The Filmography : TV Guest Appearances

Click on any show name to either show or hide the entry's synopsis and footnotes.

Show/Film	Station/Studio	Air Date/Released	Host/Star	Stooges
STRICTLY FOR LAFFS		1962-07-01	Dave Barry	Moe Howard (Solo)
In this unsold TV pilot, actors and comedians trade jokes and funny stories in a casual talk-show format. Frequently identified as a 1960 production, that is incorrect. During Moe's scene, he mentions that the Stooges will next appear at the Canadian National Exposition... the Stooges headlined that twice, in July 1962 and 1963, as well as the Calgary Stampede in August 1963. So, this show's taping is either June/July 1962, or 1963; for purposes of this filmography, an educated guess is 1962. Cast: Dave Barry (Host), Moe Howard, Alan Reed, Sid Melton, Paul Gilbert, Ken Murray, Rose Marie, Buddy Lester, Mel Blanc, Jesse White, Tommy Noonan Crew: Harry Koplan (Producer), Bob Searles (Director)
BIG WORLD OF CHRISTOPHER WELLS, THE		0000-00-00		Joe Besser (Solo)
Unsold pilot episode. Mentioned in Joe Besser's autobiography; no plot, production date, cast, etc., information available.
DICKIES WORK CLOTHES	ABC	1969-03-31		Moe, Larry and Curly Joe
The Stooges appeared in this 60-second TV commercial for Williamson-Dickie Manufacturers, and their line of Dickie work clothes. The Stooges, with the help of announcer Russell Arms, demonstrate the durabilty of Dickie's work clothes. It concludes with the tag-line, "If Dickies can make the Three Stooges look good, imagine how great you'll look," and Mr. Arms receiving a pie in the face. The commercial originally aired on ABC's WIDE WORLD OF SPORTS. Cast: Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Joe DeRita, Russell Arms
OFF TO SEE THE WIZARD - Who's Afraid of Mother Goose?	ABC	1967-10-13		Moe, Larry and Curly Joe
Animated characters from The Wizard of OZ hosted this prime time children's series. Theatrical films alternated with episodes produced for this series, primarily nature documentaries. An Emmy-nominated hour, with songs by the composers of the Broadway musical 1776. When a school administrator attempts to ban the Mother Goose stories from classrooms, Mother Goose herself (Maureen O'Hara) springs from the books, turns the man into a child, and takes him on a tour of her stories. Among the characters they visit are the Three Men in a Tub (Moe, Larry & Curly Joe). Cast: Maureen O'Hara (Mother Goose), Dick Shawn (Old King Cole), Frankie Avalon (Jack), Nancy Sinatra (Jill), Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Joe DeRita (Three Men in a Tub), Peter Gennaro (Jack B. Nimble), Margaret Hamilton (Mother Hubbard), Fred Clark (William H. Berry), Dan Rowan (Pieman), Dick Martin (Simple Simon), Joanie Sommers (Bo Peep), Scooter Jolley (Little Boy Blue), Stuart Getz (Billy Berry) Crew: Peter Gennaro (Director), Frank Peppiatt (Producer, Writer), Sherman Edwards (Music), Ruth Batchelor (Lyrics), Peter Gennaro (Choreographer) Animation voices: Daws Butler (The Wizard, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man), Mel Blanc (The Cowardly Lion, Toto), June Foray (Dorothy, The Wicked Witch) Animation crew: Chuck Jones (Executive Producer, Character Designs), Abe Levitow (Producer, Director), Earl Jonas (Production Manager), Les Goldman (Production Supervisor), Maurice Noble, Bob Ogle, Don Morgan, Hal Ambro, Bon Inman, Ken Harris, Ben Washam, Dick Thompson, Don Towsley, Phil Roman, Don Foster (Animation & Backgrounds)
SCOOBY's ALL-STARS - Bangkok & Cape Canaveral	ABC	1978-10-28		Joe Besser (Solo)
3 teams of cartoon characters travel around the world, engaging in LAFF-A-LYMPICS events for points and a gold medal. The teams are "The Yogi Yahooies," "The Really Rottens," and "The Scooby Doobies." Hanna-Barbera adapted its WACKY RACES format... capitalized on its "Scooby Doo" franchise, and the 1976 Olympics... and combined them to create this showcase for the studio's past and present character roster. Joe Besser reprises his JEANNIE character 'Babu,' and Gary Owens (sponsor of The Three Stooges' 1983 star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame) is the voice of 'Blue Falcon,' both members of the "Scooby Doobies." Several episodes also feature 'Jabberjaw' as a guest commentator; 'Jabberjaw' is a friendly great white shark, adapted on Curly Howard and Rodney Dangerfield. 24 episodes were produced: 16 as 1/4 of the 2-hour SCOOBY'S ALL-STAR LAFF-A-LYMPICS (1977 - 1978), and another 8 as part of the 90-minute SCOOBY'S ALL STARS (1978 - 1979). They reran as the half-hour series SCOOBY'S LAFF-A-LYMPICS (1979 - 1980). Bangkok: Siamese sampan race, 3-way soccer Cape Canaveral: rocket race to the moon, moon foot race For the last episode's moon competitions, the teams reach a three-way tie. Voice Cast: Don Messick (Announcer), Daws Butler (Snagglepuss), Frank Welker (Mildew Wolf) The Scooby Doobies: Joe Besser (Babu), Gary Owens (Blue Falcon), Don Messick (Scooby Doo), Casey Kasem (Shaggy), Daws Butler (Scooby Dum), Frank Welker (Dynomutt, Tinker), Mel Blanc (Captain Caveman, Speed Buggy), Marilyn Schreffler (Brenda Chance), Vernee Watson (Dee Dee Sykes), Laurel Page (Taffy Dare), Scatman Crothers (Hong Kong Phooey) The Yogi Yahooeys: Daws Butler (Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound, Dixie, Mr. Jinks, Hokey Wolf, Quick Draw McGraw, Snooper, Blabber, Auggie Doggie, Wally Gator), Don Messick (Boo Boo Bear, Pixie), Julie Bennett (Cindy Bear), John Stephenson (Doggie Daddy), Jimmy Weldon (Yakky Doodle), Bob Holt (Grape Ape) The Really Rottens: Don Messick (Mumbly, Dastardly Dalton, Creeply Jr.), Daws Butler (Dirty Dalton), Casey Kasem (Mr. Creeply), Frank Welker (Magic Rabbit, Sooey Pig), John Stephenson (Dread Baron, The Great Fondoo), Bob Holt (Dinky Dalton, Orful Octopus), Laurel Page (Mrs. Creeply), Marilyn Schreffler (Daisy Mayhem) Crew: Bill Hanna, Joe Barbera, Iwao Takamoto (Executive Producers), Ray Patterson, Carl Urbano, Nick Nichols (Directors), Don Jurwich, Alex Lovy, Art Scott (Producers), Joe Ruby, Ken Spears (Creators), Joan Howard-Maurer, Norman Maurer, Michael Maurer, Jeffrey [Maurer] Scott, Neal Barbera, Haskell Barkin, Joe Bonaduce, Larz Bourne, Chuck Couch, Tom Dagenais, Lee Davenport, Orville Hampton, Andy Heyward, Mark Jones, Bob Ogle, Ray Parker, Duane Poole, Howie Post, Paul Pumpian, Kimmer Ringwald, Dick Robbins, Susan Stewart (Writers and Story Editors)
HOLLYWOOD PALACE, THE	ABC	1967-10-10	Milton Berle	Joe Besser (Solo)
ABC’s Saturday night, big-name, big-budget variety series. Guest hosts were featured each week, several on a recurring basis… Bing Crosby, Milton Berle, Jimmy Durante, Sammy Davis Jr. and Don Adams among them. Acts ranged from The Rolling Stones to Groucho Marx, and PALACE became well-known for its annual Bing Crosby Christmas special. Milton Berle hosts an all-comedy installment of THE HOLLYWOOD PALACE. Joe Besser appears as a heckling stage manager. Cast: Milton Berle (Host), Dick Tufeld (Announcer), Kaye Ballard, Irving Benson, Professor Irwin Corey, The Bottoms Up, Joe Besser, Mitchell Ayres and The Orchestra
LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE - Love and the Proposal	ABC	1970-01-05		Joe Besser (Solo)
A one-hour comedy anthology series, each episode featured three to four playlets, all dealing in the subject of love. Short comedy blackout sequences, starring a regular roster of actors including Bernie Kopell, Stuart Margolin, Tracy Reed and James Hampton, were interspersed between the playlets. A chronic marriage proposer, with the help of his best friend, concocts an elaborate lie to escape his latest engagement. He hires an actress (Joan Van Ark) to pose as his wife, a woman lost and presumed dead for two years in the wilderness on their honeymoon camping trip. Cast: Warren Berlinger (Harold), Joan Hackett (Linda), Ron Harper (Vic), Joan Van Ark (Helen, aka "Betty Jane"), Joe Besser (Man in restaurant) Crew: Jim Parker, Arnold Margolin (Executive Producers), William P. D'Angelo (Producer), Richard Michaels (Director), Dale Evans (Writer)
LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE - Love and the Murphy's Bed	ABC	1971-01-22		Joe Besser (Solo)
A one-hour comedy anthology series, each episode featured three to four playlets, all dealing in the subject of love. Short comedy blackout sequences, starring a regular roster of actors including Bernie Kopell, Stuart Margolin, Tracy Reed and James Hampton, were interspersed between the playlets. A philandering married couple each bring home a date, thinking the other is out of town. Four is a crowd, and their murphy's bed becomes the hiding place of their paramours, and eventually, the paramours' angry spouses. The neighbor (Joe Besser) on the other side of the alcove apartment wall is none too happy, and thoroughly confused, by the racket raised by the hidden lovers. Cast: Jo Ann Pflug (Sarah), Jim Hutton (John), Paul Picerni (Alfred), Carol Wayne (Irene), Joe Besser (Neighbor), Noam Pitlik (Irene's husband), Mitzi Hoag (Alfred's wife) Crew: Jim Parker, Arnold Margolin (Executive Producers), William P. D'Angelo (Producer), Leslie Martinson (Director), Gene Thompson (Writer)
LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE - Love and the Lady Barber	ABC	1971-11-19		Joe Besser (Solo)
A one-hour comedy anthology series, each episode featured three to four playlets, all dealing in the subject of love. Short comedy blackout sequences, starring a regular roster of actors including Bernie Kopell, Stuart Margolin, Tracy Reed and James Hampton, were interspersed between the playlets. A bald man is madly in love with his woman barber, but she says she can only love someone with full, luxurious hair. This sends Mr. Reading to a toupee shop, which he hopes will lead to a relationship. Cast: Frank Sutton (Mr. Reading), Ann Prentiss (Yvonne), Joe Besser (Tony the toupee salesman), Carla Borelli (Linda) Crew: Jim Parker, Arnold Margolin (Executive Producers), William P. D'Angelo (Producer), William Wiard (Director), Martin Cohan (Writer)
LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE - Love and the Legend	ABC	1973-01-05		Joe Besser (Solo)
A one-hour comedy anthology series, each episode featured three to four playlets, all dealing in the subject of love. Short comedy blackout sequences, starring a regular roster of actors including Bernie Kopell, Stuart Margolin, Tracy Reed and James Hampton, were interspersed between the playlets. A man and his wife leave New York and purchase a southern mansion. Overnight, her usual overbearing, nagging manner is replaced with an endearing and loving personality. Harley (Joe Besser), the duck pond caretaker, informs Lee that Agnes has been possessed by the 18th century spirit of Claire Whitman, who once owned the mansion, but was murdered by her husband for an unconsummated affair with the butler. But if Turner makes love to the sensuous "Claire," her spirit will finally find rest, and Agnes will return... something Lee doesn't necessarily want. Cast: David White (Lee Turner), Joanna Barnes (Agnes Turner), Joe Besser (Harley) Crew: Jim Parker, Arnold Margolin (Executive Producers), William P. D'Angelo (Producer), Charles R. Rondeau (Director), Lloyd Garver, Ken Hecht (Writers)
JOEY BISHOP SHOW, THE (talk show)	ABC	1967-04-17	Joey Bishop	Moe, Larry and Curly Joe
ABC attempted to create its own late-night talk show, to compete against THE TONIGHT SHOW. Joey Bishop was a popular substitute host for Johnny Carson, and so on April 17, 1967 ABC premiered THE JOEY BISHOP SHOW with co-host Regis Philbin. The show never really caught on with audiences, but did endure for a 2 & 1/2 year run. The Three Stooges Scrapbook reports that The Three Stooges made several appearances on Bishop's talk show. Exact air dates are unknown, as well as most of the appearances' details. This filmography will add individual, date-specific entries when/if the information becomes available. * Although the air date is not available, Scrapbook does describe one appearance where the Stooges performed the "Operation" sketch. They later demonstrated the art of pie throwing, which escalated into a wild melee that filled the stage. Jane Kean (THE JACKIE GLEASON SHOW's 'Trixie Norton') was one of the other guests, and recalls this episode as sometime in 1968. Ms. Kean purchased an expensive gown for that night's appearance, and although she remained seated in her guest chair on the opposite side of the stage, her dress was ruined when the Stooges accidentally splattered her with meringue. * There is an unconfirmed report that Moe Howard made a surprise, solo appearance on the BISHOP SHOW, to promote a Stooges appearance for the following evening. When/if this is confirmed, a filmography entry will be added for Moe's solo credits. Cast: Joey Bishop (Host), Regis Philbin (Co-Host), Johnny Mann (Musical Director), Moe Howard, Larry Fine, Joe DeRita, Jane Kean
BATMAN - Hizzoner the Penguin	ABC	1966-11-02		Joe Besser (Solo)
Millionaire Bruce Wayne, and his youthful ward Dick Grayson, assume the guises of Batman & Robin to battle super-villain crime in Gotham City. The Penguin supposedly goes straight and launches a mayoral campign. Fighting public empathy for the reformed crook, incumbent Mayor Linseed turns his party's nomination over to the Caped Crusader, Batman! But the Penguin's campaign is based on a criminal scheme to plunder the City, and employ the Joker and the Riddler as his lieutenants. This episode was adapted as a sub-plot in 1992's BATMAN RETURNS. Joe Besser briefly cameos as a campaign rally worker for The Penguin, in Part 1 of "Hizzoner the Penguin / Dizzoner the Penguin." Cast: Adam West (Batman / Bruce Wayne), Burt Ward (Robin / Dick Grayson), Burgess Meredith (The Penguin), Alan Napier (Alfred), Neil Hamilton (Commissioner Gordon), Stafford Repp (Chief O'Hara), Madge Blake (Aunt Harriet Grayson), Don Wilson (Walter Klondike), Dennis James (Chet Chumley), Allen Ludden (David Dooley), Byron Keith (Mayor Linseed), George Furth (Gallus), Woodrow Parfey (Rooper), Murray Roman (Trendeck), Joe E. Tata (Goon), Benny Rubin (Citizen), Paul Revere & The Raiders (Themselves), Little Egypt (Herself), William Dozier (Narrator), James O'Hara (Officer), Cindy Malone (Lulu), Pat Tidy, Peg Shirley, John Indrisano, Fuzzy Knight Crew: William Dozier, Howie Horwitz (Producers), Stanford Sherman (Screenplay), Oscar Rudolph (Director)
THE BETTY WHITE SHOW - Forgetfulness	ABC	1958-04-11		Joe Besser (Solo)
Betty White's half-hour variety/comedy series. A short-lived (13 episodes) series, created as a revamp of her low-rated ABC sitcom DATE WITH THE ANGELS (1957 - 1958). Each variety episode featured music and comedy based on a theme. Willard Franklin forgot to tell his wife Lydia that Mother is coming for a visit. When a singing telegram messenger (Joe Besser) arrives with a birthday greeting, Willard panics that he forgot Mother's birthday... until the telegram reveals what he really forgot. Besser successfully ad libs when a prop goes awry! In other skits, a Brooklyn Dodger forgets the team moved to Los Angeles. Betty asks a record store manager to help her find a record whose title or lyrics she can't remember... just a few notes from the melody. Then, extremely nervous steamship magnate Mr. Quigley is interviewed live from his office on an evening TV show. But no one told cleaning woman Olga, who disrupts the live broadcast, causing Quigley to forget his facts. Cast: Betty White (Herself, Lydia Franklin, Olga Novak), Joe Besser (Singing telegram messenger), Reta Shaw (Mother Franklin, Miss Thorndyke), Del Moore (Willard Franklin, Jack Stanley), Frank Nelson (Record store manager), Jimmy Boyd (Teenager in record store), Hanley Stafford (Thomas J. Quigley), Tom Kennedy (Announcer), Johnny Jacobs (Co-host), Frank DeVol (Orchestra) Crew: Fred Henry (Executive Producer), Don Fedderson, James V. Kern, George Tibbles (Producers), James V. Kern, Larry Robertson (Directors), George Tibbles, Si Rose, Seaman Jacobs (Writers)
BELL SYSTEM FAMILY THEATRE, THE - Bing Crosby's Christmas Show	ABC	1970-12-16	Bing Crosby	Joe Besser (Solo)
As a recurring host of THE HOLLYWOOD PALACE (1964 - 1970), Bing Crosby initiated the tradition of his family's annual Christmas show. PALACE ended its run earlier in the year, so the tradition continued with this Holiday special sponsored by Bell Telephone. According to Joe Besser's autobiography, he guest-starred as a character named 'Lumpy.' Unavailable for viewing, no additional episode information is known at this time. Cast: Bing Crosby (Host), Kathryn Crosby, Mary Crosby, Nathaniel Crosby, Harry Crosby, Melba Moore, Jack Wild, The Doodletown Pipers, Joe Besser Crew: Bill Angelos (Producer), Buz Kohan, Bill Angelos, Rod Warren (Writers), Marty Pasetta (Director), Nick Perito (Music)
DON RICKLES SHOW, THE	ABC	1968-12-27	Don Rickles	Joe Besser (Solo)
Don Rickles' short-lived variety series, specializing in his trademark insult humor. Don looks back at 1968 with sketches and blackout gags. Joe Besser guest stars in two sketches, as a Russian spy and Aristotle Onassis. Cast: Don Rickles (Host), Pat McCormick (Announcer), The Vic Mizzy Orchestra, Dick Clark, Gene Baylos, Joe Besser Crew: Pat McCormick (Writer)
HOLLYWOOD HOUSE	ABC	1949-12-02	Jim Backus	Joe Besser (Solo)
Joe Besser guest stars in this episode of a 1/2-hour variety show based in the ficticious Hollywood House Hotel, featuring the comings and goings of its performing guests. Cast: Jim Backus (Hotel manager), Gale Robbins, Dick Wesson. Guest stars: Joe Besser (Irate hotel guest), Connie Haines, The Paul Cavanaugh Trio.
HOLLYWOOD PALACE, THE	ABC	1968-11-30	Milton Berle	Joe Besser (Solo)
ABC’s Saturday night, big-name, big-budget variety series. Guest hosts were featured each week, several on a recurring basis… Bing Crosby, Milton Berle, Jimmy Durante, Sammy Davis Jr. and Don Adams among them. Acts ranged from The Rolling Stones to Groucho Marx, and PALACE became well-known for its annual Bing Crosby Christmas special. Music and comedy from host Milton Berle, who sings “What a Night This Is Going to Be.” Guest Martha Raye clowns with Berle, and also sings “Toot Toot Tootsie Goodbye” and “Those Were the Days.” Pro footballer and actor Rosie Grier sings “Slip Away.” Additional musical numbers from singer-dancer Barrie Chase (“Suzie Q”), Mary Beth Hughes, and teenage musicians The Third Wave. Comedy from actor-comedian Joey Forman. Joe Besser appears as a stage manager enamoured of Martha Raye. Cast: Milton Berle (Host), Dick Tufeld (Announcer), Martha Raye, Joey Forman, Rosie Grier, Mary Beth Hughes, The Third Wave, Barrie Chase, Joe Besser, Mitchell Ayres and The Orchestra
HOLLYWOOD PALACE, THE	ABC	1969-03-22	Don Rickles and Phyllis Diller	Joe Besser (Solo)
ABC's Saturday night, big-name, big-budget variety series. Guest hosts were featured each week, several on a recurring basis... Bing Crosby, Milton Berle, Jimmy Durante, Sammy Davis Jr. and Don Adams among them. Acts ranged from The Rolling Stones to Groucho Marx, and PALACE became well-known for its annual Bing Crosby Christmas special. Co-hosts Don Rickles and Phyllis Diller provide samplings of their stand-up comedy, and then begin the episode's theme, a series of musical numbers and skits chronicling the misadventures of a honeymoon couple. Terry-Thomas provides comic support in a variety of roles: best man, British desk clerk of a run-down Mexican hotel and the pilot of a Florida-bound jet hijacked to Australia. Musical numbers by The Baja Marimba Band, The King Family, country singer & political satirist Jack Walker, and dances by ballet artists Sony & Claire. Joe Besser makes a surprise gag appearance in the hijack sketch. Cast: Don Rickles (Host), Phyllis Diller (Host), Dick Tufeld (Announcer), Terry-Thomas, The Baja Marimba Band, The King Family, Tina Cole, Sony & Claire, Jack Walker, Joe Besser (Sydney), Mitchell Ayres and The Orchestra Crew: Nick Vanoff (Executive Producer), William O. Harbach (Producer), Grey Lockwood (Director), Joe Bigelow, Jay Burton, George Bloom (Writers)
JOEY BISHOP SHOW, THE (talk show)	ABC	1967-04-17	Joey Bishop	Joe Besser (Solo)
ABC attempted to create its own late-night talk show, to compete against THE TONIGHT SHOW. Joey Bishop was a popular substitute host for Johnny Carson, and so on April 17, 1967 ABC premiered THE JOEY BISHOP SHOW with co-host Regis Philbin. The show never really caught on with audiences, but did endure for a 2½ year run. The first year of the talk show featured a recurring group of comedy sketch performers known as “The Son-of-a-Gun Players”… Joe Besser, JoAnn Worley and Ann Elder. According to Besser’s autobiography, they made 8 appearances in 1967, before Bishop changed the show’s format in 1968. Specific air dates, and sketch details, are unavailable at this time. Cast: Joey Bishop (Host), Regis Philbin (Co-Host), Johnny Mann (Musical Director), Joe Besser, JoAnn Worley, Ann Elder
SHIRLEY TEMPLE SHOW, THE - Babes in Toyland	ABC	1960-12-25		Joe Besser (Solo)
Shirley Temple produced this series of one-hour television adaptations of children's stories, hosting with her real-life children. It began on NBC as a series of specials and anthology segments titled THE SHIRLEY TEMPLE [STORYBOOK] THEATRE. When this Christmas Day installment aired, it had moved to ABC as a weekly series known as THE SHIRLEY TEMPLE SHOW. Alan's and Jane's evil Uncle Barnaby (Jonathan Winters) hires three pirates (Joe Besser, Carl Ballantine, Jerry Colonna) to kidnap the children, so he can inherit the fortune left by the two orphans' parents. A storm shipwrecks the pirate ship on the shore of a remote island, and the children (Angela Cartwright, Michel Petit) escape. Gypsy witch Floretta (Shirley Temple) helps the villains track the children, first to Meantown, and eventually to Toyland. The Master Toymaker of Toyland takes the children to his heart, and with the help of toy soldiers, prepares to defeat Barnaby and his pirate henchmen. Cast: Shirley Temple (Host, Floretta), Jonathan Winters (Barnaby), Jerry Colonna (Gonzalez), Carl Ballantine (Gonzorgo), Joe Besser (Rodrigo), Angela Cartwright (Jane), Michel Petit (Alan), Hanley Stafford (The Master Toymaker), Bobby Jellison (Jailer), Ray Kellog (Policeman) Crew: Shirley Temple (Executive Producer), William Asher (Producer), Bob Henry (Director), Sheldon Keller, Jack Brooks (Writers)