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- 1968
A murder occurs near a controversial job-training center, but the FBI does not arrest the primary suspect due to lack of evidence. This doesn't matter at all to the local citizens who have long resented the presence of the center and its "undesirable" trainees. Several of them have already found the suspect guilty in their own minds and are aching for the opportunity to mete out their own brand of justice--and unless Inspector Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) acts in a hurry, that's just what they will do. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
Having played various crime victims in previous F.B.I. episodes, Lynda Day does an about-face as the villainess of the piece. The actress is cast as go-go dancer Joyce Carr, who after skipping Federal parole assists her two male accomplices as they murder her soldier husband for his insurance. Inspector Erskine must put a stop to Joyce's activities before another hapless GI (played by Patrick Wayne) falls victim to her deadly scam. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 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)
- 1967
When wealthy landowner John Sullivan, Sr. Arch Johnson and his airplane pilot are reported missing in Brazil, Sullivan's three sons (Martin Milner, Linden Chiles, and Don Quine) begin to search for the missing men in the wilds of the Amazon jungle. They battle headhunters, jungle animals, and sinister revolutionary forces trying to topple the government. The film is a Universal pilot for a proposed television series that never materialized, and it is apparent why the series never took off after watching the forgettable feature. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Martin Milner, Linden Chiles, (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
- 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
- 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)
- 1966
The title of this Monkees episode is "The Chaperone," though it could easily have been christened "Charlie's Aunt, 1966." Davy falls in love with Leslie Vandenberg (Sherry Alberoni), the debutante daughter of a retired general (Arch Johnson). Alas, Davy will not be able to escort Leslie to a party unless he finds a suitable female chaperone. Obligingly, Micky dresses up as a middle-aged lady -- only to have General Vandenburg fall head over heels in love with him! Songs: "Take a Giant Step" and "You May Just Be the One". Written by Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso, "The Chaperone" originally aired on November 7, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
The fourth season of The Fugitive begins with the series' first color episode, as Dr. Richard Kimble (David Janssen), wrongfully accused of murder, continues his search for the One-Armed Man who killed his wife--even as the relentless Lt. Gerard (Barry Morse) steps up his efforts to recapture Kimble. On this occasion, Kimble is using the alias "David Morrow" as he arrives in Arizona, where Sheriff Prycer (Arch Johnson) is waiting to arrest him. Though Kimble eludes the trap, Prycer's deputy Steel (Mark Richman) is certain that he has wounded the fugitive and disobeys the Sheriff's orders to give up the chase. Meanwhile, Kimble has taken refuge in an Indian school, where he finds a kindred spirit in lonely teacher Annie Johnson (Hope Lange). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
After he is robbed and beaten by a gang of punks, Richard Kimble (David Janssen)--or as he is currently identifying himself, "Richard Taylor"--falls under the scrutiny of ambitious policewoman Jane Washburn (Shirley Knight). Her suspicions aroused by the fact that Kimble refuses to report the mugging to the authorities, Jane handcuffs herself to the fugitive, determined not to let him leave her side until she finds out his whole story. This fascinating gender-bending variation on the 1957 "chase" film The Defiant Ones) reaches a nailbiting climax when both Kimble and his lovely captor find themselves at the mercy of a gun-wielding backwoodsman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1966
Not only is Ethel Andrews (Pippa Scott) jilted by her fiance Bruce Strickland (Hunt Powers) on her wedding day, but she is also blamed for a $50,000 theft masterminded by her erstwhile sweetheart. Fleeing town, Ethel ends up swapping identities with Peggy Sutton (Althea Milgrave), who is likewise on the lam. This proves to be yet another tragic blunder for Ethel when it turns out that Peggy is carrying $50,000 in the trunk of her car. Subsequently, the cops find the 50 grand, put two and two together, and charge poor Ethel with the murder of Bruce Strickland! It is up to Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) to end Ethel's incredible bad-luck streak and clear her of all charges. This is the second Perry Mason episode based on Erle Stanley Gardner's novel The Case of the Footloose Doll (the first was filmed under that title in 1959). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 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)
- 1964
Nancy Banks (Joyce Bulifant) may not be too bright, but she is intensely loyal. Finding it impossible to believe that her brother Rodney (Dick Davalos) embezzled from his job to gamble at the race track, Nancy sets about to help Rodney in any way she can. Could it be that Nancy's zeal has resulted in the murder of Rodney's former boss Marvin Fremont (Arch Johnson)? That is what the police believe, and that is what Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) must disprove in court. This episode is based on a novel by Perry Mason creator Erle Stanley Gardner). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
The Board of Education warns that Munsters that little Eddie's grades must improve immediately or he'll be expelled. To this end, Eddie (Butch Patrick) builds a robot for an upcoming science fair. Alas, the robot is accidentally sabotaged just before its unveiling--compelling Herman (Fred Gwynne) to come to the rescue in his inimitable flat-headed, flat-footed fashion! Dick Simmons, the former star of the popular 1950s adventure series Sergeant Preston of the Yukon, appears as Mr. Balding. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Former TV leading man Richard Chamberlain plays a young lawyer about to take on an important murder case. He is shepherded through this big break by veteran attorney Claude Rains. The client is the disreputable Nick Adams, who seems determined to sabotage his own case. But a last-minute scrap of evidence saves the day and establishes Chamberlain's reputation. Based on a novel by Al Dewlen, Twilight of Honor was released in Britain as The Charge is Murder. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Chamberlain, Joey Heatherton, (more)
- 1963
Taking on the alias of Jim Fowler, fugitive Richard Kimble (David Janssen) finds work as a delivery man in a farming community. Unfortunately, he runs afoul of little Jenny Ammory (Gina Gillespie) a compulsive liar who accuses Kimble of trying to assault her. The only person in the community who believes in Kimble's innocence is schoolteacher Emily Norton (Patricia Crowley), who is jealously shunned by the local ladies because of her beauty. Later on, the spiteful Gina claims that Kimble and Emily are having an affair--and when Kimble steps forward to defend the beleagured teacher, he finds himself facing a lynch mob. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 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)
- 1962
Larry Blyden stars in this hilarious Twilight Zone entry as egocentric TV western star Rance McGrew, who, while filming a fight scene, is knocked cold by a prop bottle. Upon awakening, Rance finds himself in the real west, circa 1880 -- and at the mercy of none other than Jesse James (Arch Johnson). It seems that old Jesse isn't too thrilled as to how he and his fellow outlaws have been depicted on Rance's series, and he intends to teach the vainglorious actor a lesson. Best line: "And you won an Emmy? Shoot, you can't act any better than you can draw!" This episode reunited two alumni of the classic 1951 sci-fi thriller The Thing: actor Robert Cornthwaite, and director Christian Nyby. Scripted by Rod Serling from an idea by Frederic Louis Fox (which in its original form wasn't a comedy at all), "Showdown with Rance McGrew" first aired February 2, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Larry Blyden, Arch Johnson, (more)
- 1961
In this socially conscious drama, based on a true-story, a high school teacher gets in trouble for having his students write compositions describing their feelings about sex. He is suspended; his students unite to defend him. A confrontation with the prudish school board ensues. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- William Shatner, Lee Kinsolving, (more)
- 1961
While deep-sea fishing with his colleague Paul Drake (William Hopper), Perry (Raymond Burr) receives word from his old friend Scott Cahill (Jeff York) that the Coast Guard has boarded Cahill's vessel looking for stolen gold bullion. Unfortunately, the officials not only find the gold, but also the body of Cahill's alleged partner Karl Magovern (Arch Johnson). This is the episode in which Perry inveigles his "friendly enemy" Hamilton Burger (William Talman) to take a crucial voyage on a Coast Guard cutter. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1961
Dean Jagger stars as Ed Lindsay, a cranky middle-aged man living in a boarding house with several other old-timers, including his former fiancée Vinnie Brown (Carmen Mathews). Fed up with television, Ed squirrels himself away in his room, where he begins tooling around with the antique radio he's found in the cellar. Before long, he is receiving broadcasts from the 1930s and 1940s -- live broadcasts, not reruns. Having opened a window to the past, Ed desperately tries to correct several mistakes he's made in life. Scripted by Charles Beaumont from a story by OCee Ritch, "Static" was one of six videotaped Twilight Zone episodes and was originally telecast March 10, 1961 (and yes, that voice emanating from Ed's old-time radio does belong to future Hogan's Heroes star Bob Crane). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dean Jagger, Carmen Mathews, (more)
- 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
- 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
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
- 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
