Lewis Allen Movies
Upon leaving England's Tettenhall College, Lewis Allen spent several years as a London stage actor and director. During the early years of World War II, Allen moved to Hollywood, where he apprenticed at Paramount Pictures. His maiden directorial effort at Paramount was The Uninvited (1943), one of the best and most plausible ghost stories ever to emerge from an American studio. Few of his subsequent projects came up to the standard set by Uninvited (the 1945 sequel The Unseen was particularly disappointing), though he had a measure of luck guiding such heavily plotted melodramas as Desert Fury (1947), Chicago Deadline (1949) and Appointment with Danger (1951). Free-lancing in the early 1950s, Allen was saddled with the disastrous Columbia biopic Valentino (1951). He recovered sufficiently from this potential career-killer to direct the tautly paced assassination thriller Suddenly (1954). In between his film assignments of the 1950s, Allen found time to direct at least a dozen episodes of the television anthology The Ethel Barrymore Theatre. Lewis Allen's film credits should not be confused with those of songwriter Lewis Allan or producer Lewis M. Allen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1975
The focus in this episode is on Dr. Baker (Kevin Hagen), Walnut Grove's unmarried, middle-aged general practitioner. Despite the considerable difference in their ages, Dr. Baker falls in love with Kate Thorvald (Anne Archer), the visiting niece of Mrs. Oleson (Katherine MacGregor). It takes a sudden shock of recognition for Baker to come to his senses -- but what about Kate? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Landon, Karen Grassle, (more)
- 1973
Once again, Bonanza ranch hand Candy has been thrown in jail on a trumped-up murder charge. As his trial approaches, Candy must put his life in the hands of attorney Oscar Hammer (Stephen Nathan), a 20-year-old fresh out of law school. The outcome of the trial hinges on the testimony of an eyewitness named Kate (Sally Kemp), who has good reason not to appear in court. Originally broadcast on January 2, 1973, "The Witness" was written by Joel Murcott and Arthur Heinemann. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1973
"Nightfall" is the code name of a widespread terrorist attack planned by a secret organization called the Pendulum. The IMF must learn the nature of the attack, and also bring down Pendulum leader Gunnar Malstrom (Dean Stockwell). As an interesting change of pace, the viewer is given far more plot information than the IMF in the course of the story. Written by Calvin Clements Jr. and originally telecast on February 22, 1973, "The Pendulum" was the last Mission:Impossible episode to be filmed, though not the last to be aired. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Greg Morris, (more)
- 1972
The shadow of the recent Attica uprising looms large over the October 3, 1972 Bonanza episode "Riot!" While on a tour of the Nevada State Prison, Ben Cartwright and several other prominent men are taken hostage by rioting prisoners. Though some of the inmates hope to escape, most of the others simply want to expose the brutal conditions in the prison-conditions that the corrupt wardens are determined will never be made public. The supporting cast includes Gregory Walcott as Will Cooper, Marco St. John as Plank, Aldo Ray as Heiser, Barney Philips as Calhoun, and Denver Pyle as the head warden. Also on hand is Tim Matheson, making the first of several Bonanza appearances as reformed convict Griff King. Riot! was written by Robert Pirosh. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Landon, David Canary, (more)
- 1972
Once more, Lorne Greene essays the dual role of Ben Cartwright and Ben's lookalike, confidence trickster Bradley Meredith. This time out, Meredith takes advantage of Ben's trip to Carson City to auction off the Ponderosa, piece by piece. Kate Jackson makes an early TV appearance as Ellen, while others in the cast include Greg Mullavey as Jordan, William Mims as Williams, Jack Collins as Mayor Harlow, Bill Zuckert as Matt Fowler, and Richard X. Slattery as Henderson. Written by Stanley Roberts, "One Ace Too Many" was originally shown on April 2, 1972 as the last installment of Bonanza's thirteenth season. The episode also represented the final series appearances of Ray Teal as Sheriff Coffee, and, tragically, Dan Blocker as Hoss Cartwright. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1972
After two and a half seasons in its familiar Saturday-evening network berth, Mission:Impossible moved to Fridays on December 22, 1972, with the episode titled "The Puppet." Roddy McDowall guest stars as Leo Ostro, the acting Syndicate boss during the convalescence of his injured brother Paul. To prove his own mettle, the egotistical Leo plans a $100,000,000 crime--but refuses to divulge any further details. It is up to the IMF to learn the nature and location of the crime and to put both Ostros out of business. Directed by veteran Hollywood hand Lewis Allen, "The Puppet" was written by Leigh Vance. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Greg Morris, (more)
- 1972
Joan Hackett guest-stars as Judith, the fiancee of a young pastor named Jess (James Booth). Blessed-or, perhaps, cursed-with the gift of clairvoyance, Judith is called in to locate a missing Jamie. But her intensely religious sweetheart does not want Judith to use her "special powers." Written by Arthur Weingarten and Suzanne Clauser, this episode, coupled with the earlier Bonanza installment "The Strange One," formed the plot basis for the 1989 TV special Bonanza: The Movie. Due to the religious beliefs of certain cable-network CEOs, "Second Sight" itself has not been seen much since its original airing on January 9, 1972. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1972
Anna Kosovo (Kathleen Widdoes), a friend of Ben Cartwright, has good reason to be terrified of her antagonistic immigrant husband Nick (Michael Pataki). Trapped in her own house by her husband, Anna-and her young son-must rely upon Ben to rescue them. Written by Preston Wood and Karl Tunberg, this episode is climaxed by a prolonged and tension-filled gunfight. "Frenzy" first aired on January 30, 1972-coincidentally just before the release of the otherwise unrelated Alfred Hitchcock theatrical feature Frenzy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1972
The title of this Mission:Impossible episode refers to a potentially devastating new biological weapon. Traitorous government scientist Paul Morse (Ross Elliot) intends to sell TOD-5 to Gordon Holt (Peter Haskell), special representative of a terrorist organization known as the Alpha Group. With time rapidly running out, the IMF must locate the Alpha's headquarters and neutralize the weapon. Ray Walston guest-stars as Dr. Flory, while Barbara Anderson makes her third series appearance as erstwhile IMF agent Mimi Davis. First telecast on October 14, 1972, "TOD-5" was written by James D. Buchanan and Ronald Austin. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Peter Graves, Greg Morris, (more)
- 1971
Rip Torn guest-stars as Will Hewitt, a former soldier who was blinded in the last battle of the Civil War. Determined to solve the murder of his brother, Hewitt is given a helping hand by Ben Cartwright's adopted son Jamie. The teleplay by John Hawkins and Robert Pirosh is capped by a truly surprising denoument. Also in the cast are Don Knight as Clayton, Loretta Leversee as Laurie, Charles Maxwell as Keeley, and James Chandler as McKey. "Blind Hunch" first aired on November 21, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1971
Hoss Cartwright's testimony results in a prison term for the husband of alcoholic dance-hall girl Jill Conway (Susan Tyrell). Motivated by a combination of resentment and desperation, Jill leaves her son Petey (Johnny Lee) in Hoss' care. At first prepared to adopt the abandoned boy, Hoss opts instead to give the dissolute Mrs. Conway a second chance. Also appearing are Arthur O'Connell as Dr. Hubert and Ford Rainey as Judge Simms. Written by Ward Hawkins, "Fallen Woman" first aired September 26, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1971
Lorne Greene plays a dual role, as Ponderosa patriarch Ben Cartwright and Ben's con-man lookalike Bradley Meredith. The fun begins when Meredith, posing as Ben, makes a major land sale to the railroad-a deal that the real Ben had previously turned down flat. Also in the cast are Alan Oppenheimer as Wentworth, Linda Gaye Scott as Dixie and Charles Dierkop as Nicholson. Written by Stanley Roberts, "A Deck of Aces" first aired on January 31, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Jack Elam plays the title role in this Bonanza episode from December 20, 1970. Belying his nickname, Honest John is a prevaricating drifter, who over the protests of the Cartwrights has settled on the Ponderosa. Banking on the trust and friendship of young Jamie, Honest John finds himself in a predicament when Jamie insists that they both leave the Ponderosa and spend the rest of their lives together in carefree vagabondage. Yes, Jamie is in for yet another disillusionment, but there's an additional twist. "Honest John" was written by Arthur Heineman. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Oscar winner Strother Martin is cast as Joad Bruder, the father of jailed stagecoach robber Randy Bruder (Anthony Colti). Aware that Joad is holding the Ponderosa money that was stolen by Randy, Joe and Hoss hatch another of their hare-brained schemes to retrieve the loot. Heading to Pineville, the Cartwright boy pose as two members of Randy's gang-a ruse that threatens to burn and crash when the wife of one of the gang members shows up unexpectedly. Originally shown on December 13, 1970, "The Impostors" was written by Robert Vincent Wright. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1970
Ben and his fellow cattlemen find themselves at the mercy of Chicago meat packer Emmett J. Whitney (Walter Barnes). Having purchased the rights to all railroad cattle cars, the greedy Whitney refuses to allow anyone to use those cars unless they allow him to purchase their stock at the outrageously low price of three dollars per head. Enraged, Ben puts his fortune-and the Ponderosa-on the line to beat Whitney at his own game. The supporting cast includes Kathleen Freeman as Ma Brinker, James McCallion as Luther, Mark Tapscott as Steve Rance, Billy Green Bush as Spanier, and Arthur Peterson as Lloyd Walsh. Written by Joel Murcott, "Long Way to Ogden" was originally telecast on February 22, 1970. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Dean Stockwell guest-stars as Mathew, a former Northern war hero and Congressional Medal of Honor Winner, now living a pauper's existence in Nevada. Ben Cartwright comes to Mathew's aid when the man is victimized by Seth Nagel (Harry Townes), a Southerner determined to avenge the loss of his home and family at the hands of the Yankees. The plot goes off on a rivetting tangent when Seth's daughter Lori (Susan Howard) befriends the beleagured Mathew. Written by Frank Chase, "The Medal" was originally broadcast on October 26, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
Phyllis Thaxter guest-stars as widowed newspaper publisher Ruth Manning, yet another old friend of Ben Cartwright. Ben comes to Ruth's assistance when her newspaper is targeted for extinction by ruthless town boss Judge Seth Tabor (Simon Oakland). Featured in the cast are William Jordan as Leek, Hamilton Camp as Dobbs, Philip Kennealy as Sheriff Knox, Ken Mayer as North, Connie Sawyer as Mrs. Lewis, James Jeter as Cotton, Arthur Peterson as Dr. Adams, and Ed McCready as Purdy. Written by John Hawkins and Frank Chase, "The Clarion" first aired on February 9, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
During a murder trial, Ben Cartwright is trapped in the basement of the courthouse by a mine cave-in. Also entombed with Ben are the accused murderer, the main prosecution witness, the witness' fiancee, and the court clerk. As Joe, Hoss, and Candy race against time to rescue the prisoners before the complete collapse of the courthouse, Ben unearths several startling facts about the people around him. The guest cast includes Tiffany Bolling, Scott Thomas, Don Knight, Ted Gehring and Eddie Firestone. Written by Ken Trevey, "Five Candles" has seldom aired since its network TV debut on March 2, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1969
The Civil War is over, but mine owner Sam Masters (John Anderson) will never be able to forget his tenure as commander of a brutal Confederate prison where 500 POW's died. Now, ex-union officer Colonel Hudson, backed up by a small but vicious group of followers, has arrived to wreak vengeance against Masters. Swept up in the crisis are Sam's daughter Ellen (Verna Bloom, his friend Ben Cartwright (who has doubts concerning Sam's guilt), and Ben's son Hoss, who is being held prisoner by Hudson. MASH fans will appreciate the performance of Larry Linville as Will Tyler, Hudson's most fervent-and prejudiced-follower. Also on hand is flat-nosed crime-film "regular" Charles Dierkop as Sawyer, who may not be as psychotic as he seems. Written by Ward Hawkins, Milton S. Gelman and Alf Harris, "The Fence" first aired on April 27, 1969, then was rebroadcast during the series' eleventh season on December 28, 1969. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1968
Breaking from tradition, Bonanza offered two first-run episodes amidst the usual sea of reruns in the summer of 1968. The first of these, "A Severe Case of Matrimony", aired on July 7, 1968. Susan Strasberg plays Rosalita, a fiery gypsy girl who aspires to a career in opera-and never mind that she can't carry a tune in a washbucket. Willing to marry one of the Cartwrights to finance her singing career, Rosalita fabricates a story of relentless abuse at the hands of her father Anselmo (J. Carroll Naish). Also in the cast are Andre Philippe as Paco and Lili Valenty as Dolores. Written by Michael Fessnier, this episode went into production under the title "A Slight Case of Matrimony." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1968
A gang of hoodlums ambush a messenger and a guard for a Wall Street brokerage firm, stealing $400,000 in securities. The guard is killed, but the crooks allow the messenger to go free, and for good reason: The messenger is Paul Thorpe (Robert Walker Jr.), the nephew of a powerful Mafia boss. Refusing to come forward as a witness for fear of being implicated in the crime, Paul succeeds only in causing a lot more trouble for himself and his fiancee Charlene (Patricia Harty). Watch for future Brady Bunch star Barry Williams in a minor role. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
Rebelling against his old-world father Stefan (Will Kuluva), young Gus Kolner (played by future teen idol Bobby Sherman) runs away from home in the company of his "cool" new friend Spencer Lang (Andrew Prine). What Gus doesn't know is that Lang is a hardened criminal, who plans to kidnap the boy and hold him for ransom. As Inspector Erskine (Efrem Zimbalist Jr. conducts a frantic search for the missing Gus, the boy lies helplessly bound and gagged--just inches away from a ticking time bomb! Veteran character actress Lynn Bari contributes an amusing cameo as the overaged-hippie owner of a "Mod" boutique. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1967
Though filmed as the twelfth episode of Mission: Impossible, "The Trial" was the seventeenth to be telecast, on January 28, 1967. While visiting an Eastern European nation, Briggs is mistaken for an American tourist and arrested by public prosecutor Josef Varsh (Carroll O'Connor). It is Varsh's intention to stage a propagandastic show trial and condemn Briggs to death, hoping to spark an international incident that will discredit the détente plans of deputy premier Kudnov (David Opatoshu). Though Briggs had deliberately placed himself in jeopardy in order to destroy Varsh, he may not be able to escape his present dilemma--not even with Rollin posing as his defense counsel. "The Trial" was written by Laurence Heath. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steven Hill, Barbara Bain, (more)
- 1967
Nina Foch guest-stars as Clarissa, Ben Cartwright's snooty Eastern cousin. Swooping down upon the Ponderosa, the well-meaning but insufferable Clarissa manages to alienate all of the Cartwrights' friends-and even worse, causes ranch cook Hop Sing to tender his resignation. It has been suggested that Chester Krumholz' teleplay was specifically designed to prove that a regular female character would be disastrous for Bonanza. Whatever the reasons for its gestation, "Clarissa" originally aired on April 30, 1967. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1967
Travelling to California under the alias "Jim Parker", Kimble (David Janssen) is trapped by a sheriff named Corby (John Larch), who unexpectedly strikes a bargain with the fugitive. It seems that Corby's estranged son Larry (Beau Bridges), in desperate need of money for himself and his pregnant girlfriend Ellen (Melinda Plowman), has been wounded while attempting a holdup. If Kimble agrees to tend to Larry's injuries and assist in covering up his crime, the Sheriff promises to set him free. It's a tempting offer--providing that the duplicitous Corby can be trusted. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
