Elizabeth Montgomery Movies

Moving from Thursdays to Wednesdays, Bewitched launched its eighth and final season with the beginning of a lengthy story arc, largely set in England and Europe. While visiting the Tower of London with husband Darrin, Samantha rescues a nobleman (Victor Rogers), who has been trapped in a painting for nearly 400 years. As a result, Sam incurs the wrath of beautiful but deadly witch Malvina the Terrible (Arlene Martel). Vengefully, Malvina zaps Sam back to the 16th century, where she finds herself the bride-to-be of King Henry VIII (Ronald Long). Written by Ed Jurist, part one of "How Not to Lose Your Head to Henry VIII" originally aired on September 15, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Uncle Arthur has fallen in love with Aretha (Barbara Rhoades), a snobbish witch with no sense of humor whatsoever. So as not to scare off Artetha, Arthur "deposits" all of his practical jokes with Darrin and Samantha. Unfortunately, this overabundance of gags is visited upon Darrin's new client, Mr. Rockfield (J. Edward McKinley), who, like Aretha, is in no mood for laughs. First shown on February 11, 1971, "The House That Uncle Arthur Built" was written by Bernie Kahn. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the conclusion of a two-part story, Samantha takes over the responsibilities of Mary the Good Fairy (guest star Imogene Coca) when the latter partakes of a wee bit too much medicinal brandy. Trouble is, Mary refuses to re-don her wings, and it looks like Samantha will be in the Good Fairy business permanently -- minus her powers of witchcraft. And how will all this affect Darrin's relationship with his new client, Mr. Ferber (played by the ubiquitous Herb Voland). Originally telecast on January 28, 1971, "The Good Fairy Strikes Again" was written by Ed Jurist. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Feeling a bit underappreciated by her son-in-law, Darrin, Endora creates an ad campaign for Darrin's newest client, Bobbins Bon Bons. At first, Mr. Bobbins (John McGiver) is enchanted by Endora's efforts, but Darrin continues to nervously await the boom that will inevitably be lowered. Dating Game emcee Jim Lange appears as the host of the fictional TV show "Sweetheart Parade." Written by Philip Sharp and Henry Sharp, "The Mother in Law of the Year" originally aired on January 14, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Hoping to show Samantha that Darrin is a potentially unfaithful spouse, Endora enlists the aid of Ophelia (Julie Newmar), a glamorous witch who turns into a cat now and then. Coincidentally, Darrin and Larry are seeking out a spokeswoman for Tomcat Tractors. This little comedy of misunderstanding is a good showcase for "catwoman," Julie Newmar. Written by Ruth Brooks Flippen, "The Eight Year Itch Witch" originally aired on December 8, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

While watching a TV kiddie show, Tabitha makes the show's Punch and Judy puppets come to life. Duly impressed by Tabitha's "ventriloquist" skills, the show's sponsor -- who happens to be Darrin's new client -- offers the girl a regular speaking role on the show. Problem is, Tabitha doesn't really want to be a performer, especially when she finds out that she may be depriving work to a deserving child actress. Featured in the supporting cast are Robert Q. Lewis as the show's director, and former movie leading lady (and ex-wife of Audie Murphy) Wanda Hendrix as the sponsor's wife. First telecast on November 3, 1971, "TV or Not TV" was written by Bernie Kahn. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Once again, Tabitha enters the magical world of her storybooks. This time, she takes the place of Hansel and Gretel (Eric Chase, Cindy Henderson), while they assume human form and pop up in the real world. Billie Hayes, the irrepressible Witchiepoo on H.R. Pufnstuf, essays a strikingly similar role in this episode. Written by Michael Morris, "Hansel and Gretel in Samanthaland" was originally slated for telecast during the holiday season, but aired instead on November 17, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Bewitched enters its eighth and final season with the usual dramatis personae present and accounted for: Elizabeth Montgomery as sexy, spunky witch Samantha Stephens; Dick Sargent as "Sam"'s long-suffering mortal husband, ad executive Darrin Stephens; Agnes Moorehead as Sam's imperious witch mother, Endora; Erin Murphy as Darrin and Sam's enchanted daughter, Tabitha; and, appearing as the Stevens' son, Adam, twin child actors David and Greg Lawrence. Also making recurring appearances are Alice Ghostley as klutzy witch Esmerelda, the Stevens' housekeeper; David White as Darrin's dyspeptic boss, Larry Tate; Maurice Evans as Sam's erudite warlock dad, Maurice; Paul Lynde as her prankish warlock uncle Arthur; Bernard Fox as resourceful warlock general practitioner Dr. Bombay; and Sandra Gould as the Stephens' snoopy neighbor Gladys Kravitz. Highlights during the series' terminal season include the two-part opener, in which Sam is transported back to 16th century London, only to become the fiancée of that old head-chopper Henry VIII; a journey to Scotland, in which the Stephens learn the surprising secret of the Loch Ness monster; Endora's capricious spell which brings a statue of Venus to life; and the final episode, in which poor Darrin is placed under a spell compelling him to speak the absolute, unvarnished truth -- at the worst possible time! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

This week, Endora's spell transforms lookalike cousins Samantha and Serena into "two minds with but a single thought." In true Simon Says fashion, Sam begins mirroring Serena's words and actions, and vice versa. Will this confusing situation spell disaster for the ad firm of McMann and Tate -- and result in Larry firing Darrin for what must be the three-thousandth time? Written by Ed Jurist, "The Corsican Cousins" first aired on December 10, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Back home after their eventful visit to Salem, MA, the Stephens family returns to business as usual when Darrin brings home a stray dog. It turns out that the mutt is actually a warlock in disguise, Samantha's ex-boyfriend, Ashley Flynn (Noam Pitlik). Worse still, Sam and Darrin are unable to rid themselves of the dog because of Darrin's new client, dog-food manufacturer Stuart Gibbons (Edward Ashley). First telecast on November 19, 1970, "Samantha's Pet Warlock" was written by Jerry Mayer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

This sixth episode of an eight-part story arc was largely filmed on-location in Salem, MA. Hopelessly in love with Samantha, a warlock named Waldo (Hal England) creates a duplicate Sam. Inevitably, the presence of two Mrs. Stephenses causes confusion for Larry Tate, while Darrin has to deal with being transformed into a crow. Veteran character actress Anne Seymour appears as Mirabelle. Written by Michael Morris, "Samantha's Bad Day in Salem" first aired on November 5, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

In the fifth episode of an eight-part story arc, the Stephens family -- and most of their witch-and-warlock relatives -- are still paying a visit to Salem, MA, where most of the episode was filmed. Entranced by the community's Fisherman's Memorial statue, Samanatha's lookalike cousin, Serena, brings the statue to life and installs a bronzed Darrin in the monument's place. Robert Brown, late of Here Come the Brides, appears as the humanized statue, John Gallaudet is seen as Darrin's new client, umbrella manufacturer Barrows, and comedian/folksinger Jud Strunk shows up as a Maitre D'. Written by Bernie Kahn, "Darrin on a Pedestal" first aired on October 22, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide