View Full Version : Month Long Bewitched Fest
Dick York was Darrin 02-10-2021, 01:59 PM Okay, I've spent the last month immersed in Bewitched. I literally hadn't seen the show in over 40 years. But for some reason, I got Bewitched on the mind, and decided to do the following:
1. Bought all eight seasons on DVD.
2. Watched about 150 episodes from season 1 through season 5.
3. Watched every youtube video on Bewitched of every kind. Biography's documentaries, interviews.
4. Read every thread (to include those where Larry Tate made a fool of himself).
And I've come to some conclusions.
The good...
1. Dick York carried the comedy of that show on his back.
2. Samantha Stevens was absolutely adorable. Any man alive would be thrilled to put up with the mayhem, to be married to her.
3. The show, for the first five seasons, had two stars. Dick York and Elizabeth Montgomery, and a half dozen other excellent supporting characters.
4. The on screen chemistry between Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York was fantastic.
5. The show was funny, funny, funny.
The bad...
1. Dick York's physical ailments, which forced him off of the show, and necessitated Dick Sargent taking over the Darrin role, was catastrophic to the show's success.
2. Elizabeth Montgomery welcomed the casting change, with evidence that she tried to get Dick York fired at one time.
3. When Dick York was rushed to the hospital, Elizabeth Montgomery evidently never visited him, nor spoke to him again.
4. Either Elizabeth Montgomery flat out didn't like Dick York, or she was threatened by the heavy load he carried to make the show successful.
5. Everyone on the show loved Dick York, most especially Agnes Moorehead, and were in his corner.
6. Dick York, in his public statements was extremely gracious toward his former colleagues, especially Elizabeth Montgomery, even though he was in very bad health and she did not return the public graciousness.
7. Dick York, nearing death, reached out to Elizabeth Montgomery, and she ignored him, having evidently, never even spoken to him after he was taken from the set of Bewitched, in an ambulance.
8. Even after Dick York's death, Elizabeth Montgomery was very conspicuous in the fact that she would not even mention Dick York's name in public, and never gave him the credit he deserved, in making her show a successful show.
9. Elizabeth Montgomery, whenever asked about the success of Bewitched, would invariably mention just about everyone except for Dick York, which was clearly her way of disrespecting Dick York.
Everyone on the set of Bewitched loved Dick York, except for Elizabeth Montgomery (and I've read some outlandish things written, but unsupported by any real believable documentation, as to why Montgomery didn't like York).
So, my conclusions are that the show was great, but Elizabeth Montgomery was no Samantha Stevens. She was not a bright and cheery human being. She was not a ray of sunshine. She was a cynical woman, who had few real close friends. She was not kind and caring. And in her treatment of Dick York, she was a small, small woman.
But at least we can love Samantha Stephens.
Monliz 02-12-2021, 08:34 AM It's funny how you're trying to push a false narrative that York was treated badly by Liz, but you don't talk about the bad things York did to her.
Liz didn't like York because he was in love with her, he had inappropriate behavior towards Liz, what York did was so bad that Liz stayed away from him behind the scenes and wanted nothing to do with him.
York in his book talked about Liz in a lecherous way, that proves how obsessed he was with her, and a producer of Bewitched said that behind the scenes York was always staring at Liz, so she did what any other women would have done, which is staying away from that creep.
KatieAnn 02-12-2021, 06:16 PM What Monliz describes would be called "sexual harassment" these days, and would not be tolerated. But it seems that back in the 60s (and well before and after) women were expected to just put up with that sort of treatment. Maybe they were even expected to be "flattered" by that sort of attention.
That Elizabeth Montgomery allegedly tried to get Dick York fired just speaks of her strength and the belief that she had the right to a safe work place environment. That it took Dick York collapsing to get him removed from the show really speaks to how little people seemed to care about Elizabeth's feelings and her right to a safe work place environment, free of sexual harassment. They cared more about putting on the show. It seems that even her own husband put the show ahead of her feelings and her safety.
And clearly time did not heal Elizabeth and the feelings she had regarding Dick York. She stayed true to her feelings even after the show ended and she kept quiet about York. She could have complained about him, but she took the high road.
Even if there was no harassment from Dick York, Elizabeth would still have the right to feel the way she felt about York and not mention him when talking about the show. If there were hurt feelings or hard feelings on her side, it makes me feel sad for her. It's not something one would ever guess, watching her act opposite Dick York. She was a good actress - she really hid her feelings very well.
Dick York was Darrin 02-14-2021, 10:45 PM What Monliz describes would be called "sexual harassment" these days, and would not be tolerated. But it seems that back in the 60s (and well before and after) women were expected to just put up with that sort of treatment. Maybe they were even expected to be "flattered" by that sort of attention.
That Elizabeth Montgomery allegedly tried to get Dick York fired just speaks of her strength and the belief that she had the right to a safe work place environment. That it took Dick York collapsing to get him removed from the show really speaks to how little people seemed to care about Elizabeth's feelings and her right to a safe work place environment, free of sexual harassment. They cared more about putting on the show. It seems that even her own husband put the show ahead of her feelings and her safety.
And clearly time did not heal Elizabeth and the feelings she had regarding Dick York. She stayed true to her feelings even after the show ended and she kept quiet about York. She could have complained about him, but she took the high road.
Even if there was no harassment from Dick York, Elizabeth would still have the right to feel the way she felt about York and not mention him when talking about the show. If there were hurt feelings or hard feelings on her side, it makes me feel sad for her. It's not something one would ever guess, watching her act opposite Dick York. She was a good actress - she really hid her feelings very well.
What Monliz has posted has been nothing but uncorroborated slanders against Dick York. Nothing he/she has posted has been convincing, and in fact, all other testimony except for second hand hearsay says that Dick York was very well thought of by everyone on the show, except for Elizabeth Montgomery. And that they only interacted on camera, and in front of everyone. So, if there was inappropriate behavior, it would have been witnessed by everyone involved.
Who was it that posted something to the effect that York had some kind of hygiene issue, and that's why Elizabeth Montgomery didn't like him? Which is laughable. Not even worth addressing.
And KatieAnn, you sure have taken Monliz's unsubstantiated crap and run pretty dang far with it. You've built up an entire "me too" episode in your mind, and forced that into this narrative and this thread. Which no one has ever insinuated happened between York and Montgomery.
I'd very much like to see any evidence Monliz (and you too KatieAnn!) has that there was some type of sexual harassment taking place. As far as I know, KatieAnn has just introduced to the world, for the first time, fifty years after the fact, an accusation that Dick York sexually harassed Elizabeth Montgomery. Wow.
Dick York was Darrin 02-14-2021, 10:56 PM That Elizabeth Montgomery allegedly tried to get Dick York fired just speaks of her strength and the belief that she had the right to a safe work place environment. That it took Dick York collapsing to get him removed from the show really speaks to how little people seemed to care about Elizabeth's feelings and her right to a safe work place environment, free of sexual harassment. They cared more about putting on the show. It seems that even her own husband put the show ahead of her feelings and her safety.
I demand an apology for the family of Dick York.
Elizabeth Montgomery's HUSBAND was on the set as the DIRECTOR of the show, and clearly would have seen any sexual harassment. And yet, Bill Asher didn't want to fire Dick York, and tried to convince Montgomery that it was a bad idea.
About the worst thing I've heard Asher say about York was that he was a little weird. Clearly, if York was harassing his wife on the set of Bewitched, I seriously think he would have been happy to fire York. Not to mention, he would have punched him in the mouth.
Monliz 02-15-2021, 01:28 PM Who said York sexually harassed Liz? York had inappropriate behavior towards Liz, that doesn't mean he sexually harassed her. I mean, if you associate inappropriate behavior with sexual harassment, then you've got some issues, that means you don't understand the meaning of those words.
In the other threads I posted a link of an interview that was done to William Frough, a producer of Bewitched, he said that behind the scenes York was constantly staring a Liz and she was annoyed by that.
A man staring constantly at women is inappropriate, you don't believe it? well then, I dare you stare at a woman all the time in your job, do it, and then tell us how the woman reacts, maybe that's the only way you'll understand how Liz felt.
RetroGuy2000 02-15-2021, 02:12 PM Who said York sexually harassed Liz?
KatieAnn, immediately above, who claimed "What Monliz describes would be called "sexual harassment" these days, and would not be tolerated."
But it's pretty weird.
Dick York was Darrin 02-15-2021, 02:38 PM In the other threads I posted a link of an interview that was done to William Frough, a producer of Bewitched, he said that behind the scenes York was constantly staring a Liz and she was annoyed by that.
Isn't that the same producer who you said every that man Elizabeth Montgomery met fell in love with her, or something to that effect?
Considering they kissed a thousand times in the show, snuggled hundreds of times, and held each other in their arms dozens and dozens and dozens of times, I find it difficult to believe York couldn't keep his eyes off of her when the camera wasn't rolling.
What it sounds like to me is that there was a concerted effort by Montgomery apologists to besmirch Dick York. And none of it is believable.
Dick York married one woman, and there are zero rumors of his having affairs all over the place. Elizabeth Montgomery was married four times, and there are rumors galore of her affairs.
Nothing in the narrative smells right. It's clear that Montgomery and her apologists want to minimize Dick York in every way they can.
Monliz 02-15-2021, 03:07 PM Isn't that the same producer who you said every that man Elizabeth Montgomery met fell in love with her, or something to that effect?
Considering they kissed a thousand times in the show, snuggled hundreds of times, and held each other in their arms dozens and dozens and dozens of times, I find it difficult to believe York couldn't keep his eyes off of her when the camera wasn't rolling.
What it sounds like to me is that there was a concerted effort by Montgomery apologists to besmirch Dick York. And none of it is believable.
Dick York married one woman, and there are zero rumors of his having affairs all over the place. Elizabeth Montgomery was married four times, and there are rumors galore of her affairs.
Nothing in the narrative smells right. It's clear that Montgomery and her apologists want to minimize Dick York in every way they can.
No, it's not William Frough the producer who fell in love with Liz, it was Richard Michaels.
And I believe William Frough more than I believe you, because he was there in the set, and you were not, so his words are more believable than yours.
Who are we supposed to believe? a man who worked in Bewitched, or somebody like you who probably was not even alive when Bewitched was on air?
The answer is obvious :)
Monliz 02-15-2021, 03:09 PM And one more thing, after reading the lecherous way York talked about Liz in his book, it's not difficult to believe that he was madly in love with her and that he couldn't take his eyes of Liz behind the scenes
tcr1701 02-15-2021, 03:14 PM Isn't that the same producer who you said every that man Elizabeth Montgomery met fell in love with her, or something to that effect?
Considering they kissed a thousand times in the show, snuggled hundreds of times, and held each other in their arms dozens and dozens and dozens of times, I find it difficult to believe York couldn't keep his eyes off of her when the camera wasn't rolling.
What it sounds like to me is that there was a concerted effort by Montgomery apologists to besmirch Dick York. And none of it is believable.
You are correct. York never harassed Montgomery and Froug never even hinted that he did. Froug's comment was that York looking at her lovingly ticked Montgomery off because she was "a tough cookie and nuts" who didn't want any man's love. Technically, he was insulting Montgomery not York. And I don't necessarily believe him about Liz. It was his opinion and he even stated "no one will really know."
And actors playing romantic roles often fall in love in real life too. Jane Seymour did with Christopher Reeve and Joe Lando. Neither of those worked out but she remained friendly with each. It's just something that happens with actors. Actors use that in their performance.
Elizabeth was smart enough to use any emotions with York to fuel her performance and it worked beautifully onscreen. Bill Asher himself said "They (Samantha and Darrin) were in love and they (York and Montgomery) acted like it."
To even suggest York sexually harassed Montgomery with Bill Asher 10 feet away is preposterous to say the least. And there are many behind the scenes shots of York and Montgomery laughing and smiling together.
https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fapb9fb3qhlp11.jpg&f=1&nofb=1
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/88/6a/18/886a18c5f2f6b98e7bf5627ed6a1672a.jpg
Monliz 02-15-2021, 03:26 PM Hi tcr1701 it's nice to have you back here with us :)
Now, stop pushing that false narrative of York and Liz being good friends. It was you who said that Dick York in his book said he and Liz were friends but only in the first two seasons, then something changed and she grew tired of him.
I mean, according to you York said Liz grew tired of him after the second season, and now you're trying to convince us that they were good friends, don't you realize that makes you look ridiculous?
I did a screenshot of your comment about York saying Liz grew tired of him after the second season, you got caught, everybody knows that now you're denying what you have said before, only because you have an agenda against me and Larry Tate :lol::lol::lol::lol:
https://i.gyazo.com/ac52e6aa16cc4165df88772e9002ff29.png
Monliz 02-15-2021, 03:34 PM By the way tcr1701, why did you think York blamed himself for any rift between him and Liz? Could you explain us?
https://i.gyazo.com/56aaad8b72abeb9f2e7c3e5feed252e1.png
KatieAnn 02-15-2021, 06:16 PM KatieAnn, immediately above, who claimed "What Monliz describes would be called "sexual harassment" these days, and would not be tolerated."
But it's pretty weird.
The description fits. Whether it happened or not, who knows? A lot of people here seem to know for CERTAIN, one way or another, but it's just a side note to the show.
I'd like to believe it didn't happen, just thinking how DY had support from other castmates...would they have supported someone who allegedly made EM feel that uncomfortable? Hopefully not, but it's clear that people have a way of overlooking things that don't affect them, or they diminish their significance. Whatever it was, it was significant enough for EM that she cut DY out of her life and out of her commentary as soon as he left the show.
And as I said in my previous comment, "even if there was no harassment from Dick York, Elizabeth would still have the right to feel the way she felt about York and not mention him when talking about the show."
Maybe the one thing people here can agree on is that EM didn't want to talk about DY, and she didn't, until the day she died.
RetroGuy2000 02-15-2021, 06:50 PM The description fits. Whether it happened or not, who knows? A lot of people here seem to know for CERTAIN, one way or another, but it's just a side note to the show.
I'd like to believe it didn't happen, just thinking how DY had support from other castmates...would they have supported someone who allegedly made EM feel that uncomfortable? Hopefully not, but it's clear that people have a way of overlooking things that don't affect them, or they diminish their significance. Whatever it was, it was significant enough for EM that she cut DY out of her life and out of her commentary as soon as he left the show.
And as I said in my previous comment, "even if there was no harassment from Dick York, Elizabeth would still have the right to feel the way she felt about York and not mention him when talking about the show."
Maybe the one thing people here can agree on is that EM didn't want to talk about DY, and she didn't, until the day she died.
I totally agree that whether or not creepy glances happened, Liz had the right to talk about what she wanted to talk about in interviews. But I've seen no evidence that even creepy glances occurred.
Duster76 02-16-2021, 12:14 AM I don't believe there was any sexual anything going on with respect to York's behavior. The problem was pretty straight forward, Montgomery wanted the show to center on her character. She was the star, from what has been written on this board she wanted Sargent in the role of Darrin in the first place. She preferred his interpretation of the role. Dick York was great as Darrin, very funny and the writers knew he could sell the comedic aspects of a story so they gave him a lot to do. He of course wanted some acknowledgement of his contributions to the series (many actors are insecure) both financial and billing wise so he was frustrated. In a sense it was a perfect storm, Montgomery as one of the owners along with her husband was sitting on a goldmine but as the star of the show was frustrated. York's health issues finally did him in, he has no IMDb credits from the time he left the series until the mid80's, it's a real shame he was great, she was great the first 5 seasons are great, but after York left, forget it.
Willbo 02-16-2021, 09:42 AM The photos look to be from the 4th or 5th season from her hair and clothing. One photo even has 68 on it. EM appears to be very happy with DY and even enjoying herself. Does not fit that she would not have anything to do with him after the 2nd season.
Dick York was Darrin 02-16-2021, 10:55 AM The photos look to be from the 4th or 5th season from her hair and clothing. One photo even has 68 on it. EM appears to be very happy with DY and even enjoying herself. Does not fit that she would not have anything to do with him after the 2nd season.
And 1968 was the year Dick York was nominated for an Emmy. For, Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series - 1968
This may have hit home to EM because it was some major recognition of how important York was to the show and pointed out that Dick York was not in a supporting role, but in a leading role.
But evidently, just a year later, he was gone and nobody noticed. LOL
And to top it off, Elizabeth Montgomery was nominated for an emmy in every single one of the first five seasons, but when Dick York left, not a single nomination. So, clearly she worked better with York than Sargent, whether she admitted it or not.
The idea that nobody noticed and the show never missed a beat is just laughable.
biffbronson 02-16-2021, 01:40 PM I think it's important to keep in mind that York never claimed to be a saint. He even stated something to the effect of when he first met Liz, the word "S - E - X" came to mind. Any hetero male would have a similar reaction and certainly be attracted to one of the hottest women of her time.
We'll never know for certain if York ever went into "inappropriate" behavior, and just as importantly we'll never all agree on just what exactly constituted the type of action that falls into that category. Was it "inappropriate" when women on the set of the Reeve Superman films commented on the position of his penis? That was okay, most women would say. But anything REMOTELY approaching that from a man looking at a woman, and suddenly the guy should be shot on the spot. Don't expect people to act in a saintly manner, or you'll be calling everything under the sun "inappropriate." Judge and jury over a climate from decades ago.
tcr1701 02-16-2021, 02:37 PM I think it's important to keep in mind that York never claimed to be a saint. He even stated something to the effect of when he first met Liz, the word "S - E - X" came to mind. Any hetero male would have a similar reaction and certainly be attracted to one of the hottest women of her time.
York also wrote in his book that he included that because people expect that in a tell-all book and it helps sell. He also said that he hated the scenes where he had to yell at Samantha, because he never did that with his wife and Liz reminded him of his wife. Dick Sargent also commented that he disliked how angry Darrin was written all the time, but the writers never toned that down.
Monliz 02-18-2021, 11:41 AM The photos look to be from the 4th or 5th season from her hair and clothing. One photo even has 68 on it. EM appears to be very happy with DY and even enjoying herself. Does not fit that she would not have anything to do with him after the 2nd season.
That is a commercial photo, in that picture York is being Darring and Liz is being Samantha, so go look for another excuse.
It's funny how you're in denial, William Frough the producer of Bewitched, a man who was there on the sent, while you werent.
William Frough said this in his book:
"Dick York was frequently performing in excruciating pain. He often looked longingly at his co-star. However, it was immediately obvious that Montgomery was annoyed by his attention.It seemed clear to me that York was madly in love with Montgomery, and this annoyed her. She stayed clear of him except when they played scenes together. I never saw them exchange even the most casual dialogue off camera. They left the set and immediately moved into distinctly separate worlds.I found myself fascinated by this dynamic."
Now tell us how you know more about what happend on the set of Bewitched, than a man who was actually there, come on, tell us you know more than William Frough
:lol::lol::happyface:happyface:happyface
Monliz 02-18-2021, 11:52 AM I don't believe there was any sexual anything going on with respect to York's behavior.
This is what York said about Liz in his book:
"I walked in to read for Bewitched and Liz was sitting outside the office, too, reading — Memoirs of Anais Nin or, I don’t know, but by some chance I happened to be reading the same thing at the same time. I sat down and said, “Enjoying that?” She unfolded those gorgeous legs and looked at me, and I saw her in person for the first time. She had full lips and dark, soft hair. She was sex all over. Still are, Lizzie. You still are. I’ve seen you lately, you’ve still got that certain thing."
Yeah you're right, there's nothing sexual on with York's behavior, absolutely nothing... In case you haven't noticed, I'm being sarcasting :D
Duster76 02-18-2021, 02:36 PM This is what York said about Liz in his book:
"I walked in to read for Bewitched and Liz was sitting outside the office, too, reading — Memoirs of Anais Nin or, I don’t know, but by some chance I happened to be reading the same thing at the same time. I sat down and said, “Enjoying that?” She unfolded those gorgeous legs and looked at me, and I saw her in person for the first time. She had full lips and dark, soft hair. She was sex all over. Still are, Lizzie. You still are. I’ve seen you lately, you’ve still got that certain thing."
Yeah you're right, there's nothing sexual on with York's behavior, absolutely nothing... In case you haven't noticed, I'm being sarcasting :D
I think you're taking this passage much too literally. What went on between Montgomery and York was star stuff. This is a huge part of the business. Montgomery wanted her character to be the central focus of her series. Her character dealing with issues concerning her husband, concerning her mother, concerning her children, concerning other family members. York who was a big part of why the series was so popular wanted to be seen more or less as the equal to Montgomery. This type of thing goes on all the time. Frankly, I'm surprised that someone who is a fan of TV doesn't get this. It's OK that you like the show with Montgomery as the sole lead. About 15% of the fans agree with you. I don't. I think if the series had gone on the air based on the Montgomery vision it wouldn't have lasted 5 years . York was a great comedic actor, he was funny, the writers knew he could sell their material and they wrote a lot of the material servicing his character. Asher being one of the owners just wanted a hit. He wanted to make money and York was helping him get to that goal. This business if fueled by huge egos, York had one, so did Montgomery, she won out, she got the show she wanted with a new actor playing her husband, the show wasn't nearly as good, the audience lost interest and the series came to an end.
Willbo 02-18-2021, 02:50 PM That is a commercial photo, in that picture York is being Darring and Liz is being Samantha, so try go find another excuse.
It's funny how you're in denial, William Frough the producer of Bewitched, a man who was there on the sent, while you werent.
William Frough said this in his book:
"Dick York was frequently performing in excruciating pain. He often looked longingly at his co-star. However, it was immediately obvious that Montgomery was annoyed by his attention.It seemed clear to me that York was madly in love with Montgomery, and this annoyed her. She stayed clear of him except when they played scenes together. I never saw them exchange even the most casual dialogue off camera. They left the set and immediately moved into distinctly separate worlds.I found myself fascinated by this dynamic."
Now tell us how you know more about what happend on the set of Bewitched, than a man who was actually there, come on, tell us you know more than William Frough
:lol::lol::happyface:happyface:happyface
The 2nd photo (bottom) is probably a publicity photo. The 1st one (top) does not look like that to me. They are both reacting to something with laughter. It is behind the scenes. Laughter is the best medicine. It's odd that WF said that DY was in excruciating pain but would still look lovingly at EM. With the kind of pain he was in I doubt he was looking lovingly at anyone.
Monliz 02-18-2021, 03:43 PM The 2nd photo (bottom) is probably a publicity photo. The 1st one (top) does not look like that to me. They are both reacting to something with laughter. It is behind the scenes. Laughter is the best medicine. It's odd that WF said that DY was in excruciating pain but would still look lovingly at EM. With the kind of pain he was in I doubt he was looking lovingly at anyone.
The first photo is publicity too, now you want to deny it? My god :lol::lol::lol:
Well, even if it wasn't a promotional picture it wouldn't matter, because judging by York's appearance, that photo looks like it's from the first season, and in the first year Liz and York got alone
It was in the second season when York couldn't control his feelings anymore and started having bad behavior towards Liz. In fact York said that Liz grew tired of him since the second season, so you're wrong once again :)
Monliz 02-18-2021, 04:04 PM The idea that nobody noticed and the show never missed a beat is just laughable.
There's a Bewitched documentary on Youtube, and a writer of the show said that nobody wrote them a letter complaining about the Darrin switch, nobody even asked what happened with York and why he wasn't on the show anymore.
And obviously you don't know better than the writers and producers of Bewitched, if you pretend to know more things about Bewitched than Liz and the writers of the show, then THAT is truly laughable :lol:
Dick York was Darrin 02-18-2021, 05:43 PM There's a Bewitched documentary on Youtube, and a writer of the show said that nobody wrote them a letter complaining about the Darrin switch, nobody even asked what happened with York and why he wasn't on the show anymore.
And obviously you don't know better than the writers and producers of Bewitched, if you pretend to know more things about Bewitched than Liz and the writers of the show, then THAT is truly laughable :lol:
You clearly have no knowledge of Hollywood. Who in the heck do you think would write the writer of a show, complaining about a casting change? As if there is a complaint box. LOL
The ratings told Bewitched producers it was a mistake.
By the way, was Dick Sargent nominated for any awards for his performance as Darrin? Dick York was nominated for an Emmy as a LEAD ACTOR of the show.
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