Tributes To Your Favorite Classic TV Stars (1 Viewer)

[DBF]

The Chuck Connors Birthday Memorial Continues Later Today.

 

[The 1960's]

A huge thank you goes out to Ashley @DBF for his wonderful Chuck Conners Birthday Memorial Biography this morning!!

Chuck Connors (April 10, 1921) Birthday Memorial

​

Today would have been the 103rd Birthday of a giant of a man, Chuck Conners. This is Part One (Chuck Conners Birthday Memorial) of a Two-Part Crossover introducing Michael Ansara as Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Buckhart. Part Two will continue on the 15th of this month with the Michael Ansara Birthday Memorial. Eight months after his appearance in this episode and four months after his second Rifleman appearance in The Raid (Jun.09.1959) he would star in the spinoff series Law Of The Plainsman (1959-1960). Images for this photo commentary were derived from MPI's Collection 2 rather than the Levy-Gardner-Laven release of Season One which is severely flawed, and have been inserted at the Thumb-Size to facilitate the best possible appearance.

The Rifleman S01E21 The Indian (Feb.17.1959)



Series Theme

Directed by
Arnold Laven
Writing Credits
Cyril Hume

Stars
Chuck Connors … Lucas McCain
Johnny Crawford … Mark McCain
Michael Ansara … Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Buckhart
Paul Fix … Micah Torrance
Herbert Rudley … Gorman
Lewis Charles … Slade
Mickey Simpson … Tub
Frank DeKova … Chief Hostay
Robert Chadwick … Eskimimzin
Eddie Little Sky … Apache Prisoner
Bill Quinn … Frank Sweeney
Jimmie Booth … Townsman (uncredited)
John Breen … Townsman (uncredited)
Archie Butler … Townsman (uncredited)
Rudy Doucette … Townsman (uncredited)
Leonard P. Geer … Yeah [rumbling]
Carol Henry … Townsman (uncredited)
Foster Hood … Indian (uncredited)
Whitey Hughes … Townsman (uncredited)
Ethan Laidlaw … Townsman (uncredited)
Hal Needham … Townsman (uncredited)
Milan Smith … Townsman (uncredited)
Vincent St. Cyr … Indian (uncredited)
Bob Woodward … Townsman (uncredited

Produced by
Arthur Gardner
Jules V. Levy
Music by
Herschel Burke Gilbert
Cinematography by
Howard Schwartz
Editing by
Sherman Todd
Casting By
Marjory McKay
Art Direction by
Bill Ross
Jan Van Tamelen
Set Decoration by
Budd Friend
Makeup Department
John Sylvester
Jay Sebring
Production Management
Robert E. Short
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Norman S. Powell
Sound Department
Norval D. Crutcher
Eugene Grossman
Stunts
Bobby Somers
Jesse Wayne
Costume and Wardrobe Department
Robert B. Harris
Editorial Department
Bernard W. Burton
Music Department
Al Friede
Additional Crew
Frank Baur
Marian Carpenter
Crew believed to be complete​

On a beautiful afternoon Mark and Lucas meet up with two Indians. Mark is hoping to see a real scalping.

Lucas McCain: Hold up Apache. What your aiming to do is not good. It’s against the law. You have a grievance against this man you tell the “White Man” authorities, let them punish proper savvy?
Sam Buckhart: This man is under arrest for attacking an unarmed man. When I’ve cleared up some other business in this area I’m taking him into Santa Fe. Now if you’ll excuse us.
Lucas McCain: Wait a minute, you’re speaking proper English doesn’t give you the right to do any arrestin’.
Sam Buckhart: Yes sir, Sam Buckhart. Native-American aboriginal of the Chiricahua Apache. I’m deputy United States Marshall for this district. Incidentally I learned to speak proper English as well as a great deal about American laws by going to a school. Maybe your boy will go there, yeow, Harvard College.
Mark McCain: An Indian Marshall, what’s this world coming to?
Lucas McCain: Well, Harvard or no Harvard, I hope he knows enough not to parade his authority in North Folk.

​

Lucas fears for Buckhart’s life as his first stop is the North Fork Saloon. There he meets up with Gorman (Herbert Rudley) the biggest Indian hater in town and new property owner. However Buckhart conceals his Indian identity by hiding his long hair inside his cowboy hat. Gorman offers him a drink but being on duty Sam declines.

​

Lucas and the people of North Fork soon learn about Buckhart, who he is and precisely what he stands for.

Gorman: To Sam Buckhart boys, the kind of federal man we’ve all been waiting for. Proof’s right outside, that prisoner’s of his sittin’ there ugly and dirty waitin’ to meet his maker, thanks to the Marshall here.

​

Gorman: Somethin’ I want you to know Marshall, I bought the McCloud ranch at this mornings auction. With it I feel I’ve acquired a kinda special interest in the special investigation you’re conducting here sir a sense of obligation you might say. I won’t feel happy about that property until you found the stinking savage who burned out the last owner. I wanna be there in person to see him hang.
Buckhart: If he’s guilty he’ll hang.
Gorman: Why he’s guilty alright , he’s an Indian ain’t he?
Townsman: That’s proof of that.
Buckhart: Mr. Gorman. Does not an Indian’s eye’s, hands, organs, senses affections fed with the same food, hurt with the same weapons warmed and cooled by the same summer and winter as a White Man is? If you prick him, does he not bleed? If you tickle him does he not laugh? And if you wrong him, will he not revenge?
Lucas: That kind of talk Buckhart you must hate White Men till it hurts your insides.
Buckhart: Hate? McCain I was fourteen in the war against the Whites. In my first battle I found a wounded Captain behind a rock. He was an old man. I had my knee in his breastbone, his thin gray hair in my hand. I looked into his eyes and I could see, he was gonna die bravely. I noticed his throat where the sun hadn’t reached. I couldn’t take his scalp. Suddenly I saw that White flesh as softer and weaker than my Indian flesh. I’m sorry
Lucas: Quite alright Marshall.
Buckhart: I brought the Captain back to Fort Huachuca. For 5 days and nights I held him in a saddle finding him food and water. During that time we became friends. About two years later the Captain died in a Kuatera ambush. He left me a great fortune. Tuition and expenses if I would go to Harvard College where he had graduated.
Buckhart: Does that answer your question?
Lucas: Good luck Buckhart.
Buckhart: Thank you McCain.

​

Mark mistakenly reveals that Buchart is an Indian while Tub (Mickey Simpson) overhears him.

​

Tub: Hold up your bridges boys I got news for ya. I just heared dat dat there Marshall you been buttering out there ain’t nothin’ but a pigeon-footed Chiricahua.
Gorman: Come on.
Tub: You yourself said he points with a stinkin’ chin.
Gorman: No, no!
Tub: The McCain kid out there just spilled the beans
Frank Sweeney: Sure he’s too darn complacement to be a White.
Gorman: I drunk with an Apache. I drunk with an Apache. [Spits] Which glass did he use?
Frank Sweeney: Well they’re washing them they’re all mixed up.
Gorman: Put ‘em on a tray, every last one of them. Go on pile ‘em up every last one of them.

Gorman and all the men at the saloon proceed to blast every glass to smithereeens.

Buckhart learns from his Apache prisoner that the drunkart, Slade (Lewis Charles), is actually the guilty party.

​

Lucas and Buckhart butt heads about how Sam intends to take Slade to trail. They realize each is equally stubborn in their ways.

​

It’s now Buckhart vs the town of North Fork as he arrests Slade for murder. Gorman claims he hasn’t the authority to do so.

​

Tub shoots off his hat exposing his Indian heritage.

​

A lynch mob intends to string up Buckhart.

Sam Buckhart: In the name of the law I order you to stop where you are and go peaceably to your own homes.

Lucas steps in. He has an idea. A bit of reverse psychology.

Lucas: That’s right men don’t listen to him. Buckhart maybe you know, savvy? Look Indian, we the people of North Fork refuse to acknowledge your jurisdiuction or authority. Right?
Townfolk: Yeah! [rumbling]

Lucas: We the people of North Fork have decided to take the law into our own hands.
Townfolk: Yeah! [rumbling]

Lucas: Still no savvy huh? Well Marshall Torrance knows what it means. It means he’s through because it goes for him too. You hear me Torrance, you’re through. We’re the law here now, right?
Townfolk: Yeah! [rumbling]

Lucas: So I’m ordering you to put down that shotgun. Put it down! Stubborn huh? Alright, hey Tod, Tod Elman. You take ‘em, here use my rifle.

Lucas: Well go on Tod you’ve got a score to settle with Torrance. Remember the time you were all liquered up and you tried to take ‘ole Jackford and his boys single-handed and Torrance pulled you of and sat on you before you could really get hurt?

Go on Tod, put a hole right through his mean old hide.

Lucas: Well go on. You want my boy there to think you’re a coward?
[Hands rifle back to Lucas]

Lucas: Are we gonna have a lynching here today or ain’t we? Are we gonna let these so called peace Marshalls take our good friend Slade to trail just because he burned down a cabin with a sleeping man and his wife in it?

Gorman: Boys, come on back here.
Lucas: Well come on back here you men I’m not through talking yet! Come on back! You don’t expect me to stand up to them alone do ya?
Gorman: Come on back here!

Lucas: [Takes deep breath]

Slade exposes Gorman as being complicit.

Lucas McCain

​

Perhaps the greatest and most endearing father-son relationship in Classic Television was the one between Lucas and Mark McCain played beautifully by Johnny Crawford who passed away just short of 3 years ago at age 75. It certainly tempered the guns and violence and was a big part of the series.

Closing Credits

You can stream it here.



Related Media

Outtakes from The Rifleman



The Loretta Young Show (1953-1961)

S02E18 The Girl Who Knew (Jan.02.1955)
Stars Loretta Young Chuck Connors Roy Roberts​

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Familiar TV faces abound in this fanciful dramedy about a woman's ability to know the time without a watch challenged by a watch company's efforts to use a conceited employee's charms to discredit her.

Boy with a Knife (1956)
Stars Richard Widmark Mae Clarke Chuck Connors Ken Osmond Tommy Ivo Joseph Mell Peter Miles Sammy Ogg Arthur Space​

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Jerry, an "at-risk" young man, uses his knife as an "equalizer" to solve his frustrations stemming from his unhappy home, which is dominated by his stepmother. A group worker reaches Jerry and helps him to transcend his anger. Director: Laslo Benedek. Narrator: Richard Widmark. With Chuck Connors.

Tomahawk Trail Western (1957)
Stars Chuck Connors John Smith Susan Cummings​

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An incompetent cavalry lieutenant leads his patrol into an Apache ambush on the Tomahawk Trail, gets wounded in a skirmish, and loses the command to his sergeant.

What's My Line? (1950-1967)

S11E02 Branch Rickey & June Allyson (Sep.13.1959)
Stars Arlene Francis Chuck Connors Dorothy Kilgallen​

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Branch Rickey; June Allyson; Chuck Connors [panel]



S12E04 Red Skelton (Sep.25.1960)
Stars Dorothy Kilgallen Chuck Connors Arlene Francis​

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Red Skelton; Chuck Connors [panel].



Geronimo (1962)
Stars Chuck Connors Kamala Devi Pat Conway​

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In 1880s Arizona, General Crook and his troops are trying to subdue the last tribe of Apache led by Geronimo.



Dodge Pickup Truck Commercial (1976)



The Night They Took Miss Beautiful (1977)
Stars Gary Collins Chuck Connors Henry Gibson​

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Criminals hijack an airplane that not only carries a dangerous organism that is to be used in bacterial warfare, but also five beauty contest finalists.

Johnny Crawford (1983)
Profile & interview with Chuck Connors remarks.



Chuck Connors' Winchester (2015)



Chuck Connors! Ben Johnson! Audie Murphy! Amanda Blake! Dale Robertson! Legends with Steve Stevens (2023)



The Rifleman/ Chuck Connors- A Fathers Day Tribute



Happy Birthday Chuck Conners, In Memory

The Part Two Crossover Michael Ansara Birthday Memorial Continues April 15th​

 

[ponset]

From the WHEELER DEALERS with Lee Remick.

 

[Doug Wallen]

A beautiful sunny Sunday afternoon here in the Heart of Georgia (Macon) where I plan to pay tribute to a quality character actor.

Bradford Dillman
April 14, 1930

​

Bradford Dillman was born on April 14, 1930, in San Francisco, the son of Dean Dillman, a stockbroker, and Josephine (née Moore). Bradford's paternal grandparents were Charles Francis Dillman and Stella Borland Dean. He studied at Town School for Boys and St. Ignatius High School. He later attended the Hotchkiss School in Connecticut, where he became involved with school theatre productions. While at Yale University, he enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve in 1948. While a student, he was a member of the Yale Dramatic Association, Fence Club, Torch Honor Society, The Society of Orpheus and Bacchus, WYBC and Berzelius. He graduated from Yale in 1951 with a BA in English Literature.

After graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps as an officer candidate, training at Parris Island. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Marine Corps in September 1951. As he was preparing to deploy to the war in Korea, his orders were changed, and he spent the rest of his time in the Marine Corps, from 1951 to 1953, teaching communication in the Instructors' Orientation Course. He was discharged in 1953 with the rank of first lieutenant.

Studying with the Actors Studio, Dillman spent several seasons apprenticing with the Sharon, Connecticut Playhouse before making his professional acting debut in The Scarecrow in 1953. (from Wikipedia)

There have always been actors that moved effortlessly between films and televisions. One such actor is Bradford Dillman. Whatever roles he has played, he always wore each role well. He is one of those actors who just seems perfect whenever he was cast.

I first took notice of him in the 70's in several films. He was a sympathetic Zoo veterinarian, Dr. Lewis Dixon, who learned that Cornelius and Zira have the ability to speak in Escape From The Planet Of The Apes. I was greatly intrigued by the Apes series of films (always playing at the local downtown theater on weekends). In order to help save their expected child, Dr. Dixon contacts circus owner Armando (Ricardo Montalban) to foil the evil Dr. Hasslein (Eric Braeden). I was crushed when the good doctor gave his life at the end of the film. Watching the credits, I noted his name.

I next saw him on the big screen in The Enforcer as Dirty Harry's Captain. He is the Captain who saddled Harry with newly minted Inspector Kate Moore (Tyne Daly). We surely remember how this one ends.

As he was appearing in various features, he also found plenty of time for many appearances in classic television. He has 142 imdb credits scattered between films and television. Since I have been a dvd/blu-ray collector since 1997, I have uncovered many of his classic tv appearances as well as one ultra creepy film role in Orson Welles' 1959 true life docudrama about the Leopold-Loeb murder case, Compulsion. His appearance as Arthur Strauss was evil personified. He played the mastermind so well and apparently had absolutely no scruples or conscience. Exceptional and chilling performance.

His television performances were all of an extremely high caliber as were his film performances. He appeared in many of our favorite series. I have found some images of him. They are posted below. Hard to pick out a favorite, but he is memorable in the Alfred Hitchcock shows, The Big Valley, Murder, She Wrote, Mission:Impossible and so many others.

Alfred Hitchcock as a character following actress Barbara Barrie.

The Big Valley

Wild Wild West

Marcus Welby

Mission:Impossible

Dan August

Kingston: Confidential and

The Mary Tyler Moore Show.

With so many credits, seems he was in most everything.

It is always so enjoyable when watching classic television and see one of your favorite performers guest starring. The nice perks of having time to visit with old “friends”. Thanks Bradford, for making classic television, quality television.

 

[The 1960's]

Arlene Martel (April 14, 1936) Birthday Memorial
​

Arlene Martel (born Arline Greta Sax; April 14, 1936 – August 12, 2014) was an American actress. Before 1964, she was frequently billed as Arline Sax or Arlene Sax. Casting directors, among other Hollywood insiders, called Martel the Chameleon because her appearance and her proficiency with accents and dialects enabled her to portray characters of a wide range of races and ethnicities. Martel was born Arline Sax in The Bronx and attended the Performing Arts High School in New York…Continue @ Wikipedia

Today would have been the 88th Birthday of Arlene Martel but sadly she passed away almost 10 years ago. I always found this beautiful talented woman to be a chameleon, playing many classic television roles seemingly shape shifting both her appearance and persona with ease. I had intended on doing a deep dive into one of my very favorite appearances, Have Gun Will Travel S04E19 The Princess and the Gun Fighter (Jan.21.1961) but ultimately, as my Tribute today I decided to do a Photo Montage featuring her most stunning visual roles. I hope you all enjoy!

Have Gun Will Travel (1957-1963)
S04E19 The Princess and the Gun Fighter (Jan.21.1961)
As Princess Alisna Sarafina (as Arline Sax)
​

Highly philosophical episode where Paladin never fires a single shot as he rescues and then acts as a guide for fairy Princess Alisna Sarafina (Arlene Martel-Sax).

The Untouchables (1959-1963)
S02E06 A Seat on the Fence (Nov.24.1960)
As Carla Patrone (as Arlene Sax)​

Eliot Ness is trying to find out who has been stealing drugs from hospitals. Meanwhile Joseph Anthony places a hit on Dino Patrone who deals in narcotics. When Dino get rubbed out, sister Carla is in danger. John McIntire guest-stars as a radio journalist.

The Untouchables (1959-1963)
S03E04 The Genna Brothers (Nov.02.1961)
As Stella Giovanni (as Arline Sax)
​

Ness is focused on breaking up the powerhold of the six vicious Genna brothers. Meanwhile bad-girl Stella Giovanni is dating the worst of the brothers, Emilio Genna.

The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
S02E17 Twenty Two (Feb.10.1961)
As Nurse in Morgue (as Arline Sax)
​

Stripper Liz Powell is recovering in a hospital from a nervous breakdown. She has nightmares about the hospital morgue in room 22.

Room For One More, Honey

Route 66 (1960-1964)
S01E25 The Newborn (May.05.1961)
As Kawna Ivy (as Arline Sax)
​

Tod and Buz try to help Kawna Ivy, a pregnant Indian woman, (Arlene Martel-Sax) escape from her ruthless father-in-law (Robert Duvall).

The Outer Limits (1963-1965)
S02E05 Demon with a Glass Hand (Oct.17.1964)
As Consuelo Biros (as Arline Martel)
​

The fate of the human race depends on an amnesiac man and a missing piece in his computer glass hand.

The Man from UNCLE (1964-1968)
S01E13 The King of Knaves Affair (Dec.22.1964)
As Gemma Lusso
​

Solo and Kuryakin must foil the plot of a deposed leader of a Middle Eastern nation who is returning to his home country with the intent of becoming it’s new ruler.

To Be Continued​

 

[The 1960's]

Star Trek (1966-1969)
S02E01 Amok Time (Sep.15.1967)
As T’Pring​

Mr. Spock’s behavior is puzzling to the crew of the Enterprise. The only thing he reveals to Captain Kirk is that he must return to his home planet of Vulcan. Once there it all becomes clear when we learn he has been promised a mating partner T’Pring! (Arlene Martel). Lucky bastard!

The Wild Wild West (1965-1969)
S03E09 The Night of the Circus of Death (Nov.03.1967)
As Erika Clip​

Counterfeiting is an art form and a crime when masterfully forged bills appear in circulation. West and Gordon must catch the forgers to prevent the collapse of the U.S. economy from a flood of nearly perfect counterfeit bills.

Mission: Impossible (1966-1973)
S04E20 Terror (Feb.15.1970)
As Atheda​

Still relevant plot involving the Middle East and terrorism as Barney and Willy play inside roles. Arlene Martel never looked sexier as Atheda.

McCloud (1970-1977)
S02E04 The Disposal Man (Dec.29.1971)
As Linda Farley​

McCloud is tipped off by a retired hit-man about about a sniper in New York trying to kill a millionaire.

The Rockford Files (1974-1980)
S04E02 Trouble in Chapter 17 (Sep.23.1977)
As Marty Bach (As Tasha Martell)​

Ann Louise, an author (Claudette Nevins) who hires Jim because she thinks someone (feminists who hate her book--"Forever Feminine") is trying to kill her.

Arlene Martel Related Media

Emergency Ward (1959) [KTLA] ​

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No information exists at either Wikipedia or IMDb about this series beyond what is written by the YouTube account which uploaded it. It is quite interesting seeing many familiar faces including Ron Howard and Arlene Martel.

Extortion (1959)​

Stars Arlene Martel (uncredited) Vincent Hayworth Bill Quinn Jeanne Tatum Nora Marlowe Paul Clark Michael Keep Vincent Padula Jow Downing Jeno Mate Bob Paquin Jay Weston Robert Dornan

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Local Los Angeles (KTLA) Television Show. It appears this was Arlene Martel's third acting role. It's a really terrible medical drama that almost comes off as a comedy.

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The Outer Limits (1963-1965)
S02E05 Demon with a Glass Hand (Oct.17.1964)
Stars Robert Culp Arlene Martel Abraham Sofaer​

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Continuance of the human race against alien invaders depends on a man with an incomplete glass computer hand and no memory of his past.

Angels From Hell (1968)
Stars Tom Stern Ted Markland Jack Starrett Arlene Martel​

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A destructive ex-motorcycle gang leader comes home from Vietnam to resume his life. His desire to form a powerful gang has the police running scared. But, will he succeed...

Arlene Martel - Reflections

​

After viewing so many of Arlene Martel’s 74 film credits, some I’d seen before and others only recently, it became crystal clear the majority of her appearances were some of the best in each respective series. Perhaps she carefully chose her roles or her agent did. In other cases I have no doubt her presence, her stellar acting and beauty elevated the stories she appeared in. One thing is for sure, we were all very fortunate to be able to enjoy and treasure her performances in our lifetimes. Happy Birthday to you Ms. Martel, you will never be forgotten!

Upcoming Tributes April 2024

April 15th Michael Ansara Birthday Memorial
April 15th Elizabeth Montgomery Birthday Memorial (TBD)
April 16th Peter Mark Richman Birthday Memorial
April 18th James Drury Birthday Memorial
April 19th Elinor Donahue 87th Birthday Tribute
April 23rd Lee Majors Birthday Tribute
April 24th Michael Parks Birthday Memorial
April 27th Jack Klugman Birthday Memorial
April 30th Al Lewis Birthday Memorial

 

[ScottRE]

MICHAEL ANSARA BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE​

Michael George Ansara (April 15, 1922 – July 31, 2013) was an American actor. He portrayed Cochise in the television series Broken Arrow 1956-1958, Kane in the 1979–1981 series Buck Rogers in the 25th Century, Commander Kang in Star Trek: The Original Series and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Deputy U.S. Marshal Sam Buckhart in the NBC series Law of the Plainsman, and provided the voice for Mr. Freeze in the DC Animated Universe. Ansara received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his work in the television industry, located at 6666 Hollywood Boulevard.

Star Trek
“Day of the Dove”
Written by Jerome Bixby
Directed by Marvin Chomsky

Starring William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForrest Kelley
Featuring James Doohan, Walter Koenig, Nichelle Nichols and George Takei.

Guest Starring Michael Ansara as Kan and Susan Howard as Mara.​

Responding to a distress call from Beta XII-A, a landing party from the USS Enterprise beams down to the planet. They find no trace that there ever was a human colony on the planet, nor any indication of any attack. Dr. McCoy reminds Kirk that whoever sent the distress call claimed they were under attack by an unidentified starship. From the bridge of the orbiting Enterprise, Spock hails the captain and reports that a Klingon battle cruiser is approaching. Sulu determines that the Klingon vessel is totally disabled, but the Enterprise never fired upon it. A team of Klingons beams to the planet and Commander Kang, the leader of the team, smacks Kirk in the face with his disruptor, knocking Kirk to the ground.

KANG: You attacked my ship! Four hundred of my crew dead. Kirk, my ship is disabled. I claim yours. You are now prisoners of the Klingon Empire against which you have committed a wanton act of war!

So begins what is easily the last great episode of classic Star Trek and one of my all time favorites. Michael Ansara brings to Kang intelligence, dignity, and incredible intensity. He is a perfect match for William Shatner (who is a little unhinged here - but rightly so) and one of Kirk’s greatest adversaries. On par easily with Ricardo Montalban and John Colicos, Ansara dominates every scene is in and creates an unforgettable character. Kang was popular enough to bring back as an older (and updated) version in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager. To this day, I wish he was brought in for the villain role in Star Trek IV: The Undiscovered Country.

The episode is exceptionally written; a commentary on the futility of war, how soldiers are manipulated into killing for the good of a higher organization’s ideals, and how mutual cooperation can give even the most hated enemies common ground. The title refers to the “hawks” and “doves” of the Viet Nam era, with the “Doves” wanting peace and the “Hawks” advocating war. Sadly, the meaning of the title diminished over the decades as the term has fallen out of popular use.

While Khan is widely considered Kirk’s greatest enemy – a point hammered home by the franchise’s refusal to stop using the character or his descendants - I find Kang to be a much more compelling adversary. Kirk and Kang are equals. Both starship commanders and contemporaries and Kang still takes over the ship – much more quickly than Khan did and all without making Kirk look like an idiot. Ansara’s chemistry with Susan Howard (Mara) is tight and her turn to help Kirk doesn’t mean betrayal of Kang. She merely recognizes the need to cooperate to defeat a common enemy. The alien is manipulating them from the moment the landing party beams down, so everyone is on edge from the start. The hijacking of the Enterprise is well done and Kirk's revenge punch is a great moment. McCoy flips out, Scotty freaks, Spock nearly caves the guy's head in and Shatner loses is $hit. Chekov going on his rampage is chilling and his thwarted rape of Mara is edgy and very uncomfortable. Everything in this episode works for me and while the regulars are unable to control themselves, Kang is quiet, controlled, menacing. And not only do we get so many Klingons, we get the makeup just right. They haven't looked this good in seasons.

The rest of the season still has a couple of gems, but this is, I feel, the apex of the season. If Freiberger had reason to be proud of any one episode, this would certainly be one of the top picks.

 

[ScottRE]

Michael Ansara had a long resume, starring as Cochese in the series Broken Arrow (1956-1958) and surfing the guest star wave on nearly every series on the air. He acted in all four of Irwin Allen’s sci-f shows, clocking in two appearances each on Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (as well as appearing in the 1961 film the series was based on) and The Time Tunnel and one each on Lost in Space and Land of the Giants. Over on I Dream of Jeannie, where he was married to star Barbara Eden, Ansara guested three times as the Blue Djinn, King Kamehameha, and Biff Jellico.

On the sci-f front, he played Qarlo in the classic story “Soldier” in the second season of The Outer Limits. He also took over the recurring role of Kane from Henry Silva in Buck Rogers in the 25th Century also appeared in an episode of Babylon 5.

Ansara was married three times, first to actress Jean Byron in 1955; the couple divorced in 1956. In 1958, Ansara married Barbara Eden, who co-starred with him in Irwin Allen's Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea. The couple had a son, Matthew Ansara. Ansara and Eden divorced in 1974, and he married actress Beverly Kushida in 1977. On June 25, 2001, his son Matthew died from a drug overdose in Monrovia, California. Ansara was a Greek Orthodox Christian.

Ansara died from complications of Alzheimer's disease at his home in Calabasas on July 31, 2013, at the age of 91. His interment is at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills of Los Angeles, next to his son Matthew.










For this great actor, who is all over the classic TV landscape, we wish a very happy birthday.

 

[The 1960's]

Part Two Crossover Continues

Michael Ansara (April 15, 1922) Birthday Memorial

Law Of The Plainsman (1959-1960)

Series Theme

Law of the Plainsman is a Western television series starring Michael Ansara that aired on NBC from October 1, 1959, until September 22, 1960. The character of Native American U.S. Marshal Sam Buckhart was introduced in two episodes ("The Indian" and “S01E38 The Raid") of the popular ABC Western television series The Rifleman starring Chuck Connors. As with The Rifleman, this series was produced by Four Star Productions in association with Levy-Gardner-Laven Productions. Law of the Plainsman is distinctive in that it was one of the few television programs that featured a Native American as the lead character, a bold move for U.S. network television at that time. Ansara had earlier appeared in the series Broken Arrow, having portrayed the Apache chief, Cochise. Ansara, however, was not Native American but of Lebanese descent…Continue @ Wikipedia

This is a series that was mostly unknown to me until a fellow HTF member sent me 24 of the 30 episodes which I'm absolutely loving. It had to be a groundbreaking premise for it’s time with Michael Ansara as Sam Buckhart, an Apache Indian who was gifted a financial reward for saving the life of a U.S. Cavalry officer in an Indian Ambush. He took that money to educate himself into the world of the White Man by attending Harvard University. He then returned to his home in New Mexico and became a Deputy Marshal working under Marshal Andy Morrison.

S01E01 Prairie Incident (Oct.11.1959)

Directed by
Douglas Heyes
Writing Credits
Harry Kronman

Stars
Michael Ansara … Deputy Marshal Sam Buckhart
Dayton Lummis ... Marshal Andy Morrison
Gina Gillespie … Tess Wilkins
Nora Marlowe … Martha Commager
Richard Devon ... Johnny Varga
Harry Swoger ... Hobey Jarrod
William D. Gordon ... Deke
Pat O'Malley … Old Man
John Rice ... Townsman (uncredited)
Rick Warick … Townsman (uncredited)

Produced by
Arthur Gardner
Arnold Laven
Jules V. Levy
Arthur H. Nadel
Peter Packer
Music by
Leonard Rosenman
Cinematography by
Glen MacWilliams
Editing by
Milton Shifman
Casting By
James Lister
Lynn Stalmaster
Art Direction by
Gibson Holley
Bill Ross
Set Decoration by
Jack Briggs
Makeup Department
Karl Herlinger
Production Management
Bruce Fowler Jr.
Jack Sonntag
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Lloyd Allen
Sound Department
Frank H. Wilkinson
Costume and Wardrobe Department
Robert B. Harris
Editorial Department
Bernard W. Burton
Music Department
Herschel Burke Gilbert
Additional Crew
Marian Carpenter​

Continuing cross-over from the Chuck Conners-The Rifleman Tribute, the story begins with the introduction of Sam Buckhart as he discovers a murdered man. The man’s daughter, a little girl named Tess Wilkins, (Gina Gillespie) was found huddled in his wagon.

​

Considering the violent nature known to westerns of that era, a very touching interaction ensues. He’s able to gain the trust of Tess after burying her father and saying prayers at his grave.

Tess

​

Sam convinces Tess to accompany him to Santa Fe where he finds someone to take care of her.

There they search for two outlaws, one of whom is bonafide psychotic Johnny Varga, (the perfectly cast Richard Devon). Tess follows Varga into the local saloon and tells Sam that he’s the one who murdered her father and that she will identify him. [Gina Gillespie, now 72 years young, was discovered by Alfred Hitchcock. Best known for this series and for her roles in What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? (1962) and Shirley Temple's Storybook (1958) I will always remember her as Jenny Ammory in The Fugitive “The Witch” (1963).]

After Tess runs away Sam blames himself. He’s certain Varga has something to do with her disappearance.

Closing Credits

You can stream it here. (The Entire Series Here)





Law Of The Plainsman Introductions …

The Rifleman S01E21 The Indian (Feb.17.1959)



The Rifleman S01E37 The Raid (Jun.09.1959)



Michael Ansara Related Media

Hawkeye and the Last of the Mohicans (1957)

S01E01Hawkeye’s Homecoming (Apr.03.1957)
Stars John Hart Lon Chaney Jr. Michael Ansara​

---

Hawkeye finds out that his brother has joined the British army and is now a "redcoat". However, when he is murdered by a treacherous Indian companion, Hawkeye seeks revenge.

Broken Arrow (1956-1958)

S01E02 The Raiders (Dec.25.1956)
Stars John Lupton Michael Ansara Leo Gordon​

---

Area commodity providers conduct raids which turn deadly disguised as Aravaipa Apaches to foment conflict and draw military into the area and so gain profit from the increased presence of troops.

S01E09 Return From the Shadows (Dec.04.1956)
Stars John Lupton Michael Ansara Robert Cornthwaite​

---

An Army lieutenant who lured five Indians into a trap using a flag of truce and then disappeared returns afters several years. He now has to face the only Indian who survived the trap---Cochise.

---

The Outer Limits (1963-1965)

S02E01 Soldier (Sep.19.1964
Stars Lloyd Nolan Michael Ansara Tim O'Connor​

---

A crossfire of energies accidentally sends two warring soldiers from the 38th Century into the distant past of 1964.

Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1964-1968)

S2E15 Killers of the Deep (Jan.02.1966)
Stars Richard Basehart David HedisonMichael Ansara​

---

By air Nelson and Crane pursue a mysterious submarine stealing nuclear missiles. Their craft is shot down and Crane is captured. Nelson, recovered by a Navy destroyer, is bent on destroying the sub, not realizing Crane is on board.

The Destructors (1966)
Stars Richard Egan Patricia Owens John Ericson​

---

Foreign agents are after a substance called "laser rubies" that can power a killer laser beam. Government agents are dispatched to protect the rubies and eliminate the foreign agents.



Celebrity Bowling (1971-1977)

S01E02 Michael Ansara & Dick Martin vs. Leslie Nielsen & Jimmie Walker (Nov.13.1976)
Stars Jed Allan Michael Ansara Dick Martin​

---

Jimmie Walker and Michael Ansara vs. Dick Martin and Leslie Nielsen.



The Doll Squad (1973)
Stars Michael Ansara Francine York Anthony Eisley​

---

Squad of beautiful government agents tries to catch saboteurs.



Happy Birthday Michael Ansara, In Memory​

 

[Bryan^H]

I love all these tributes!
Chuck Conners, James Garner, and Buddy Ebsen (among others) are just fantastic!
I haven't had the time to read all of them but will do so soon.
Keep up the great work everyone.

 

[ponset]

Thank You all for the Bradford Dillman, Arlene Martel and Michael Ansara Tributes.

Enjoy Martel on Hogan's Heroes playing "Tiger". Underground French Resistance Fighter.

Ansara was the perfect voice for Mr. Freeze on BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES.

 

[DBF]

James Drury Birthday Memorial - (April 18, 1934 – April 6, 2020)

Biography from https://www.thevirginian.net/bio.html

JAMES CHILD DRURY was born April 18, 1934 in New York City, where his father was a Professor of Marketing at New York University. When James was six weeks old, his mother, a native of Oregon, and the family went to the home ranch. There were many trips back and forth from their home in New York and Oregon. Through the years he spent a great deal of his boyhood on the family ranch. Jim grew up with a love for horses and the outdoor life. His maternal grandfather taught him woodsman skills and marksmanship and was a great influence on the shaping of his values.

The acting bug first bit Jim at the age of 8, when he played King Herod in a children’s Christmas play. He made his professional acting debut at the age of 12 in a touring company of ‘Life With Father’. Trained as a classical actor at New York University and credited with 12 major Shakespeare roles and 18 major Shaw roles, Jim left the theatre in New York and went to Hollywood in 1954.

He worked in such classic films as ‘Blackboard Jungle’, ‘Forbidden Planet’, ‘The Tender Trap’, ‘Love Me Tender’, ‘The Last Wagon’, ‘Pollyanna’, ‘Ride the High Country’ and many others. Jim was guest star in numerous television series like ‘Playhouse 90′, ‘Gunsmoke’, ‘Rifleman’, ‘Cheyenne’, ‘Alfred Hitchcock Presents’, ‘Wagon Train’, ‘Rawhide’, ‘Death Valley Days’, before being chosen for the role of ‘The Virginian’ in 1962.

Averaging thirty 90-minute episodes a season, The Virginian series had one of the most demanding production schedules in TV history. “There were times when we had five Virginian episodes shooting on the same day,” he recalls. “I would literally ride on horseback from set to set to give two lines here, three lines there, then over here to do 10 pages of script.”

After portraying ‘The Virginian’ for nine years, he returned to the theatre across the U.S. in the ’70s. His stage credits are diverse with not only Shakespeare and George Bernard Shaw, but also a long line of well-known classics such as ‘The Odd Couple’, ‘The Rainmaker’, ‘A Thousand Clowns’, ‘Once More with Feeling’, ‘Forty Karats’, and ‘Prisoner of Second Avenue’ just to name a few. In 1974, he starred in television series ‘Firehouse’.

In 1991, James Drury was inducted into the Hall of Great Western Performers at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City.

Jim has appeared as Special Guest in numerous films and television shows like ‘Alias Smith and Jones’ (1971), ‘The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. (1993), ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ (1993), ‘Kung Fu: TLC’ (1994 and 1995), the film ‘The Virginian’ (2000) and ‘Hell to Pay’ (2005). Known for his distinctive voice, he has done many documentaries and audio books.

Mr. Drury held rank of Lieutenant Commander in the United States Naval Reserve and participated in many recruiting films and public appearances for the Navy. Mr. Drury’s interests are many. An avid sportsman, he enjoys scuba diving, tennis, golf, snow skiing, sailing. He has competed successfully in Cutting Horse Competitions, as well as Polo and Dressage.

James Drury has been a regular participant in shooting sports such as skeet, trap and cowboy shooting. Jim says, “Cowboy Action Shooting is the best way I know to promote our Second Amendment rights. It teaches all kinds of people; men and women, young and old, to handle firearms and shoot safely and responsibly. We share a sense of history and connection with the Old West.”

James Drury, 85, resided in Houston, TX. He passed away April 6, 2020. His beloved wife of over 40 years, Carl Ann, passed away in August 2019. Not considering himself in the least bit as retired, he had an extensive traveling schedule to Western Events, Festivals and Autograph Shows across the country speaking about the West and how cowboy values shaped our country and how those values still hold true to those who will adhere to them.

 

[The 1960's]

Elinor Donahue (April 19, 1937) 87th Birthday Tribute​

Elinor Donahue’s career began very early at age 6 in the comedy film Mister Big (1943) and she had quite a formidable list of credits ranging from motion pictures through classic television for a total 112 appearances across nearly 7 decades! But it wasn’t until 1954 at age 17 did she land what would be her signature role in Father Knows Best. She portrayed the eldest sister of three siblings, Betty Anderson. Her role continued for 6 seasons until 1960.

Father Knows Best (1954-1960)



Series Theme

S02E30 Betty Girl Engineer (Apr.11.1956)

Directed by
William D. Russell
Writing Credits
Ed James
Roswell Rogers

Stars
Robert Young … Jim Anderson
Jane Wyatt … Margaret Anderson
Elinor Donahue ... Betty Anderson
Billy Gray … Bud Anderson
Lauren Chapin … Kathy Anderson
Roger Smith ... Doyle Hobbs
Jack Harris … Mr. Glover (uncredited)
Yvonne Lime … Dottie Snow (uncredited)
Leon Tyler … Freddie Beacham (uncredited)
John Linn Scott … (uncredited * uncredited)

Produced by
Eugene B. Rodney
Cinematography by
Frank G. Carson
Art Direction by
Robert Peterson
Set Decoration by
Louis Diage
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Louis B. Appleton Jr.
Art Department
Richard Lawrence
Camera and Electrical Department
Val O'Malley
Editorial Department
Richard Fantl
Script and Continuity Department
Winnie Rich
Additional Crew
Frederick Briskin​

There are so so many great “Betty Anderson” (Elinor Donahue) episodes it was a very difficult task picking just one. Generally but not always, if you look for Betty’s name in the episode title you can’t go wrong. I’ve chosen the following episode because it has a notable male guest-star who served as the love interest for Betty Anderson. What’s absurd is that this particular Father Knows Best episode, the Thirtiest of the Second Season entitled Betty Girl Engineer, only received an IMDb 5.2. Obviously a number of reviewers must have gotten their panties all bunched up because the topic involves women’s job inequality back in the 1950’s. Well, it is what it is, get over it and enjoy the hilarity for what it’s worth, or don’t. It‘s a wonderful, clever and very funny story easily deserving of at least an 8.5 rating. Perhaps the individuals who took part in rating this classic episode had no idea just how much influence it would have soon after it aired back in 1956 and in the coming years. See also Betty, Girl Engineer A Look Back as FHWA Celebrates National Women's Month.

After attending a course about vocational lectures, Betty has decided to become an Engineer.

Betty Anderson: Mr. Glover, I want to tell you that I think the series of vocational lectures has been just wonderful and very helpful. They certainly helped me.
Mr. Glover: Well, that's fine.
Betty Anderson: Before I was just sort of flopping around, floundering. Didn't really know which way to turn. But now...
Mr. Glover: Yes, that's fine, Miss Anderson. You sign right here.
Betty Anderson: Now I feel as though my whole future's been crystallized.
Mr. Glover: Right here... Name in this column.
Betty Anderson: Yes, sir.
Freddie Beacham: Betty, you must be kidding. Look what you put down. You don't mean that.
Betty Anderson: Why not? What's wrong with that?
Freddie Beacham: But... You're a girl.
Betty Anderson: Aren't girls people?

​

When Betty arrives home she can’t wait to tell her parents, Jim and Margaret about her career decision. She discovers she’ll need to defend her choice.

Betty Anderson: Mother, father... I have something to tell you, something quite important.
Margaret Anderson: And I have something for you, too.
Betty Anderson: Very nice. Now listen... The best way to take things is calmly and quietly, especially for parents. Calmly and quietly, and not to go to pieces till you've had time to think things through.
Jim Anderson: In case you didn't catch it, this is a dress. D-r-e-s-s?
Betty Anderson: It's very pretty. Now, there's no need for anyone to go off the deep end because when you look at this in its true perspective, it makes sense, it really does.
Jim Anderson: What does?
Betty Anderson: Father, how can I explain it if you keep interrupting?
Jim Anderson: Sorry.
Betty Anderson: The last few weeks at school, we've... Father!
Jim Anderson: I'm listening.
Betty Anderson: We've been having a series of vocational guidance lectures, taking tests and all. The purpose is... Mother!
Margaret Anderson: I'm listening.
Betty Anderson: The purpose is to mold our putty-like little brains into the channels they were intended for, help us find out true niche in life.
Margaret Anderson: We know what vocational guidance is. Just tell us...
Betty Anderson: I'm trying to. I have found my niche. I know my bent.
Jim Anderson: Your what?
Margaret Anderson: Bent.
Bud Anderson: Then why don't you straighten up? Ha! Pretty good one, huh?
Jim Anderson: Great.
Betty Anderson: So, what I want to do...
Bud Anderson: Hi, mom. Boy, that Claude Messner... You know, he's got this jalopy...
Margaret Anderson: Bud, don't let your jacket lie on the floor.
Betty Anderson: Oh, here I come home with fabulous news, and no one pays any attention to me.
Jim Anderson: Then stop beating around the bush and tell us what this fabulous niche is.
Betty Anderson: Guess. Guess what I'm going to be... what I'm cut out for.
Jim Anderson: Well, let's see...
Bud Anderson: Grease monkey? Sandhog?
Jim Anderson: Mattress renovator?
Betty Anderson: Oh, all right. If you jokers will just keep quiet, I'll tell you. I am going to be an engineer.
Margaret Anderson: Betty, I think if you try this dress on...
Betty Anderson: Mother! Didn't you hear what I said? I'm going to be an engineer.
Margaret Anderson: Yes, I heard you.
Betty Anderson: But you don't believe me.
Margaret Anderson: Certainly not. You're joking.
Betty Anderson: Oh, am I? Do you know what I'm going to do all next week during spring vacation? I'm going to work with a county surveying crew.
Jim Anderson: Surveying crew?
Margaret Anderson: Surveying crew?!
Betty Anderson: That's right... A surveying crew.
Bud Anderson: Surveying crew?
Betty Anderson: Oh, who asked you anything?
Bud Anderson: Hey!
Jim-Margaret Anderson: Surveying crew?
Margaret Anderson: Surveying crew? Jim? Jim, she can't possibly mean that. Can she?
Jim Anderson: Huh? What'd you say?
Margaret Anderson: This business of going out with a surveying crew. You don't think she's really serious, do you?
Jim Anderson: Oh, yes, she's quite serious. For the moment, at least. But I'd say after half a day of tramping through the dirt and lugging surveying instruments, she'll be ready to take up some nice vocation like crocheting.
Betty Anderson: I will not give this up after half a day or half a year or anything else. Can't you understand I really mean this?
Margaret Anderson: Oh, betty. This isn't the sort of life for you. You shouldn't be out working with a road gang.
Betty Anderson: It's not a road gang, mother. I'll be with the county surveying crew... Approved by the high school... Getting practical experience. That's the idea of it... Practical experience.
Margaret Anderson: It doesn't sound very practical to me... A girl.
Betty Anderson: Well, what's wrong with girls? Girls enter all kinds of professions now, and why shouldn't they? Answer me that.
Margaret Anderson: Um... Did you try on that new dress?
Betty Anderson: No, I haven't had time. Say, which one do you think I ought to wear... This one or the western? I guess the wool would look better with Bud's boots.
Bud Anderson: What about Bud's boots?
Betty Anderson: Relax, I'm just gonna borrow them for a few days.
Bud Anderson: Now, wait just a minute.
Margaret Anderson: Are there any other girls going on this thing?
Betty Anderson: Well, not on surveying, but on other jobs... Whatever they're interested in. I'm the only girl who signed up for surveying.
Jim Anderson: I'm surprised they'd take a girl.
Betty Anderson: Why shouldn't they? Besides, they don't know I'm a girl. When I signed up, I used my initials... B.J.
Bud Anderson: Now, about these boots, b.J.
Betty Anderson: Oh, don't be so stingy.
Jim Anderson: Betty, before you plunge headlong into this thing...
Betty Anderson: I'm not plunging. I went to all the lectures. I took all the tests. I showed a strong aptitude for it.
Jim Anderson: Oh.
Betty Anderson: It appeals to me. I love the out of doors. And I'm no dummy at math.
Jim Anderson: No, what little you've had so far. But wait till you run into trigonometry, calculus. Do you realize engineering schools are some of the toughest to get into?
Betty Anderson: So, you think I should give up a thing just because it's difficult?
Jim Anderson: Uh... No. No, I just mean that...
Margaret Anderson: You're a girl... That's the main thing. What's your training been so far? Music, ballet, english literature.
Betty Anderson: There's music and poetry in a fine bridge. One lecturer said there's beauty in a well-constructed sewer pipe.
Jim Anderson: Wait a minute. This, uh, lecturer... Is he tall, dark and handsome?
Betty Anderson: Oh, don't be so juvenile, father. There's more to life than romance and all that gonk. The point is, I have found my niche. My life now has direction. There's a great demand for engineers today. And it's a profession that pays very well.
Bud Anderson: Then why don't you buy your own boots?
Betty Anderson: Ohh!
Kathy Anderson: Betty, breakfast! Your breakfast is getting cold.
Betty Anderson: I heard you.

​

As Betty leaves for her first day on the job she’s hearing it from the family.

Jim Anderson: Oh, good morning, B.J.
Betty Anderson: Is it that late? I don't have time to eat.
Margaret Anderson: Well, you've got to eat something. You can't go gallivanting around the country with that chain gang on an empty stomach.
Betty Anderson: It's not a chain gang, for heaven's sake.
Margaret Anderson: Well, whatever. Shall I fry you an egg?
Betty Anderson: Mm. Haven't the time. I have to report for work.
Jim Anderson: Yeah, better hit the road, B.J. After work, don't hang around the pool hall.
Bud Anderson: Have plenty of Chewing tobacco, B.J.?
Betty Anderson: Oh, aren't you funny? Good-bye, mother. And stop looking like I'm going off to join the Foreign Legion. I'll be back. But not by noon, father. There's Freddie. He signed up for Engineering, too. So long!
Bud Anderson: So long, B.J.!
Margaret Anderson: B.J. That sounds awful.

​

Betty (aka B.J.) meets the opinionated Doyle Hobbs (Roger Smith). It becomes clear that Doyle only wants women to be at home doing the cooking, cleaning and making babies. [Roger Smith who is wonderful in his role as Doyle Hobbs would make a second appearance two years later in Season Four Episode Seventeen The Rivals (January 1958). Nine months later he would find his signature role as Jeff Spencer in 77 Sunset Strip from October 1958 through July 1963 for a total 160 episodes.]

Freddie Beacham: B.J. Anderson? Do they know you're a girl? What do you suppose they'll say when they find out?
Betty Anderson: Well, what difference does it make? All that matters is that...
Doyle Hobbs: Okay, guys. Don Gilbraith. Don, report to room 26, just down the hall that way. Russell Crotter, you go to room 19. Freddie Bo... Bow... Baycham... Beacham. Okay, you go to Room 26, too.
Freddie Beacham: Yes, sir.

​

Doyle Hobbs: B.J. Anderson, you... You're B.J.?
Betty Anderson: Yes. I'm a girl. I mean... Well, I have my notebook and all.

​

Doyle Hobbs: Okay, B.J., you're with my crew. This is John Linn Scott, you'll meet Bib Miller out in the rig, and I'm Doyle Hobbs. Let's go.
Betty Anderson: How do you do?
Doyle Hobbs: B.J., let's go!

​

John: This, kiddo, is known as the chain... The everlasting, ever-loving chain.
Betty Anderson: This is a chain?
John: That's what they call it, kiddo. You're now a bona fide member of the chain gang. All you do is follow me around with this, stick close, hand it to me when I ask for it. Pretty complicated stuff, isn't it?
Doyle Hobbs: Get some flags out and locate me that center line, okay, John?
John: Okay, Doyle.

​

Doyle Hobbs: Okay, over here, B .J. Actually, a surveying party should have a five-man crew. We've got three. It should have a chief of party and an instrument man. I do both. A head and rear chain man... That's John and bib... And John acts as the rod man.

Doyle Hobbs: Why did you sign up for surveying?

​

Betty Anderson: What did you say?
Doyle Hobbs: Why are you taking this up?
Betty Anderson: Well, I... I want to study it... Engineering... In college.

Doyle Hobbs: Why?
Betty Anderson: Well...
Doyle Hobbs: Okay, get out your notebook and take some notes. This job is a road survey for paving. We're gathering data for the finished rig. This is a field book. We put our information in this, and our information is turned over to the design engineer.
Doyle Hobbs: What are you running away from?
Betty Anderson: I'm not running away from anything.
Doyle Hobbs: All right, first thing we do is find a benchmark to start from. We lay out a straight line with this. The transit, or gun, we call it. Know how to use one? No, you don't. Okay.
Betty Anderson: Oh, wait! How do you know I don't?
Doyle Hobbs: Well, do you?
Betty Anderson: No.
Doyle Hobbs: Look through the telescope.
Betty Anderson: Huh?
Doyle Hobbs: Look through here. You see those crosshairs clearly?
Betty Anderson: Not clearly.
Doyle Hobbs: That better?
Betty Anderson: Yes.
Doyle Hobbs: You mad at your boyfriend? Don't you like your home?
Betty Anderson: What about the crosshairs?
Doyle Hobbs: Those are put in there to help you lay out a straight line and not get off the track. Like, say, a good-looking kid fooling around with surveying when she ought to be home.

Betty Anderson: Look, I signed up for vocational experience in surveying, not psychiatric counseling.
Doyle Hobbs: Maybe you got the wrong course. All right, this is a vernier. Know how to read vernier? No, you don't. Okay. See this plate? The major is marked off in these numbers... Zero to...

Betty Anderson: Did I do something wrong?

Doyle Hobbs: Yeah, you signed up for surveying. Anyway, the vernier... Look, why don't you go home where little girls belong?
Betty Anderson: I'm not a little girl.
Doyle Hobbs: You're a girl... And a girl has the obligation to be one. A woman's place is in the home, not knocking around with a transit and couple of chainmen. The plan of life was worked out long ago. The male has his job, the female has hers. Don't confuse them. Now, the first thing...
Betty Anderson: You have everything all figured out, don't you?
Doyle Hobbs: Things were figured out long before I came along. All right, we find out...
Betty Anderson: Did it ever occur to you the world might be changing? Women vote now, you know.
Doyle Hobbs: Yeah. My sister votes, my mother votes, and my aunt votes. But they wear skirts to the polls and they don't go till they cook their husbands' breakfasts. Now, five divisions on the vernier. 4 1/2 divisions on the...
John: Okay, Doyle. I set the flags out.
Doyle Hobbs: Okay. Come on, J.B. I'll show you how we center the gun with the plum bob.

Betty Anderson: Plum bob. Oophh!

Meet Doyle Hobbs

​

After her first day Betty discovers what “men’s work” is all about. She doesn’t realize it just yet, but Doyle Hobbs, the “big deal” the “big cheese” has both infuriated her and is getting to her.

Betty Anderson: Not only did I get treated like a little girl, I got blisters on my feet from walking home.
Margaret Anderson: Why on earth didn't you call your father?
Betty Anderson: After all those cracks about me quitting by noon... Oh, no.

Margaret Anderson: Well, maybe it's all for the best.
Betty Anderson: It's not all for the best! I'll still make good. I'll show him, that Doyle Hobbes. Whoever heard of a name like that? Doyle Hobbes.
Margaret Anderson: Who is he... One of the road gang?
Betty Anderson: It's not a road gang. It's a... Oh, I don't know what it is. But whatever it is, Doyle Hobbes is the big deal of it, the big cheese. He's a young punk, that's what he is. Big college boy, but this year, he's working to earn money so he can finish school. Isn't that noble?
Margaret Anderson: Well, it does sound...
Betty Anderson: That poor old John Linn's got almost twice his age... has to take orders from that little pipsqueak. Well, I'm not going to.
Margaret Anderson: Nobody's asking you to...
Betty Anderson: I'm not gonna do it!
Margaret Anderson: Oh, good. Now, that's settled. Let's try on that new dress.
Betty Anderson: What for? Did you know that Doyle Hobbes was the engineer who drew up the original plans for life?
Margaret Anderson: For life?
Betty Anderson: Yes, he did this all several thousand years ago, and now he keeps everything going in a nice neat, straight line, with a transit and a ver... Vermouth scale.
Margaret Anderson: They had this in yellow, but I thought this was cuter.
Betty Anderson: Once every year, his mother and his sister and his aunt put on long black skirts and they go to the voting booth, and then they run back home!
Margaret Anderson: You seem to have learned an awful lot about him in just half a day. What's he look like?
Betty Anderson: Like a plum bob.
Margaret Anderson: What? You try this on while I go downstairs and answer the phone.
Betty Anderson: Plum bob.

Kathy Anderson: Phone's ringing, mommy.
Margaret Anderson: Hello? Yes. Oh. Well, yes, she's home. I see. No, she won't be there tomorrow. She's decided to give that up.
Betty Anderson: I have not!

Margaret Anderson: All right. Thank you for calling. Good-bye.
Kathy Anderson: I thought you were out building bridges. Change your mind again?
Betty Anderson: Who was that?
Margaret Anderson: The high school office. Apparently, Mr. Doyle called them and reported that you'd left your job and were on your way home.
Betty Anderson: How does he know I was on my way home? For all he knows, I might be lying in a ditch, dying of thirst.
Margaret Anderson: Evidentally he assumed...
Betty Anderson: With a broken leg.
Kathy Anderson: When did all this happen?
Betty Anderson: He thinks he's so smart. I hope he trips over his transit.

Doyle asks Freddie questions about “BJ”.

Doyle Hobbs: Okay, look at this bubble, kid.
Freddie Beacham: Yes, sir.
Doyle Hobbs: This helps us adjust the plate so it's exactly horizontal. Look at that bubble. Tell me when it's leveled. Uh, Freddie, this girl B.J. Do you know her pretty well?
Freddie Beacham: I think she's a little off, Mr. Hobbes.
Doyle Hobbs: Oh. Oh, yes. Well, we adjust with these two screws. We turn them toward each other. You in her class?
Freddie Beacham: Who's class?
Doyle Hobbs: This girl... B.J.
Freddie Beacham: Who's B.J.? Oh, you mean old Betty Anderson. Hey, she's way off the other way now.
Doyle Hobbs: Okay, we turn it back then. Betty Anderson, huh? I guess you live pretty near her.
Freddie Beacham: Fairly. Well, where do you live?
Doyle Hobbs: On menlo.
Freddie Beacham: Hey, it's still off.
Doyle Hobbs: She lives on Menlo, too?
Freddie Beacham: Nope. Maple.
Doyle Hobbs: Maple. Look, kid, if you ever expect to be an engineer, learn to give specific, accurate answers with all the information.

After Margaret fills in Jim about Betty’s first day he yearns for a face to face with Doyle Hobbs. As Betty continues reading Introduction To Engineering, the doorbell rings. It’s Doyle Hobbs.

Doyle Hobbs: How do you do? Is B.J… I mean Betty... Is she at home?

Bud Anderson: Yeah, she's here. Come in. She's right in here, reading. Betty? That's funny. She was here just a minute ago. Have a seat. I'll find her.
Doyle Hobbs: Thanks.

Bud Anderson: Betty! Hey, B.J., there's somebody here to see you!
Betty Anderson: Shh! I don't want to see him. Tell him I've gone, or I'm sick.

Jim Anderson: What's going on here... Judo lesson?
Betty Anderson: Shh! He's in there.
Jim Anderson: Who's he?
Betty Anderson: Doyle Hobbes.

Jim Anderson: What?! What's he doing here?
Betty Anderson: I don't know. But I don't want to see him. You go talk to him.
Jim Anderson: This is just the chance I've been waiting for.
Margaret Anderson: What's going on?
Betty Anderson: Shh!
Doyle Hobbs: How do you do, sir?
Jim Anderson: How do you do?

Doyle Hobbs: I guess you're Mr. Anderson. I'm Doyle Hobbs.
Jim Anderson: Yes, I know.
Doyle Hobbs: Nice place you have here. Looks like a good place to raise children.
Jim Anderson: Well, we hope it is.
Doyle Hobbs: That's important. I met your daughter on a school vocational project.
Jim Anderson: Yes, I, uh...
Doyle Hobbs: Nice kid. Very good-looking, bright. But, Mr. Anderson, what is your opinion? I mean, about a girl taking up a man's job. It just don't seem right. It seems to me if a girl wants to take up something, it ought to be... Well, music and things like that. My sister used to play the violin.
Betty Anderson: I can just see her playing... In a voting booth.
Doyle Hobbs: How do you feel about it, Mr. Anderson? Well, I... It just don't seem right.
Bud Anderson: Dad's sure telling him off. Shh!
Doyle Hobbs: It's not that she couldn't be an engineer. She might be a darned good one. But think what a dirty trick that might be on some guy.
Jim Anderson: Dirty trick? On what guy?
Doyle Hobbs: Any guy. Maybe some young engineer. Some guy who works hard all day in the dust and the heat. Why does he do it? So that when the day's over, he can come home to some nice, pretty wife. That's what makes working all day in the dust and heat worthwhile. That's why you have bridges and roads and everything we've built... To make a nice place for the guys and their wives and kids to live in. But if the nice, pretty girls are gonna be out there in the dust and heat, too, who are the guys gonna come home to?
Jim Anderson: Look, Doyle...
Doyle Hobbs: I don't know. Maybe I'm old-fashioned. But the way I look at girls... I like to think of somebody in a pretty dress, somebody you can give a box of candy to, not a stack of grate stakes and a sledgehammer. Somebody who reminds you of your mother when she was a girl... the timid type.

Jim Anderson: Hold it, Doyle. You're wasting this talk on me. You don't have to sell me. Come along.

Margaret Anderson: Betty!
Jim Anderson: Betty, this young man... Where's Betty?
Margaret Anderson: Well, she... She's not here.
Jim Anderson: Oh, excuse me. Margaret, this is Doyle Hobbes.
Doyle Hobbs: How do you do? I can see where B.J… Uh, Betty... Gets her good looks.
Margaret Anderson: Well, thank you.
Doyle Hobbs: You look nice and motherly.
Margaret Anderson: Uh. Thank you.
Doyle Hobbs: Where is she?
Margaret Anderson: She want that-a-way.
Doyle Hobbs: Guess she doesn't want to see me.
Jim Anderson: It does look that way, doesn't it?
Doyle Hobbs: Yeah, I was hoping to have a chance to explain things better to her, but... well, it was nice meeting both of you, and... oh, this is kind of silly. But do you like Chocolate-covered cherries?
Margaret Anderson: Oh, thank you ever so much, but why don't you keep it yourself? Maybe you'll have better luck some other time.
Doyle Hobbs: No, it looks like I set my transit, took my readings, and for the first time, my calculations were off. Way off. Well, ahh it was nice meeting both of you, and maybe we'll meet again someday. Who knows? Bye.
Jim Anderson: Good-bye, Doyle.
Margaret Anderson: Good-bye.
Betty Anderson: Well, Mr. Hobbs. I didn't know you were here. Whom did you wish to see?

Doyle Hobbs: Why, you. Who else?
Betty Anderson: Oh? What did you want?
Doyle Hobbs: Yeah. Yeah, this is more like it. Yeah.

Betty Anderson: I'm so happy you approve, that I fit into your blueprints.
Doyle Hobbs: Oh, cut it out. Betty...
Betty Anderson: How did you find out my name? Look it up in your Vermouth scale?

Doyle Hobbs: It's Vernier, not Vermouth. Didn't you learn anything out there?
Betty Anderson: Yes, I learned a few things. Okay, D.H., step over here. See this instrument, kid? This is a telephone, line, we call it. Know how to use it? No, you don't know how. Okay, you dial these little numbers, see, D.H.? And if a girl answers, you say, "May I have a date for Saturday night?"
Doyle Hobbs: And what does she say?

Betty Anderson: Mm-hmm. Chocolate-covered plum bobs? Mmm! Want some candy, father?

Doyle & Betty / Closing Credits

You can play it here.

You can stream it here.



Elinor Donahue Related Media

Two Chairs No Waiting 222: Elinor Donahue Mayberry Days (2010)



Elinor Donahue Full Interview (April 25, 2006) TelevisionAcademy.com (2019)​

In her three-and-a-half-hour Archive interview, Elinor Donahue talks about growing up as a performer in radio and vaudeville, and outlines her early film career in the films "Mister Big" and "The Unfinished Dance." She describes appearing in early experimental television for Klaus Landsberg (under hot lights and wearing unusual make-up) and speaks fondly of Ray Bolger, whom she danced with on The Ray Bolger Show. She details her role as teenager "Betty 'Princess' Anderson" on the classic 1950s television sitcom Father Knows Best, and chronicles auditioning for the role, the long production hours, and the series' abrupt cancellation. She recalls working with series producer Eugene Rodney, whom she describes as a "benevolent despot, demanding strict adherence to the script. Donahue discusses working with fictional father Robert Young, "mother" Jane Wyatt and "siblings" Billy Gray and Lauren Chapin. She talks of her marriage to the sound man on the series and working on the show until six weeks before the birth of her first child, disguising her pregnancy from the cameras. Donahue then recalls her role as "Andy Taylor's" love interest, "Ellie May Walker," on The Andy Griffith Show, and describes the atmosphere on the Griffith set. She recounts tales of two other recurring parts, those of "Miriam Welby" on The Odd Couple and "Rebecca" on Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman. She discusses playing the mother of 30-year-old paperboy Chris Elliot on Get A Life and how she read for the part as if she were speaking to a twelve-year-old, not knowing that Elliot would be playing an adult lead. Donahue also talks about her many guest appearances on various series over the years, including The Loretta Young Show, Star Trek, and Ellen. Jennifer Howard conducted the interview on April 25, 2006 in Burbank, CA.

Elinor Donahue from the Andy Griffith Show Interview (2016)



Elinor Donahue on Star Trek The Original Series (2020)



Elinor Donahue Is Retired at 86 Years Old (2023)


​

Crazy huh? The little girl we all watched growing up on Father Knows Best is 87 years old today.

Happy 87th Birthday to Elinor Donahue!
​

Upcoming Tributes April 2024

April 15th Elizabeth Montgomery Birthday Memorial (TBD)
April 23rd Lee Majors 85th Birthday Tribute
April 24th J.D. Cannon Birthday Memorial
April 24th Michael Parks Birthday Memorial
April 27th Jack Klugman Birthday Memorial
April 30th Al Lewis Birthday Memorial

 

[The 1960's]

Elizabeth Montgomery (April 15, 1933) Birthday Memorial

​

Elizabeth Montgomery was a beautiful woman, who became involved in political and charitable work. Her signature role was the Bewitched comedy sitcom but it was neither a favorite of mine nor even close to her greatest performance. I’m sure many people aren’t even aware that she did quite a few superb dramatic roles throughout her 67 film credits. You can read more about her career here at Wikipedia.

One of her dramatic roles was in the Sixth Episode from the Sixth Season of 77 Sunset Strip entitled White Lie (October 26th, 1963). In this unique episode from the 77 Sunset Strip television series Ms. Montgomery portrays Charlotte Delavalle, a woman who fears for her career if it becomes public knowledge that she comes from Afro-American decent. Certainly a hot button topic for a 1963 television show. Rather this episode might have originated from a fictitious series called 77 Peyton Place because it’s a complete departure from most if not all previous episodes of this long running classic television series and storylines.

77 Sunset Strip (1958-1964)

Series Theme

S6E06 White Lie (Oct.26.1963)




Directed by
Paul Nickell
Writing Credits
Boris Ingster
Ardel Wray

Stars
Efrem Zimbalist Jr. ... Stuart Bailey
Elizabeth Montgomery … Charlotte Delavalle
Gene Evans … Sam Welden
Juanita Moore ... Celia Jackson
Kim Hamilton … Letha
Harry Hickox … Ralph Verner
Elisabeth Fraser … Molly
Paul Newlan … The Judge
Tol Avery … Gary Clayton
Harry Harvey … The Squatter
Lillian Powell ... Maude
Walter Mathews ... Dr. Dudley
Eric Copage … Robby

Produced by
William Conrad
Jimmy Lydon
Jack Webb
Music by
Van Cleave
Cinematography by
Bert Glennon
Editing by
George R. Rohrs
Art Direction by
Art Loel
Set Decoration by
Hoyle Barrett
Makeup Department
Gordon Bau
Jean Burt Reilly
Second Unit Director or Assistant Director
Russell Llewellyn
Sound Department
Samuel F. Goode
Special Effects by
Johnny Borgese
Music Department
Bob Thompson
Additional Crew
Paul McWilliams​

Charlotte Delavalle, (Elizabeth Montgomery) is a wealthy, successful, well liked and respected business-woman who owns and runs the Delavalle Nursery School.

​

Sam Weldon (Gene Evans) hires Stu Bailey (Efrem Zimbalist Jr.) to investigate the title for a piece of land in Oklahoma that he’s invested all his savings in. The title must be found or he cannot purchase the land which he’s certain will yield a fortune in oil. Someone is paying the tax on the land, but who?

​

The Afro-American family living on the property is afraid to reveal who the owner is or where that owner resides. In reality Celia Jackson, (Juanita Moore) refuses to reveal that her adopted daughter (Charlotte Delavalle) who has been paying the taxes has Negro blood, a revelation that would ruin her standing in the White world. When Stuart Bailey discovers the truth, he is torn on keeping her secret.

In this final season of the 77 Sunset Strip series, Stu Bailey now works solo but still retains the fancy address of the show title for an office.

The Dazzling & Gorgeous Elizabeth Montgomery














Elizabeth Montgomery Related Media

Kraft Television Theatre (1959-1958)

S08.E20 Patterns (Feb.09.1955)
Stars Jack Arthur Ed Begley June Dayton Richard Kiley Jack Livesey Elizabeth Montgomery​

---

Fred Staples is the newest executive in a large firm. He strikes up a friendship with Andy Sloane, the Vice President to whom he nominally reports. Staples is good at his job and the company's hard-nosed president, Walter Ramsey, is pleased with his choice. Staples has a crisis of conscience when Ramsey tells him that he's been recruited to replace Sloane, someone who has devoted his entire life to the company at the expense of his family. Sloane knows what Ramsey is up to but digs in his heels and refuses to quit. Tragedy ensues forcing Staples to make a choice.

Johnny Staccato (1959-1960)
Stars John Cassavetes Eduardo Ciannelli Dennis Sallas

S01E10 Tempted (Nov.19.1959)
Stars John Cassavetes Elizabeth Montgomery Eduardo Ciannelli Fred Beir Murray Alper Lionel Decker Marty Green Lillian O'Malley Edwin Rochelle Harry Wilson​

---

Fearing she is being followed, a beautiful blonde asks Johnny to accompany her as she delivers a valuable diamond necklace.

One Step Beyond (1959-1961)

S03E03 Death Waltz (Oct.04.1960)
Stars Elizabeth Montgomery Joe Cronin Robert Sampson​

---

At a cavalry outpost in 1860s New Mexico, flirtatious, heartless Lillie takes great delight in playing off her two beaus, decent Eustace Fairchild and the sexier, more dashing Henry Buchanan, against each other. Eustace is killed by Apaches, but Lillie still goes to the dance with Henry. However, Eustace's ghost turns up for what will be the last waltz for both him and Lillie.

The Untouchables (1959-1963)
Stars Robert Stack Walter Winchell Nicholas Georgiade

S02E01 The Rusty Heller Story (Oct.13.1960)
Stars Robert Stack Elizabeth Montgomery Harold J. Stone​

---

Rusty Heller is a nightclub performer who has her eyes set on a better life for herself which, in her case, means lots more money. She sets her eyes on mobster Charles 'Pop' Felcher who has his own ambitions: with the recent arrest of Al Capone on tax evasion charges, he sees himself taking over as the top mobster in Chicago. When Felcher shows little interest in her, she settles for his lawyer, Archie Grayson. Felcher eventually comes around but Rusty starts to play a dangerous game when she decides to make money off Felcher and the Capone mob by selling both of them the same information.

---

Frontier Circus (1962-1963)

S01E06 Karina (Nov.09.1961)
Stars Chill Wills John Derek Richard Jaeckel Elizabeth Montgomery​

---

A woman, on the run after shooting her vicious husband, stows away in Casey's wagon. Casey agrees to let her join his circus as the target in a knife-throwing act, but local lawmen and her vengeful spouse soon arrive to exact vengeance.

Johnny Cool (1963)
Stars Henry Silva Elizabeth Montgomery Richard Anderson​

---

Exiled American gangster Colini sends his protégé-killer Giordano to the USA to eliminate Colini's mob enemies.

Bewitched (1964-1972)
Stars Elizabeth Montgomery Dick York Dick Sargent

S01E01 I, Darrin, Take This Witch, Samantha (Sep.17.1964)
Stars Elizabeth Montgomery Dick York Agnes Moorehead​

---

Recently married Darren Stephens receives a shock when he discovers that his bride, Samantha, is a witch.

Password (1961-1975)
Stars Allen Ludden Jack Clark John Harlan

Elizabeth Montgomery vs. Jim Backus (Dec.1966)



Elizabeth Montgomery & Martin Landau (May.1967)




The Victim (1972) TV Movie
Stars Elizabeth Montgomery Eileen Heckart Sue Ane Langdon​

---

A wealthy woman is trapped during a storm in a house with no electricity or phone. A killer has murdered her sister, stuffed the body in the basement, and is now after her.

Mrs. Sundance (1974)
Stars Elizabeth Montgomery Robert Foxworth L.Q. Jones​

---

The girlfriend of the Sundance Kid is on the run with a price on her head, when she hears rumors that the Sundance Kid may still be alive.

The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975) TV Movie
Stars Elizabeth Montgomery Fionnula Flanagan Ed Flanders​

---

In 1893 Massachusetts, Lizzie Andrew Borden is put on trial for murdering her father and stepmother with an axe.

Jennifer A Womans Story (1979)
Stars Elizabeth Montgomery Bradford Dillman Scott Hylands​

---

The widow of a wealthy executive battles schemes by factions of the board of directors as she fights to keep control of his shipbuilding company.

---

Amos (1985)
Stars Kirk Douglas Elizabeth Montgomery Dorothy McGuire​

---

After losing his wife and home in an accident, Amos Lasher ends up in the care of the state, specifically the Sunset Nursing Home. The head nurse of Sunset, Daisy Daws, rules the cowed residents with an iron hand, but as his determination to get out of Sunset grows, the more sinister his situation becomes.

Biography (1987-)
S11E03 Elizabeth Montgomery: A Touch of Magic (Feb.15.1999)​

---

A look at actress Elizabeth Montgomery, best known for her starring role as Samantha on "Bewitched".

Happy Birthday In Memory, Elizabeth Montgomery​

 

[ScottRE]

J.D. CANNON BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE


John Donovan Cannon (April 24, 1922 – May 20, 2005) was an American actor. An alumnus of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, he is best known for his co-starring role of Chief of Detectives Peter B. Clifford in the television series McCloud with Dennis Weaver from 1970 until 1977, and for his part as the witness Lloyd Chandler who cleared Dr. Richard Kimble (David Janssen) in "The Judgment", the series finale of The Fugitive.


VOYAGE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE SEA
THE CONDEMNED

Written by WILLIAM READ WOODFIELD
Directed by LEONARD HORN

Starring Richard Basehart & David Hedison
Guest Starring J.D. Cannon as Admiral Falk, Arthur Franz as Archer, Alvy Moore as Hoff​

The Seaview is testing an experimental atmosphere exchange system invented by Admiral Bentley Falk, Jr., which will allow submarines to submerge well beyond crush depth. While Nelson and Falk’s assistant Archer ready the diving bell, Falk is entertaining reporters. Nelson is disgusted by Falk's “constant grandstanding” instead of being present for his own tests as a true scientist would be.

Falk arrives with his press secretary Hoff, who constantly takes pictures. Nelson and Falk continually butt heads, until finally the test is launched. The diving bell, manned by Falk, Archer, another assistant Tracy and Captain Crane, is lowered into the depths. Unknown to them all, a giant undersea creature awaits.

There is a malfunction in the air system and there is only enough oxygen to support three off them. Falk shuts off Crane’s supply, causing him to pass out. After Archer objects, Falk shuts off Tracy’s air, killing him, while restoring Crane’s air for the trip back.

The experiment is considered a success by Falk even though a man died. However, he spins it as the last heroic act of a young man dedicated to the project. Archer disgustedly keeps the secret and the Seaview, under orders of the President, makes the final test dive with the air exchange system. The Seaview reaches the bottom, but Archer dies of a heart attack while fighting with Falk. When the sea creature menaces the submarine, Falk is unable to get them to the surface. Archer was the true brain s behind the operation. Falk, now exposed as a bellicose fraud, leaves the sub to distract the creature while Nelson gets them back to safety. Hoff promises to make Archer as famous as Falk and offering his services to Nelson as a press secretary.

The first season of Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea was highly rated and still carried enough clout to command high quality, and higher priced, guest actors. J.D. Cannon is an unlikely choice to appear in this series, but that had no bearing on his performance. Bentley Falk is a wonderful creation and masterfully played by Cannon. With a face of a circus ringmaster and the bearing of a sideshow slickster, Cannon often played unsavory sneaks and utter cads (to this credit he often played the other side of the coin). He earns his $2500 salary in this one, with a measured performance that, while not subtle, was at least interesting and realistic. The sparks fly between Cannon and Basehart and every confrontation between the two excellent performances is gripping. The episode is a character study of a man who was obsessed with casting a longer shadow than his father. The human drama is so interesting, the monster is superfluous. It’s also totally forgotten for the bulk of the episode, so much so that when it comes back into play, it feels out of place.

J.D. Cannon turned up all over the dial, making his rounds in the guest star circuit and in just about every Quinn Martin series. He was particularly memorable as Lloyd Chandler, Richard Kimble’s neighbor who watched Helen murdered by the one-armed man and did nothing to stop it. He is probably best remembered as Chief Clifford in McCloud. I also enjoyed him in The Invaders, 12 O'Clock High and Combat!

Cannon died at his home in Hudson, New York, on May 20, 2005, at the age of 83 and left behind a wife and a huge body of work.

Happy Birthday, J.D. !

 

[Doug Wallen]

Just a few days late:

Lee Majors

April 23, 1939

​

I have plenty of actors that I follow for various reasons. As you know, I enjoy Westerns. My childhood is full of memories of plopping down in front of the television and enjoying countless afternoons spending time with Lucas McCain and Mark, Cheyenne Bodie, Sugarfoot, Bret and Bart Maverick, the occasional cattle drive with Rowdy Yates and Mr. Favor and watching Matt Dillon keep the peace. During prime time I could enjoy western spy adventures with Jim and Artie. During this time I kept seeing advertisements for a new show, The Big Valley. A shame it came on after my bedtime, but I was aware of it and wanted to see it. I finally got the chance when the series began playing in afternoon syndication. I was drawn to all three of the male leads for various reasons; Jarrod – since he was a lawyer, Nick – such a hothead, and Heath – a young, outsider trying to fit in. What could be more appropriate for a young teen nerd trying to fit in.

Accordingly, I attempted to learn all I could about Lee Majors (hard to do before the internet). I found out he was raised in Kentucky. Nice since that is my home state. I always enjoy the Kentucky connection. Lee Majors (born Harvey Lee Yeary; April 23, 1939) is an American actor. He portrayed the characters of Heath Barkley on the American television Western series The Big Valley (1965–1969), Colonel Steve Austin on the American television science-fiction action series The Six Million Dollar Man (1973–1978), and Colt Seavers on the American television action series The Fall Guy (1981–1986).

Majors was born in Wyandotte, Michigan, a suburb of Detroit. His parents, Carl and Alice Yeary, were both killed in separate accidents. (His father died in a work accident five months prior to his birth, and his mother was killed in a car accident when he was almost seventeen months old.) At the age of two, Majors was adopted by his uncle and aunt, Harvey and Mildred Yeary, and he moved with them to Middlesboro, Kentucky.

He participated in track and football at Middlesboro High School. He graduated in 1957, and earned a scholarship to Indiana University, where he again competed in sports. Majors transferred to Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, in 1959. He played in his first football game the following year, but suffered a severe back injury which left him paralyzed for two weeks and ruined his college athletic career. Following his injury, he turned his attention to acting and performed in plays at the Pioneer Playhouse in Danville, Kentucky. Majors graduated from Eastern Kentucky in 1962 with a degree in history and physical education.He planned to be a football coach.

After college, he received an offer to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals football team. Instead, he moved to Los Angeles and found work at the Los Angeles Park and Recreation Department as the recreation director for North Hollywood Park. In Los Angeles, Majors met many actors and industry professionals, including Dick Clayton, who had been James Dean's agent, and Clayton suggested he attend his acting school. After one year of acting school, Clayton felt that Majors was ready to start his career. At this time, he picked up the stage name Lee Majors as a tribute to childhood hero Johnny Majors who was a player and future coach for the University of Tennessee. Majors also studied at Estelle Harman's acting school at MGM. (biographical info from Wikipedia).

For someone who seems to be a lightweight actor, Lee has had a pretty good career. He was a great character as Heath Barkley who definitely stirred the pot as the half-brother to the Barkley siblings. I was always impressed by the openness that Victoria displayed when she accepted Heath. It was a shame that The Big Valley was canceled.

Lee didn't have much downtime as he became Jess Brandon on Owen Marshall: Counselor At Law. Again this series was watched as it concerned lawyers and it co-starred Lee Majors. The series tackled hot topic issues of the day. I sure would love to see this show pop up somewhere.

After he left that series, he stepped into his most prominent role that created the popularity of slow motion running. C'mon, you know we all did it at least once. I'm talking about his portrayal of Col. Steve Austin on The Six Million Dollar Man. The series took off about as fast as his rocket exploded. Between this and The Incredible Hulk, the early 70's were great for genre fans. What a great pairing of actors; Lee Majors and Richard Anderson. A wonderful dynamic duo. As with all super hero type shows, the thrill was gone, but Lee was set to return soon.

During his down time from the series he found time to make a true life drama known as Francis Gary Powers: The Story of The U-2 Spy Incident. A pretty good made for tv flick.

Who knew he could give a performance singing “The Unknown Stuntman” and make some real 80's comfort food in the escapist adventure series The Fall Guy. I liked the first season, but when Markie Post joined in season 2, I felt the show was just about perfect. Stil finding a long running hit was not in the cards.

He bounced around in films and Steve Austin/Jamie Summers reunion movies during the 80's. He took a recurring role in the Viet Nam series Tour Of Duty before joining another short-lived tv series, Raven. In this show, he played a drunk investigator (Herman “Ski” Jablonski) to Jeffrey Meek's Raven, a martial artist. I really enjoyed this one.

During the early 2000's he was a regular on the CW's The Game. I'll admit to not seeing this one.

The next series I noticed him in was Ash vs The Evil Dead as, who else, Brock Williams. Brock was Ash's Dad. I mean who else but the $6,000,000 Man could have portrayed Ash Williams father. Great tongue-in-cheek casting.

All in all, Lee has entertained me throughout my lifetime and I truly appreciate his work.

Thank you Lee for the countless hours I and others have spent watching you on the tube. I hope you had a great birthday.

 

[Bryan^H]

Jack Klugman Birthday Memorial (April 27, 1922 - December 24, 2012)


Jack Klugman was a fantastic everyman actor. Someone the audience could always cheer for, even if his role was a slob or a bad guy.

Watching 'Quincy' at my grandparents' house (CBS was their favorite network) in the 70's was one of my earliest memories of a TV show.
We all loved the show. Watching reruns of The Odd Couple a few years later made me like hm even more.

A great actor that deserved every bit of recognition he got.

The episode "A Game of Pool" from The Twilight Zone is an excellent character study of a younger pool player named Jesse Cardiff (Klugman) obsessed with "Fats" Brown (Jonathan Winters), a local pool player that reached legendary status, but died leaving Cardiff furious he never got to play/beat him--always living in his shadow. Somehow in the realm of the impossible Jesse is granted the chance to play "Fats" with a Live or die bet.

The episode has some great philosophical pondering about halfway through. And while the ending isn't quite perfect (a bit sad) it is still a great story with a knockout performance by Jack Klugman.

 

[ScottRE]

JACK KLUGMAN BIRTHDAY TRIBUTE

THE ODD COUPLE
“Sleepwalker”
S02E04

Starring Tony Randall and Jack Klugman
With Joan Hotchkiss and Al Molinaro​

Oscar and Nancy are celebrating their one year first date anniversary (they met while Dr. Nancy treated Felix for one of his usual hypochondriac episodes) with a romantic dinner (white wine and fish sticks) while Felix is at the opera. Oscar can’t resist bitching about his neatnik roommate, which earns him a scolding from Nancy, who simply wants a night Felix-Free. Sadly, this is not to be as Felix comes home early because he isn’t feeling well. Oscar can barely control his rage as Felix continually interrupts the couple with gargling, and asking medical advice. Finally Nancy leaves but advises Oscar to stop getting so worked up over small things because he’s giving his guy a volleyball sized lump of agita.

The next morning, a much more chipper Felix comes out of his room apologetic and surprised by an upbeat Oscar who as actually prepared breakfast for him. First is freshly squeezed orange juice. Felix asked if Oscar removed the pits because he doesn’t like pits in his juice. Oscar assures him that he thinks he got most of them, but Felix spits out a handful.

“It was a good try! I appreciate the effort. But….if you can’t do a job right, don’t do it at all.”

Oscar sucks it up and present him with Felix’s favorite: 2 minute eggs. Felix like 3 minute eggs.

“But it was another good try!”

That night, Felix is in his room lobbing pointless facts about Bolivian Chickens and making fun of Oscar’s cooking, while in his own room, Oscar struggles to contain his rage.

“You don’t mind my ribbing, do you Osc?”

Through clenched teeth: “Oh, no, I love a good ribbing Fel!”

Later, Oscar sleeps fitfully, with Felix’s scolding voice booming in his dreams.

“I don’t like PITS! PITS! PITS! In my JUICE! JUICE! JUICE!”

Sleepwalking, Oscar rises, grabs a tightly rolled magazine, enters Felix’s room and hits him in the head. Felix awakens in a daze and the next morning thinks it was a nightmare.

“I dreamt you came into my room, shouting obscenities and the hit me with a blunt object of sorts!”

That evening, Oscar comes home 45 minutes late to see an angry Felix holding a burned rump roast, upset Oscar didn’t call. Oscar explains he’s not sweating the small stuff anymore on Nancy’s advice, and letting things like dinner and Felix being annoying roll off his back. Felix accuses Oscar of also being annoying and tells him he needs to shape up. Oscar again sucks this up, but his face betrays his struggle.

That night, Oscar again sleepwalks and hits Felix. Now Felix knows it’s Oscar and lives in fear. He sets up his camera to snap a picture of Oscar in the act, but gets whacked before he can finish preparation. Felix barricades his door with furniture , but Oscar, like the Frankenstein monster, crashes in. Felix, wearing an old Army helmet, crabs his camera and takes Oscar’s picture. Then Oscar, still sleeping, takes off Felix’s helmet and hits him.

That morning, Oscar is greeting by the picture and feels awful. Felix is packing his things and Oscar makes him breakfast. Unpitted OJ and 3 minute eggs (on the dot!). Felix declines and takes full responsibility. Oscar is heartbroken, his friendship is ruined. Felix realizes there is something in him that brings out utter hatred in people (his ex-wife used to hit him also) and knows he has to move. As he’s crying, Oscar explodes and says he can take the cleanliness, the hypochondria and the pickiness but not the crying, so go ahead and get out! Felix realizes that’s what was missing: the rage! When Oscar says he’s been trying to be nice, Felix says “don’t be nice to me!” The repressed rage is causing the sleepwalking. They agree to work it out and remain roommates and Felix has his appetite back. He drinks the juice.

“How is it?”

“Perfect!”

“Marvelous!!! See you later!”

As soon as Oscar leaves, Felix begins spitting out pits…

 

[ScottRE]

The Odd Couple television series is, naturally, based on Neil Simon’s play and film of the same name. The popularity of the film in particular led to his weekly series which Simon had no involvement in (nor did he like it in particular). Both Jack Klugman and Tony Randall played the roles on stage at one point, albeit separately (in 1965, Klugman replaced Walter Matthau in the lead role of Oscar Madison in the original Broadway production of The Odd Couple). When Klugman and Randall met for the series, they didn’t particularly like each other, but they came to an understanding and from that point, became good friends. A friendship which lasted until Randall’s death.

The Odd Couple was not a hit in prime time. In fact it struggled with renewal every season until it was cancelled at the end of the fifth year. Surprisingly they had a concluding episode, a rarity for the time and especially for a sitcom. While it wasn’t Garry Marshall’s most successful series by a long shot, it remains his funniest and that is primarily thanks to the outstanding casting of the two leads.

Over the course of the show's five-year, 114-episode run, Klugman won two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on the series. In 1973, during the run of the series, Klugman and Randall recorded an album titled The Odd Couple Sings for London Records.

Never have two actors been so perfectly appropriate for their roles. Randall (who’s television career goes all the way back to Mister Peepers) was proper, well-mannered and classically handsome while Klugman was gruff and not what you would call leading man material. Nor was he known for his comedic chops.

Jack Klugman enrolled in colleges and took acting classes to escape paying a gambling debt to the local mafia. While there, because of his looks, he received little encouragement at the start, but once given the chance to do a scene, his teacher was extremely impressed. From there, Klugman took off, doing guest roles and plays, clocking in some exceptional performances in The Twilight Zone (four in all – a record tied with Burgess Meredeth), The Untouchables, The Naked City, The Fugitive and The Defenders. He also did excellent early work in the film 12 Angry Men. Shortly after The Odd Couple ended, Klugman found great fame as Quincy in the series of the same name.

During the five season run of The Odd Couple, Klugman and Randall had great creative control. The first year was filmed on the same apartment set as the film and used a laugh track. Neither Klugman nor Randall liked the canned laughter and the first year has a different, more artificial air and began experimenting with a live audience. For the second season, thanks to the success of that experiment, they switched full time to a live audience (announced each week on the air at the start of every episode), changed the look of the apartment and the series opened up.

While all 5 seasons have classic episodes, here is where the series was at the top of its game. Each episode is a winner, as the chemistry between Randall and Klugman takes center stage. Klugman also insisted that, whenever possible, each episode should have an “I love you Felix” scene, some point where it’s plain Oscar genuinely loves Felix, which is why they stay together. This episode is a perfect example of their relationship. Oscar is fed up (again) with Felix’s constant intrusions and habits, but makes great effort to tolerate it all. Naturally, Felix’s obnoxiousness is ramped to 100 and pressed Oscar’s limits. His reactions to Felix’s unknowing pressure are strong and the frustration is palpable. The Jekyll/Hyde aspect is well done and there are moments of uproarious laugher. In particular, the first sleepwalking scene is a genuine classic. While this episode is arguably Randall’s episode, since he gets most of the laughs, it really delves into the relationship between the two men.

 

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Over time, the actors brought their own hobbies and interests into the character as well as celebrity friends and acquaintances (Klugman’s own wife Brett Somers played Oscar’s ex-wife Blanche). The series was always on the bubble, so some of them were ratings grabs, but it did give the series something of a gimmicky quality as it went along (still, the “Password” and “Let’s Make a Deal” episodes are justifiable classics).

Still, The Odd Couple was a staple of my upper teen years as it played in the treasured local lineup which included, The Honeymooners, Star Trek and The Twilight Zone. There was nothing as comforting as the opening credits of this series.



The series became incredibly popular in reruns and the actors never escaped their association with it. Nor did they try. They reunited for a series of commercials for chips and other products, as well as an official reunion.



“Hello Jack? Tony calling!”

In the 70’s, Klugman was diagnosed with throat cancer and in 1988 lost a vocal cord due to surgery. However, thanks to Randall’s urging and friendship (which truly blossomed during this time), he continued acting on the stage and his voice began to grow stronger. He never recovered his full voice, but he had a healthy stage career following and I had the genuine pleasure of seeing both men in a live performance of The Sunshine Boys. Even at their advanced ages and Klugman’s disadvantages (he did not use a mic), neither man lost a step and the show was an utter joy.

Klugman died from prostate cancer at his home in Woodland Hills, Los Angeles on December 24, 2012, aged 90 A New York Times profile described him as an "extraordinary actor ennobling the ordinary."[40] His obituary in the Huffington Post referred to him as a "character actor titan." Klugman's ashes were interred in a columbarium at Westwood Memorial Park cemetery in Los Angeles.


















Thanks to both Oscar and Quincy, Jack Klugman was always one of my favorite actors. A performer of great skill, strength and dedication, who defied convention and with the face of a hound dog, became a leading man. He was a defender of human rights and actor profits and left his mark on the business. A legend who will always be well remembered. Today we celebrate his birthday with love and affection.