Bill Davenport Movies
- 1977
Having suffered a number of memory lapses of late, Louise (Isabel Sanford) seeks out professional help. Alas, she does this after forgetting to call the Jeffersons' stockbroker, causing husband George (Sherman Hemsley) to miss out on a hot financial tip. Meanwhile, the Jeffersons' maid, Florence (Marla Gibbs), signs up for a martial arts course. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1976
Overprotective grandpa Archie is convinced that Mike and Gloria's babysitter is not up to the task. Firing the sitter, Archie takes on the job of caring for baby Joey himself -- all the while trying to continue his weekly poker game with the boys. This is the episode with the famous (and once-controversial) "full frontal nudity" scene, as a fumbling Archie tries to change the naked Joey's diapers. Featured in the cast are Leslie Ackerman as Sharyn, Joe Mantell as Sidney Schwartz, Ken Menard as Willie Johnson, and Jack Somack as Tiny. First telecast on January 12, 1976, "Archie the Baby Sitter" was written by Lou Derman and Bill Davenport. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Rob Reiner, (more)
- 1976
Now that little Joey Stivic has been born, things return to normal on All in the Family; that is, the various family members start arguing and bickering again. This time around, the problems arise from Mike's habit of making decisions without consulting Gloria. Things reach the crisis stage when Mike allows a couple to stage their New Year's nuptials in the Stivic living room. A pre-stardom Billy Crystal appears as bridegroom Al, while Elaine Princi is cast as Trudy, the bride. Written by Lou Derman, Bill Davenport, Milt Josefsberg, and Ben Starr, "New Year's Wedding" originally aired on January 5, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rob Reiner, Sally Struthers, (more)
- 1976
Mike feels neglected of late, all because Gloria is obliged to devote a generous portion of her time to baby Joey. At first, Mike suffers in quiet desperation. But when Gloria insists that he draw up a timetable for their sex lives, Mike rebels. Is this marriage doomed, or will Edith come to the rescue once again? Written by Lou Derman and Bill Davenport, "Love By Appointment" made its first network appearance on February 16, 1976. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1976
In the conclusion of Good Times' two-part fourth season opener, the Evans children try to come to grips with the fact that their father, James, has been killed in a traffic accident. At James' funeral, his widow, Florida (Esther Rolle), surprises one and all with her upbeat, almost festive behavior. Growing bitter over their mother's seeming callousness, the kids confront Florida and demand an explanation for her "inappropriate" laughing and joking. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
In the first episode of a two-part story, Gloria suddenly goes into labor while she's stuck in a restaurant telephone booth. As Mike and Edith try to free Gloria and ship her to the hospital, Archie receives the news while applying blackface for a lodge minstrel show. Perhaps a bit overloaded with complications, the script by Larry Rhine and Mel Tolkin is undeniably one of the series' most memorable. Part one of "Birth of the Baby" first aired on December 15, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Much to Archie's dismay, Edith has always regarded the union of her cousin Amelia and wealthy Russell DeKuyper as the "perfect marriage." Thus it is no small shock to Edith when, while visiting the Bunkers, Amelia blithely announces that she and Russell are splitting up. Elizabeth Wilson and George S. Irving are cast as Amelia and Russell, roles originated by Rae Allen and Richard Dysart in the 1972 episode "Edith Gets a Mink." Written by Lou Derman and Bill Davenport, "Amelia's Divorce" first aired on January 25, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Archie makes another snide comment about Mike's eating habits, whereupon Mike counters that Archie smokes too much. The gauntlet flung, Archie and Mike make a five-dollar bet. Archie must give up smoking for 48 hours, while Mike must abstain from eating for the same period of time. Who will be the first to weaken? Written by Lou Derman and Bill Davenport, "No Smoking" made its first network appearance on March 1, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Archie sees nothing wrong in "borrowing" a few nails and an electric drill from work. Mike and Gloria argue that stealing is stealing, no matter what the circumstances or excuses. Yes, another argument ensues, and yes, Archie learns another lesson -- and so, for that matter, do Mike and Gloria. "Everybody Does It" was written by Lou Derman, Bill Davenport, and Susan Ware. The episode was originally broadcast on February 8, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Hoping to get in good with his employer, Mr. Sanders (Sorrell Booke), and thereby land a promotion to dispatcher, Archie makes a huge charitable contribution to his boss' favorite charity. Unfortunately, he also unknowingly signs a contract donating his body and vital organs to science -- and everyone knows how Archie feels about "giving" any part of himself to someone he doesn't know. Written by Bill Davenport and Larry Rhine, this was one of four sixth-season All in the Family episodes in which Sally Struthers did not appear due to a salary dispute. The episode first aired on September 22, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
His year-long college fellowship at an end, Mike lands a teaching job. At long last, he and Gloria are able to move out of the Bunker house and find a place of their own; in fact, Gloria has promised her parents that she and Mike will locate an apartment within the week. But if Archie thinks that he is rid of his pesky son-in-law, he's in for another disappointment. Scripted by Lou Derman and Bill Davenport from a story by Robert Arnott, "Mike Makes His Move" originally aired on March 8, 1975, as the final episode of All in the Family's fifth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Archie basks in the adulation of his friends and family when, while moonlighting as a cabdriver, he uses mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to save the life of an attractive passenger named Beverly LaSalle. But when the grateful passenger shows up at the Bunker doorstep, Archie is appalled to discover that "she" is a "he" -- a professional female impersonator. Lori Shannon makes his first series appearance as the cross-dressing Beverly. Written by Lou Derman, Bill Davenport, and Larry Rhine, "Archie the Hero" originally aired on September 29, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Bernadette Peters guest stars as Linda Galloway, a sexy college student in need of special tutoring. Since Linda is one of Mike's students, he takes on the task of getting her through the finals. But Mike is not quite prepared for the fact that Linda finds him to be a very attractive man -- nor does this fact escape the notice of a jealous Gloria. The script, by Lou Derman and Milt Josefsberg, is so adroitly constructed that for a few moments, even the audience is convinced that Mike will plunge headlong into infidelity. "Gloria Suspects Mike" originally aired on November 17, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1975
Edith is happy with her volunteer job at the Sunshine Nursing Home -- too happy, as far as Archie is concerned. Feeling neglected, Archie pulls out the old "woman's place is in the home" routine and demands that Edith give up her job. This time, however, Edith refuses to say "How high?" when Archie tells her to jump. James Hong appears as the waiter. Written by Lou Derman and Bill Davenport, "Edith Breaks Out" originally aired on November 3, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1974
In the conclusion of a three-part story arc, the Bunker household is relieved that Archie Bunker, reported missing from his lodge convention in Buffalo, has been found. It turns out that he had "one too many" with his buddies, and spent two days sleeping it off (as good an explanation as any for the absence of series star Carroll O'Connor, who had actually briefly walked off the set due to a salary dispute). In anticipation of Archie's return, the family holds all sorts of celebratory contests, with Gloria and Mike attempting to hold a kiss until Archie walks through the front door. Written by Lloyd Turner and Gordon Mitchell, "The Longest Kiss" originally aired on November 16, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, (more)
- 1974
"Discovered" in a supermarket by an advertising man, Florida (Esther Rolle) is hired to be commercial spokeswoman for a new health tonic. The family eagerly prepares to spend the 5,000 dollars Florida has been promised for the job. But she surprises everyone by turning down the assignment -- and the reason for her refusal should be obvious to anyone who remembers the classic "Vitameatavegamin" episode of I Love Lucy. Former Our Gang youngster Ernest Morrison (aka "Sunshine Sammy") appears in a cameo role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
It looks as though J.J. ( Jimmie Walker) won't be promoted from the 11th to the 12th grade, due to his habitually miserable grades. Astonishingly, however, J.J. is moved upward to the senior class all the same. Realizing that their son has been undeservedly afforded a "social promotion," outraged parents James (John Amos) and Florida (Esther Rolle) pay a not-so-cordial visit to J.J.'s principal (Frank Campanella). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
Klink's fellow officer Captain Hugo Hauptmann (Sandy Kenyon) is exposed as a traitor. Put on trial, Hauptmann finds that his life is in the hands of Klink, who has been chosen as counsel for the defense on the theory that he will bungle the job. It is up to Hogan to save both Hauptmann and Klink in order to steal a map of German submarine installations. First telecast on February 7, 1971, "Klink for the Defense" was written by Bill Davenport. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1970
Goofing off as usual, Sgt. Schultz is caught by General Burkhalter, who prepares to send the hapless sergeant to the Russian front. In order to keep from losing their favorite patsy -- who has been unwittingly smuggling Allied messages stuffed in loaves of pumpernickel -- Hogan and his crew concoct a plan to save Schultz from certain doom. The episode's highlight finds Newkirk donning female drag as a lady psychiatrist. Written by Bill Davenport, "The Sergeant's Analyst" originally aired on March 6, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1970
Hogan is once again saddled with Colonel Crittendon (Bernard Fox), the Allies' biggest bungler. This time, Crittendon enlists Hogan's aid in a scheme to kidnap Field Marshal Rommel from a nearby German hospital. Crittendon's espionage skills and keen powers of observation result in Hogan and his crew being captured themselves. Written by Bill Davenport, "Crittendon's Commandos" first aired on March 20, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1970
Intending to use the hubcaps in Klink's car to transmit information to the Underground, Hogan and his crew must figure out a way to convince Klink that he has to go to town immediately. The solution: Arrange things so that Klink must get back in top physical condition or be shipped off to the dreaded Russian front. The supporting cast includes Corinne Conley as Gerta and Michael Fox as Major Kimmel. Written by Bill Davenport, "Get Fit or Go Fight" was originally telecast on January 9, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1970
In order to evade German radio-detection units, Hogan plants a transmitter in Klink's car. Hoping to relay information about a Nazi rocket factory to the Underground, Hogan is unexpectedly stymied by Sgt. Schultz, who "borrows" the car to do a bit of black-market swapping. This episode was written by future All in the Family fixture Bill Davenport. "The Big Broadcast" was originally shown on December 6, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1969
Hogan plots to kidnap General Burkhalter as part of a hostage swap that will free Underground leader Hans Wagner (Chris Robinson). Unfortunately, things go awry, and it is Klink who ends up kidnapped. Worse still, negotiations for the release of Wagner fall through when Gestapo decides that Klink is eminently expendable. Also appearing are Ann Prentiss (sister of Paula Prentiss) as Ilse and Dick Wilson ("Mr. Whipple" of TV commercial fame) as Captain Gruber. Written by Bill Davenport, "The Missing Klink" first aired on January 4, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1968
On the eve of an important sabotage mission, Hogan is ordered to return to America and a hero's welcome. His replacement is the redoubtable Col. Crittendon (Bernard Fox), whose devotion to duty is matched only by his ineptitude. Unfortunately, Crittendon inherits Hogan's mission to blow up the Berlin Express -- and never mind that Hogan himself will be on board as part of his escape plan. Written by Bill Davenport, "Hogan, Go Home" originally aired on January 13, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1968
Carter disguises himself as Klink during a sabotage mission. Holding Klink responsible for the attack, the Gestapo have him arrested and sentenced to execution. Hogan must find a way to simultaneously rescue Klink and Carter, who is off on another mission in the same disguise. "Will the Real Colonel Klink Please Stand Up Against the Wall" was written by future All in the Family stalwart Bill Davenport and was first broadcast on December 21, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
