John Rich

Director


The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About
About this interview

In his seven-hour interview, John Rich (1925-2012) talks about getting his start in television -- as a stage manager for NBC's The Colgate Comedy Hour -- and describes his big break in directing -- on The Ezio Pinza Show. He discusses numerous shows he directed throughout his career, including I Married Joan, The Ray Bolger Show, Our Miss Brooks, Gunsmoke, The Dick Van Dyke Show, Gilligan's Island, The Brady Bunch, and All In the Family, on which he also served as producer. Rich shares his experiences directing the pilot episodes of Maude, The Jeffersons, Barney Miller, and Newhart and speaks of his role as executive producer of Benson and MacGyver. To conclude, Rich details his thoughts on the state of television directing in the 1990s and offers advice to aspiring directors. Henry Colman conducted the interview on August 3, 1999 in Beverly Hills, CA.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

"I never plotted anything. I never wrote anything down. It was always in my head. It's the only way to do it. Otherwise, you get nailed to a formula that you think may work. What happens if the actor doesn't like it? I used to let the actors run the first reading on its feet. I'd say, 'You guys do it. Let me see it.' And they would do some things that would be good; but, they'd fall apart and say, 'Help'. I would step in and say, 'Save this, save that..., but don't do this....'"

People Talking About ...
Highlights
John Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness
02:22
Director John Rich on the creation of the classic ottoman opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show
01:55
John Rich on the development and casting of the third (and final) pilot and early seasons of All in the Family
15:33
John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
00:42
John Rich on insisting that "MacGyver" would solve every problem without a gun and making an enemy of the NRA
00:30
John Rich on telling the truth
00:21
Full Interview

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Chapter 1

On his childhood and early influences; on his love of reading, radio and plays
On writing for his high school newspaper; on attending college at the University of Michigan and entering the service during World War II; on studying with Professor Garnet R. Garrison - NBC radio director
On working for radio station WHRV in Michigan

Chapter 2

On reporting basketball for WHRV; on moving to New York and starting the radio program Wanted
On F.B.I involvement with Wanted; on the Willy Sutton episode of Wanted

Chapter 3

On becoming a stage manager at NBC television; on his union activities and working in Hollywood
On working in live television on The Colgate Comedy Hour; on how working on the West Coast differed from the East Coast

Chapter 4

On his efforts to promote the Directors Guild of America; on directing The Ezio Pinza Show and The Dennis Day Show
On the new story, "Let's Watch Florence Chadwick Leave Catalina Island at Midnight and Watch her Swim Across the Channel"
On directing I Married Joan

Chapter 5

On the first broadcast of the Academy Awards; on directing I Married Joan
On directing The Ray Bolger Show; on union minimums in the 1950s; on directing Our Miss Brooks
On sitcoms in the 1950s

Chapter 6

On directing Gunsmoke; on the challenges of directing Westerns; on being in the editing room
On directing Elvis Presley; on the cast of Gunsmoke

Chapter 7

On directing episodes of Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Bat Masterson  and The Twilight Zone
On the 1955 live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")
On guild strikes and negotiations for pension plans and 1948-1960 movie royalties 

Chapter 8

On the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)
On getting hired to direct The Dick Van Dyke Show; on Carl Reiner and Sheldon Leonard; on banning set visitors on the first three days of rehearsals
On the visual aspects of The Dick Van Dyke Show;  On Dick Van Dyke's physical comedy and the creation of the classic "ottoman" opening
On negotiating his deal on The Dick Van Dyke Show with Sheldon Leonard; on his directing style on The Dick Van Dyke Show

Chapter 9

On the writing staff and memorable episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show; on leaving The Dick Van Dyke Show to make feature films
On feature films, Gilligan's Island, and I Spy

Chapter 10

On directing the first three episodes of Gilligan's Island; on the talents of creator Sherwood Schwartz and the cast
On directing the first six episodes of The Brady Bunch; on working with the cast and the casting process
On directing episodes of Gomer Pyle (briefly)
On the development and casting of the third (and final) pilot and early seasons of All in the Family

Chapter 11

On casting Sherman Hemsley as "George Jefferson" on All in the Family; on dress rehearsals of All in the Family; on rehearsing eating scenes
On problems with Standards and Practices; on breakthrough episodes of All in the Family

Chapter 12

On Fred Silverman; on the "Sammy's Visit" episode of All in the Family; on Gloria's pregnancy and All in the Family's only music cue
On leaving All in the Family; on working with Henry Fonda; on directing Barney Miller
On directing the pilot of Maude; on The Jeffersons
On being executive producer on Benson

Chapter 13

On directing and executive producing Benson; on directing the pilot of Newhart
On producing and directing Mr. Sunshine; on producing MacGyver and his favorite episodes of MacGyver
On ending his producing partnership with Henry Winkler; on directing an episode of Murphy Brown
On his thoughts on the industry today; on television shows he watches; on advice to aspiring directors

Chapter 14

On doing a pilot with Walter Slezak on which there was a major problem with the set
On television directing today and the future of television; on career highlights and regrets; on how he'd like to be remembered
On the final shot of the movie The New Interns
On thoughts on people with whom he's worked
Shows

Academy Awards, The

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John Rich on working on the first Academy Awards telecast in 1952; the 3-camera technique
02:45

All in the Family

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John Rich on the development and casting of the third (and final) pilot and early seasons of All in the Family
15:33
John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family, and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)
03:35
John Rich on leaving All in the Family
01:20
John Rich on shooting rehearsals of All in the Family
12:40
John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")
01:04
John Rich on informing guest star Sammy Davis, Jr. on the way All in the Family was rehearsed
01:07
John Rich on the invention of the "kiss" for the third act in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
01:03
Director John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
00:42
Director John Rich on insisting that guest star Sammy Davis Jr. not use cue cards on the episode "Sammy's Visit"
00:49

All in the Family: "Sammy's Visit"

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John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")
01:04
John Rich on the set-up of All in the Family's episode "Sammy's Visit"
01:41
John Rich on informing guest star Sammy Davis, Jr. on the way All in the Family was rehearsed
01:07
Director John Rich on the invention of the kiss for the third act in the All in the Family episode Sammy's Visit
01:03
Director John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
00:42
Director John Rich on insisting that guest star Sammy Davis Jr. not use cue cards on the episode "Sammy's Visit"
00:49

Barney Miller

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Director John Rich on wanting a casting change for the wife in Barney Miller
05:37

Bat Masterson

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John Rich on directing Bat Masterson
02:37

Benson

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John Rich on ABC President Anthony Thomopoulos' daughter wanting to observe a rehearsal of Benson
02:29
John Rich on being an executive producer on Benson (starting the second season)
02:36
John Rich on directing and executive producing Benson
01:10

Bonanza

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John Rich on directing Bonanza
00:25

Brady Bunch, The

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John Rich on directing the first six episodes of The Brady Bunch; on working with the cast; on casting
08:02

Colgate Comedy Hour, The

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John Rich on setting up The Colgate Comedy Hour at the El Capitan Theatre
11:18

Dennis Day Show. The

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John Rich on directing The Dennis Day Show
06:40
John Rich on Jack Benny guest starring on The Dennis Day Show
01:22

Dick Van Dyke Show, The

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John Rich on directing and motivating actors on The Dick Van Dyke Show
00:27
John Rich on getting hired to direct The Dick Van Dyke Show; on Carl Reiner and Sheldon Leonard; on banning set visitors on the first three days of rehearsals
08:47
John Rich on the visual aspects of The Dick Van Dyke Show; on Dick Van Dyke's physical comedy and the creation of the classic ottoman opening
08:17
John Rich on negotiating his deal on The Dick Van Dyke Show with Sheldon Leonard; on his directing style on The Dick Van Dyke Show
07:42
John Rich on Carl Reiner and other Dick Van Dyke Show writers
00:57
John Rich on his favorite episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show: "Where Did I Come From?" - the birth of Rob and Laura's son
00:40
John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
03:51
John Rich on his favorite episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show - "Where Did I Come From?" - the birth of Rob and Laura's son
00:03

Dick Van Dyke Show, The: "That's My Boy?"

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John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
03:51

Dick Van Dyke Show, The: "Where Did I Come From?"

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John Rich on his favorite episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show: "Where Did I Come From?" - the birth of Rob and Laura's son
00:40
John Rich on his favorite episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show: "Where Did I Come From?" - the birth of Rob and Laura's son
00:33

Dunninger

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John Rich on being a stage manager at The Dunninger Show
01:15

Ezio Pinza Show, The

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John Rich on directing The Ezio Pinza Show
04:45

Gilligan's Island

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John Rich on directing Gilligan's Island
09:20
John Rich on directing the first three episodes of Gilligan's Island and the talents of creator Sherwood Schwartz and the cast
03:36

Gomer Pyle - USMC

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John Rich on directing episodes of Gomer Pyle
00:54

Gunsmoke

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John Rich on directing Gunsmoke when he wanted to switch to drama from comedy directing
16:09
John Rich on the actors of Gunsmoke
01:39
John Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness
02:22

I Married Joan

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John Rich on directing I Married Joan
07:30
John Rich on directing I Married Joan and working with Joan Davis
06:27
John Rich on the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)
03:15

I Spy

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John Rich on working with Bill Cosby on I Spy
00:54

Jack Carter Show, The

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John Rich on being a stage manager at The Jack Carter Show
01:56

Jeffersons, The

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John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family
06:45
John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family, and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)
03:35

Kraft Television Theatre

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John Rich on being a stage manager at Kraft Television Theatre
04:22

Law & Order

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John Rich on acting with Julia Roberts on Law & Order
01:20

MacGyver

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John Rich on producing MacGyver
07:57

Maude

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Director John Rich on Maude with Bea Arthur
00:39

Mr. Sunshine

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John Rich on producing Mr. Sunshine
04:38

Murphy Brown

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John Rich on directing one episode of Murphy Brown
00:47

Newhart

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John Rich on directing the pilot of Newhart; on the concept and format of the series
05:35

Our Miss Brooks

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John Rich on directing Our Miss Brooks
02:59
John Rich on format changes on Our Miss Brooks
01:37

Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse

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John Rich on working with producer/director Fred Coe on The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse
01:06

Ray Bolger Show, The

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John Rich on directing The Ray Bolger Show
07:20

Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The

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John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")
01:04

Twilight Zone, The

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John Rich on directing two episodes of The Twilight Zone
03:15

Wonderful World of Disney, The aka Magical World of Disney, The

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John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
05:44

Your Show of Shows

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John Rich on wanting to work on Your Show of Shows
00:16
Topics

Censorship / Standards & Practices

View Topic
John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
03:51
John Rich on problems with Standards & Practices on All in the Family
03:23

Characters & Catchphrases

View Topic
John Rich on All in the Family's "Archie Bunker"
00:40
John Rich on using props to tell backstory of characters - as he did with Sherman Hemsley's "George Jefferson"
01:06

Classic TV series episodes

View Topic
John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
05:44
John Rich on memorable episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show
05:04
John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
03:51
John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
00:42
Director John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")
01:04

Comedy

View Topic
John Rich on memorable episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show
05:04
John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
03:51
John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")
01:04
John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
00:42

Emmy Awards

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John Rich on working with Gunsmoke producer Norm Macdonnell and assisting the editor, who won the Emmy that year
03:02

Historic Events and Social Change

View Topic
John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family
06:42

Hollywood Blacklist

View Topic
John Rich on the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)
03:15

Industry Crossroads

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John Rich on the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)
03:15

Memorable Moments on Television

View Topic
John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
05:44
John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
03:51
Director John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")
01:04

Pop Culture

View Topic
John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
05:44
Director John Rich on the creation of the classic ottoman opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show
01:55
John Rich on memorable episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show
05:04
John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
03:51
John Rich on All in the Family's "Archie Bunker"
00:40
John Rich on using props to tell backstory of characters - as he did with Sherman Hemsley's "George Jefferson"
01:06
John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
00:42
Director John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")
01:04

Representation on Television

View Topic
John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family
06:42
John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")
01:04

Studio and Network Management

View Topic
John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
05:44

TV Theme Songs

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Director John Rich on the creation of the classic ottoman opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show
01:55

Television Industry

View Topic
John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
05:44
John Rich on the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)
03:15
John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
03:51
John Rich on problems with Standards & Practices on All in the Family
03:23

Underrepresented Voices

View Topic
John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family
06:42
John Rich on Sammy Davis Jr.'s suggestion, as a guest on The Tonight Show, that he would make a funny guest star on All in the Family (leading to his appearance on the classic episode "Sammy's Visit")
01:04
Professions

Directors

View Profession
John Rich on his early directing responsibilities
01:16
John Rich on protecting actors
00:48
John Rich on moving from comedy to directing drama - he wanted to direct Playhouse 90 but got Gunsmoke from CBS
01:24
John Rich on negotiating his deal on The Dick Van Dyke Show with Sheldon Leonard; on his directing style on The Dick Van Dyke Show
07:42
Director John Rich on the casting process
00:45
John Rich on the type of directing that isn't done anymore
01:02
John Rich on his view of directing today, his disappointment with television today (1999), and how directors are being phased out by networks. "You don't hire a legend."
03:11

Performers

View Profession
Director John Rich on the casting process
00:45
Genres

Adventure/Espionage Series

View Genre
John Rich on producing MacGyver
07:57

Comedy Series

View Genre
Director John Rich on the creation of the classic ottoman opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show
01:55
John Rich on the writing staff and memorable episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show; on leaving The Dick Van Dyke Show to make feature films
13:08
John Rich on directing All in the Family
15:33
John Rich on All in the Family
28:45
John Rich on directing All in the Family
13:16
John Rich on directing the pilot of Newhart
05:35

Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials

View Genre
John Rich on being stage manager/AD on The Colgate Comedy Hour
11:17
John Rich on directing The Ezio Pinza Show
04:43

Western Series

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John Rich on directing Gunsmoke
16:09
John Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness
01:43
People

Aaron Ruben

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John Rich on Aaron Ruben
01:02

Anthony D. Thomopoulos

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John Rich on ABC President Anthony D. Thomopoulos' daughter wanting to observe a rehearsal of Benson
02:29

Art Linkletter

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John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
05:44

Beatrice Arthur

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John Rich on directing Bea Arthur on Maude
01:35

Bernard West

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John Rich on All in the Family writers Bernie West and Mickey Ross
01:00

Bill Cosby

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John Rich on working with Bill Cosby on I Spy
00:54

Bob Denver

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John Rich on the cast of Gilligan's Island
01:25

Bob Newhart

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John Rich on directing the pilot of Newhart; on the concept and format of the series
01:51

Bud Yorkin

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John Rich on working with Bud Yorkin on The Colgate Comedy Hour
00:23
John Rich on All in the Family's co-creator Bud Yorkin
01:53

Carl Reiner

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John Rich on directing The Dick Van Dyke Show
03:07
John Rich on Carl Reiner and the creation of the opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show
01:55
John Rich on Carl Reiner and other Dick Van Dyke Show writers
00:57
John Rich on Procter & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
03:51
John Rich on Sheldon Leonard and Carl Reiner's reaction to Rich leaving The Dick Van Dyke Show
00:56
John Rich on the casting of Rob Reiner as "Mike Stivic" on All in the Family
02:12

Carroll O'Connor

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John Rich on the cast of All in the Family: Carroll O'Connor
01:43
John Rich on actor Carroll O'Connor
01:45

Danny Arnold

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John Rich on wanting a casting change for the wife in Barney Miller
05:36

David Lloyd

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John Rich on the writing on Mr. Sunshine
00:56

David Sarnoff

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John Rich on David Sarnoff
02:54

David Susskind

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John Rich on getting hired by David Susskind to direct a pilot that got cancelled and the beginning of "pay or play"
02:23

Dean Martin

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John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin
00:40

Dennis Day

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John Rich on working with Dennis Day
00:55
John Rich on Jack Benny guest-starring on The Dennis Day Show
01:22

Dick Van Dyke

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John Rich on meeting and working wtih Dick Van Dyke 
05:15
John Rich on the visual aspects of The Dick Van Dyke Show, Dick Van Dyke's physical comedy, and the creation of the classic ottoman opening
08:17

Don Nicholl

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John Rich on All in the Family writer Don Nicholl
00:52

Douglas Edwards

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John Rich on his first memories of television - seeing Douglas Edwards do the news on a TV in a hamburger joint
00:30

Eve Arden

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John Rich on Eve Arden of Our Miss Brooks
02:59

Ezio Pinza

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John Rich on working with Ezio Pinza and Ted Mills on The Ezio Pinza Show
04:43

Florence Henderson

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John Rich on shooting the first few episodes of The Brady Bunch around Florence Henderson's schedule 
02:29

Fred Coe

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John Rich on working with producer/director Fred Coe on The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse
01:06

Fred Silverman

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John Rich on trading wit with Fred Silverman
01:22
John Rich on Fred Silverman
01:03

Gene Barry

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John Rich on Gene Barry of Bat Masterson
02:19

George Segal

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John Rich on actor George Segal and top billing in The Jerusalem Post
02:06

Hal Cooper

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John Rich on getting Hal Cooper on as Associate Producer for Gilligan's Island
00:19

Henry Fonda

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John Rich on his television movie with Henry Fonda
01:38

Henry Winkler

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John Rich on partnering with Henry Winkler to produce Mr. Sunshine
02:46
John Rich on ending his producing partnership with Henry Winkler
02:23

Hugh Downs

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John Rich on meeting Hugh Downs 
00:37

Jack Benny

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John Rich on Jack Benny guest-starring on The Dennis Day Show
01:22

Jack Carter

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John Rich on being a stage manager and becoming an AD at The Jack Carter Show
01:56

James Arness

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John Rich on the actors of Gunsmoke: James Arness
01:15
John Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness
01:43

James T. Aubrey

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John Rich on Jim Aubrey
01:07

Jeffrey Tambor

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John Rich on producing Mr. Sunshine
03:44

Jerry Lewis

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John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin
00:40
John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis
01:08

Jerry Paris

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John Rich on training Jerry Paris to direct The Dick Van Dyke Show
00:20

Jerry Seinfeld

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John Rich on Jerry Seinfeld on Benson
00:56

Jerry Van Dyke

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John Rich on Dick Van Dyke's brother, Jerry, and Jerry's role on The Dick Van Dyke Show
04:21

Jim Backus

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John Rich on directing Jim Backus in I Married Joan
00:47
John Rich on directing Jim Backus in I Married Joan
02:10

Joan Davis

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John Rich on meeting and working with Joan Davis of I Married Joan
07:30
John Rich on directing Joan Davis in I Married Joan
01:11

Julia Roberts

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John Rich on acting with Julia Roberts on Law & Order
01:20

Lynn Stalmaster

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John Rich on working with Gunsmoke casting agent Lynn Stalmaster and wanting Pernell Roberts
03:41

Michael Eisner

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John Rich on Michael Eisner
01:34

Michael Ross

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John Rich on All in the Family writers Bernie West and Mickey Ross
01:00

Mike Evans

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John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family
06:45

Milton Berle

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John Rich on watching Milton Berle rehearse
00:19

Norman Lear

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John Rich on working with Norman Lear on The Colgate Comedy Hour
00:19
John Rich on All in the Family's co-creator Norman Lear
01:17
John Rich on casting Mike Evans as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family
06:43
John Rich on Norman Lear's involvement and casting on All in the Family
05:21
John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family, and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)
03:35
John Rich on the difficulties of getting All in the Family on the air
01:06

Norman Macdonnell

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John Rich on working with Gunsmoke producer Norm Macdonnell and assisting the editor, who won the Emmy that year
03:02

Pernell Roberts

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John Rich on working with Gunsmoke casting agent Lynn Stalmaster and wanting Pernell Roberts
03:41

Ray Bolger

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John Rich on directing Ray Bolger
01:32
John Rich on Ray Bolger
02:06

Rene Auberjonois

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John Rich on the cast of Benson  
01:57

Richard Dean Anderson

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John Rich on MacGyver star Richard Dean Anderson
02:05

Rob Reiner

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John Rich on the casting of Rob Reiner as "Mike Stivic" on All in the Family
02:12
John Rich on Rob Reiner on the first day of All in the Family
00:42

Robert D. Wood

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John Rich on CBS President Robert D. Wood
01:52

Robert Guillaume

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John Rich on Benson star Robert Guillaume
00:32
John Rich on Benson star Robert Guillaume
00:34

Robert Reed

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John Rich on Robert Reed of The Brady Bunch
00:50

Rod Serling

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John Rich on directing two episodes of The Twilight Zone
02:44

Ronald Reagan

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John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955); on Reagan as an actor
10:02

Rose Marie

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John Rich on Rose Marie's amazing talent as a comedy straight woman
00:27

Sally Struthers

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John Rich on the cast of All in the Family: Sally Struthers
00:08

Sammy Davis, Jr.

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John Rich on informing guest star Sammy Davis, Jr. ("Sammy's Visit") on the way All in the Family was rehearsed
01:07
John Rich on insisting that guest star Sammy Davis Jr. not use cue cards on the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
00:49

Sheldon Leonard

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John Rich on getting hired to direct The Dick Van Dyke Show; on Carl Reiner and Sheldon Leonard; on banning set visitors on the first three days of rehearsals
06:18
John Rich on negotiating his deal on The Dick Van Dyke Show with Sheldon Leonard; on his directing style on The Dick Van Dyke Show
07:42
John Rich on Sheldon Leonard and Carl Reiner's reaction to Rich leaving The Dick Van Dyke Show
00:56

Sherman Hemsley

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John Rich on casting "George Jefferson" on All in the Family
03:38
John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family, and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)
03:35
John Rich on using props to tell backstory of characters - as he did with Sherman Hensley's "George Jefferson"
01:06

Sherwood Schwartz

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John Rich on Sherwood Schwartz writing for I Married Joan
00:21
John Rich on Sherwood Schwartz
00:58
John Rich on directing Gilligan's Island  
09:11
John Rich on Gilligan's Island and the talents of Sherwood Schwartz
00:16
John Rich on Sherwood Schwartz's The Brady Bunch
07:37

Sid Smith

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John Rich on his first shot directing The Colgate Comedy Hour, replacing Sid Smith
00:58

Ted Mills

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John Rich on working with Ezio Pinza and Ted Mills on The Ezio Pinza Show
04:43

Tina Louise

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John Rich on the cast of Gilligan's Island
01:25

Tony Curtis

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John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis
01:08

Walt Disney

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John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
05:39

Zsa Zsa Gabor

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John Rich on directing The Ezio Pinza Show
00:23

All Interviews

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