Agnes Moorehead Movies
At age three Agnes Moorehead first appeared onstage, and at 11 she made her professional debut in the ballet and chorus of the St. Louis Opera. As a teenager she regularly sang on local radio. She earned a Ph.D. in literature and studied theater at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. She began playing small roles on Broadway in 1928; shortly thereafter she shifted her focus to radio acting, becoming a regular on the radio shows March of Time, Cavalcade of America, and a soap opera series. She toured in vaudeville from 1933-36 with Phil Baker. In 1940 she joined Orson Welles's Mercury Theater Company, giving a great boost to her career. Moorehead debuted onscreen as Kane's mother in Welles' film Citizen Kane (1941). Her second film was Welles' The Magnificent Ambersons (1942), for which she received a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination; ultimately she was nominated for an Oscars five times, never winning. In films, she tended to play authoritarian, neurotic, puritanical, or soured women, but also played a wide range of other roles, and was last onscreen in 1972. In the '50s she toured the U.S. with a stellar cast giving dramatic readings of Shaw's Don Juan in Hell. In 1954 she began touring in The Fabulous Redhead, a one-woman show she eventually took to over 200 cities across the world. She was also active on TV; later audiences remember her best as the witch Endora, Elizabeth Montgomery's mother, in the '60s TV sitcom Bewitched. Moorehead's last professional engagement was in the Broadway musical Gigi. She died of lung cancer in 1974. She was married to actors John Griffith Lee (1930-52) and Robert Gist (1953-58). ~ All Movie Guide- 1951
La Taverne de N.O. is the French title for the Franco-American costume drama Adventures of Captain Fabian. As sea captain Michael Fabian, Errol Flynn (who also adapted the screenplay from the Robert Shannon novel Fabulous Ann Madlock) is ostensibly the star. Most of the footage, however, is devoted to Micheline Presle as servant girl Lea Marriote, whose thirst for revenge against the prominent New Orleans family who wronged both her and Fabian motivates the film's plotline. After Fabian defends Lea on a murder charge, she promptly weds George Brissac (Vincent Price), scion of that aforementioned family, thereby laying the groundwork for a spectacularly unhappy finale. Filmed in Paris and Nice, La Taverne de N.O. represented the second film which Errol Flynn made in partnership with producer-director William Marshall; the first was the abortive Hello God. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Errol Flynn, Micheline Presle, (more)
- 1966
No TV or movie producer has yet to resist the temptation of turning Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass into an all-star musical. Certainly the folks at ABC were unable to resist turning out the 1966 taped TV special Alice Through the Looking Glass, but the end result was so pleasing that we can forgive the network for succumbing to temptation. Newcomer Judy Rolin plays Alice, who passes through the mirror, undergoes numerous fantastic adventures with a variety of eccentric characters, and is finally crowned Queen of Wonderland. The stellar guest cast includes Ricardo Montalban, Nanette Fabray, Robert Coote and Agnes Moorehead. Best bits: Jimmy Durante as Humpty Dumpty, Tom and Dick Smothers as Tweedledum and Tweedledee, and Jack Palance as the Jabberwocky! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
One of director Douglas Sirk's best and most successful romantic soapers of the 1950s, All That Heaven Allows is predicated on a May-December romance. The difference here is that the woman, attractive widow Cary Scott (Jane Wyman), is considerably older than the man, handsome gardener-landscaper Ron Kirby (Rock Hudson). Sirk builds up sympathy for Cary by showing how empty her life has been since her husband's death, even suggesting that the marriage itself was no picnic. Throwing conventionial behavior to the winds and facing social ostracism, Cary pursues her romance with Ron, who is unjustly perceived as a fortune-hunter by Cary's friends and family--especially her priggish son Ned (William Reynolds). Amusingly, Conrad Nagel was to have had a much larger part as Harvey, an elderly widower who carries a torch for Cary, but his role was trimmed down during previews when audiences disapproved of an implicit romance between a sixtyish man and a fortysomething woman! All That Heaven Allows was remade by unabashed Douglas Sirk admirer Rainer Werner Fassbinder as Ali--Fear Eats the Soul (1974), in which the age gap between hero and heroine was even wider. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jane Wyman, Rock Hudson, (more)
- 1961
Bob Hope was in the first stages of his cinematic decline when he starred in Bachelor in Paradise. Hope plays a "romance expert" who is contracted to write an expose on the sexual habits of suburban California housewives. For research purposes, he moves into a subdivision called Paradise, populated exclusively by good-looking young newlyweds. Much to the dismay of the men in the community, all of the gorgeous young wives gravitate to Hope-especially Paula Prentiss, the sexy bride of nonplussed Jim Hutton. Fortunately for all concerned, Hope is "claimed" by the only other single resident of Paradise, the glamorous Lana Turner. Frequent Bob Hope collaborator Hal Kanter cowrote the screenplay of Bachelor of Paradise with Valentine Davies; the script was based on a story by Vera Caspary, who in better days wrote Laura. Henry Mancini and Mack Davis' Oscar-nominated title song is the only true distinction of this lesser Hope farce. He seems to be sleepwalking while the rest of the cast is trying way too hard. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Hope, Lana Turner, (more)
- 1964
When Larry Tate sees Samantha go into an obstetrician's office, he jumps to the obvious conclusion. Before long, Larry has convinced Darrin that Sam is pregnant. Little does Larry realize that soon he will be hearing that proverbial patter of little feet. Irene Vernon appears as Mrs. Tate, a role later filled by Kasey Rogers. Written by Danny Arnold, "...and Something Makes Three" originally aired on December 3, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1965
While penning a play about the Civil War, Samantha suffers a severe case of writer's block. Helpful Darrin advises Sam to think of her fictional characters as real people, and as a result, all of the play's characters -- from Yankee belle Violet (Eileen O'Neill) to a surly American Indian (Tom Nardini) -- literally come to life. Written by Paul David and John L. Greene, "...and Then I Wrote" was originally telecast on November 11, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
Samantha braces herself for a visit from Darrin's "kind of eccentric" Uncle Albert (Henry Hunter), whom she has never met. Through a series of silly misunderstandings, Sam mistakes a seedy con artist named Horace (Cliff Hall) for the inimitable Albert. Upon realizing that she's been hoodwinked, Sam turns the tables on the cagey Horace and his partner in skullduggery, William (Herbie Faye). Written by Herman Groves, "A Bum Rap" first aired on April 28, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1969
Prankish Uncle Arthur offers to stage a magic show for Tabitha's birthday party. Things get a bit out of hand when, attempting to pull a rabbit out of a hat, Arthur instead produces a nubile Playboy bunny (Carol Wayne). The fun really begins when Darrin's new client, A.J. Sylvester (Bernie Kopell), takes quite a shine to the sexy visitor. Written by Ed Jurist, "A Bunny for Tabitha" first aired on November 6, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
Jack Cassidy guest stars as George Dinsdale, Darrin's newest client. An unregenerate playboy, Dinsdale falls in love with Samantha's lookalike cousin, Serena, and refuses to believe that Sam and Serena are not one in the same. Before she is able to straighten out this mess, Sam is obliged to briefly transform Dinsdale into a parrot. Scripted by John L. Greene, "A Chance on Love" made its first network appearance on March 19, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1965
Among her many other reasons for disliking her son-in-law Darrin, Endora is dissatisfied with Darrin's physical appearance. As Samantha looks on, Endora transforms a sleeping Darrin into a "perfect husband" -- a veritable Adonis, in fact. Upon awakening, Darrin becomes convinced that it is Sam and not Endora who is unhappy with his appearance, forcing Sam to assume the identity of a sexy French sculptress to build up her hubby's ego. Written by Bernard Slade, "Change of Face" originally aired on May 13, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
In her neverending efforts to entertain baby Tabitha, Aunt Clara conjures up a polka-dotted baby elephant in the Stephens living room. Samantha demands that the elephant be removed, but, of course, Clara doesn't remember how. Meanwhile, bank appraiser Hawkins (Steve Franken) shows up to make certain that Sam qualifies for a loan -- and does he get a surprise. Written by Jerry Devine and Izzy Elinson, "Gazebo Never Forgets" first aired on December 22, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Agnes Moorehead, (more)
- 1972
Darrin blows his top again, when he thinks that Samantha has used witchcraft to create a winning ad slogan. As it turns out, Sam does help Darrin, albeit in the time-honored "trial and error" fashion preferred by those irksome mortals. J. Edward McKinley, one of the series' stable of recurring character actors, is once more cast as Darrin's client, this time a man named Benson. First broadcast on March 11, 1972, "A Good Turn Never Goes Unpunished" was written by Bernie Kahn. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1965
Laid low by a virus, Darrin is home in bed -- and Samantha is worn to a frazzle waiting on her husband hand and foot. Hoping for a little peace and quiet, Sam secretly endows Darrin with some of her magical powers so that he can fend for himself. But as everyone knows, a little witchcraft can be a dangerous thing in the hands of amateurs. Written by Earl Barret and directed by actress Ida Lupino, "A Is for Aardvark" originally aired on January 14, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
In a bit of casting that would probably not pass muster anymore, British character actor Richard Haydn appears as Darrin's Japanese client, Kensu Mishimoto. Thanks to a misfire magic spell, Mishimoto falls madly in love with dotty old Aunt Clara. In the course of events, Sam tries vainly to conjure up Clara's former beau, Ocky; a beautiful Japanese stewardess makes a coincidental appearance; and much fun is had with the Oriental tendency to mispronounce "L"s and "R"s (again, a bit of comic business that would be rejected out of hand nowadays!) Written by Ed Jurist, "A Majority of Two" was originally telecast on April 11, 1968 (though existing evidence indicates it was meant to be broadcast at a much earlier date). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Agnes Moorehead, (more)
- 1966
Kathleen Nolan guest stars as Gerry O'Toole, who shows up at the Stephenses' doorstep claiming to be Darrin's relative from Ireland. But Samantha knows better; Gerry is really an Irish wood nymph, determined to plague Darrin because of the sins of his ancestor, who killed Gerry's master, Rufus the Red (Michael Ansara). To set things right, Sam goes back in time to prevent the deadly deed. Written by Ed Jurist, "A Most Unusual Wood Nymph" originally aired on October 13, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1965
Though Endora has promised to behave herself when she meets Darrin's parents, both Darrin and Samantha prepare for the worst. Sure enough, trouble ensues at a dinner party arranged in honor of Darrin's folks. The reason? Dear old Mr. Stephens (Robert F. Simon) has apparently fallen head over heels in love with Endora. Written by Bernard Slade, "A Nice Little Dinner Party" originally aired on January 28, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1971
Because of her marriage to Darrin, Samantha is stripped of her powers by the Witches' Council. Unaware of Sam's plight, her father, Maurice, kisses her on the cheek and promptly loses his powers as well. Grudgingly resigning himself to the life of a mortal, Maurice makes a pest of himself at the Stephens home and at Darrin's office. Even worse, Darrin cannot kiss his own wife lest her loss of powers become permanent. Written by Ed Jurist, "A Plague on Maurice and Samantha" first aired on November 10, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1968
The "Prince of a Guy" in this episode is none other than Prince Charming (William Bassett), whom little Tabitha has brought to life from her storybook. Upon meeting the handsome prince, Larry immediately hires him as a male model, which results in a dilemma when it turns out that imaginary characters can't be photographed. As if that wasn't crisis enough, the prince has fallen in love with a "real" woman named Helen (Louise Glenn). Also known as "A Prince for a Day," this episode was written by Ed Jurist, and first aired on February 8, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Agnes Moorehead, (more)
- 1967
Once again, little Tabitha tries out her own rudimentary magical powers, with strange results. This time, Tabitha makes the characters in her Halloween picture book come to life -- and alas, snoopy Gladys Kravitz sees all. This episode is showcase for famed Hollywood "little people" Jerry Maren (as a gremlin), Felix Silla (as a goblin), and Billy Curtis (as a jack-o'-lantern). Written by James Henerson, "A Safe Sane Halloween" appropriately aired on October 26, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1965
The Stephens household is set on its ear when Samantha is put in charge of capricious ten-year-old warlock Merle Brocken (Craig Hundley). Upon discovering that the little visitor is from Sam's "world," Darrin makes the boy promise not to perform any magic during his visit. Merle obediently agrees, just before a burglar invades the house and overpowers Darrin. James Doohan of Star Trek fame plays Merle's father, Walker Brocken. Written by Paul David and John L. Greene, "A Strange Little Visitor" originally aired on December 2, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1965
Aunt Clara arouses herself from a "witching slump" by creating a new evening wardrobe for Samantha and Darrin. Unfortunately, the couple's fancy clothes suddenly begin disappearing -- right in the middle of a formal dinner party. Darrin must now mollify his outraged client Charles Barlow (Max Showalter), providing he can get out of jail first. Written by Paul David and John L. Greene, "A Very Informal Dress" first aired on November 4, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1965
In the first of several episodes designed to accommodate the real-life pregnancy of Bewitched star Elizabeth Montgomery, Samantha reveals to Darrin that she is going to have a baby. Though delighted at the prospect, Darrin prides himself on being a "modern" parent (thanks to some coaching from boss Larry Tate), and refuses to pamper Sam. As a consequence for his seeming thoughtlessness, Darrin is given an extreme case of morning sickness by mother-in-law Endora. Written by Howard Leeds, "A Very Special Delivery" first aired on September 23, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1964
Child actor Billy Mumy and veteran scene-stealer Cecil Kellaway appear in this "very special" episode of Bewitched. During the Yuletide season, Samantha and Darrin try to convince a surly orphan named Michael (Mumy) to believe in Santa Claus -- and in Christmas itself. Need it be added that twinkly eyed Kellaway is cast as that "jolly old elf"? Written by Herman Groves, "A Vision of Sugar Plums" first aired on December 24, 1964, then was rebroadcast on December 23, 1965, with new footage added to frame the basic story as a flashback. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1965
To get snoopy next-door neighbor Gladys Kravitz off her back, Samantha convinces Gladys that she herself is endowed with magical powers -- and extra-sensory perception to boot Unfortunately, Gladys is a mortal, and as such cannot properly handle her new powers. To "exorcise" her hapless neighbor, Sam stages a cleverly rigged séance. Written by Lawrence J. Cohen and Fred Freeman, "Abner Kadabra" first aired on April 15, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
Bewitched rule number one: Never let dotty old Aunt Clara babysit your child. Unfortunately, Larry and Louise Tate leave their bouncing baby boy, Timothy, in Clara's care. While simultaneously watched both Timothy and Tabitha, fumbling Clara decides to entertain the babies with some magic -- and ends up transforming Tabitha into Timothy's identical twin. Sandra Gould makes her first appearance as busybody Gladys Kravitz, replacing the late Alice Pearce. Written by Howard Leeds, "Accidental Twins" first aired on October 6, 1966. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
