Dick Wilson Movies
Best known for creating one of the most iconic, beloved, and instantly recognizable characters in American advertising -- Mr. Whipple of Charmin toilet paper commercials -- Dick Wilson was born in 1916 to a vaudeville family in England. Wilson moved to Canada during his childhood, served in the Canadian Air Force during World War II, and attained U.S. citizenship in 1954. His acting resumé included guest spots on such series as Bewitched (as a recurring drunk), The Paul Lynde Show, M Squad, and The Deputy, as well as a turn in the 1968 Don Knotts vehicle The Shakiest Gun in the West, but far outstripping these accomplishments in terms of fame and recognition was Wilson's 21-year, 500+ commercial stint for Procter & Gamble, warning housewives, "Please don't squeeze the Charmin" -- then turning around to secretly squeeze it himself. Wilson made a droll cameo appearance as a Whipple-like store manager in the Lily Tomlin vehicle The Incredible Shrinking Woman (1981). He died of natural causes at age 91 in November 2007, after a lengthy retirement. Wilson's daughter is Melanie Wilson, who played the statuesque stewardess Jennifer on Perfect Strangers (1986-1993). ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide- 1980
A professional boxer (Herb Jefferson Jr.) refuses to accept the official verdict that he delivered a fatal blow to his opponent, who collapses and dies several days after the fight.. At the same time, a chef (Pete Schrum) who works for Quincy's friend Danny (Val Bisoglio) unexpectedly dies after undergoing routine surgery in an doctor's office. Investigating, Quincy (Jack Klugman) determines that the two deaths were connected--and the culprit may be a cut-rate physician whose "skills" are as inadequate as his cheap surgical equipment. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
The elderly residents of a nursing home tire of being oppressed and stage a revolution in this made-for-television comedy. Following the ensuing riot they rush out and commandeer a passing train to go out for a few final adventures. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Harold Gould, Strother Martin, (more)
- 1975
Jerry needs money for a new motorcycle, but Bob intends upon following Polonius' advice: "Neither a borrower nor a lender be." Fortunately, Howard is willing to extend Jerry the necessary funds. Unfortunately, the loan results in a serious rift between the two friends -- and Bob, who has been cold-shouldered by Jerry, is disinclined to mend any fences. Semi-regular Merie Earle plays a dual role. Written by Jerry Mayer, "A Pound of Flesh" first aired on January 25, 1975. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
- 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)
- 1973
Bob cannot help but feel diminished in the presence of Emily's father. After all, Junior Harrison (John Randolph) is an outdoorsman, war hero, and bon vivant -- and Bob is none of the above. Ann Rutherford appears as Emily's mother, Aggie, while other cast members included Tony Brande and Luis de Cordova as the two maître d's, Alberto Morin as the waiter, Byron Morrow as Devareaux, and Dick Wilson (aka "Mr. Whipple") as Milt. First broadcast on December 8, 1973, "My Wife Belongs to Daddy" was written by Jerry Mayer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Newhart, Suzanne Pleshette, (more)
One of the best of the early-1970s Disney farces, The World's Greatest Athlete stars Jan-Michael Vincent in the title role. A "wild boy" living off the land in the jungles of Africa, Vincent is discovered by coaches Tim Conway and John Amos. Cursed with a last-place college athletic lineup, Conway and Amos hope that Vincent will pull them out of their years-long slump. And he does, but not before several Disneyesque slapstick highlights, not to mention a handful of amusing special-effects gags (at one point, Conway is shrunk to mouse size by witch doctor Roscoe Lee Browne). Despite its formidable lineup of comedians-Conway, Billy DeWolfe, Nancy Walker, Vito Scotti et. al.--The World's Greatest Athlete's funniest line goes to guest star Howard Cosell! The script is the handiwork of Gerald Gardner and Dee Caruso, late of That Was the Week That Was and Get Smart. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Tim Conway, Jan-Michael Vincent, (more)
- 1973
Officer Jim Reed (Kent McCord) drives his colleagues to distraction with his new squeaky shoes. Be that as it may, Jim and his partner Pete Malloy (Kent McCord) have plenty of other things to occupy their time, including a bank robbery which morphs into a hostage situation, and a youngster (Moosie Drier) who is hiding in a building targeted for demolition. Featured in the guest cast are Dick Wilson, aka "Mr. Whipple" of bathroom-tissue commercial fame, and onetime silent-comedy ingenue Bartine Burkett. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1972
Will Geer guest stars as George Washington, who has been accidentally zapped into the 20th century by bumbling Esmerelda. Impressed at the progress made by the country which he fathered, Washington decides to exercise his right of free speech in a local park. As a result, he is arrested for creating a public disturbance and threatening a policeman, forcing Samantha to do some quick witchery. Thad Geer, son of Will Geer, appears as a hippie. The first episode of a two-part story, "George Washington Zapped Here" was written by Michael Morris and originally aired on February 19, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1971
In New Mexico, the Partridges take a runaway teenager named Maggie (Laurie Prange) under their wings. Trouble is, they aren't aware she's a runaway (at least not at first) because of her extremely inventive lies. Once the truth is known, Shirley (Shirley Jones) tries to a arrange a reunion between the girl and her family--only to have her run away again. Clearly, the time has come to reveal the root cause of the girl's troubles, and this requires a great deal of soul-searching on the part of Maggie's father (Sandy Kenyon) and grandfather (Ian Wolfe). Song: "Point Me in the Direction of Albuquerque". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1971
Hogan must discredit the testimony of Gestapo Major Pruhst (Malachi Throne), who has irrefutable photographic evidence of Hogan's sabotage operation. There is nothing else to do but convince the German high command that Hogan has an exact double -- a Nazi officer. Frequent series guest star John Hoyt appears as Field Marshal Von Leiter. Written by Phil Sharp, "Hogan's Double Life" was originally telecast on March 7, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1970
Monte Markham essays one of the first of his many "hidden villain" roles as Lt. James Martin, Stalag 13's newest POW. By sheerest luck, Hogan discovers that Lt. Martin is actually a top-ranking Gestapo spy. Alas, it may too late to do anything about it: Martin already has all the necessary information on Hogan's latest espionage assignment. Originally telecast on November 8, 1970, "Eight O'Clock and All is Well" was written by Laurence Marks. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1970
Arlene Martel makes her final series appearance as Underground agent Louise Monet -- code name "Tiger." Having been captured by the Gestapo, Tiger is sentenced to be executed in Berlin. To rescue their curvaceous comrade in arms, Hogan and his crew must infiltrate -- and destroy -- a heavily guarded train. Even allowing for the fact that the villains are brutal Nazis who thoroughly deserve extermination, Hogan's callousness in disposing of them is quite startling for a situation comedy. Written by Laurence Marks, "Operation Tiger" first aired on November 29, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1970
Hogan plans to use the wedding of General Burkhalter's chubby niece Frieda (Muriel Landers) as a rendezvous point with an Underground agent -- and as step one in an elaborate escape plan. Thus it is that Hogan's Gallic "hero" LeBeau impersonates an effete Parisian designer. Others in the cast include Dick Wilson ("Mr. Whipple" of TV commercial fame) as Count Von Hertzel, horror-film regular Bruno VeSoto as the Allied agent, and Bruce Kirby (father of actor Bruno Kirby) as a Gestapo man. Written by Laurence Marks, "Gowns by Yvette" first aired on January 30, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1970
In the fourth episode of an eight-part story arc, Darrin finds himself locked up in the Salem, MA, jail, accused of stealing an antique bedwarmer from the House of the Seven Gables. It soon turns out that the "stolen" item is actually a warlock in disguise -- namely, Sam's former boyfriend, Newton (Noam Pitlik). It is up to Sam to return Newton to his original form, a task made doubly difficult by the fact that the witch who originally cast the spell is nowhere to be found. Actress/playwright Joan Hotchkis appears as Miss Ferndale. Written by Ed Jurist, "Samantha's Hot Bedwarmer" originally aired on October 15, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1970
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
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick Sargent, (more)
- 1969
General Schaeffer (Vinton Hayworth) prevails upon Tony (Larry Hagman) to take Jupiter, Schaeffer's pet Great Dane, for a training walk. Tagging along is Jeannie's (Barbara Eden) magical mutt Djinn Djinn, who takes an instant dislike to Jupiter. Rendering himself invisible, Djinn Djinn wreaks all manner of havoc, for which Jupiter is blame and sent to the dog pound--thus setting the stage for a massive canine jailbreak commandeered by the ubiquitous Djinn Djinn! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1969
Samantha falls victim to "the Venetian Verbal Virus," which causes her to speak in nothing but rhymes. Unfortunately, her malady coincides with the arrival of Darrin's new client, Oscar Durfee (Larry D. Mann), a man who has grown sick and tired of rhyming jingles. Sara Seegar is featured in another of her innumerable "confused client's wife" roles as Mrs. Durfee. Written by Richard Baer, "Samantha the Bard" was originally telecast on January 30, 1969. ~ 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)
- 1969
Hogan plots to kidnap General Burkhalter as part of a hostage swap that will free Underground leader Hans Wagner (Chris Robinson). Unfortunately, things go awry, and it is Klink who ends up kidnapped. Worse still, negotiations for the release of Wagner fall through when Gestapo decides that Klink is eminently expendable. Also appearing are Ann Prentiss (sister of Paula Prentiss) as Ilse and Dick Wilson ("Mr. Whipple" of TV commercial fame) as Captain Gruber. Written by Bill Davenport, "The Missing Klink" first aired on January 4, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
- 1968
At the suggestion of Darrin's mother (Mabel Albertson), Samantha enters a slogan contest conducted by one of Darrin's clients, the Tinker Bell Diaper Company. Amazingly, Sam wins first prize: an all-expense-paid trip to Tahiti. But Darrin refuses to belief in the efficacy of blind luck, falsely accusing Sam of winning through witchcraft. Written by frequent Bewitched supporting actor Arthur Julian, "Is It Magic or Imagination?" first aired on November 21, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Season five of Bewitched got under way on September 26, 1968, with the episode titled "Samantha's Wedding Present." Miffed at Darrin, Endora once again sets out to prove that her mortal son-in-law is a "small, small man." Accordingly, she casts a spell which causes Darrin to start shrinking -- on his wedding day. Before the mess can be straightened out, the teeny-tiny Darrin finds himself at the mercy of a dog, a brace of garbagemen (Jack Griffin, Art Metrano), and a greedy drunk (Dick Wilson, best known as "Mr. Whipple" of Charmin Bathroom Tissue fame). A comic variation on the sci-fi classic The Incredible Shrinking Man (complete with oversized props), "Samantha's Wedding Present" was written by Richard Baer, though some sources credit Bernard Slade. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1968
Though she promised Darrin that she'd give up her responsibilities as Queen of the Witches, Samantha is obliged to attend an important witches' convention. To fool Darrin, Sam prevails upon her lookalike cousin, Serena, to take her place in the Stephens household -- just when Darrin is planning a second honeymoon at Moonthatch Inn. This episode not only offers a rare instance in which Darrin teaches Sam a lesson, but also represents one of the final TV appearances of French-accented comedienne Fifi D'Orsay, in the role of concierge Madame Wageir. Originally telecast on October 24, 1968, "It's So Nice to Have a Spouse Around the House" was written by Barbara Avedon. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
This forgettable comedy finds Joe Lightcloud (Elvis Presley) as a mixed-blood Indian with strong ties to his tribe and his father Charlie (Burgess Meredith). Joe tries to get government assistance for the tribe in exchange for permitting the local congressman to graze cattle on Indian land. Maime (Quentin Dean) is the object of Joe's affection, but they are under the watchful eye of her mother Glenda (Joan Blondell), who owns the local saloon. The Jordanaires back up Elvis on a few songs, most notable being "U.S. Male" by guitar-great Jerry Reed. By this time, Elvis was extremely tired of churning out movies with such dismal scripts. Later in 1968, he would make a triumphant return to live performing with his NBC television special which featured Jerry Reed's "Guitar Man." Elvis was playing out the string of films set up by his controversial manager Colonel Tom Parker, who never wanted Elvis to be considered as a serious dramatic actor. Parker even went so far as to take Elia Kazan to task for even mentioning such an idea. It was such thinking that prompted the King Of Rock & Roll to return to the stage once again after an eight-year hiatus. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elvis Presley, Burgess Meredith, (more)
This hilarious oater finds Jesse Heywood (Don Knotts) as a Philadelphia dentist who leaves his home to open a new practice on the western frontier. The hapless dentist is saved by the expert gun handling of Penny (Barbara Rhoades), a reformed bandit trying to earn a pardon by intercepting gun shipments to hostile Indians. After several more situations in which Penny saves the nervous newcomer, Jesse believes he has exceptional firearms prowess and believes himself to be a hero. Comedy ensues when the jumpy Jesse faces a bevy of bad men and nervously clutches a six shooter with a very unsteady hand. Penny has to help the pseudo-hero out of even more trouble before they can ride off together into the sunset. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Don Knotts, Barbara Rhoades, (more)
- 1968
The good news: Carter is able to snap a picture of a new German tank. The bad news: With the Germans hot on his heels, Hogan is forced to hide Carter's microfilm in a hollow bone. The worst news: The bone is buried by a friendly dog. The supporting cast includes such Hogan's Heroes perennials as Chet Stratton and Dick Wilson (the latter taking time out from his duties as "Mr. Whipple" in the Charmin commercials). Written by Phil Sharp, "Man's Best Friend is Not His Dog" originally aired on November 2, 1968. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Bob Crane, Werner Klemperer, (more)
