Hal Smith Movies
Character actor Hal Smith (born Harold John Smith) cut his acting teeth in various touring road companies. Before serving in the Air Force during World War II, he had amassed impressive credits as a band singer, radio disc jockey, and writer. In the postwar years, he decided to try his luck in Hollywood, although holding down a real-estate job so he'd have a financial cushion between acting jobs. His first recurring TV role was on the vintage sitcom I Married Joan (1952-53). (It was a different actor who appeared in the bit role of Anne Baxter's suitor in O. Henry's Full House [1952].) He spent most of the '50s playing guest stints and providing voice-overs for cartoon characters, and was briefly Hal the Bartender, a commercial spokesman for a popular brand of beer. In 1960, he was signed for the semi-regular role of town drunk Otis Campbell on The Andy Griffith Show, essaying this hilarious (if politically incorrect) characterization with expertise, although he often insisted, "I don't think I've ever really been drunk in my whole life." Since Otis did not appear in every Griffith episode, Smith had time aplenty to free-lance, playing such film roles as a drunken Santa in Billy Wilder's The Apartment (1960) and an effeminate Roman emperor in The Three Stooges Meet Hercules (1962), and supplying voices for such cartoon programs as Davey and Goliath and The Flintstones. By 1962, he was making 50,000 dollars per year, a tidy sum in those days. During the 1970s and '80s, Smith was most closely associated with Disney, replacing the late Vance "Pinto" Colvig as the voice of Goofy and providing voices for series ranging from Winnie the Pooh and Friends to Ducktales. Smith died in 1994. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1964
The Mayberry jail plays host to Angela Carroll (Susan Oliver), a suspected jewel thief. Turning on the charm, Angela manages to wrap both Andy and Barney around her little finger. Andy is not so bedazzled that he hasn't caught on to the delectable Ms. Carroll's ulterior motives. This was one of several top-drawer episodes written by Harvey Bullock. "Prisoner of Love" made its network TV debut on February 10, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Profoundly moved by the hard-luck story of Farmer Frisbee (Charles Lane), Aunt Bee organizes a protest group to prevent Frisbee's eviction so that the county can build a new highway. The canny Frisbee has neglected to inform Bee that he is merely trying to protect the moonshine still on his property. Once again, Andy and Barney get to the bottom (hic!) of things. First shown on January 20, 1964, "Aunt Bee the Crusader" was written by John Whedon. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Leaving his usual jail cell after sobering up from his weekly bender, Otis Campbell trips and falls. Though the injury is minor, Barney insists that Otis sign all manner of documents absolving the county of any blame. This insignificant incident mushrooms into a major crisis when Otis falls into the clutches of an ambulance-chasing lawyer named Bentley (Jay Novello). Written by Bob Ross, "Otis Sues the County" was originally shown on December 28, 1964. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hal Smith
- 1964
Widow Lucy (Lucille Ball) volunteers to accompany her boy Jerry (Jimmy Garrett) on a father-son camping trip. This being a mid-1960s sitcom, the other fathers are averse to having a woman along for the ride. Thus, when Lucy insists upon being treated as "one of the guys", the men capriciously take her literally, determined to run her ragged and force her to head home in a hurry. Watch for Hal Smith, better known as town drunk Otis Campbell on The Andy Griffith Show, as one of the fathers. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hal Smith, George Neise, (more)
- 1964
The producers of the new horror epic "Son of Rockzilla" decide to hire someone to promote the film during its Bedrock premiere. The someone chosen is Fred, who dutifully dons a "Finkasaurus" outfit and wanders around town. The sight of Fred as a monster is terrifying to some, ridiculous to others--but the most profound impact is made upon a genuine Finkasaurus. This is the first Flintstones episode to feature the voice of Gerry Johnson, who would soon take over the role of Betty Rubble full time from actress Bea Benaderet. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
One suspects that Herman Melville was not consulted when the producers of this episode came up with the legendary "whaleasaurus" Adobe Dick. While on a lodge fishing trip aboard the HMS Bountystone, Fred and Barney spot the Great White Whale, but can't get anyone to believe them. Subsequently, the boys and Adobe Dick have a nautical showdown, with Fred and Barney resorting to tickling rather than harpooning to subdue the lumbering leviathan. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Andy and Barney go into full panic mode when town drunk Otis Campbell purchases a car. Inasmuch as Otis cannot even walk in a straight line, much less drive in one, the boys desperately try to convince him to sell his old beater before disaster strikes. This episode originally aired on February 17, 1964, at a time when drunken driving was considered a rich source of humor (in fairness, it should be noted that everything ends happily long before Otis can climb behind the wheel after tying one on). "Hot Rod Otis" was written by Harvey Bullock. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Hal Smith
- 1964
Andy heads to Raleigh, there to interview for a job as that city's sheriff. Assuming that he will be Andy's successor, Barney casts about for a new deputy, but the only candidates turn out to be dimwitted mechanic Goober Pyle, town drunk Otis Campbell and octogenarian Judd (Burt Mustin). By the time Andy returns to Mayberry, chaos is reigning supreme. First aired on November 23, 1964, "Goobye, Sheriff Taylor" was written by Fred Freeman and Lawrence J. Cohen. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
It was a dark day when Barney offered to help Fred add a room to the Flintstones' house. Not long afterward, Fred discovers that he lost the title of Water Buffalo of the Year by one single vote--Barney's. The ensuing feud escalates when Barney insists that part of the new room is on his property. It is up to baby Bamm-Bamm to end the feud in his usual no-frills fashion! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
A neighborhood kid named Horace (Dennis Rush) latches onto Uncle Martin (Ray Walston) in peace after seeing antennae sprouting from Martin's head. Thinking that the receiving device is just a toy, Dennis creates his own pair--thus creating a nationwide fad, with the help of toy manufacturer Mr. Barnaby (Hal Smith) As a result, the media descends upon Horace's neighborhood, thereby threatening to expose Martin's true identity. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1964
Fred inherits a house from his late millionaire uncle, J. Giggles Flintstone. There's only one condition: Fred must spend a night in the house, which is rumored to be haunted. Not surprisingly, the Flintstones and the Rubbles are kept awake all night by a wide variety of scary and spooky occurrences. . .and then there's the matter of Uncle Giggles' creepy-looking servants. Of course, the episode's biggest surprise is reserved for the end--as is a fitting comeuppance for the person behind all that so-called paranormal phenomena. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Daws Butler provides the voice once again for the wacky titular bear. Between bouts of wit with Ranger Smith, Yogi juggles a little romance with Cindy Bear. Because of her fondness for Yogi, Cindy finds herself the victim of an evil circus impresario. He has her performing dangerous feats on a high wire while his demented pooch looks on with mad laughter. It is up to Yogi and his sidekick Boo Boo to save her. ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- 1963
An explosive situation develops when Cy Hudgins' pet goat Jimmy eats a box full of dynamite. The nervous Mayberryites spend the rest of the day gingerly tiptoeing around the goat, terrified that the animal will blow up "real good" at any moment. In the end, it is up to Barney to lead Jimmy out of town in a manner reminiscent of Hamelin's Pied Piper (or, in this case, Pied Harmonica Player). Forrest Lewis is cast as Hudgins, while Bing Russell, father of Kurt Russell, is seen as Burton. Written by Harvey Bullock, "The Loaded Goat" made its network TV debut on January 28, 1963. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Gomer is outraged when Barney, dressed in civilian clothes, gives him a ticket for making a U-turn. Barney imperiously declares that he is within his rights to make a citizen's arrest. When Barney makes the same illegal traffic maneuver, it is Gomer's turn to shout "Citizen's array-est! Citizen's array-est!"-thereby starting the ball rolling for a clash of egos which culminates in Barney's resignation. Written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, "Citizen's Arrest" was originally slated to air on December 9, 1963, but was moved to December 16 to accommodate "A Date for Gomer", which itself had been rescheduled from its original November 25 airdate. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Deputy Barney tickets the Governor's car for illegal parking-then thinks he's in for it when the governor himself prepares to visit Mayberry. Actually, the state's top executive is coming to congratulate Barney for doing his duty without showing any sort of favoritism. Alas, the nervous Barney is unaware of this impending honor, and while bemoaning his fate to town drunk Otis Campbell, the deputy inadvertently gets thoroughly "gassed" himself. First broadcast on January 7, 1963, "Barney and the Governor" was written by Bill Freedman and Henry Sharp. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Carl Benton Reid
- 1963
Andy learns to his chagrin that ex-convict Luke Comstock (Leo Gordon) is coming back to Mayberry. Inasmuch as Andy was responsible for sending Luke to jail, everyone in town fears the worst-none more so than Barney, who organizes local lunkheads Gomer Pyle and Billy Ray Belfast (Dub Taylor) into a "bodyguard committee" for Andy. But everyone is in for a surprise-including Luke. First shown on January 21, 1963, "High Noon in Mayberry" was written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Betty Rose (Carmen Phillips) is ticked off when her boyfriend, Dandy Arthur (Robert Loggia), returns from military service with a young wife named Mieko (Pilar Seurat) in tow. After "helpfully" warning Mieko that Dandy has a homicidal streak, Betty confronts her ex-beau, resulting in a violent argument which ends with Betty's death. For a while, Mieko refuses to believe that her husband might be responsible for the tragedy -- until she stumbles upon some evidence that may well sign her own death warrant. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Robert Loggia, Pilar Seurat, (more)
- 1963
Although it is the first anniversary of the day that the Flintstones adopted Dino as their pet, Fred and Wilma forget all about the occasion as they continue to lavish affection upon their newborn baby Pebbles. Heartbroken, Dino runs away from home, leading Fred and Barney on a not-so-merry chase. Ultimate, the boys come with Dino in tow...or at least, it sure looks like Dino. Watch for a "subtle" plug on behalf of Mattel Toys' new "Baby Pebbles" doll. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
As they watch their neighbors Fred and Wilma lavish affection on newborn daughter Pebbles, Barney and Betty wish that they could have a child of their own--in fact, they wish upon a falling star, and you know what THAT means! The next morning a baby is left on the Rubbles' doorstep, a child so precociously strong that the Rubbles name him Bamm-Bamm. Hoping to adopt the baby, Barney and Betty are thwarted by wealthy Bronto Berger, who hires famed attorney Perry Masonry to claim custody of Bamm-Bamm for himself. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Attending a bachelor party for a lodge buddy, Fred and Barney get so swept up in the spirit of things that they spend the night dancing with lampshades on their heads and cavorting (harmlessly) with a bevy of chorus girls. What the boys don't know is that their shenangians are being filmed by the staff of the television reality series "Peek-a-Boo Camera" (a spoof of the popular Candid Camera, of course). When they learn that the film will be shown on TV, a desperate Fred and Barney make certain that their wives don't witness their antics, first by disabling the television sets at the Flintstone and Rubble houses, then by removing all the TV antennas in Bedrock! Alas, our heroes have forgotten about a little fact of life known as "reruns." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
When a masked holdup man sneaks up behind Fred and orders him to take it "nice and slow" while he steals his wallet, Fred is so galvanized that he can't move a muscle! Although everyone tells him that he did the right thing by not challenging the crook, Fred can't shake the notion that he's a coward. To prove otherwise, our hero indulges in a variety of dangerous hobbies, but it isn't until he catches up with the holdup man again that Fred can finally convince himself that he's no chicken! ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Andy and Barney steel themselves for the impending arrival of State Investigator Somerset (Robert Cornthwaite), a man notorious for his intolerance of any deviation from rules and regulations. It is Andy's hope that Somerset will allocate extra funds to keep the Mayberry courthouse afloat. Unfortunately, Opie has brought a stray dog into the courthouse-and before long the building is home to eleven yapping and yelping hunting hounds. Written by Jim Fritzell and Everett Greenbaum, "Dogs, Dogs, Dogs" was originally broadcast on April 22, 1963. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1963
Opie loses his baseball on the grounds of the foreboding Rimshaw mansion, which is rumored to be haunted. Pooh-poohing this, Barney and Gomer gallantly offer to retrieve the ball, only to be frightened away by what seems to be a veritable army of spooks and goblins. It is up to Andy to uncover the source of all those moans, groans and rattling chains. First telecast on October 7, 1963, "The Haunted House" was written by Harvey Bullock. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Son of Flubber represented the first time that Walt Disney ever attempted a theatrical feature sequel: in this case, the earlier film was the 1961 moneyspinner The Absent-Minded Professor. While Flubber is more formula-bound than Professor, it proved an instant audience-pleaser, and a hit to the tune of nine million dollars. Fred MacMurray returns as professor Ned Brainerd, currently working on his new discovery, "dry rain." The comically destructive side effects of this discovery seemingly doom the professor to failure -- at least until the closing courtroom sequence -- but meanwhile he has better luck with Flubbergas, a byproduct of the antigravity glop he'd invented in the first film. In addition to MacMurray, Absent-Minded Professor alumni Nancy Olson, Keenan Wynn, Tommy Kirk, Leon Ames, Elliott Reid, Alan Carney, Gordon Jones, Forrest Lewis, and James Westerfield reprise their roles from the earlier film, while Ed Wynn shows up in a new guise as a nervous agricultural agent. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Fred MacMurray, Nancy Olson, (more)
- 1962
Bill Bixby guest-stars as the wealthy and spoiled-rotten Ronald Bailey. Arrested for sideswiping a produce truck with his expensive sportscar, young Bailey is tossed into the Mayberry jail by Andy and Barney. Far from chastened by his experience, the arrogant Ronald fully expects his influential father to bail him out-and to make Andy apologize for his insolence. Originally aired on January 15, 1962, "Bailey's Bad Boy" was written by Ben Gershman and Leo Solomon. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
