Dick York Movies
Actor Dick York started out as a child performer on radio, playing important roles in such airwaves favorites as Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy. In the early '50s, York began showing up in New York-based instructional films, including a now-infamous reel about proper dating etiquette. Establishing himself as one of Broadway's most versatile young character actors, he was seen in such major productions as Tea and Sympathy, Bus Stop, and Night of the Auk. In films from 1955, York's most famous movie role was schoolteacher Bertram Cates in Inherit the Wind, the 1960 dramatization of the Scopes Monkey Trial. Though a prolific TV guest star, he didn't settle down on a weekly series until 1962, when he co-starred with Gene Kelly and Leo G. Carroll in a short-lived video adaptation of Going My Way. Two years later, he landed his signature role: Darren Stephens, the eternally flustered husband of glamorous witch Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery), in Bewitched. He remained with the series until 1969, when a recurring back ailment (the legacy of an on-set injury suffered while filming the 1959 feature They Came to Cordura) forced York to relinquish the role of Darren to Dick Sargent. Though he was for all intents and purposes retired from acting, York remained active on behalf of several pro-social causes. He was the founder of Acting for Life, an organization designed to help the homeless help themselves. Living a spartan existence in Grand Rapids, MI, an increasingly infirm Dick York tirelessly continued giving of himself for the benefit of others until his death from emphysema in 1992. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1959
This 1959 episode is set in "the future" -- precisely, July 13, 1980. Worn to a frazzle by his domineering old mother-in-law, John Treadwell (Henry Jones) joins the Society of Gerontology, an organization dedicated to eliminating those people who have lived too long to suit the younger members. Unfortunately, Treadwell learns from another member named Bunce (Dick York) that his worries won't end with his mother-in-law's demise. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1960
After a fight with his wife (Gena Rowlands) in which he tells her that he wishes he was single again, Ralph Jones (Dick York) is miraculously transported back to his bachelorhood, two years earlier. At least, that's the story Ralph tells his psychiatrist (John Zaremba), who has trouble believing such a far-fetched tale. The truth of Ralph's claim may well be confirmed by something as simple as a waterlogged baseball card! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1959
Botany teacher Norman Logan (Dick York) is surprised to find that his bank account is short 200 dollars. Reporting this loss as an error, Norman confronts officious clerk Mr. Tritt (Philip Coolidge), who insists that the bank never, but never, makes a mistake. To prove Tritt wrong, and to extract a personal vengeance, Norman decides to get his money back by way of a nocturnal robbery -- with the "dusty drawer" of the title figuring prominently in the outcome of the story. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
Suffering under the tyranny of his nasty boss, Sylvester Tupper (Wendell Holmes), investment broker Herbert J. Wiggam (Dick York) devises a scheme to get even -- and to make a profit in the bargain. Together with two other disgruntled employees, Wiggam steals a 565,000-dollar bond that has been delivered to the office. Alas, although the trio successfully pulls off the heist, the valuable bond is lost -- and for a while, it looks like only the office cleaning lady will profit from the amateur crooks' bumbling. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1957
Professional hit man Manny Coe (Dick York) is kept on retainer by crime boss Mr. Williams (George Macready) to eliminate those crooks who have outlasted their usefulness to Williams' operation. When Manny bumps off an inept jewel thief, his girlfriend Betty (Kathleen Maguire) threatens to call the cops. Without batting an eyelash, Williams orders Manny to eliminate Betty. This ultimately proves to be unnecessary, but Williams is notoriously intolerant of those who do not carry out his instructions to the letter. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1961
Timid Julie Barton (Carolyn Kearney) is attacked in her home by a masked intruder while her husband is working late. Questioned by the police, Julie can only remember that her assailant wore a torn leather glove (in fact, she tore it herself). Upon fingering the most likely suspect in a lineup, Julie is shocked when her mild-mannered husband, Tom (Dick York), jumps up and viciously beats the suspect. It isn't long before Julie learns that this is isn't the first time that Tom has lost his temper. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
- 1965
Originally telecast September 16, 1965, "Alias Darrin Stephens" was the first episode of Bewitched's second season. On the occasion of Samantha and Darrin's first wedding anniversary, bumbling Aunt Clara presents Darrin with a golf cap that's at least two sizes too small. Using witchcraft in hopes of making the cap bigger, Aunt Clara characteristically conjures up the wrong spell -- and turns Darrin into a monkey. "Alias Darrin Stephens" was written by Richard Baer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1967
The title of this episode refers to a rare ailment which befalls Endora. In his efforts to cure Endora of her allergy, Dr. Bombay inadvertently transfers all of Endora's magical powers to dotty old Aunt Clara. At first delighted that his mother-in-law can no longer plague him with witchcraft, Darrin soon learns to his chagrin that a powerless Endora is even more irritating than her former self. Written by Richard Baer, "Allergic to Macedonian Dodo Birds" (originally the "dodo" was supposed to have been a "road runner") was originally telecast on November 16, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1966
First telecast January 13, 1966, "And Then There Were Three" is the historic Bewitched episode wherein Samantha and Darrin Stephens' daughter, Tabitha, is born. Darrin's joy at becoming a father is dampened by Endora's intention to transform the baby into a 25-year-old, just to see what the child will look like upon reaching adulthood. This is also the episode in which Samantha's mischievous lookalike cousin, Serena, makes her first appearance. As a bonus, Eve Arden appears as a flinty-eyed but golden-hearted admitting nurse. "And Then There Were Three" was written by Bernard Slade. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1967
Samantha is invited to paint a picture for a charity exhibit. Dissatisfied with the results, Endora secretly switches the painting with a genuine Monet masterpiece, affixing Sam's signature to the work of art. Trouble begins brewing when Sam wins first prize -- and Darrin's client, Mr. Cunningham (Arthur Julian), insists upon purchasing the painting. Written by Jack Sher, "Art for Sam's Sake" first aired on February 23, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1965
Charles Ruggles, who played soup tycoon Philip Caldwell in the first-season Bewitched episode "Help, Help, Don't Save Me," returns to the series in the role of Aunt Clara's former boyfriend, warlock Hedley Partridge. Not wishing to reveal that Clara has lost her magic touch (literally), Samantha makes certain that all of her aunt's tricks work when Hedley pays a visit. But then Sam leaves the room and the result is chaos and confusion for both Hedley and the eternally snoopy Gladys Kravitz. First aired on November 25, 1965, "Aunt Clara's Old Flame" was written by Bernard Slade. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
