Arch Johnson Movies
Actor's Studio graduate Arch Johnson was first seen off-Broadway in 1952's Down in the Valley, and on-Broadway the following year in Mrs. McThing. Johnson's most famous Broadway role was bigoted NYPD detective Schrank in West Side Story (1956). In films from 1953, the burly Johnson was usually cast as western heavies, occasionally with a swarthy tongue in cheek and a roguish twinkle in the eye. Some of his non-western movie assignments include The Sting (1973), Walking Tall (1977) and The Buddy Holly Story (1978). In the spring of 1961, Arch Johnson was seen as Captain Gus Honochek on the weekly TV version of The Asphalt Jungle. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1960
On a cold and blizzardy night, a man named Lorca (Ricardo Montalban) saunters into the Last Chance Saloon in the Western town of Buffalo Bend. Upon realizing that a wanted poster for Lorca hangs on the saloon's wall, the patrons of the bar hold a raffle to see who will turn the outlaw in and collect the reward money. Surprisingly, Lorca seems amused to be the "prize" in the raffle, and even more so when the winner turns out to be a woman named Shasta Cooney (Constance Ford). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1960
Raucous comedianJudy Canova plays it straight in this episode as Helen Parch, a small-town gossip who shares a telephone party line with two other ladies, Betty (Gertrude Flynn) and Emma (Ellen Corby). Years earlier, Helen had relinquished the phone to a man claiming to be making an emergency call, only to find out that the man was simply contacting his bookie. Subsequently, Helen refused to hang up during an actual emergency that resulted in a death. Now, it is Helen's turn to find herself in a desperate situation -- and this time, it is her "friends" Betty and Emma who won't give up the party line. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1960
A formerly rough-and-tumble Western mining town has lived in peace and tranquility ever since the arrival of gentle giants Jamie and Ben McMahon (Arch Johnson, Read Morgan). All this changes when an odd-looking little man (Norman Lloyd) shows up in town, promptly challenging the McMahon brothers' authority. Despite their combined brawn, Jamie and Ben prove utterly incapable of standing up to the Little Man -- who seems to possess demonic powers! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
Susan Clark won an Emmy for her performance as legendary woman athlete Babe Didrickson (1916-1956). The film starts in Port Arthur, Texas, with teenaged Babe depriving herself of a social life in order to excel at track and field. Her well-honed skills and fierce competitive spirit win Babe a slot at the Los Angeles-based 1932 Olympics. Able to excel in practically any sport, Babe becomes a pro golfer, tennis player and billiard champ. In 1940, she meets and marries roughhewn ex-wrestler George Zaharias (played by Alex Karras, Clark's real-life future husband), who becomes her mentor and manager. Despite the anticipated career and personal conflicts, George stays by Babe's side for the next sixteen years, ultimately buoying her spirits during her three-year ordeal with terminal cancer. Babe was adapted by Emmy nominee Joanna Lee from Babe Didrickson Zaharias' autobiography This Life I've Led. Footnote: for a glance at the real Babe Zaharias in action on the golf links, see the Spencer Tracy/Katharine Hepburn vehicle Pat and Mike (52). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
The elderly residents of a nursing home tire of being oppressed and stage a revolution in this made-for-television comedy. Following the ensuing riot they rush out and commandeer a passing train to go out for a few final adventures. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Harold Gould, Strother Martin, (more)
- 1971
Darrin blows his stack at Endora for magically creating unaffordable luxuries for her grandchildren. Later on, Darrin finds an envelope full of money in a taxi. Assuming that the money was Endora's handiwork, Darrin launches into an argument with Samantha, which ends with Sam "zapping" the cash out of existence. Only one trouble: The money really belonged to a bookie named Rudolph Kosko (Arch Johnson), who has a habit of breaking the bones of those who renege on their debts. Allen Jenkins, who appeared in the previous week's episode as a crooked hunter, is here cast as the cab driver. Written by Milt Rosen, "Money Happy Returns" first aired on March 18, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1968
Hoping that Samantha will abandon Darrin in favor of her former warlock boyfriend, Rollo (Ron Randell), Endora creates a love potion for Sam. Unfortunately, Endora downs the potion herself and instantly falls head over heels in love with Darrin's loutish client, Bo Callahan (Arch Johnson). Of course, Samantha takes a hand in resolving this crisis of the heart. Scripted by James Henerson and Ed Jurist from a story by Henerson, "Once in a Vial" first aired on January 4, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Samantha joins her neighbors in opposing a plan to build a new supermarket on the site of a children's playground. Alas and alack, Darrin has been hired to publicize the supermarket's owner, greedy Colonel Mossler (Arte Johnson). Sam refuses to resort to witchcraft until she realizes that Darrin is willing to lose his job rather than let down the neighborhood. Written by Rick Mittleman, "Samantha Fights City Hall" made its first network appearance on November 28, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1970
Determined to test Darrin's loyalty to Samantha, Serena and Endora transform Dusty Harrison (Melodie Johnson), the strait-laced daughter of Darrin's new, ultra-conservative client (Arch Johnson), into a swingin' hippie chick. In her new form, Dusty makes an unsubtle play for Darrin's affections, outraging both Mr. Harrison and Darrin's boss, Larry. The plot is resolved by the personal peccadilloes of Harrison himself. Written by Ed Jurist, "The Generation Zap" first aired on March 5, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1967
While visiting the remote community of Olympus, Candy is accused of murdering the son of town boss A.Z. Wheelock (Arch Johnson). Things don't look very rosy for the Ponderosa ranchhand: Determined to see Candy hang, Wheelock has paid off both the district attorney and a drunken eyewitness. Arriving in town, Joe Cartwright tries to prove Candy's innocence, only to be arrested himself for murdering the sole witness. Also appearing are Barry Sullivan as Fully, Brooke Bundy as Mary Elizabeth, and Vaughn Taylor as Sheriff Henning. Originally titled "Judgement at Olympia", this episode was written by Walter Black, and made its network debut on October 8, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1964
First telecast March 22, 1964, "Return to Honor" served to introduce onetime Zorro star Guy Williams in the role of Ben Cartwright's nephew Will-a potential replacement for Adam Cartwright, should Pernell Roberts make good on his repeated threats to leave Bonanza. As the story opens, Ben receives word that Will has been murdered in the neighboring town of Pine City. In truth, the wounded Cartwright cousin is hiding out from a gang of counterfeiters whose engraving plates he has "borrowed." Others in the cast include Arch Johnson (Butler), Robert Wilke (Marshal), Hugh Sanders (Doctor), Gregg Palmer (Gannett) and Bill Clark (Jenner). "Return to Honor" was written by Jack Turley. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1962
Dan O'Herlihy guest-stars as Matthew Raine, a brilliant artist who has gone blind. Wallowing in self-pity, Matthew begins coming out of his self-imposed exile when he befriends housekeeper Ann Loring (Virginia Grey). But a nasty character named Gavin (Arch Johnson), is determined to keep the former artist in a debilitated state. First telecast on October 7 1962, "The Artist" was written by Frank Chase. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Pernell Roberts, (more)
- 1977
A rapist, disguised in surgical garb, has been attacking on-duty student nurses at a hospital during the night shift. To flush out the assailant, the Angels go undercover at the hospital, bringing Bosley (David Doyle) along for backup. As Sabrina (Kate Jackson) poses as an investigative reporter, Jill (Farrah Fawcett-Majors) and Kelly (Jaclyn Smith) don nurse's uniforms and Bosley gets himself checked in as a patient. To no one's surprise, the rapist tries to strike again -- but will he succeed in making one of the Angels his next victim? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Farrah Fawcett-Majors, Kate Jackson, (more)
- 1985
Downbeat, morbid, and dark, this well-wrought suspense drama stars Farley Granger as Doug Andrews, a chief medical investigator with a not-so magnificent obsession. In 1970 the body of a four-year-old boy was found in the woods and his killers were never brought to justice. The examiner joins forces with a local policeman as they try to track down the identity of the boy and his murderer, but they get nowhere and the case is dropped. Spurred on by the need to exorcise his own demons after the drowning death of his own daughter, Andrews carries the deathmask of the four-year old with him and never gives up on the case. This engaging drama is based on a true story. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Farley Granger, Lee Bryant, (more)
- 1973
It goes without saying that the 1973 TV-movie version of Double Indemnity doesn't come within shouting distance of the classic 1944 theatrical-movie version. Still, the basic story is a solid one, and the actors are eager to please. Richard Crenna plays the old Fred MacMurray role of Walter Neff, the slightly larcenous insurance salesman inveigled into an elaborate murder/fraud scheme by sexy Phyllis Dietrichson (Samantha Eggar, replacing the 1944 version's Barbara Stanwyck). The scheme almost goes off without a hitch, but Walter's boss Barton Keyes (Lee J. Cobb; originally Edward G. Robinson) has this "stinking" hunch-and besides, you can't trust Phyllis as far as you can throw her. Originally telecast October 13, 1973, Double Indemnity is based on the Raymond Chandler-Billy Wilder script for the 1944 film, which in turn was adapted from James M. Cain's Three of a Kind. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Ideally tailored to the talents of Rodney Dangerfield, Easy Money casts Rapid Rodney as Monty Capoletti, the black sheep of a prominent family. Nothing can curb Monty's drinking, gluttony, gambling, smoking, or general carousing. Nothing, that is, except the possibility of inheriting millions from mother-in-law Mrs. Monahan (Geraldine Fitzgerald). For one whole year, Monty must toe the line and clean up his act. Can he do it? And will viewers laugh uproariously? The answer to the second question: Yes, they will! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rodney Dangerfield, Joe Pesci, (more)
- 1967
Fort Courage is paid a visit by Colonel Adams (Arch Johnson), who informs Captain Parmenter (Ken Berry) that someone in the vicinity is selling guns to the Apaches. Before long, everyone in the fort is suspecting everyone else of being a guilty party, which wreaks havoc upon the various business ventures of O'Rourke Enterprises. More out of self-preservation than patriotism, O'Rourke (Forrest Tucker)and Agarn (Larry Storch) set out to lay a trap for the elusive gun-runner. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Elvis Presley stars in GI Blues as Tulsa McLean, a soldier stationed in Germany, who pulls strings to stage a big show for his fellow GI's. In the tradition of the musical chestnut The Fleet's In, Tulsa also bets his buddies that he can date "ice princess" entertainer Lili (Juliet Prowse). Song highlights include "Wooden Heart," "Blue Suede Shoes" and the title number. The spectacular box-office performance of G.I. Blues proved that Elvis' popularity had not only survived his Army tenure, but had actually increased. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elvis Presley, Juliet Prowse, (more)
- 1957
Originally titled Man of the West (the name of the Philip Yordan novel on which it was based), Gun Glory was rechristened to avoid confusion with a like-vintage Gary Cooper vehicle of the same title. Stewart Granger plays gunslinger/gambler Tom Early, who tries a bit too late to make amends for past misdeeds. Hoping to regain the respect of his community in general and his teenaged son Young Tom (Steve Rowland) in particular, Early vows to hang up his guns and live a respectable life. This proves well nigh impossible when the community is threatened by the incursions of evil cattle baron Grimsell (James Gregory). Rhonda Fleming costars as Jo, the only person in town who truly cares whether Early lives or dies. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Stewart Granger, Rhonda Fleming, (more)
- 1967
When it becomes apparent that newly appointed police lieutenant William Adams (Bernie Hamilton) is unable to handle a crime wave wherein dozens of cars are stolen but few are recovered, Ironside (Raymond Burr) must face the grim likelihood that there is a corrupt cop on the force. Convinced that Lt. Adams is blameless, Mark (Don Mitchell) goes undercover at a scrapyard. Following the trail of clues, Mark figures out that the real culprits are a gang of unusually wealthy hippies! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1976
While visiting a train station with their families, Ingalls sisters Mary (Melissa Sue Anderson) and Laura (Melissa Gilbert) and the Edwards' adopted son, Carl (Brian Part), sneak into an empty caboose. Carl accidentally discouples the car from the rest of the train, thereby propelling himself and the girls on a treacherous, 30-mile downhill ride. As the caboose races toward certain destruction, Charles (Michael Landon) desperately tries to rescue the kids. This episode was filmed in the Gold Rush Country of California. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, (more)
- 1960
Beau (Roger Moore) finds himself in the middle of some deadly intrigue (not to mention a bitter family feud) when he wins half-ownership of the Golden Wheel Casino. Shortly after this windfall, Bart's new partner Rand Storm is shot and killed in self-defense by dance-hall gal Flo Baker (Kathleen Crowley). When Flo disappears, Rand's brother Luke (played by Bing Russell, the father of film star Kurt Russell) takes advantage of the situation by framing Bart for murder and claiming the Golden Wheel as his own. This episode was cowritten by actor Leo Gordon, whose wife Lynn Cartwright (best known as the "older" Geena Davis in the 1992 theatrical feature A League of Their Own) appears in a supporting role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1959
Showing up in Virginia City to collect a $4000 debt from Captain Rory Fitzgerald (David Frankham), Bart has trouble believing that the prosperous-looking Fitzgerald is as penniless as he claims. Rather than absorb the loss, Bart decides to hang around in town until the Captain is able to make good his debt--which proves to be a big mistake when our hero ends up kidnapped and bound hand and foot. Roxane Berard appears in another of her duplicitous-damsel roles, while Robert Shore goes through much the same ingenue paces as in her later costarring gig on TV's The Virginian. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1960
Arrested for gambling in Dakota City, Beau Maverick (Roger Moore) is given a choice by Col. Gaylord Summers (Arch Johnson: Go to prison, or work as an undercover agent for the Army. Weighing the two options, Beau agrees to thwart a plot hatched by an Irish rebel group called the Fenians to invade and "liberate" Canada from the British Empire--or at least, liberate the chunk of Canada that the group really wants. This episode is a slight reworking of the earlier Maverick installment "Trooper Maverick", which focused on Beau's cousin Bart (Jack Kelly. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
