Suzanne Pleshette Movies
Glamorous, down-to-earth leading lady Suzanne Pleshette was the daughter of the managing director of Brooklyn's Paramount Theater. She attended Performing Arts High School, Finch College, and Syracuse University. After some TV experience, she made her film debut in Jerry Lewis' The Geisha Boy (1958), then went on to replace Anne Bancroft as star of Broadway's The Miracle Worker. During her years at Warner Bros., Pleshette successfully avoided simpering ingénue roles, holding out for parts requiring beyond-her-years emotional depth. Her flair for comedy was delightfully tapped during her subsequent tenure with Disney in such films as The Ugly Dachsund (1967) and The Adventures of Bullwhip Griffin (1968). Pleshette's film work, however, has never struck so responsive a chord with the fans as her television work, notably her portrayal of Emily Hartley on The Bob Newhart Show (1972-1978) -- a role that she briefly and hilariously reprised on the very last episode of Newhart's subsequent series, Newhart. She then starred in several short-lived TV series, including Maggie Briggs (1984), Bridges to Cross (1986), and The Boys Are Back (1994), and was also a ubiquitous presence in such made-for-TV movies as Leona Helmsley: The Queen of Mean. And yes: Incredible as it may seem, Suzanne Pleshette was once married to Troy Donahue. Pleshette died of respiratory failure in January 2008. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1974
When Carol's latest romance begins to adversely affect her job performance, Jerry takes it in stride, chalking it up to a professional hazard. When Carol's problems begin seeping into his own private life, it's too much to bear. Per the episode's title, Jerry has to fire Carol. Richard Schaal appears as Don, while other cast members include Dick Wilson (aka "Mr. Whipple") and Gene Blakely. Originally telecast on February 16, 1974, "By the Way...You're Fired!" was written by Barbara Gallegher and Sybil Adelman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Filling in for another psychologist, Bob finds out that his first patient is his best friend, Jerry. Initially reluctant to listen to Jerry's problems, Bob decides that his is not to reason why, etc. etc. Then Jerry confesses that he is secretly in love...with Bob's wife, Emily. Also in the cast are Roger Perry as Dr. Walker and Teri Garr as Mrs. Brennan. Written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses, "Confessions of an Orthodontist" first aired on February 23, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Hoping to put his financial matters in order, Bob hires a business manager named Jeff Boggs (Ron Rifkin). It isn't long before both Bob and Emily have been put on a budget so tight that Bob can barely afford the peanut butter sandwiches that Emily is forced to pack him for lunch. Also in the cast are Katherine Dunfee as Dee Dee and Lou Cutell as the delivery man. First broadcast on February 2, 1974, "Mind Your Own Business" was written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Bob's sister, Ellen, has become engaged. Bob's neighbor, Howard, has fallen in love again. Taken separately, these two events in Bob's life would be reason for celebration. Unfortunately, Howard has fallen in love with Ellen, and is determined to woo her away from her fiancée. Martha Scott makes another appearance as Bob's mother. Written by Martin Cohan, "A Love Story" made its initial network appearance on February 9, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Attempting to practice what he preaches to his therapy group, Bob goes on an "honesty" kick. His efforts to tell all the truth all the time has a decidedly negative effect on the guests at the Hartleys' dinner party. Lawrence Pressman and Rose Gregorio make guest appearances as Ed and Janet Hoffman. Written by John Rappaport, "Brutally Yours, Bob Hartley" made its first network appearance on November 2, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Howard is worried that his son, Howie, will not accept Ellen as his new mother. In his usual bumbling fashion, Howard does a "Vertigo," attempting to mold Ellen into a perfect parent. Despite Howard's concerted efforts, Howie seems to take an automatic dislike to Ellen. Bob, as usual, is stuck in the middle of the fray. Future Three's Company star John Ritter appears as Dave. Written by Charlotte Brown, "Sorry, Wrong Mother" initially aired on October 12, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Bob and Emily have decided upon a trial separation, but not for the usual reason. Working on her Master's degree, Emily takes up residence in school, while Bob stays home relishing a bit of much needed peace and quiet. Despite the couple's protestations, however, the Hartleys' friends are convinced that the marriage is on the rocks. Occasional series writer Carl Gottlieb appears as Kuberski, while Richard Stahl is cast as the bellboy, and Katherine Ish plays Mrs. Helnsohn. Scripted by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses from a story by Bob Garland, "The Separation Story" originally aired on October 5, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Filmed as the second episode of The Bob Newhart Show's third season, "Big Brother Is Watching" was telecast as the season opener on September 14, 1974. Bob has done his best to resign himself to the romance between his sister, Ellen, and his next-door neighbor, Howard Borden. But even Bob's calm, equitable demeanor is shattered when Ellen decides to move in with Howard sans benefit of clergy. "Big Brother Is Watching" was written by Charlotte Brown. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Emily finds herself wrestling with a crisis of conscience. Her boss, school principal Brimskill (Milton Selzer), wants to skip a student two grades. Feeling that the student isn't quite ready for such a move, Emily digs in her heels and refuses to obey orders -- while Bob has a devil of a time keeping neutral. Future Hill Street Blues regular Michael Conrad makes another appearance as Bob's UFO-obsessed patient, Mr. Trevesco. Written by Arnie Kogen and Ray Jessel, "A Matter of Principal" originally aired on March 2, 1974, as the final episode of The Bob Newhart Show's second season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Jerry tries to create a co-op with all the other doctors in the professional building. Under Jerry's master plan, the various medicos will treat each other for free. When the scheme inevitably explodes in Jerry's face, Bob finds himself saddled with an all-doctor therapy group -- for free, of course. Octogenerian actress Merie Earle makes one of her frequent appearances as Bob's doddering patient, Mrs. Loomis. Written by Coleman Mitchell and Geoffrey Neigher, "The Great Timpau Medical Arts Co-op Experiment" first aired on September 28, 1974. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1974
Filmed as the opening episode of The Bob Newhart Show's third season, "The Battle of the Groups" ended up as the season's second installment, on September 21, 1974. Stuck with two contentious therapy groups, Bob does not relish the notion of taking both groups to a mountain retreat for a marathon therapy session. He should have exercised his better judgment: The weekend turns out to be a cacophonous symphony of complaints, bruised feelings, and teeth-gritting "conversations" between Bob and Emily. Among the supporting players is future Hill Street Blues star Dan Travanty as Mr. Gianelli. "The Battle of the Groups" was written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
When Howard's 22-year-old sister, Debbie (Heather Menzies), pays a visit, he panics, not wishing to reveal his swinging-bachelor lifestyle to his kid sister. Even worse, Debbie begins dating Jerry, bringing out the puritan in Howard's nature. As usual, Bob is caught in the middle of all this domestic intrigue. Also appearing is Mel Stewart as Dabney. Written by actor Frank Buxton, "Not With My Sister You Don't" originally aired on February 3, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Emmaline Henry guest stars as Mrs. Walker, Bob's newest patient. When Mrs. Walker convinces herself that she's in love with Bob, he tries to take it in stride, writing off her ardor as a professional hazard. But when he returns home, Bob discovers that his wife, Emily, is not inclined to be quite so understanding of Mrs. Walker's unwarranted attentions. First aired on January 27, 1973, "The Two Loves of Dr. Hartley" was written by Bill Idelson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Bob has reached "the big four-oh," and Emily has bought him an expensive gold watch as a birthday present. Impishly, Bob intends to show off the watch at the surprise party he's not supposed to know about. But when he finds out how much the watch really cost, his insecurities kick in and he refuses to show up at the festivities. The guest cast includes Joan Tompkins as Aunt May, Mimi Torchin as Wendy Rivers, and Michael Lerner as Carolla. Written by Bill Idelson, "The Man With the Golden Wrist" first aired on January 20, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
On the occasion of her 29th birthday, Carol quits her job, feeling unfulfilled as a woman. Before long, Carol has joined Bob's group-therapy session, with results better seen than described. Though essentially a showcase for series regular Marcia Wallace, this episode benefits from the comic knowhow of supporting players Jill Jaress, Don Barrow, and Jack Bender. First telecast January 13, 1973, "The Crash of 29 Years Old" was written by Charlotte Brown. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Emily wants Bob to accompany her on a two-month European cruise. Bob is reticent, fearing that his practice and his patients will suffer during his absence. The crisis is resolved with a stateroom scene that would have done the Marx Brothers proud. Longtime Tonight Show head writer Pat McCormick appears in a cameo role. Written by Austin and Irma Kalish, "Bum Voyage" originally aired on March 3, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Bob becomes a celebrity of sorts when his therapy snaps the Chicago Cubs' star pitcher out of a slump. Bob soon learns the drawbacks of fame when another Cubs player, a second-string catcher named Moose Washburn (Vern Rowe), comes to him for advice. It turns out that Moose's problems go far beyond the boundaries of Wrigley Field. Written by Bill Idelson, "You Can't Win 'Em All!" made its first network appearance on February 24, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Emily accepts a full-time job with the Board of Education. Not keen on the idea in the first place, Bob becomes even more disapproving when he is left at the mercy of temporary maids and is forced to cook his own dinners. But how can he tell Emily to quit her job when she clearly finds her new responsibilities so fulfilling? Edward Winter guest stars as Professor Trainer. Written by Martin Cohan, "Emily, I'm Home...Emily?" was first telecast on February 17, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Tired of being cooped up in her lavish but confining Chicago apartment, Emily begins to consider buying a house. At first, Bob is resistant to the notion of moving, but he is reluctantly won over by Emily's high-octane enthusiasm. Sure enough, the Hartleys discover that being suburban homeowners is not all it is cracked up to be. Frequent Bob Newhart Show scripters Dick Clair and Jenna McMahon make guest appearances as Roy West and Shirley Wolfson, respectively. Written by David Davis and Lorenzo Music, "A Home Is Not Necessarily a House" first aired on February 10, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Both Bob and Emily are primed to take a much-needed vacation in Mexico. Alas, just before leaving town, Bob is given a friendly slap on the back by his musclebound patient, Mr.Trevesco (Michael Conrad), and as a result his back is completely thrown out. More bad news awaits Bob at home, where Emily is in bed with a bad case of the flu -- and depressed about her dashed vacation plans. Written by Susan Silver, "Backlash" was first telecast on September 29, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
When a Chicago Bears football game is blacked out on the local TV station, Bob and Jerry book a hotel room in Peoria so they can see the contest. Sensing that Bob misses Emily, Jerry introduces him to a pleasant woman named Janine (Zohra Lampert) -- leaving out the vital information that Janine is a hooker. Thus it is that Bob suffers the pangs of conscience, mixed with a sense of awe, as Janine "inexplicably" makes the usual moves on him. Written by Tom Patchett and Jay Tarses, "Motel" originally aired on September 22, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Season two of The Bob Newhart Show got under way with an episode focusing on Dr. Hartley's therapy group. Determined to publicly air their neuroses, Bob's patients want to hold their next session on a TV discussion show. Only Bob is against the idea, and of course, his instincts are right on target. Jack Riley stands out in the huge supporting cast as Mr. Carlin. Written by Charlotte Brown, "The Last TV Show" first aired on September 15, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
After a fight with his latest girlfriend, a heartbroken Jerry moves in with Bob and Emily. It doesn't take long for Jerry to thoroughly make himself at home -- and even less time to drive the Hartleys crazy with his endless self-pitying monologues. Also appearing are Herbie Faye as Atlee and Renee Lippin as Michele. Written by Jerry Mayer, "Who's Been Sleeping on My Couch" originally aired on March 10, 1973, as the final episode of The Bob Newhart Show's first season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1973
Never mind where Carol got her new tattoo, nor why; her mysterious skin decoration is a great source of embarrassment, and she wants it removed post-haste. The task is accomplished by the talented -- and rather elderly -- Dr. Scott Rivers (Jeff Corey). Sure as shooting, 29-year-old Carol falls madly in love with the venerable doctor. Others in the cast include Monty Margetts as a nurse and Don Fenwick as a younger doctor. Written by Martin Cohan, "Old Man Rivers" originally aired on October 27, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 1973
Anxious to help out her recently divorced friend, Marilyn Dietz (Mariette Hartley) -- who frankly needs no help whatsoever in affairs of the heart -- Emily goes on another matchmaking expedition. As a result, both Howard and Jerry end up dating Marilyn. The ensuing rivalry threatens to spread throughout Bob and Emily's small circle of friends. Also in the cast is David Fresco as Brown. First telecast October 20, 1973, "Have You Met Miss Dietz?" was written by Bill Idelson. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
