Robert Pirosh Movies
Though it is likely that Robert Pirosh was not specifically preparing for a career in advertising when he attended the Sorbonne and the University of Berlin, this was the line of work he pursued upon his return to the U.S. In 1934, Pirosh was signed as a junior writer at MGM, where he was partnered with another newcomer, George Seaton. Pirosh and Seaton were laboring away at Republic Studios when, in 1935, they were brought back to MGM to contribute comedy material for the Marx Brothers' Night at the Opera (1935). Groucho Marx liked their work, retaining them for the Marx's next film, Day at the Races (1937). Though Pirosh's professional association with the Marx Brothers ended with this film, he remained a lifelong friend of Groucho's. In 1942, Pirosh received critical plaudits for his scriptwork on I Married a Witch (1942), directed by another close friend of the writer's, Rene Clair. Two years later, he launched his producing career with Danny Kaye's Up in Arms. In 1949, he earned an Academy Award for his script of Battleground, which he also produced. And in 1952, he received an Oscar nomination for the screenplay Go for Broke (1952), the first of his four directorial efforts. From 1957 to his retirement in 1968, Robert Pirosh served as a producer-writer on several TV programs, and as screenwriter for a handful of theatrical releases, the last of which, What's So Bad About Feeling Good? (1968), was produced, directed, and co-scripted by his former partner, George Seaton. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1981
After the sudden death of her father, Ben's wife Cindy (Leslie Winston) has a bizarre dream about a carousel, and about a woman whose face she briefly glimpsed at her dad's funeral. Ultimately, Cindy discovers that she was actually adopted--and that's not the end of the story! Meanwhile, Elizabeth (Kami Cotler) becomes jealous when her boyfriend Drew (Tony Becker) neglects her to spend time with the rest of the Walton siblings. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
Jeffrey (Keith Mitchell) and Josh (Todd Bridges) steal money from the Godsey's store to cover their losses in a crap game. But when the authorities catch up with them, Jeffrey magnanimously allows Josh take all the blame. And in another development, an insulting remark from a soldier convinces Ben (Eric Scott) that it is high time that he enlist in the Armed Forces -- even though he is a new husband and an even newer father. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
While leading his squadron into battle in Germany, Jason (Jon Walmsley) comes across a shell-shocked American soldier named Willis (Mark McClure). Despite his emotional problems, Willis is a very handy man to have around when the squadron is besieged by an elusive German sniper. And back on Walton's Mountain, storekeeper Ike Godsey (Joe Conley) is in trouble with the authorities for violating the rationing laws. Despite all indications to the contrary, the episode ends with good news for everyone concerned--even the hapless Ike. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
The Walton family is unpleasantly surprised when Ben (Eric Scott) comes home at the ungodly hour of 3 a.m. in the company of his girlfriend Cindy (Leslie Winston, in her first series appearance). No sooner has the family adjusted to this development than Ben drops the big bombshell: he and Cindy have just gotten married! In the days that follow, the suspicions of the younger Walton kids are aroused concerning the reason that Ben made so sudden a decision, while the fiercely independent Cindy balks at being ordered about by her new husband. Elsewhere, Corabeth Godsey (Ronnie Claire Edwards) is in for a bit of a letdown when she purchases a fountain that she had loved as a youth. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
In the first episode of a two-part story, Red Cross volunteers Olivia (Michael Learned) and Mary Ellen (Judy Norton-Taylor) attempt to find out why young bride Darcy Thatcher (Antoinette Stella) refuses to write to her soldier husband. It turns out that Darcy has been raped, and is reluctant to tell either her husband or the authorities, feeling that somehow she is responsible for the attack. As Mary Ellen ministers to the troubled Darcy, Olivia makes it her mission in life to bring the rapist to justice -- before the assailant falls victim to a revenge killing. Elsewhere, the Waltons receive some encouraging news about John-Boy; and Corabeth Godsey (Ronnie Claire Edwards) has very definite ideas about what to do with a financial windfall. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
With John-Boy still missing in action somewhere in Belgium, his publishers ask the Walton family permission to publish his most recent manuscript. While the rest of the family is willing, Olivia (Michael Learned) flatly refuses, convinced that if she gives her consent, it would be the same as admitting that her son is dead. Elsewhere, cousin Jeffrey (Keith Mitchell) holds Ben (Eric Scott) responsible for the death of his beloved dog Restless. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
As she rapidly approaches the age of 13, Elizabeth (Kami Cotler) is having more than the usual share of difficulty adjusting to the changes in her mind and her metabolism. Her burden is increased when, after listening to a ghost story spun by her friend Aimee (Rachel Longaker), Elizabeth imagines that she has witnessed a supernatural manifestation. Elsewhere, Jason (Jon Walmsley) takes a temporary radio job as advice-to-the-lovelorn expert "Uncle George"--little realizing that the mercurial Corabeth Godsey (Ronnie Claire Edwards) is hanging on his every word. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
When Ben (Eric Scott) announces plans to start up a fancy motel, Corabeth (Ronnie Claire Edwards) offers him financial assistance -- with the understanding, of course, that she'll be given a generous share of the profits. Conversely, John (Ralph Waite) opposes Ben's plans, causing a serious rift between father and son. Meanwhile, Yancy Tucker (Robert Donner) "graduates" from a correspondence-school barber college; unfortunately, there aren't too many people around who are willing to have their hair trimmed by a musclebound moonshiner! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1974
In this comedy, a retired Navy cook lives his dreams. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 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)
- 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
The Virginia City Bank refuses to lend money to a group of Sierra Nevade ranchers who lost most of their stock during a particularly brutal winter. Ben Cartwright tries to come to the aid of the imperiled ranchers by bringing in a new breed of cattle from Montana, a breed capable of surviving the cold. Leading the cattle to Sawtooth, Ben conducts an experiment that lasts through the winter months and into early spring. On the verge of success, Ben is threatened with sabotage from a ruthless rival, forcing the Cartwright patriarch to place his trust in mercurial ranch hand Howie Landis (Glenn Corbett). Written by John Hawkins, Robert Pirosh, and Jack Rummler, "Winter Kill" originally aired on March 28, 1971. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1971
Broadway musical star Joel Grey appears in this episode as jockey Eddie Yeager, who is suspected of throwing several horse races. Ironside (Raymond Burr) wonders if Eddie is the real culprit, or if the brains of the operation is a certain Scott Bradley (played by TV's former "Tarzan" Ron Ely). Complicating matters is the fact that Bradley is the ex-fiance of Ironside's assistant Eve (Barbara Anderson). Featured in the cast is future movie-studio executive Sherry Lansing. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
After meeting a spoiled youngster (Kerry MacLane) whose parents cater to his every whim, Jody (Johnnie Whitaker) and Buffy (Anissa Jones) want to abandon all the house rules in the Davis apartment. Recalling a fable from his youth, Mr. French (Sebastian Cabot) advises Bill (Brian Keith) to let the kids do whatever they please, certain that they'll tire of such independence and demand that the rules be reinstated. Thus, Apartment 27A becomes "The Land of Do-As-You-Please"--and predictably, overindulgence proves to have its consequences! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
San Francisco is rocked by a brace of explosions; one of these knocks out a major power station, while another plunges Police headquarters into total darkness. Despite the citywide electrical blackout and the utter lack of police backup, Ironside (Raymond Burr) must figure out who is responsible for the sabotage--and why. This episode marks the TV acting debut of former LA Rams quarterback Roman Gabriel). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1970
Robert Pirosh's teleplay for this Bonanza episode was based on an actual 19th century phenomenon. In the years following the Civil War, many young and disillusioned ex-soldiers formed nomadic groups called the "Weary Willies", who roamed throughout the west living off the land and avoiding "proper" employment. In other words, they were the hippies of their time, something with which viewers could instantly relate when this episode first aired on September 27, 1970. In the course of the story, the Ponderosa welcomes the Willies to their property, but their neighbors do not. When a girl is attacked, the Willies are accused of the crime, but the truth lies closer to home. The cast includes a pre-Waltons Richard Thomas as Billy, Lee Purcell as Angie, Elisha Cook Jr. as Marcus, and Kevin Tighe as Krulak. In keeping with its flower-child ambience, "The Weary Willies" features several songs, including "Man Passing Through", "Blood Brothers" and "It Won't Be Very Long". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Lorne Greene, Michael Landon, (more)
- 1968
Although he does not believe that decorated Vietnam veteran David Larkin (Gary Collins) is guilty of murder, Ironside (Raymond Burr) is duty-bound to turn over evidence that secures the man's conviction in court. To save Larkin from the gas chamber, Ironside launches his own investigation, only to be hampered by the interference of Larkin's so-called "buddies"--not to mention the fact that all of the witnesses are being systematically bumped off. This is the final episode of Ironside's first season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1968
In this comedy, New York City undergoes a dramatic change when a toucan carrying a strange virus is smuggled through customs. In those it infects, the virus causes an intense euphoria and a desire to do good. The first man to receive the infected bird is a misanthropic, cynical artist who lives in an apartment with his girlfriend. The couple names the toucan "Amigo," and soon they are indeed happy. They decide to spread it around and so the bird is freed. The Big Apple goes into an economic tailspin as its residents become deliriously happy and stop buying cigarettes, booze and tranquilizers. To save the financially foundering city, the mayor and a presidential envoy begin distributing unpleasant masks to the happy city-dwellers. The artist and friends thwart the officials' scheme by infecting the masks. So begins a battle between the officials and the artist. Eventually Amigo is caught, and an antidote is delivered. The renowned rudeness, cruelty and selfishness of the native New Yorkers quickly returns, and the city is saved. The artist realizes that his quest has been futile, and he devotes the rest of his time and energy to making his girlfriend happy. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George Peppard, Mary Tyler Moore, (more)
- 1963
A Gathering of Eagles stars Rock Hudson as a colonel in the peacetime Strategic Air Command. His devotion to his duty as a wing commander takes a toll on his men, his marriage, and his own well-being. It is to Hudson's credit that he was willing to put his image on the line with this essentially unsympathetic characterization, and a tribute to his underrated ability as an actor that he compels us to care for him. Popular British leading lady Mary Peach makes a rare Hollywood appearance as Hudson's English wife. An unexpected bonus to A Gathering of Eagles is a semicomic musical piece, "The SAC Song," by dilettante satirist Tom Lehrer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rock Hudson, Rod Taylor, (more)
- 1963
Searching for an evacuation hospital behind enemy lines, King Company medic Doc Walton (Steven Rogers) is captured along with Pvt. Braddock (Shecky Greene) and several wounded soldiers. The prisoners are herded into a chateau owned by French aristocrat Count De Gontran (Ben Wright) and his daughter Gabrielle (Joan Hackett), currently under the command of Nazi major Richter (Dan O'Herlihy). Walton hopes that De Gontran will help him and the other Americans escape, but the Count is more concerned with the survival of himself and his home than in the outcome of the war--and to that end, he continues currying favor with Richter, a self-styled art connoisseur who has been "rescuing" the valuable paintings adorning the chateau walls, and isn't about to let the prisoners get in his way. Series stars Vic Morrow and Rick Jason do not appear in this episode, though both are billed in the opening credits. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Arrested for a traffic violation in a small town, Kimble (David Janssen), alias "Bill Carter," finds himself sharing a cell with Davy "Fatso" Lambert, who'd been hauled in on a charge of public drunkenness. Friendless and completely lacking in self-esteem, Davy pathetically latches onto Kimble when the latter breaks out of jail. Upon reaching Davy's hometown, Kimble is surprised to discover that his companion is from a wealthy family, whose members--except for his loyal mother (Glenda Farrell)--treat Davy with hostility and disdain. At the risk of his own freedom, Kimble endeavors to patch up the cracks in the Lambert family unit. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1962
In flashback, Sgt. Saunders (Vic Morrow), Lt. Hanley (Rick Jason) and the men of King Company recall the events surrounding their landing at Omaha Beach on D-Day. Pre-invasion highlights include a battle between Saunders and Hanley over the affections of a pert English lass (Pat Dahl), and the efforts by wheeler-dealer Braddock (Shecky Greene) to win a cash pool by picking the correct date for the landing (he wins, but doesn't feel so lucky after all--and for good reason!) Once the men have established a beachhead, they are ordered to capture a farmhouse where several American paratroopers are being held prisoner. Most of this program is comprised of re-edited footage from Combat's hitherto unseen pilot episode, which explains the occasional discrepancies (for example, Hanley is still a sergeant, and supporting character Caje [Pierre Jalbert] is referred to as "Caddy"). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Don Siegel's only war film and unfortunately his only teaming with Steve McQueen, an actor whose rebellious persona jibed well with the director's vision, it puts the star in the familiar role of antihero. His character, Reese, is an embittered G.I. who has just been sent back to join his war-weary unit holding down a position opposite a pillbox on the Siegfried Line in Belgium. Recently demoted back to private from staff sergeant for drinking, he chafes under all authority, and is a pariah to fellow grunts, despite their awareness of his extraordinary courage in battle. A natural leader, he persuades his sergeant (Harry Guardino) to implement a plan he's formulated to keep the Germans at bay by making them believe that the small outfit is larger than it is. While this is temporarily effective, Reese knows that it's only a matter of time before the enemy discovers the truth, and takes it on his own authority to lead an attack on the well-defended pillbox, although his unit has been assigned only to hold their ground. ~ Michael Costello, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steve McQueen, Bobby Darin, (more)
- 1957
After several years' absence from the screen, the vivacious Betty Hutton made a somewhat tepid comeback in Spring Reunion. The scene is a medium-sized Midwestern town, where Maggie Brewster (Hutton) is reacquainted with her high-school flame Fred Davis (Dana Andrews) during a class reunion. The first time around, Maggie turned down Fred at the behest of her wealthy, domineering father (Robert Simon). When Fred proposes a second time, history threatens to repeat itself -- at least until the lachrymose finale. Silent screen star Laura La Plante also makes a return to the screen as Maggie's understanding mother. Rumor has it that the barely saleable Spring Reunion was deliberately designed as a tax write-off by the accountants for Kirk Douglas' Bryna Productions. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dana Andrews, Betty Hutton, (more)
- 1955
In this comedy sequel to Wonderful Town (a popular Broadway musical), Kim, a museum worker from Providence, Rhode Island, inherits half ownership of a Las Vegas hotel when her father dies. She and her Aunt Clara go there to learn more about it. Unfortunately, just before they arrive, the other owner, Ether Ferguson, gambles the hotel away. When Kim and Clara arrive, Kim is led to believe that the hotel she co-owns is the Flamingo Hotel which is really owned by Victor Monte. Victor finds the naive lass charming and so allows the delusion to persist. Eventually they fall in love. Songs include: "An Occasional Man," "Take a Chance," "We're Alone," "The Girl Rush," "Champagne," "Birmingham," "Out of Doors," "Choose Your Partner," and "My Hillbilly Heart." ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Rosalind Russell, Fernando Lamas, (more)
