree! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gale Gordon, Michael J. Pollard, (more)
- 1964
While strolling around an art store, Lucy (Lucille Ball) bumps into handsome John Brooks III (played by Robert Alda, the father of M*A*S*H star Alan Alda). Hoping to impress her new acquaintance, Lucy signs up for an art class that Brooks is taking. Unfortunately, Viv (Vivian Vance) has also set her sights on Mr. Brooks, so she schemes to embarrass Lucy in front of the entire class. The inimitable John Carradine does a hilarious comic turn as bombastic art teacher Guzman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Alda, John Carradine, (more)
- 1964
Singer Roberta Sherwood and her real son Robert Lanning guest in this episode as Roberta Schaefer and her "reel" son Bob. After a quarrel with Lucy (Lucille Ball), Viv (Vivian Vance) moves out of the house, whereupon banker Mooney (Gale Gordon) insists that a new tenant be found immediately. Enter Mrs. Schaefer and her son, who in no time flat convert the Carmichael living room into a rehearsal hall so that Roberta can practice her singing--day and night! In an effort to get Roberta out of the house and Viv back in, Lucy and Mooney try to land a singing job for the melodious tenant. Roberta Sherwood shows off her talents with spirited renditions of "Lazy River" and "Bill Bailey". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gale Gordon, Roberta Sherwood, (more)
- 1964
When her son Jerry (Jimmy Garrett) needs money for a new tuba, Lucy (Lucille Ball) wangles a job at the bank. Not surprisingly, she succeeds in driving Mr. Mooney (Gale Gordon) crazy, even though she's been given the simple, virtually foolproof task of handing out toasters to cutomers opening new accounts. But our gal Lucy hasn't even gotten started yet: wait until she inadvertently triggers a run on the bank! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gale Gordon, Mary Jane Croft, (more)
- 1964
Lucy (Lucille Ball) goes ga-ga over handsome Italian millionaire Umberto Fabriani (Cesare Danova). Alas, Fabriani speaks no English, and Lucy isn't much better at Italian, despite the "assistance" of that master linguist Mr. Mooney (Gale Gordon). Things get worse when, during an intimate dinner, Lucy accidentally spills spaghetti sauce all over Fabiani's tuxedo. This situation culminates with a nocturnal foray into a closed-up dry cleaning establishment--where Lucy is unceremoniously plunked into a vat of green dye! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gale Gordon, Cesare Danova, (more)
- 1964
It's Carmichael vs. Mooney when Lucy (Lucille Ball) issues a complaint about Mr. Mooney's noisy sheepdog, Lord Nelson. When Mooney (Gale Gordon) refuses to do anything to keep the mutt quiet, Lucy takes him to court, waiving the services of an attorney by representing herself. Can it be that Lucy will prove the old legal adage about having a fool for a client? Well, it sure looks that way...until Lucy puts Lord Nelson on the stand for an intense "cross-examination!" ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gale Gordon, John McGiver, (more)
- 1964
In the first episode of a two-part story, Broadway legend Ethel Merman opens an account at the Danfield bank. Realizing what a pest the starstruck Lucy (Lucille Ball) can be, banker Mooney (Gale Gordon conspires with Merman to throw our redheaded heroine off the track. Thus, when Lucy spots the singing star, Mooney hastily explains that the new customer is actually one "Agnes Schmidlapp", who happens to bear a remarkable resemblance to Ethel Merman. The situation culminates in an unforgettable scene wherein tone-deaf Lucy teaches "Agnes" how to sing "You're the Top" for her upcoming appearance in the Boy Scout variety show. Originally intended as a single episode, this one was expanded to two parts at the request of Ethel Merman, who genuinely enjoyed working with Lucille Ball. (Incidentally, watch for Keith Thibodeaux--who as Richard Keith used to play "Little Ricky" on I Love Lucy--in a small role). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ethel Merman, Gale Gordon, (more)
- 1964
Gary Morton, the real-life husband of Lucille Ball, makes a rare Lucy Show appearance as Gary Stewart, the current boyfriend of Lucy Carmichael (Ball, of course). It seems that Gary loves to play golf, but Lucy doesn't know one club from another. Of course, she intends to learn the game in a hurry--and thus the stage is set for a zany session on the links involving genuine pro golfers Jimmy Demaret and Bo Winninger. This episode is a reworking of the I Love Lucy installment "The Golf Game", which also featured Jimmy Demaret. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jimmy Demaret, Bo Winninger, (more)
- 1964
Once again, Lucy (Lucille Ball) and Viv (Vivian Vance) dream of untold riches by going into business together; this time their joint enterprise is a small restaurant. Unfortunately, despite several changes of "theme", the restaurant only seems to attract the local mailman and an army of bill collectors. Meanwhile, Mr. Mooney (Gale Gordon) finds out that a highway is to be built near the restaurant, which will potentially turn it into a goldmine. Mooney craftily tries to buy a share of the place for a cut-rate price, but circumstances conspire to foil his scheme. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gale Gordon, Jack Albertson, (more)
