David Butler Movies

The lavishly produced British historical series The Strauss Family chronicled the lives of rival "Waltz Kings" Johann Strauss -- both senior and junior -- in 19th century Vienna. Though initially forbidden to study music, Johann Strauss Jr. (Stuart Wilson) eventually became a celebrated composer, much to the chagrin of his more celebrated (and intensely competitive) father Johann Strauss Sr. (Eric Woolfe). Caught in the middle of the familial hostilities was Johann Sr.'s long-suffering wife, Anna (Anne Stallybrass), who, after being shut out of her husband's life, devoted her energies to promoting the career of her son, Johann Jr. Surviving the political upheaval of 1848, when Johann Sr. was forced into exile for siding with the Hapsburg regime, Johann Jr. went on to weather many a personal tragedy and professional setback, finding solace and comfort in his music. Among the stars-to-be seen in this seven-part miniseries were Derek Jacobi as Johann Jr.'s half-brother Josef and Jane Seymour as Russian belle Karolin. The music was provided by the London Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Cyril Ornadel. Premiering over Britain's ATV on November 7, 1972, The Strauss Family was later picked up by America's ABC network, where it was telecast on Saturday evenings from May 5 to June 16, 1973. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Former streetcar conductor Julius Moomer (Jack Weston) aspires to be a highly paid TV writer, but he is handicapped by a severe talent deficiency. Julius' fortunes take a sudden upswing when, practicing a bit of black magic in his tiny apartment, he conjures up the ghost of William Shakespeare (John Williams). Unfortunately, not even Shakespeare's brilliance is any match for the formidability of bullheaded TV sponsors and network censors. A young Burt Reynolds steals the show as Brandoesque actor Rocky Rhodes, while star Jack Weston's wife Marge Redmond appears in a supporting role. Written by Rod Serling, "The Bard" was the last of the hour-long Twilight Zone episodes to be telecast; it first aired May 23, 1963. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Beaver (Jerry Mathers) is thrilled that he's been chosen to appear on "Teen-Age Forum," a local television discussion show. On the day Beaver is scheduled to make his TV debut, his parents tune in, his friends tune in, and his teacher and principal tune in. But where's Beaver? Well, it seems that no one told him (or anyone else) that the show is taped a week in advance.... ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Beaver (Jerry Mathers) wants to help Wally (Tony Dow) and Eddie (Ken Osmond) install a neat new car radio that even gets FM. Mom June (Barbara Billingsley), however, insists that Beaver accompany her on a trip to the grocery store. To show his anger, Beaver refuses to talk to his mother -- and makes a great show of conversing with his dad Ward (Hugh Beaumont). Ultimately, Beav realizes how much he's hurting June, but it takes nearly the entire episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Now that he's driving, Wally (Tony Dow) wants a gasoline credit card. Ward (Hugh Beaumont) won't hear of it, telling Wally to rely on the money he has. Then Wally's battery goes dead in a faraway town, and he hasn't the necessary funds. So, now the question is, is Wally right, or is Ward? A good question -- and the huge bill from the gas station doesn't provide any easy answers. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Eddie (Ken Osmond) is in line for a "dream job" spending the summer in Alaska on a fishing boat. As Eddie basks in his good luck, Wally (Tony Dow) and Lumpy (Frank Bank) begin to feel jealous. The situation changes drastically when Eddie shows up for his interview with crusty Captain Drake (Harry Harvey Sr.), who informs the boy in no uncertain terms of the amount of hard work and deprivation that lies ahead of him. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Ward (Hugh Beaumont) is proud to learn that Wally (Tony Dow) is being rushed by his old fraternity at State University. Unfortunately, one of the State students coldly informs Wally and Eddie (Ken Osmond) that Ward's beloved fraternity is populated with "creeps." Quickly, Wally changes his mind about joining the organization -- but how to tell Ward without disappointing him? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Wally (Tony Dow) escorts pretty Kathy Gregory (Carole Wells) to the post-graduation dance, his ears ringing with the words of Kathy's stern father (Herbert Rudley), who promises dire consequences should Wally step "out of line." Unfortunately, through a series of incredible circumstances, a drunken man bumps into Wally and Kathy, whereupon the girl falls into a fountain. Thus, Wally brings Kathy home drenched from head to toe -- and in trying to explain the situation to the explosive Mr. Gregory, our blameless hero only makes things worse! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Ward (Hugh Beaumont) and June (Barbara Billingsley) wonder why Beaver wants to spend all the money in his piggy bank. It so happens that Beaver and his friends are determined to buy some "monster" sweatshirts, decorated with gruesome images. They also plan to show off their sweatshirts in school, despite the fact that their parents have forbidden them to do so. Sneaking around Ward and June, Beav manages to wear his new sweatshirt in class -- but the results aren't as stimulating as he thought they would be. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Ward (Hugh Beaumont) is wary about Wally (Tony Dow) and Eddie (Ken Osmond) joining an exclusive high school club called The Barons. The boys pay no heed, observing that the Barons are the neatest guys on campus. But when our heroes are honored with the opportunity to spend a Friday evening in the company of the Barons, it finally dawns on them that appearances are extremely deceiving. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Beaver (Jerry Mathers) is thrilled at the prospect of getting his first football letter at a father and son banquet. However, neither Beaver nor his friends Richard (Richard Correll) and Gilbert (Stephen Talbot) are keen about dressing for the occasion. The boys agree to show up to the event in their street clothes, a decision that meets with a surprising lack of resistance from Beaver's dad, Ward. Comes the night of the banquet, and Beaver confidently walks in sporting casual wear -- and there stand Richard and Gilbert, nattily attired in coats and ties! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Beaver (Jerry Mathers) is upset when his parents punish him for staying out late on a school night to go to the local jalopy races. Reading the advice column "Tell It to Ella," Beaver decides to write a letter to Ella, pleading his case. Certain that Ella will be persuaded to agree with him, Beaver tells his friends about what he's done, and they heartily congratulate him. But the plan backfires when Ella sides with Beaver's parents -- and soon none of the kids in town are allowed to go to the races on week nights! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Beaver (Jerry Mathers) scores the winning touchdown in an important school football game. At first he is blasé about it, but the next day the local paper plays up the TD and even plasters Beaver's picture on the front page. Before long, Beaver's ego has swelled to mammoth proportions, and Ward (Hugh Beaumont) and June (Barbara Billingsley), who were first to join the "Hooray for Beaver" bandwagon, worry that they've created a monster -- especially when The Beav decides that he's simply too good to show up for practice. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide