Phil Davis Movies
- 1977
For only the second time in five years, Bob is forced to raise his rates. Likewise for the second time in five years, his patients react unfavorably to the increase; not only do they boycott his Christmas party, but also Mr. Carlin puts out a "contract" on Bob by hiring a professional pie thrower (Rik Pierce). Meanwhile, Jerry and Howard are likewise having trouble entering into the spirit of the season, due to an argument sparked by a misguided hockey puck. The supporting cast features Ben Freedman as a Santa named Saul. First telecast on December 24, 1977, " 'Twas the Pie Before Christmas" was written by Phil Davis. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1977
Invited to lecture before a sex seminar at the Ironwood Institute, Bob invites Emily to accompany him. Little does he suspect that the Institute is a nudist colony, but the bare facts soon become all too apparent. And what sort of effect will this have on the Hartleys' marriage. Max Showalter appears as Dr. Morgan. Written by Phil Davis, "The Ironwood Experience" was the first episode filmed for The Bob Newhart Show's fifth season, but was withheld from view until January 15, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Worried that the marriage between her friend Diane Nugent (Cynthia Harris) and her gym-teacher husband, Frank (Mike Henry), is on the verge of collapse, Emily asks Bob to counsel the couple. Reluctant to break his personal rule of not getting involved in the problems of his friends, Bob finally agrees. The fruits of his efforts are swift and startling: Mrs. Nugent leaves Mr. Nugent and moves in with Bob and Emily. Written by Phil Davis, "Bob Hits the Ceiling" originally aired on February 15, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1975
Feeling that both his life and career are worthless, Bob consults his college mentor, distinguished psychologist Professor Albert (Keenan Wynn). Chuckling at Bob's discomfiture, Albert insists that the "shrink" business is all an elaborate fraud. These soothing words succeed only in making Bob feel more insignificant than ever. Featured in the cast are Tom Fitzsimmons as Webb Franklyn and Bobby Eilbacher as David. Written by Phil Davis, "What's It All About, Albert?" originally aired on November 1, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1968
Bill (Brian Keith) takes the kids back to Terre Haute for a family reunion. The youngsters have a wonderful time visiting old haunts and renewing old friendships--especially Cissy (Kathy Garver), who reconnects with her erstwhile former beau Harvey (Jim Henaghan). And as usual, Aunt Fran (Louise Latham) angles to have the children remain in Indiana with her permanently, and this time it looks like they may be open to the suggestion. As it turns out, however, not every memory in Terre Haute is a happy one, particularly those which remind the children that they will never see their parents again. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
Former light heavyweight boxing champ Archie Moore appears as Ruby, an old friend of Bill Davis (Brian Keith). On Ruby's advice, Bill bundles Jody off to a summer camp. In his letters home, Jody sounds as if he finds camp life just swell--but the truth is that he's only pretending to enjoy it to spare Bill's feelings. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
Season Two of Family Affair begins as seven-year-old twins Buffy (Anissa Jones) and Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) ask their Uncle Bill the Inevitable Question: "Where do babies come from?" Worried that the real facts of life may be inappropriate for the twins, both Bill and Mr. French come up with fanciful answers--and subsequent contradictory responses to the question from the kids' classmates and teachers, to say nothing of Miss Faversham (Heather Angel) and her "cabbage leaf" yarn, needlessly make a confusing situation even more so. The only person keeping calm throughout the crisis is Cissy (Kathy Garver), who comes up with the "perfect" answer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
Buffy (Anissa Jones) wants to join a club made up of neighborhood youngsters that have an aversion to "fancy" kids. To help Buffy along, Bill (Brian Keith) allows her to dress in ratty old clothes, and--much to the dismay of Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot)--also dons "hobo" duds himself. This gets Bill in dutch with blue-collar worker Tim Callahan, the father of two of the club members, who is offended because he thinks the Davises are making fun of poor folks. Cast as Mr. and Mrs. Callahan are two former child stars,Jackie Coogan (fresh from his "Uncle Fester" duties on The Addams Family) and Marcia Mae Jones. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Melancholy grips the Davis household when Buffy's beloved doll Mrs. Beasley is accidentally knocked off the terrace. As Bill (Brian Keith) and Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) conduct a frantic search, Buffy (Anissa Jones) happens upon another little girl, clutching a Mrs. Beasley lookalike named "Effie Boots"--and jumps to the obvious conclusion. Joan Vohs, here cast as Bill's girlfriend Diane, would show up in later episodes as the twins' teacher Mrs. Scofield. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
