When interviewed by reporters about his work, Bill said if he had to list all his appearances it would bore both the reporter and himself.
Fun and Fancy Free(1947): This film featured Jiminy Cricket hosting two stories: Bongo, about a circus bear, and Mickey and The Beanstalk where Mickey and his friends encounter Willie The Giant. Bill was not credited for this role but his voice was featured in the Bongo story, according to at least 2 sources. None of the characters spoke, only the female narrator who would also sing a few songs. Apparently Bill provided some growling and grunting for one of the bears in the forest. Essentially this was Bill’s first cartoon voice over which he did quite a lot of in the 1980s and 1990s.
Army Training Films(1950s): Bill mentioned being in these films during his early years as an actor.
To Kill a Mockingbird(1962): The classic story of bigotry in the south, as seen through the eyes of a young child. This was Bill’s first motion picture and he made a lasting impression as the Prosecutor, Mr. Horace Gilmer. His performance as the nasty southern lawyer rivals Raymond Burr’s memorable portrayal of a Southern lawyer in “A Place in the Sun.” While Bill filmed by day, he was performing on stage at night. He was co-starring in “Period of Adjustment” and his co-star was actress Collin Wilcox Paxton, who played Mayella Ewell in “Mockingbird.”
Cattle King(1963): The plot involves two men…one who wants to fence in his land, Sam Brassfield (Robert Taylor) and a cattle baron, Clay Matthews, who wants an open range (Robert Middleton). Matthews talks small-time rancher, Harry Travers, to fight against fenced-off land. Harry is a coward and would do anything to get into Matthews’ good graces. Problem is, Harry’s sister is engaged to Brassfield. Bill played Harry Travers, the spineless, drunken brother of Sharleen Travers. Harry dislikes Sam but, knowing how his sister feels about Sam, Harry admits that Matthews has hired a gunman to deal with Sam. It all comes to a head when the gunman shoots Harry and kills his sister. What’s interesting is that in one pivotal scene, Bill’s character is wearing Moccasin-type slippers. You don’t see this until the scene ends but it shows how Bill preferred to wear comfortable shoes at all times. The film was produced by MGM and came out in July of 1963. A few months prior, Bill had married the granddaughter of MGM co-founder, Louis B. Mayer, and she became Bill’s third wife.
For Love or Money(1963): A fluffy rom-com starring Kirk Douglas as a lawyer who’s hired by a rich client to marry off her three daughters. Bill played Sam Travis, a psychiatrist rehabilitating prisoners who is set up with one of the daughters, played by Leslie Parrish. Her character and Sam have known each other since they were kids. She footloose and fancy free and he’s stuck up. Needless to say, they bicker throughout the entire movie. This is the first time Leslie Parrish and Bill worked together. They would later work together on a few projects.
One Man’s Way(1963): A film about preacher and author Norman Vincent Peale. Bill played his father and inspiration, Rev. Clifford Peale. Bill did this film just before he started filming the series “The Farmer’s Daughter.” The actors who played the younger Norman Peale and his brother were Mickey Sholdar and Rory O’Brien. Both boys also played Bill’s tv sons on “The Farmer’s Daughter.” This film was likely made during the time all three were filming the first season episodes of “The Farmer’s Daughter.” Bill would once again work with Don Murray in an episode of “The Outcasts” called The Stalking Devil. Bill would later work with Murray’s ex-wife, actress Hope Lange, on an episode of “Murder, She Wrote” called The Big Kill and Bill would work with their son, Christopher, on the “Murder, She Wrote” episode Love’s Deadly Desire. This was also the first time Bill worked with actor Tom Skerritt (“Top Gun”). They would later work on an episode of “The F.B.I.” call The Assassin.
The Americanization of Emily(1964): A film about a naval officer (James Garner) who finds a way to have fun during WWII. That changes when he falls in love and is then told he must film the D-Day invasion. Bill played Capt. Harry Spaulding a sort of stuffed shirt naval officer. He only has a few scenes in the film. Bill appeared with comedic actor Steve Franken. They later worked together on an episode of “The Farmer’s Daughter” called Crisis at Crystal Springs. Actor Keenan Wynn appeared in the film. He and Bill would later work on the tv movies: “The House on Greenapple Road” and “Assault on the Wayne.” Bill said Wynn gave him some good advice, “We won’t get to be millionaires, but we’ll get work. They didn’t pin me down.” In real life, Bill made his first paratrooper jump at Normandy on D-Day.
Hour of the Gun(1967): An unusual telling of the shootout at the OK corral. This film shows that not all members of the gang died. Ike Clanton DID survive and wanted the Earps charged with murder. They are cleared by a judge and Clanton does what he can to destroy the Earp brothers. Bill played Texas Jack Vermillion, a member of Earp’s posse. Bill did not go into detail but was not a fan of working on the film. This was just after his run on “The Farmer’s Daughter” and he was having a dry spell. This film is a Who’s-Who of actors who worked or were connected to Bill’s career. Let’s start with James Garner. Bill had previously worked with him on the film “The Americanization of Emily.” Jason Robards did not work with Bill however Robards was in the film “The War Between Men and Women” which was the silver screen version of a James Thurber story starring Jack Lemmon. Bill was not big box-office to warrant his appearance in the film. Later, Robards played the patriach in the film “Parenthood.” When it was made into a series in 1990, Bill took over the role. Albert Salmi worked with Bill in the tv movie “Portrait of a Rebel: The Remarkable Mrs. Sanger,” “Petrocelli,” “Once An Eagle,” “Escape From the Planet of the Apes,” and “Winesburg, Ohio.” William Schallert worked with Bill on an episode of “Mission: Impossible.” Lonny Chapman worked with Bill on the miniseries, “Blind Ambition.” the tv movie, “Marriage, Year One” and on an episode of “Murder, She Wrote.” Karl Swenson appeared on an episode of “The Farmer’s Daughter.” Monte Markham worked with Bill in an episode of “Murder, She Wrote.” Robert Ryan and Bill never worked together previously but in the same year this film came out, Ryan was considered for what may be Bill’s most famous role: Commodore Matt Decker in the “Star Trek” episode The Doomsday Machine.
The Detective(1968): A gritty film focusing on a very taboo subject of the time, homosexuality. Frank Sinatra starred as the detective, Joe Leland, investigating the murder of a gay man. His character doesn’t care about gay/straight, etc. he just wants justice. Meanwhile he’s dealing with the disintegration of his marriage. Leland is also called upon by a young woman whose husband, Colin MacIver, has died from an alleged suicide, but his wife thinks differently. Joe solves the homosexual’s murder when a petty criminal, who is also gay, confesses. Joe thinks it’s all said and done when the criminal is executed. Unfortunately that’s not the case. Joe soon learns the murder and the MacIver investigation are connected. Bill played Colin MacIver, a man with a secret. We only see him at the end of the movie in a flashback scene. It turns out that MacIver was in the closet and one night decided to give into his desires and visit a gay club for a fling. Afterwards he was so angry with himself that he killed the man…the victim in Joe’s original case. MacIver admits he was responsible for both his lover’s death and the man who falsely confessed to the murder. MacIver’s case was suicide. He jumped from the roof of a horse racing track, not because of the guilt over the deaths of two men but because he was homosexual.
(CONT.) Bill gave a tour-de-force performance as the man torn up by his life and lifestyle. His character is 38 years old but Bill was 45 at the time. When it was announced that Bill signed onto the picture, actress Mia Farrow (wife of Sinatra) was set to play his wife, not Jacquline Bisset. The movie was, as expected, quite different from the book by Roderick Thorp. Bill’s character played a much bigger role in the book than the film. In the book, MacIver’s character is about 32, impeccable about his appearance and a former WWII fighter pilot. The book goes much deeper into the psyche of MacIver as a homosexual and tries to connect his lifestyle to his boyhood with an overbearing mom. He was also married twice, had flings with men, and his widow was pregnant with their child. In the film, MacIver’s homosexuality is looked at both psychologically and sociologically. MacIver, at first questioned if he was bi-sexual, but was told by his psychiatrist ther was no such thing. MacIver preferred men over women but he felt guilty because that’s not what his family, or society, expected from him. In the book, MacIver is described as being bi-sexual but preferring men. He also is more prone to violence because of his anguish over being gay. The movie received an MPAA R rating because of its material. There was a sequel to this book where Joe Leland was stuck in a high-rise with his daughter and grandchildren. They’re being held hostage by European Terrorists. Sound familiar? A movie studio bought the rights to the film, changed some details, including the character Joe Leland to John McClane, and the film became “Die Hard.” The film’s writer was Abby Mann who later developed the tv detective show “Kojak” in which Bill appeared in an episode.
The Gypsy Moths(1969): The film refers to a trio of skydivers who travel the country in air shows. They land in a small town and it turns their lives upside down. Mr. Brandon and his wife host all three jumpers in their home as the youngest of the group is their nephew. Uncle John Brandon, a professor, comes across as very conservative and doesn’t understand why the men jump. He shows disinterest in his life and belittles his wife at every chance. This drives her into the arms of the lead jumper, Mike Rettig (Burt Lancaster) and they have sex in the living room while Uncle John overhears. This leads to tension and Rettig can’t stand it so he does a dangerous skydive and is killed. At the end of the film John realizes he has almost lost his loving wife. Bill played Uncle John Allen Brandon, although some media list his character as V. John Brandon. The film was shot on location in Kansas including the airshow scenes. Extras on the film remember Bill as being friendly to everyone during the air show scene. However Bill said the director was a taskmaster and it was not a fun set to be on.
The Angry Breed(1969): A poorly made film about biker gangs. The only redeeming qualities was Bill and James MacArthur (“Hawaii 5-0”). The story involves a young Vietnam Veteran, Johnny, who saves a young girl from some bikers. She repays him by offering him a place to stay and possible movie contract with her big-wig producer father. Bill played Vance Patton, a slimy producer who keeps 18 year old girls in his home so he can sleep with them because his wife is 36 years old. Patton keeps his wife in a drunken stupor and also dislikes the fact his daughter is falling for Johnny. Patton does whatever he can to put a wedge between the couple. Meanwhile, the biker gang arrives at Patton’s home and seeks revenge. Bill lent a cool but creepy vibe to the Vance Patton character. He tells his wife, rather coldly, “You’re 36. I’d rather have two 18s.” He and actor James MacArthur are the only good actors in the film, the rest look like they’re reading directly from the script. Patton does redeem himself in the end, especially in the biker brawl scene. This is the first time Bill worked with James MacArthur. They would work on two episodes of “Hawaii 5-0” called Which Way Did They Go? and Bomb, Bomb, Who’s Got the Bomb? This was the second time Bill worked with actress Jan Sterling (Mrs. Gloria Patton). She and Bill had worked together on an episode of “Kraft Mystery Theatre” called In Close Pursuit.
Brewster McCloud(1970): A rather trippy film about a man, Brewster McCloud (Bud Cort) who lives in the Astrodome and dreams of being able to fly away like a bird. A strange woman, Louise, is believed to be a fallen angel. She just appears and wants to hep young Brewster fly but warns him to avoid sex or it won’t happen. Meanwhile there are a series of murders throughout Houston and all the victims are covered in bird droppings. A boisterous political blow-hard, Haskell Weeks, hires a big-shot detective named Frank Shaft to solve the crimes. Young Brewster soon falls in love with a woman who works at the Astrodome named Suzanne. However Louise warns Brewster about love and sex. Brewster doesn’t listen and when the police think the couple is involved in the murders, Suzanne helps Brewster get away during a police chase. Shaft is injured and decides to kill himself when Brewster gets away. Brewster and Suzanne make love and he admits to her that he is the serial killer and he plans to fly away. When he returns to the Astrodome, Louise is hurt by Brewster’s rude remarks and she abandons him. Meanwhile, Suzanne calls her ex-boyfriend, who works for Weeks, and tells him Brewster is the killer. Weeks, Suzanne and her boyfriend arrive at the Astrodome where Weeks hunts for Brewster. When he doesn’t return, Suzanne and her old boyfriend find Weeks dead and covered in bird droppings. Brewster sees Suzanne and the man together and realizes he was wrong about her. All the police close in and this is when Brewster tries out his wings, which fail him. Brewster crashes to the ground and dies. Turns out human’s can’t fly like birds. Bill played the pompous politician Haskell Weeks or as Bill liked to call him, civic blowhard.
(CONT.)The film ends with a circus parade inside the dome with each cast member playing a circus performer. Bill played the Ringmaster who introduces each cast member (“Yours truly, William Windom”), ending with a close up of Brewster’s dead body. The film was shot entirely in the Houston area and Bill was expecting his second child. One man recalled being in the same Lamaze class with Bill and his wife. Apparently director Robert Altman hated the script so much he threw it out and gave the actors their lines on the fly. The film also premiered in the Astrodome but the quality was horrible and the VIPs, including the cast, sat on folding chairs. Actress Margaret Hamilton appeared in the film. She and Bill would later work together on the unsold tv pilot “Is There A Doctor in The House?” She was also Bill’s kindergarten teacher. Also appearing in the film, actress Jennifer Salt (“SOAP”) who would later appear with Bill on an episode of “Murder, She Wrote” called Indian Giver. Bill did his first, and only, nude scene just for this movie. The story even made the national papers! Bill loved to play chess any time there was down time on a set. In the nude scene, Haskell has a very large chess set in the foreground. Bill had worked with Robert Altman twice on television.
Mephisto Waltz(1971): A thriller about a piano player, Myles Clarkson (Alan Alda) who can no longer play because of injured hands. So he becomes a writer and is given the opportunity to interview a mysterious piano virtuoso. Soon the two men become intertwined to the point where they somehow switch bodies. However Clarkson’s wife suspects something sinister is at play and she’s right…it’s Satanism. Bill played Dr. West, a friend of the Clarksons. He only has a few scenes especially towards the end of the film. This was QM–Quinn-Martin–film foray into the silver screen as opposed to the small screen. This is the second time Bill worked with actress Jacqueline Bisset as they had first worked together on the film “The Detective.” Bradford Dillman was in the film. He appeared with Bill in “Escape From the Planet of the Apes” and in two “Murder, She Wrote” episodes: Final Curtain & Wheel of Death.
Escape From the Planet of the Apes(1971): In the sequel to the second film, three of the Apes go back in time to present-day America. There they are treated as experiments because of their high intelligence. Bill played The President of the United States. The casting agent wanted to go with Henry Fonda as the president but the director, Don Taylor, chose Bill. Taylor had worked with Bill on “The Farmer’s Daughter” and on Bill’s famous “Night Gallery” episode. Taylor said that as soon as he read the script he wanted Bill for the part. In the film, Bill worked again with Roddy McDowell. They would later work together on an episode of “Columbo” called Short Fuse, the tv movie “Taste of Evil” and an episode of “Murder, She Wrote” called Fire Burn, Cauldron Bubble. Sal Mineo (“Rebel Without a Cause”) also appeared. He and Bill would work on an episode of “S.W.A.T” called Coven of Killers and finally Bradford Dillman appeared in this film. He and Bill appeared in “The Mephisto Waltz” and on two episodes of “Murder, She Wrote”: Final Curtain and Wheel of Death. Also appearing, Army Archerd and Ricardo Montalban. Bill appeared on a game show Archerd hosted and he would later work with Montalban on an episode of “Fantasy Island” called Daddy’s Little Girl. Also appearing, Albert Salmi who worked with Bill many times. M. Emmet Walsh also appeared in the film. He and Bill would later appear together in the film “Grandview, U.S.A.” Bill said he got so excited during his scenes that the director told him to dial it back.
Fool’s Parade(1971): Three prisoners are released from prison and the oldest of the group, Mattie Appleyard (Jimmy Stewart), is given a sizable check for the work he put in behind bars. However a crooked prison guard, ‘Doc’ Council, and a banker, hatch a plan to kill the men. Council puts all three on a train and is waiting to ambush them at the next stop. However the conductor knows the scoop and warns the group so they are able to escape with their lives. Now they’re on the run again. Bill played Roy K. Sizemore an explosives salesman on the train with the former inmates. He is mistakenly shot by Council and his henchmen when Sizemore is getting off the train.
(CONT.) A gentleman who was an extra on the film said he had a great time working with Jimmy Stewart, Kurt Russell and Bill. This is the first time Bill worked with Stewart. They later worked together on two of Stewart’s tv shows: “Hawkins” in the episode A Life for a Life and “The Jimmy Stewart Show” episode Old School Ties. Bill also worked again with George Kennedy in the film. Kennedy appeared in an episode of “The Farmer’s Daughter” called The Simple Life but he did not have scenes with Bill. Kennedy also appeared with Bill in the film “Mean Dog Blues” and the tv movie “A Great American Tragedy.” This was Bill’s first time working with Kurt Russell. They would work, a year later, on the Disney movie “Now You See Him, Now You Don’t.” Bill would also work with Russell’s father in the tv movie “A Taste of Evil.” This is the first time Bill worked with producer Andrew V. McLaglen. They would later work on the Disney made-for-tv-film “Bluegrass Special”
Now You See Him, Now You Don’t(1972): A charming Disney film starring Kurt Russell who reprises his role as Dexter Riley. Professor Lufkin runs a creative lab allowing the students to develop their own experiments. He asks the Dean for more money to which the Dean denies Lufkin. However, if Medfield can win the upcoming science fair the award mone is $50,000. Meanwhile, a well-known crook arrives at Medfield and buys the mortgage. While the Dean thinks this is helpful it’s really an attempt to close the college down. Meanwhile, Dexter develops a substance that turns anything invisible. This leads to the typical Disney farce involving bad guys who want to steal the substance. Bill played the slightly flustered Professor Lufkin. It was Bill’s second time working with Kurt since they had previously worked on “Fool’s Parade.” Jim Backus co-starred in the movie. He and Bill would later appear in the film “Prince Jack.” Like Bill, Backus was also a student of Margaret Hamilton (“The Wizard of Oz”). Also co-starring is a young Ed Begley, jr. He and Bill would later appear together in an episode of “St. Elsewhere” called In Sickness and in Health. They would also play father in son in the first tv version of the film, “Parenthood.”
The Man(1972): The film looks at the chain of command in the Executive Branch. The film starts out with the President and Speaker of the House both being killed at a summit. The Vice President is terminally ill and cannot take office so it goes to the next in line, the president pro tempore of the U.S. Senate. However, Sen. Dillman (James Earl Jones) is African-American and that’s a problem for many in D.C. Bill played Secretary of State, Arthur Eaton, who is determined to see himself replace Dillman through bigoted pressure tactics. Bill would later work with James Earl Jones again in “Sommersby” and the PBS show “Square One Television.” Rod Serling wrote the movie script. He and Bill worked on two episodes of “The Twilight Zone” and he wrote the script for Bill’s most favorite tv role of all “Night Gallery’s”: They’re Tearing Down Tim Riley’s Bar. Also in the film, actor Martin Balsam. He and Bill worked together on Broadway in the short-lived play “Viva Madison Avenue.”
Stevie, Samson and Delilah(1975): A family film about a young boy and his relationship with a tiger and lion. The police want to remove the two wild animals so the boy and his pets run away. Bill is the narrator of the film.
Echoes of Summer(1976): A couple is dealing with a sick daughter (Jodie Foster) who has a serious heart condition. They decide to spend what little time they have left on a trip to Nova Scotia. Bill played the girl’s doctor, Dr. Hallett. In an interview, Bill commented on how the young actress was very natural so his character and her character just chatted naturally. Bill worked again with actress Lois Nettleton. They both appeared in an episode of “Gunsmoke” called Nina’s Revenge. They would later work with the California Artists Radio Theatre. This is also the first time Bill worked with actress Jodie Foster. They worked again on the film “Sommersby.” Bill also worked again with actor Brad Savage. They had appeared together in the tv film “Second Chance.”
Mean Dog Blues(1978): A country and western singer, Paul Ramsey, hitches a ride with a husband and wife team. One night the husband gets drunk and runs down a girl, killing her. The couple run off leaving Henry on his own to face the judge. He’s found guilty and sent to a prison to train pit dogs. Bill played Victor Lacey a cranky politician on his way to a political rally with his young and disinterested wife played by actress Tina Louise. She tries to seduce Ramsey while Victor is getting drunk. He finally leaves the bar and won’t let Paul drive. Victor hits a little girl but lets Paul take the blame. Once again Bill appeared with actor George Kennedy. This would be their fourth project together. Also appearing in the film, Gregory Sierra. He and Bill did not have scenes together but they appeared a few years earlier in an episode of “Barney Miller” called Doomsday. Actor Greg Henry played the victim, Paul. He and Bill would later appear in the “Murder, She Wrote” episode, The Big Kill.
Goodbye, Franklin High(1978): A touching coming-of-age film about that special senior year of high school. Young Will Armer (Lane Caudell) has to deal with pressure from his girlfriend and parents to make the right decision: go to college or take a chance and try out for the Major Leagues. Bill played Clifford Armer, the boy’s father. Clifford is a fun-loving guy who is also dying of emphysema. We later learn that, despite his good marriage, his wife (Julie Adams) is having an affair. This is the second time Bill worked with actress Julie Adams. They worked together on “The Jimmy Stewart Show” episode Old School Ties. She was also a semi-regular on “Murder, She Wrote” playing the seductive Cabot Cove real estate agent Eve Simpson.
Bank of America(1970s or 1980s): Bill did a training film for the bank. He said was happy getting recognized more by bankers than casual fans.
Separate Ways(1981): Not a very exciting film. A wife begins to have an affair not knowing, at first, that her husband is also having an affair. He’s a former race car driver turned car salesman. Bill played Huey Block, the car dealership’s business manager. Bill doesn’t have too many scenes.
Last Plane Out(1983): A film loosely based on the exploits of real-life journalist Jack Cox. He and some journalists are in Nicaragua covering the civil war and hoping to get out before things get really bad. Bill played James Caldwell, vice counsel at the US Embassy in Nicaragua. Caldwell won’t help the group because it’s been reported that Cox is a CIA member. This is not true, however Caldwell doesn’t believe the group and refuses to provide asylum. However, as things heat up, Caldwell manages to get the crew on the last plane out. The film stared Jan Michael Vincent who would work with Bill in an episode of “Airwolf” called Eagles and appear with Bill in the independent film “The Thundering 8th.” Mary Crosby also co-stars. She and Bill worked on the series “Brothers & Sisters.” They would later work together on the “Automan” episode Staying Alive While Running a High Flashdance Fever and on the “Murder, She Wrote” episode Witch’s Curse. The entire movie was filmed in South Florida to make it look like Central America. It was directed by David Nelson, the son of Ozzie and Harriet.
Prince Jack(1984): Some consider it a drama, others a black comedy. It focuses on President Kennedy and his relationships with his family and others in his inner sanctum. Bill played the character of Ferguson, a friend of LBJ and later an aide to President Kennedy. At one point, Kennedy orders Ferguson to have top military General Walker taken care of by the FBI. The real Walker was arrested for allegedly inciting riots at The University of Mississippi. Bill was only in two scenes. This was the second time Bill worked with actor Jim Backus. They had worked on “Now You See Him, Now You Don’t.” This was Bill’s first time working with actor Theodore Bikel. The two would later work on an episode of “Murder, She Wrote” called Indian Giver. Also appearing as LBJ, actor Kenneth Mars. He and Bill worked together on the TV movie “Second Chance.”
Grandview, U.S.A.(1984): A comedy/drama about life in a small town. The focus is on a 17 year old boy who hopes to leave the town behind when he goes to college. However he ends up falling for the owner of the local speedway. The film featured C. Thomas Howell, Jamie Lee Curtis and Patrick Swayze. Bill played Uncle Bob Cody, the relative of Curtis’ character. He runs the local bar but also has a soft spot for his niece. This would be Bill’s first time working with Curtis. They would later work together in a short film called “Welcome Home.” Bill had also worked with Curtis’ mother in the tv movie “The House on Greenapple Road.” Bill and Patrick Swayze worked the same year on the tv movie “Pigs Vs. Freaks.” Also in the film, actor Ramon Bieri. He would later appear in an episode of “Murder, She Wrote” called The Szechuan Dragon.
Space Rage(1986): An odd mix of Sci-Fi and Cop Drama. It takes place 200 years into the future where a bank robber is sent to a penal-colony planet where he meets two other prisoners. The robber is plotting an escape but not before he takes a few prisoners himself. Bill played Governor Tovah, the corrupt warden and governor of the planet.
Means and Ends(1986): There is no synopsis that could be found for this movie. It was an independent film shot in Canada. Bill played a character named Burt.
Welcome Home(1986): A dramatic short film about a mother and daughter and the lack of communication between themselves and their loved ones. No character names are given but Bill played the husband in the film and the father to Jamie Lee Curtis’ character. They also worked together two years prior in the film “Grandview, U.S.A.”
So Who’s Perfect? Or, How to Give and Receive Criticism (1986): This VHS film was hosted by William Windom. It was based on a book of the same name by author Hendrie Weisinger.
Funland(1987): A very twisted film about a family theme park taken over by the mafia. The film begins with one of the park’s beloved clowns, Bruce Burger, having a nervous breakdown. He thinks his puppet friend is real and soon he is asked not come back to work. Meanwhile the park is being overrun by the mafia and it succeeds when park owner, Angus Perry, is murdered. Soon the park becomes cheesy and the mafia uses it for money laundering. There is a way to save it though and the ghost of Angus convinces Burger to find a way to run the mafia out. Bill played the very dead Angus Perry. This was a very strange straight-to-VHS movie. Bruce is played by David L. Landers (“Laverne & Shirley”). Bill once again worked with Mary Beth McDonough. They worked together, when she was a child, in the family film “The Homecoming.” It was the pilot that led to “The Waltons.” McDonough played the character Erin Walton.
Planes, Trains and Automobiles(1987): The perennial holiday favorite starring Steve Martin and John Candy. The plot involves an ad agent trying to get home for Thanksgiving. Bill is only seen at the very beginning AND in the end credits. He played Mr. Bryant, the owner of a cosmetics firm that Neal Page (Steve Martin) is working with. Bill has NO lines and just makes some grunts while trying to decide which ad he likes. Even in the end credits he can’t decide. This is one of four John Hughes films that Bill worked on, the others: “She’s Having a Baby”, “Uncle Buck” and “Miracle on 34st.” Bill did not get any screen credit and he mentioned John Hughes kept the cameras rolling even after saying cut, just to see what the actors would come up with. Actually the film “She’s Having a Baby” was wrapped before this film began shooting even though “Baby” came out in 1988 and “Planes” in the Fall of 1987. Kevin Bacon mentioned that after “Baby” he asked John Hughes for even a minor role in his next film. Hughes gave Bacon the role of a man running for a tax in “Planes.”
Street Justice(1987): A CIA agent escapes Soviet imprisonment to return home to New Jersey. Only there does he find a ruthless family has corrupted the town and is threatening the man’s family. Bill played a priest, Father Burke.
Dead Aim(1987): A straight-to-VHS crime drama. The plot involves the suspicious death of four exotic dancers due to heroin overdoses. One cop thinks it’s more than coincidence and learns it’s the work of a serial killer with international ties. Bill played a vice cop named McWhorter. Most of his scenes involved prostitution stake outs/busts and his humor works well, especially when he has to bust a hooker on the job. Unfortunately his character becomes a victim of the killer. Bill also did some voice over work. Around 30 minutes into the film there is a scene with a prostitute in her apartment with the tv on. You can hear a man and woman chatting on the tv and the man’s voice is Bill’s. This would be the first time Bill and Corbin Bernsen appeared together. They would later appear in an episode of “L.A. Law” called Diet, Diet, My Darling. This was also the second time Bill worked with actor William Sanderson. They previously worked on an episode of “Walking Tall” called Protectors of the People. Bill was shooting this film in Atlanta around the time he shot “Funland.”
Pinocchio and the Emperor of The Night(1987): A cartoon film featuring Pinocchio and some new friends searching for a magic music box. On the way they get caught by the evil Puppetino who is working for the sinister Emperor of the Night. Bill was the voice of Puppetino and utilized a Cockney accent. He did a great job. Also providing voices: James Earl Jones and Tom Bosley who both worked with Bill.
She’s Having a Baby(1988): Add Bill to the game “Six degrees of Kevin Bacon.” This John Hughes film focuses on a young couple coping with married life and the surprises that come along…like pregnancy. It’s quite Thurber-esque in the way Kevin Bacon’s character looks at life. Bill played Russ Bainbridge the father-in-law. He can’t stand his son-in-law and he often goes on profane tirades while telling his wife to “knock it off.” What’s great about Bill’s acting ability is that he could play curmudgeon with loveable qualities. Towards the end of the film, when there’s concern about Kristy and the baby, Russ looks to Jake and gives him a sign like “everything will be alright.” Russ’ wife was played by Cathryn Damon known for the tv shows “SOAP” and “Webster.” Sadly this was her last film as she died later that year from ovarian cancer. Bill is once again wearing his watch with the face on the inside (anterior portion) of his right wrist. According to Kevin Bacon this movie was shot before “Planes, Trains and Automobiles” because Bacon mentioned he had just finished “Baby” and asked John Hughes for any role in his next project which was “Planes.”
Uncle Buck(1989): A fun comedy starring the late John Candy as a clueless uncle left in charge of his nieces and nephew. This was Macaulay Culkin’s first major film. Bill is heard and not seen as Mr. Hatfield the neighbor. Uncle Buck is looking for his brother’s home in the middle of the night. He ends up at Mr. Hatfield’s and wakes up the whole neighborhood. You don’t see Bill, you just hear his voice yelling at Buck.
Committed(1991): An odd film about a nurse applying for a job at an asylum only to be committed by the staff and residents. Bill played the head of the asylum, Dr. Magnus Quilly but he hides a gruesome secret. The film was actually shot in 1988 and released a few years later. It was also filmed in South Africa. Around this time an article came out “naming names” of actors who worked in South Africa during Apartheid. Bill was asked why he would go to such a country and he said he was told it was a beautiful country and he had an acting job. Bill was not trying to get wrapped up in the political outcome, he had a job and he wanted to complete it.
Treasury Direct(1992): Bill hosted this video where he informed investors on how to purchase U.S. Treasury Bonds, Bills and Notes. Quite ironic since his great-grandfather was once Secretary of the Treasury.
Sommersby(1993): A touching Civil War-based drama about a man who returns home but his wife, and the town, think he’s an impostor. Bill played the Rev. Powell and works once again with actress Jodi Foster and actor James Earl Jones.
Miracle on 34th Street(1994): The heart-warming remake of the Natalie Wood classic. This time Sir Richard Attenborough played Kris Kringle and Mara Wilson played Susan Walker. Instead of Macy’s, the Department store is Cole’s and Bill played the owner C.F. Cole who says HE believes in Santa Claus. This was the last time Bill collaborated with producer John Hughes.
Children of the Corn IV: The Gathering(1996): A direct-to-video release in this series of horror films. All the children in the town become sick and the next day they become evil, taking the names of dead children and killing several adults including the town doctor, Doc Larsen. Only Grace and one of the residents can stop the evil killings before it’s too late. Bill played Doc Larsen who finds it odd that two young patients refuse to use their own names and, instead, use the names of two dead children Larsen once knew as a boy. Sadly the doc meets the wrong end of a gurney and is cut in half.
Fugitive X:Innocent Target(1996): Another straight to cable tv release. An advertising executive and former cop, Adam Trent, is being blackmailed by a sadistic underground casino owner. The man offers Trent a bet…become part of a human man-hunt or else his wife and uncle will be murdered. Trent is given a gun and a 10-minute head start and the hunt begins. Meanwhile, Adam cannot get over the death of his daughter from a hit and run that also injured his wife whom he’s now separated from. Adam lives with his Uncle Billy who likes to drink, especially blended shakes made with fruit, milk and beer. Bill played Trent’s Uncle Billy and he’s only seen at the very beginning and very end of the movie.
Celebrity Recordathon(1996): A 4 minute video short showcasing a variety of actors lending their voices at a book reading event for Recording for the Blind. Bill was one of the voice-over actors and he also narrated the short video explaining the program.
True Crime(1999): A Clint Eastwood drama about an old-school journalist hoping to find the truth about an imprisoned man about to be executed. Eastwood played Steve Everett who likes to play around despite having a wife and daughter. One of his colleagues dies in a car accident and he inherits the story she was writing. It’s a case involving a young man about to be executed. The late journalist had information to prove the man’s innocence so Steve investigates and hopes he’s not too late. Bill played Neil the bartender, at the bar Eastwood’s character frequents. He only has two scenes and it’s the first and only time Bill’s character drops an F-bomb. He also chews on a toothpick which Bill did in some previous telelvision roles.
The Thundering 8th(2000): An independent film about a group of flying aces from WWII. Bill played pilot Joe Sarnowski who was injured in the war. The audience gets to see and feel his experiences as he reflects back on that time. Bill once again worked with actor Ron Masak (Mort Metzger) of “Murder, She Wrote” and Jan Michael Vincent.
Early Bird Special(2001): An independent film that is listed as a comedy on imdb. No plot is given but the film poster says “Crime does pay if you live long enough.” Bill, who played a character named Fred, is one of the many familiar faces in this film along with Anita Gillette(“Quincy, ME”) and Ray Walston(“My Favorite Martian”). Bill and Ray Walston worked together on an episode of “My World and Welcome to It.” Bill had worked with Gillette on an episode of “Trapper John, M.D.” called Taxi in the Rain. They played father and daughter. The Director, Mark Jean, was kind enough to send me a photo from the set. You can see it on the 2000’s photo page.
Raising Dead(2002): A Canadian independent horror/action/sci-fi film about a small town experiencing unexplained deaths. Turns out aliens are behind it and they’re using the dead bodies to find a cure for a horrible disease. Bill played Chief Silton. It’s hard to find a copy of this film or a more detailed description of the film.
Dopamine(2003): An independent film that looks at the science behind the emotion of love. A computer programmer, Rand, falls for a pre-school teacher named Sarah. However it’s a bumpy love story. Each one has issues especially with love and relationships. Bill played Tom, Rand’s father. Tom is trying to take care of his loving wife who suffers from Alzheimer’s. Rand sees how love can be painful, in his parents case, but Tom explains love is so many things: a brain chemical, a familiar scent, a fond memory. Bill doesn’t have too many scenes and he intermittently does some voice-over, explaining how Dopamine works in the brain. This film was a Sundance entrant. The director explains that Bill ad-libbed during a touching scene between his son and the boy’s mother.
Dismembered(2003): A city is being tormented by a killer who leaves body parts for the police to find. Only two rogue cops can stop him. This was a reunion for Bill, who played Police Captain Hart, and some other co-stars. Bill once again works with Lee Horsley (“Matt Houston”). They had worked together on two episodes: The Good Doctor and Heritage. Also in the film, Bernie Kopell, who worked with Bill in twp episodes of “The Farmer’s Daughter” called High Fashion and Anyone For Spindling? The two also worked on two episodes of “The Love Boat”: Take My Boyfriend, Please and Here Comes the Bride, Maybe. Actor Judson Mills plays the younger of the two cops. He worked with Bill on two episodes of “Murder, She Wrote”: Wheel of Death and What You Don’t Know Can Kill You.
Yesterday’s Dreams(2005): A touching film about a young man, Harvey Radford, who lives with his abusive dad and spends his days as a septic tank cleaner. His dream is to get away from his father and fall in love. Harvey falls for Vienna, who helps out in the local library. They develop a sweet and pure love for each other. The problem is Harvey is beaten down by his drunk and abusive father, Herb. All he does is belittle Harvey and sit around the filthy house drinking. Sadly things get worse when Vienna shows up with a gift and Herb sexually harasses her. Harvey finds out and demands and apology but Herb is waiting with a gun. He also tells Harvey that Herb is not his biological father and his birth prevented Harvey’s mom from fulfilling her wifely duties. This angered Herb who ended up playing around while his wife was dying of diabetes. In the end, Harvey and Vienna leave Herb to his miserable life and start their own. Bill played the angry, abusive Herb Radford who blames his son for every bad thing that ever happened in Herb’s life. Also appearing in this film, two “Murder, She Wrote” alum who worked with Bill: Dee Wallace Stone who appeared in the episode Fire Burn, Cauldron Bubble and Orson Bean from Keep The Home Fries Burning and Town Father. This was Bill’s LAST feature film.
Just(2006): A film short and also Bill’s last work. I want to thank writer/director/producer Jessie Wheeler for giving me information about his film. He shot it while attending USC as part of his Master’s Thesis. Jessie had previously studied criminology and earned his law degree from Baylor University. The film was even nominated for a Student Academy Award. The tag line was “Murder can be…deadly.” According to the Press Booklet, the main character, Eddie Winkle, is a defense attorney who wants to do what’s right. However, his latest client is accused of killing a crossing guard and Eddie must do whatever he thinks is “right,” whatever that means. However, Eddie’s Grandpa Winkle (although his character’s full name is Wykle Winkle) is the head of the law firm. He certainly doesn’t kid himself about how he’s made his money. Grandpa is often drunk and thinks his grandson is a fool for thinking he can make a difference. When Eddie finally realizes his grandfather is right, Eddie kills him. He then frames his new client for it. Eddie thinks he can take over the law firm and truly fight the good fight against crime. Bill played Grandpa Winkle, his last filmed appearance of his life.