Howard McNear Movies
Character actor Howard McNear made a name for himself on network radio in a vast array of characterizations, from snivelling murderers to dapper French detectives. McNear's best-known radio role was as Doc on Gunsmoke, which ran from 1955 to 1962; his spin on the character was slightly more ghoulish than the interpretation offered by Milburn Stone on television. In films from 1954, the bespectacled, mustachioed McNear was usually cast as a querulous fussbudget. He was spotlighted as Dr. Dompierre in Otto Preminger's Anatomy of a Murder (1959), and was prominently featured in three Billy Wilder comedies, Irma La Douce (1963), Kiss Me Stupid (1964) and The Fortune Cookie (1966). He appeared with frequency on TV in the 1950s and 1960s, often as a foil to such comedians as Jack Benny and Burns and Allen. Howard McNear's most beloved TV characterization was as Mayberry barber Floyd Lawson on The Andy Griffith Show; when McNear suffered a debilitating stroke in 1967, Griffith kept him on the payroll, re-writing the scripts to allow "Floyd" to be seated and non-ambulatory without drawing undue attention to McNear's affliction. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1964
Andy heads to Raleigh, there to interview for a job as that city's sheriff. Assuming that he will be Andy's successor, Barney casts about for a new deputy, but the only candidates turn out to be dimwitted mechanic Goober Pyle, town drunk Otis Campbell and octogenarian Judd (Burt Mustin). By the time Andy returns to Mayberry, chaos is reigning supreme. First aired on November 23, 1964, "Goobye, Sheriff Taylor" was written by Fred Freeman and Lawrence J. Cohen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Aunt Bee is swept off her feet when her former sweetheart Roger Hanover (Wallace Ford) pays a visit after 20 years. But Andy and Opie are not susceptible to Roger's charms, believing the man to be a gilt-edged phony. When Andy demands to know Roger's intentions, the sharkish Mr. Hanover threatens to wed Aunt Bee unless a $400 payoff is forthcoming. First telecast October 19, 1964, "Aunt Bee's Romance" was written by Howard Bullock. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
The Taylor household is turned on its ear when Aunt Bee's sister Nora (Maudie Prickett), brother-in-law Ollie (James Westerfield) and their obnoxious children arrive for an extended visit. Andy Taylor's patience is sorely tested by Ollie's constant bragging, especially when the big blowhard claims that he'd make a better lawman than Andy. A convenient jailbreak-fabricated by Andy and his pals-has the salutary effect of shutting Ollie up once and for all (or so we hope!) First telecast on October 5, 1964, "Family Visit" was written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Written by Harvey Bullock, "Back to Nature" starts off calmly enough when Andy takes Opie and several other youngsters on an overnight camping trip. Along for the ride are Barney and Gomer, who in trying to prove themselves to be expert outdoorsmen promptly get lost in the woods. Not wishing to embarrass Barney, Andy helps his two pals get back to civilization without them ever suspecting that they're being helped. Originally telecast May 11, 1964, "Back to Nature" was the final episode of The Andy Griffith Show'sfourth season, though not the last one to be shown. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Jumping to the wrong conclusion as usual, Barney begins spreading a rumor that Andy and Helen have secretly become engaged. Before long, the couple is buried under an avalanche of wedding gifts. The limit comes when Aunt Bee, anticipating a newcomer to the Taylor household, expensively redecorates Andy's room. Written by Andy Griffith Show stalwarts Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, "The Rumor" was originally telecast on April 27, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Once again, the Darling family descends upon Mayberry, beginning with Charlene Darling (Maggie Peterson), who demands a mountain-style divorce from her new hubby Dud Wash. This is crisis enough, but when Charlene announces that she wants to wed Andy Taylor, the nonplussed Sheriff is forced to rely upon the Darlings' inbred superstitions to extricate himself from the situation. Seen in the small but showy role of Dud Wash is Bob Denver, betwixt and between Dobie Gillis and Gilligan's Island; and as before, Charlene's daddy Briscoe Darling is played by the redoubtable Denver Pyle. First shown on March 30, 1964, "Divorce, Mountain Style" was written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Denver Pyle
- 1964
Andy saves Gomer Pyle from a fire, whereupon Gomer declares that he is indebted to Andy for the rest of his life. It isn't long before Gomer's boundless gratitude drives Andy (and everyone else in town) up a wall. To get some peace and quiet, Andy fakes a life-threatening situation whereby Gomer will rescue him--but as always, the best-laid schemes go merrily a-gley. By the time this episode aired on March 16, 1964, Jim Nabors' own TV series Gomer Pyle USMC was a fait accompli, and it is easy to see why. "Andy Saves Gomer" was written by Harvey Bullock. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The Catholic League of Decency gave Billy Wilder's Kiss Me, Stupid! a "condemned" rating. The Moral Majority charged the picture with debauchery and movie theaters across the nation discontinued its run. The bed-trick comedy had America's panties tied in a knot; one could not imagine a story so distasteful. Dean Martin is Dino, a Las Vegas crooner, alcoholic, and celebrity playboy. Dino requires women like oxygen -- a companionless night leaves him with a headache. Ray Walston is Orville, a provincial piano teacher, aspiring songwriter, and jealous husband. Orville violently obsesses over his wife Zelda's (Felicia Farr) fidelity -- any man she encounters becomes his sworn enemy. When a chance detour brings Dino to Orville's hometown of Climax, NV, it is the perfect opportunity for the piano teacher and his songwriting partner, Barney (Cliff Osmond), to pitch their tunes. Yet, Orville predictably fears the possible combination of Dino's libido with Zelda's childhood crush on the singer. Before the two can meet, Orville deceitfully bullies Zelda out of their house and Barney hires local roadhouse prostitute Polly the Pistol (Kim Novak) to pose as Orville's wife. Zelda turns to drink for solace, ending up at the exact bar where Polly plies her trade and, eventually, in the call girl's empty trailer. By the next morning, Orville is with Polly and Dino (looking for a prostitute) finds his way to Zelda -- and husband, wife, hooker, and Barney will all reap the benefits of infidelity. This tale may be tasteless, but Kiss Me, Stupid! is now a cable favorite. Its modern rating? PG. ~ Aubry Anne D'Arminio, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dean Martin, Kim Novak, (more)
- 1963
This comical farce is a lighthearted lampoon of Wall Street and the vibrant trading and selling on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange. Henry Tyroon (James Garner) is the chameleonic broker who changes his colors and ethical standards to fit every deal. Molly (Lee Remick) is the novice trader competing in a largely male profession who catches Henry's eye. Her boss is Bullard Bear (Jim Backus), the slick financial veteran Henry runs up against. Chill Wills, Phil Harris, and Charles Watts are the Texas triumvirate who play their parts of super rich good old boys to the pinnacle of stereotypical eccentricity. John Astin is the vigilant government agent just dying to uncover some dirt and blow the whistle at the slightest hint of impropriety. Louis Nye plays an abstract artist who wishes to expand his stock portfolio. Plenty of jabs are taken at Wall Street, Madison Avenue and idle rich blue bloods at the mercy of unscrupulous opportunists. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Garner, Lee Remick, (more)
- 1963
Former streetcar conductor Julius Moomer (Jack Weston) aspires to be a highly paid TV writer, but he is handicapped by a severe talent deficiency. Julius' fortunes take a sudden upswing when, practicing a bit of black magic in his tiny apartment, he conjures up the ghost of William Shakespeare (John Williams). Unfortunately, not even Shakespeare's brilliance is any match for the formidability of bullheaded TV sponsors and network censors. A young Burt Reynolds steals the show as Brandoesque actor Rocky Rhodes, while star Jack Weston's wife Marge Redmond appears in a supporting role. Written by Rod Serling, "The Bard" was the last of the hour-long Twilight Zone episodes to be telecast; it first aired May 23, 1963. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Weston, John Williams, (more)
Elvis Presley stars as Mike Windgren, a former trapeze artist who's suffered from vertigo ever since accidentally dropping his partner during a performance. Working as a lifeguard/entertainer at an Acapulco resort, Mike falls in love with social director Margarita Dauphine (Ursula Andress). With her help, he overcomes his fear of heights in a spectacular high-dive finale. Presley songs featured include "Vino, Dinero y Amor," "Marguerita," "Bossa Nova Baby" and the title tune. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elvis Presley, Ursula Andress, (more)
This romantic comedy opens with a resounding warning: its chief concerns are passion, bloodshed, desire, and death. "Everything," exclaims the narrator, "that makes life worth living." Irma La Douce (Shirley MacClaine) is Paris' most prosperous prostitute. Wise, endearing, and compulsively clad in green, Irma rules the rue Casanova. She triumphantly works the most coveted corner on a street where the cops gladly look the other way and the naughty johns leave tips. Her street is a content community of live and let live and good-natured desire, an Augean stable of human understanding. However, to upright Nester Patou (Jack Lemmon), the area's new policeman, genial wrongdoing is still wrongdoing. Freshly promoted from day patrol at a children's playground, the scrupulous Nestor arrests Irma and her colleagues in a bumbling, unauthorized raid. He takes pity on Irma, but harasses the guilty johns -- including the police captain. Promptly unemployed, Nester returns to the scene of his crime, the rue, and to Irma. After physically besting her pimp, Nester unwittingly takes his position. The two fall madly in love, but Nestor quickly grows jealous of Irma's patrons. Thus, he masquerades as a wealthy English aristocrat and becomes Irma's sole customer -- only to eventually grow violently jealous of himself. Soon enough, this formally righteous cop is comically jailed for his own brutal murder! As the film's prologue promises, Irma La Douce is a celebration of life from beginning to end -- unabashedly adoring lust, emotion, fervor and, above all, foolish love. ~ Aubry Anne D'Arminio, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, (more)
- 1962
Barbara Eden guest-stars as Ellen Brown, a new arrival from Miami. With only the skimpiest credentials, Ellen talks herself into being hired as the new manicurist in Floyd's barbershop. Before long, Mayberry's male population is lining up in droves to have their nails done by the curvaceous Ellen-and the town's female population is seething. Best line: "That definitely is a woman." Written by Jack Elinson and Charles Stewart, "The Manicurist" was first shown on January 22, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
Is meek and mild Henry Bennett (John Qualen) a natural-born jinx? Deputy Barney thinks so-and soon so does everyone else in Mayberry, despite Andy's herculean efforts to improve Henry's luck. As the episode draws to a close, it still isn't certain whether or not Henry really is a Jonah, but Andy proves that it doesn't really matter at all. Originally telecast on January 29, 1962, "The Jinx" was written by resident Andy Griffith Show wordsmiths Jack Elinson and Charles Stewart. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
The Mayberry Chamber of Commerce hits upon a seemingly foolproof scheme to attract more tourists to the community. During Founder's Day, the first person to visit Mayberry will be designated "guest of honor" and handed the keys to the city. A perfect plan-except for the fact that the visitor in question is Sheldon Davis (Jay Novello), a well-known thief and pickpocket. Recognizing Davis, Andy says nothing, choosing instead to keep the stranger under surveillance during the festivities. But as often happens, Barney manages to bollix up Andy's strategy. Written by Jack Elinson and Charles Stewart, "Guest of Honor" was originally telecast on February 26, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Howard McNear
- 1962
With his clientele diminishing, Floyd goes into partnership with semi-retired barber Bill Medwin (Herb Vigran), who sweetens the deal by promising to provide an extra chair and his own retinue of customers. Before long, business is booming at Floyd and Bill's tonsorial parlor. What Floyd doesn't know is that this upsurge in activity has been brought about by the bookie joint which Bill is running in the back room. Originally shown on April 16, 1962, "The Bookie Barber" was written by Ray Allen Saffian and Harvey Bullock. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
When Aunt Bee leaves town, county nurse Peggy McMillan (Joanna Moore) promises to look after Andy and Barney. At first, Andy regards Peggy's willingness to do the cooking and housework as an act of friendship. Barber Floyd plants the notion in Andy's head that Peggy is merely trying to snare a husband. First telecast on October 22, 1962, "Andy and Opie-Bachelors" was written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
It looks as though the Mayberry Band's annual trip to the state band competition in Charlotte will be cancelled. Characteristically, Mayor Stoner has refused to allocate the necessary funds for the trip, insisting that the town band is "a disgrace." Will Andy's old bandleader pal Bobby Fleet (Joe Sirola) come to the rescue? Wirtten by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, "The Mayberry Band" was first broadcast on November 19, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
Barney is upset that no one seems to take him seriously as Andy's deputy. The final straw is broken when a pair of tough truck farmers (Allan Melvin and Orville Sherman), pointedly ignore Barney's orders to stop illegally selling their produce. Andy tries to save Barney's dignity by concocting a tall tale about notorious lawman "Crazy Gun Fife", but when all is said and done it is Barney himself who must fight his own battles. Written by Aaron Ruben, "Lawman Barney" originally aired on November 12, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Howard McNear
- 1962
Barber Floyd panics when his female pen-pal Madeline Grayson (Doris Dowling) arrives in town. It seems that Floyd has been claiming that he is a wealthy financier, and hasn't the nerve to tell Madeline the truth ("Oh, I'm a cad, Andy. Uh-uh-uh -I'm a cad!") After agreeing to help Floyd out, Andy discovers that "The Widow Grayson" isn't all she has claimed to be either. First telecast on November 26, 1962, "Floyd, the Gay Deceiver" was written by Aaron Ruben. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
Andy Devine stars as Mr. Frisby, the biggest liar in three counties. Despite his constant gas-bagging about his alleged past acts of heroism, no one believes Frisby's tall tales -- no one, that is, except a team of space aliens, who accept Frisby's lies at face value. On the verge of being whisked off to another planet as a zoo specimen, Frisby stumbles upon a method of overpowering his extraterrestial captors (a method, incidentally, that would be expanded upon in the 1997 sci-fi movie spoof Mars Attacks!) Scripted by Rod Serling from a story by Frederic Louis Fox (in which Frisby became an outer-space TV personality), the fitfully funny Twilight Zone installment "Hocus-Pocus and Frisby" first aired April 13, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Andy Devine, Milton Selzer, (more)
- 1962
While on a fishing excursion, Barney and Floyd are held captive by three escaped female convicts: Big Maude Tyler (Reta Shaw), Naomi Connors (Jean Carson) and Sally Stringer (Jane Dulo). Back in Mayberry, Andy organizes a posse to round up the women, unaware of Barney and Floyd's plight. When he does find out that the boys are prisoners, Andy concocts a clever subterfuge to save the day. Written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, this episode affords series fans the opportunity to see actress Jean Carson in a role other than "fun girl" Daphne. "Convicts-at-Large" first aired December 10, 1962. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Howard McNear
- 1962
Another in a series of American comedies of manners, this film was written and directed by Frank Tashlin with his usual grace and elegance. Terry-Thomas plays a meek archeology professor named Bruce Patterson who is attracted to bones. His salivating female college students are attracted to him. And his neighbor's Dachshund is attracted to Patterson's big and ancient dinosaur bone. With his fiancee, Helen (Celeste Holm), away in Paris, Bruce stays at her empty apartment, where love-sick women attempt to make their way through every orifice in the flat to get to the sky professor. Helen, fearful of revealing her true age to Bruce, never told him that she had married before and that she has a college-age daughter to boot. So, when her daughter, Libby (Tuesday Weld), arrives at her mother's home, Bruce thinks she is just another sex-crazed college girl and sends her away. But Libby appeals to the professor's sociological side by pretending to be a juvenile delinquent, and Bruce permits her to stay at the flat with him. Once there, Libby becomes attracted to Bruce's handsome law-student neighbor Mike (Richard Beymer). When Bruce complains to Mike about all the gals who want to lock lips with him, Mike offers a solution to his dilemma -- instead of allowing himself to be chased by the college girls, he should be the one to do the chasing. Bruce agrees and becomes a satyr with a Ph.D. At that point, Helen returns home from Paris. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tuesday Weld, Richard Beymer, (more)
- 1962
Hoping to cure Barney's hiccups, Fred administers a dose of the new soft drink that he has invented in his garage. However, the drink has a curious effect on Barney--namely, it renders him invisible! The rest of the episode finds Fred trying to cover up his "lab mistake", with Barney's disembodied voice causing him all manner of trouble. "Invisible Barney" was the series' first episode to be telecast in color, the first to include the "going to the drive-in" opening credits, and the first to feature the familiar theme music "Meet the Flintstones." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1961
In Andy's absence, deputy Barney takes over as acting sheriff. By the time Andy returns, by-the-book Barney has jailed practically everyone in Mayberry-including Aunt Bee. Humiliated when Andy releases the outraged prisoners, Barney tenders his resignation. It is up to Andy to restore Barney's self-esteem-a task for which he receives unexpected assistance. Written by David Adler, "Andy Saves Barney's Morale" first aired on February 20, 1961. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
