Bewitched: Season 03  (1966)

Theatrical Release Information:
Bewitched: Season 03

Season three of the fantasy sitcom Bewitched not only marks the series' switchover from black-and-white to color, but also introduces several new regular and recurring actors. Joining series stars Elizabeth Montgomery (as glamorous witch Samantha Stephens), Dick York (as Samantha's nervous mortal ad exec husband, Darrin Stephens) and Agnes Moorehead (as "Sam"'s overbearing witch mother) is child actress Erin Murphy, making her first appearance as Darrin and Sam's daughter, Tabitha, who purportedly was born halfway through season two. (Tabitha was previously portrayed by two sets of twin babies, Heidi and Laura Gentry and Tamar and Julie Young; and even after Erin Murphy was established in the role, she was occasionally spelled by her own twin sister, Diane Murphy.) Likewise added to the cast is Paul Lynde as Sam's Uncle Arthur, a wacky warlock devoted to practical jokes; and Bernard Fox as Dr. Bombay, a zany warlock physician who appears out of nowhere from time to time with a vast array of remedies to certain witch ailments. Additionally, two new actors are brought in to replace a couple of departing performers. Sandra Gould steps into the role of Darrin and Sam's nosy neighbor Gladys Kravitz, taking over from the late Alice Pearce. Also, Kasey Rogers replaces Irene Vernon in the recurring role of Louise Tate, the wife of Darrin Stephens' obstreperous boss, Larry Tate. Among the season's best episodes are those in which Sam's befuddled Aunt Clara (Marion Lorne), likewise a witch, accidentally conjures up famous historical characters. These include "Aunt Clara's Victoria Victory," guest-starring Jane Connell as Queen Victoria, and "My Friend Ben" and "Samantha for the Defense," both of which feature Fredd Wayne as Benjamin Franklin. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide