Hy AverbackFilmography

Born:: Minneapolis, MN
Occupation:: Director
Biography:: A busy radio, TV and film actor of the 1940s and 1950s, Hy Averback began writing comedy material in his radio days. He acted in two films (The Benny Goodman Story and Four Girls in Town) and narrated a third (How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying), but the majority of his film work was...Read More

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Bob Hope: Hollywood's Brightest Star

Synopsis: An affectionate look at the illustrious career of Bob Hope, this film features numerous clips from Hope's start in vaudeville through to his radio, movie, and television careers. This hour-long show includes interviews with Larry Gelbart, Hy Averback, and, of course, Hope himself. ~ Jonathan Read More

1996
The Last Precinct

Crew: Director

Synopsis: In this pilot film for the short-lived satirical TV series The Last Precinct, a group of misfit police-academy rejects are given one final opportunity to distinguish themselves in the field of law enforcement when they are assigned to the LA's seediest and most woebegone precinct, the 56th. Under Read More

1986
Murder, She Wrote: Broadway Malady

Crew: Director

Synopsis: Celebrated Broadway musical star Vivian Blaine is cast as--what else?--a celebrated Broadway musical star, named Rita Bristol. Headling a new production costarring her daughter Patti (Lorna Luft) and produced by her son Barry (Gregg Henry), Rita is among those expressing concern when an aspiring Read More

1985
Where the Boys Are

Crew: Director

Actors: Lisa Hartman, Russell Todd, Wendy Schaal, Howard McGillin

Synopsis: In this mindless movie aping the 1960 hit about teens out for sun, surf, and sex, the "boys" are at the beach in Fort Lauderdale, Florida -- the destination of thousands of U.S. university students on their spring break and the destination of the four female protagonists here. After arriving Read More

1984
M*A*S*H: Sons and Bowlers

Crew: Director

Synopsis: The 4077th competes with a tough Marine Unit in a winner-take-all bowling tournament. What the MASH folks don't know is that the Leathernecks have improved their chances by recruting a pro bowler. All of this means very little to Hawkeye (Alan Alda), who anxiously awaits news of the outcome of his Read More

1982
The Girl, the Gold Watch and Dynamite

Crew: Director

Actors: Carol Lawrence, Jerry Mathers

Synopsis: This made-for-TV follow-up to 1980's The Girl, the Gold Watch and Everything stars Lee Purcell and Philip MacHale as Bonnie Lee Beaumont and Kirby Winter, roles created in the earlier film by Pam Dawber and Robert Hays. Once more, the hapless Kirby is the possessor of a magic watch that can stop Read More

1981
She's in the Army Now

Crew: Director

Synopsis: In this made-for-TV comedy, a group of unprepared young woman sign up with the Army and get themselves into all kinds of trouble when they start their basic training. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide Read More

1981
M*A*S*H: Snap Judgment, Part 1

Crew: Director

Synopsis: In episode one of M*A*S*H's last two-part story, the 4077th is visited by a group of Military Policemen. It seems that the area has been hit with a petty crime wave, and the MP's are determined to nab the culprit. Thus, things look bleak for poor Klinger (Jamie Farr) when he is caught with the Read More

1981
M*A*S*H: Snappier Judgment, Part 2

Crew: Director

Synopsis: In the concluding episode of a two-part story, Klinger (Jamie Farr) has been arrested on the suspicion that he is responsible for the crime wave that has spread through the 4077th. Though Klinger was apparently caught red-handed, Charles (David Ogden Stiers) agrees to act as his defense consul at Read More

1981
The Night Rider

Crew: Director

Synopsis: In this adventure, set in old New Orleans, a dashing man disguises himself with a mask and cape so that he can get revenge on those that murdered his family. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide Read More

1979
The Dukes of Hazzard: Luke's Love Story

Crew: Director

Synopsis: Sporting narration and a theme song by country legend Waylon Jennings and starring Tom Wopat and John Schneider as Luke Duke and Bo Duke, The Dukes of Hazzard was a hit throughout its six-year run in the late '70s and early '80s. Also featuring Catherine Bach as Daisy Duke, the show showcased the Read More

1979
Young Maverick [TV Series]

Crew: Director

Actors: Charles Frank, Susan Blanchard, Howard Duff

Synopsis: This light-hearted western was a spinoff of the 1957-1962 series Maverick, and recounted the adventures of legendary gambler/troublemaker Brett Maverick's young Harvard-educated cousin, Ben Maverick. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide Read More

1979
Pearl

Crew: Director

Actors: Angie Dickinson, Robert Wagner, Dennis Weaver, Lesley Ann Warren, Gregg Henry

Synopsis: Adapted by Oscar-winning screenwriter Stirling Silliphant from his own novel, the three-part, six-hour miniseries Pearl inevitably invoked memories of the strikingly similar From Here to Eternity. The focus was on three military couples living in Honolulu in and around the time of Japan's attack Read More

1978
The New Maverick

Crew: Director

Actors: James Garner, Jack Kelly, George Loros, Eugene Roche, Charles Frank

Synopsis: James Garner took time off from The Rockford Files to star in the "retro" TV movie The New Maverick, written by Rockford stalwart Juanita Bartlett. Garner steps into the role of western gambler Brett Maverick as though the 20 years since the original TV series had never passed; he is costarred, as Read More

1978
The Rockford Files: The House on Willis Avenue, Part 1

Crew: Director

Synopsis: In the first half of a two-part story, Jim (James Garner) investigates the mysterious death of his mentor Joe Tooley (Paul Fix) on the Ventura Freeway. Assisting Jim--in a manner of speaking--is greenhorn detective Richie Brockelman (Dennis Dugan), who likewise suspects that Tooley's demise was no Read More

1978
A Guide for the Married Woman

Crew: Director

Actors: Tom Poston

Synopsis: The made-for-TV Guide for the Married Woman was conceived by screenwriter Frank Tarloff as an "answer" to his frolicsome 1968 theatrical feature Guide for the Married Man. If the sequel isn't quite as much fun as the original, it may be because what was deemed "risque" in 1968 was kid's stuff in Read More

1978
The Rockford Files: The House on Willis Avenue, Part 2

Crew: Director

Synopsis: In the conclusion of a two-part story, Jim Rockford (James Garner) and rookie private eye Richie Brockelman (Dennis Dugan) continue to investigate the suspicious death of their mutual mentor Joe Tooley. When the trail of clues leads to crooked computer-company CEO Garth McGregor (Jackie Cooper) Read More

1978
M*A*S*H: Fade Out, Fade In, Part 2

Crew: Director

Synopsis: In the conclusion of M*A*S*H's sixth-season opener, Margaret Houlihan (Loretta Swit) is already having problems with her marriage to Donald Penobscot, Major Frank Burns has gone AWOL, and Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and B.J. (Mike Farrell) have had a bellyful of Frank's brilliant but insufferably arrogant Read More

1977
M*A*S*H: Fade Out, Fade In, Part 1

Crew: Director

Synopsis: M*A*S*H inaugurates its sixth season minus the irascible Maj. Frank Burns, who, it is explained, is taking R&R in Seoul to get over the marriage between his longtime sweetie Margaret Houlihan (Loretta Swit). Although Frank is never seen in this episode (actor Larry Linville had left the series for Read More

1977
The Love Boat II

Crew: Director

Actors: Celeste Holm, Bernie Kopell, Ted Lange, Diane Stilwell, Lyle Waggoner, Fred Grandy, Quinn K. Redeker

Synopsis: This second of two pilot films for the Love Boat TV series was originally telecast on January 21, 1977. After the shakedown cruise, several of the actors playing the crew of the Pacific Princess were replaced. In Love Boat 2, Ted Lange, Bernie Kopell and Fred Grandy portray the roles they would be Read More

1977
Richie Brockelman: The Missing 24 Hours

Crew: Director

Synopsis: In this thriller, an amnesiac woman hires a young detective to investigate the two men who seem to be trying to kill her. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide Read More

1976
M*A*S*H: Life with Father

Crew: Director

Synopsis: When a Jewish GI insists upon a circumcision for his Korean-born son, it is up to Father Mulcahy (William Christopher) to function as "substitute rabbi" during the ceremonial briss. Meanwhile, Col. Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson) is presented with evidence suggesting that his wife is "stepping out" Read More

1974
M*A*S*H: House Arrest

Crew: Director

Synopsis: After punching Frank (Larry Linville) in the eye -- accidentally, of course -- Hawkeye (Alan Alda) faces court martial. Placed under house arrest, Hawkeye makes the best of the situation by inviting his friends into his tent for some convivial drinking, conversation, and the screening of the 1945 Read More

1974
M*A*S*H: Alcoholics Unanimous

Crew: Director

Synopsis: When Frank Burns (Larry Linville) is put in charge of the 4077th in the absence of Col. Blake, the staff braces itself for the usual "orders are orders, rules are rules" nonsense. But every outrage committed by Frank in the past pales into insignificance when the power-mad CO declares a ban on Read More

1974
M*A*S*H: Bombed

Crew: Director

Synopsis: Heavy bombing brings heavy wounded into the operating room of the 4077th. Still, Hawkeye (Alan Alda) finds ample time to needle his old nemesis, Frank Burns (Larry Linville). Seething with jealousy fomented by the capricious Hawkeye, Frank ends up proposing to his wartime sweetie Hot Lips (Loretta Swit Read More

1974
M*A*S*H: Private Charles Lamb

Crew: Director

Synopsis: Grateful that the doctors of the 4077th have saved his life, an effusive Greek colonel (Titos Vandis) provides the camp with an extra-special Easter dinner -- namely, a live baby lamb. But when softhearted Radar (Gary Burghoff) bonds with the warm-and-fuzzy critter, he despairs at the thought of Read More

1974
M*A*S*H: Rainbow Bridge

Crew: Director

Synopsis: Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and Trapper (Wayne Rogers) are just about to depart for some much-needed R & R when they are summoned to attend a POW exchange between the U.S.A. and the Communists. Heading deep into enemy territory, the two doctors, accompanied by Frank (Larry Linville), Radar (Gary Read More

1974
M*A*S*H: Mad Dogs and Servicemen

Crew: Director

Synopsis: Col. Blake (McLean Stevenson) organizes a search party for the dog that bit his clerk, Radar (Gary Burghoff). Blake can't be sure, but the pooch may have been rabid -- and if so, the consequences for Radar are too unpleasant to imagine. Meanwhile, the staff wonders why the usually compassionate Read More

1974
M*A*S*H: Officer of the Day

Crew: Director

Synopsis: With Col. Blake in Seoul, Frank (Larry Linville) and Margaret (Loretta Swit) are left in charge of the 4077th, while Hawkeye (Alan Alda) is appointed officer of the day. No sooner has this been settled than Hawkeye has a run-in with his old nemesis, CIA agent Col. Flagg (Edward Winter). With his Read More

1974
M*A*S*H: There is Nothing Like a Nurse

Crew: Director

Synopsis: The threat of an enemy parachute drop forces Col. Blake (McLean Stevenson) to order an evacuation of the 4077th nurses. With no females in the vicinity, the camp's morale plunges to an all time low. But never fear, Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and Radar (Wayne Rogers) are on hand to provide their own Read More

1974
Magnificent Magical Magnet of Santa Mesa

Crew: Director, Producer

Synopsis: Michael Burns plays Freddy Griffith, a brilliant, altruistic and cheerfully goofy young inventor. Though his creations seemingly have value, they usually end up causing nothing but trouble (and bad special effects). Produced by veteran sitcom helmsman Hy Averback, this made-for-TV movie was Read More

1973
M*A*S*H: As You Were

Crew: Director

Synopsis: During a brief lull in shooting, Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and Trapper (Wayne Rogers) while away the time by ordering gorilla costumes. Elsewhere, Frank tries to sneak in his long-delayed hernia operation, only to be boarded up in a crate for his trouble; and the latest sex-orientation lecture delivered Read More

1973
M*A*S*H: Operation Noselift

Crew: Director

Synopsis: Perennially AWOL Private Baker (Todd Susman) agrees to stay put if Hawkeye (Alan Arkin) and Trapper (Wayne Rogers) can arrange for the sensitive Baker to get a nose job. Hawkeye secures the services of plastic surgeon Maj. Robbins (Stuart Margolin), who agrees to perform the unauthorized operation Read More

1973
M*A*S*H: The Moose

Crew: Director

Actors: Tim Jones

Synopsis: Hawkeye (Alan Alda) is outraged when Sgt. Baker (Paul Jenkins) shows up at the 4077th, accompanied by his "Moose" -- a Korean girl named Young Hi (Virginia Anne Lee) who was sold to Baker as an indentured servant. Using every sneaky trick at his disposal, Hawkeye tries to free Young Hi from Read More

1972
M*A*S*H: Requiem for a Lightweight

Crew: Director

Synopsis: There's weeping and wailing at the 4077th when Margaret "Hot Lips" Houlihan (Loretta Swit) orders the transfer of a sexy nurse upon whom both Hawkeye (Alan Alda) and Trapper (Wayne Rogers) have designs. Henry Blake (McLean Stevenson) offers to bring the nurse back, provided that Trapper agrees to Read More

1972
M*A*S*H: I Hate a Mystery

Crew: Director

Synopsis: The 4077th is plagued by a rash of bizarre thefts, and making the case even more baffling is that nothing of any real value is being stolen -- just small, personal items. When circumstantial evidence makes Hawkeye (Alan Alda) appear to be the guilty party, he turns detective to get to the bottom Read More

1972
Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came?

Crew: Director

Actors: Brian Keith, Tony Curtis, Ernest Borgnine, Ivan Dixon, Suzanne Pleshette

Synopsis: War Games is the streamlined reissue title for the satirical Suppose They Gave a War and Nobody Came? The story is set in a sleepy Southern town, the site of a tranquil army base. Commanding officer Col. Flanders (Don Ameche), anxious to win the hearts and minds of the locals, invites the populace Read More

1970
The Great Bank Robbery

Crew: Director

Actors: Zero Mostel, Kim Novak, Clint Walker, Claude Akins, Akim Tamiroff

Synopsis: In this western comedy, a bogus evangelist and his assistant travel to the town of Friendly and endeavor to rob the West's purportedly most unrobbable bank. Unfortunately, they are not the only bandits planning to rob the bank. Their rivals in robbery include a Mexican bandido and his dullard son. Read More

1969
I Love You, Alice B. Toklas

Crew: Director

Actors: Peter Sellers, Jo Van Fleet, Leigh Taylor-Young, Joyce Van Patten, David Arkin

Synopsis: One of the few 1960s satires of the hippie culture that doesn't appear to be concocted by grumpy old men, I Love You, Alice B. Toklas stars Peter Sellers as Harold Fine, a staid, fortysomething Jewish attorney. Engaged to the equally straitlaced Joyce (Joyce Van Patten), Harold wistfully dreams of Read More

1968
Where Were You When the Lights Went Out?

Crew: Director

Actors: Doris Day, Robert Morse, Terry-Thomas, Patrick O'Neal, Lola Albright

Synopsis: This light romantic comedy is set during the November 9th power outage of 1965 that darkened New York and much of the East Coast. Margaret (Doris Day) is a theater actress who storms out on her architect husband, Peter (Patrick O'Neal), when a pretty female reporter spends too much time Read More

1968
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Actors: Robert Morse, Michele Lee, Rudy Vallee, Anthony Teague, Maureen Arthur

Synopsis: Robert Morse recreated his Tony-winning stage role in this 1967 film version of Frank Loesser's Pulitzer Prize-winning Broadway musical. A humble window washer at the New York offices of World Wide Wickets, J. Pierpont Finch applies the lessons he's learned from a book called How to Succeed in Read More

1967
F Troop: Season 02

Crew: Executive Producer

Actors: Forrest Tucker, Larry Storch, Ken Berry, Melody Patterson, Frank de Kova

Synopsis: The second season of F Troop is filmed in color instead of black-and-white, and the ballad and action montage which opened each season-one episode has been replaced by a simpler opening title, featuring caricatures of the cast members rendered by MAD magazine's Mort Drucker. Otherwise, it is Read More

1966
Chamber of Horrors

Crew: Director, Producer

Actors: Cesare Danova, Wilfrid Hyde-White, Patrick O'Neal, Laura Devon, Patrice Wymore

Synopsis: This dull House of Wax variant involves a claw-handed escaped maniac (Patrick O'Neal), who rampages through late 19th-century Baltimore on a mission of vengeance. Hot on his trail are the proprietors of a "House of Horrors" wax museum and their Mexican dwarf sidekick Tun-Tun. Initially conceived Read More

1966
F Troop: Season 01

Crew: Executive Producer

Actors: Forrest Tucker, Larry Storch, Ken Berry, Melody Patterson

Synopsis: Each of the first-season episodes of the riotous Western sitcom F Troop opened with a stirring balled, sung by a male chorus, which explained how clumsy, inept Wilton Parmenter (Ken Berry), a hapless scion of a legendary military family, was promoted to captain in the final days of the Civil War. Read More

1965
NBC Comedy Hour [TV Series]

1957
Four Girls in Town

Actors: George Nader, Julie Adams, Sydney Chaplin, Marianne Cook, Elsa Martinelli, Gia Scala, Helene Stanton

Synopsis: Four Girls in Town is essentially an excuse by Universal-International to test out several of their newer contractees. The plot is motivated by a worldwide movie talent hunt, which naturally arouses the attentions of a bevy of pretty young aspiring actresses. The four girls of the title are Kathy Read More

1956
The Benny Goodman Story

Actors: Steve Allen, Donna Reed, Berta Gersten, Herbert Anderson, Robert Simon

Synopsis: Steve Allen makes his dramatic film debut in The Benny Goodman Story. Outside of Goodman's conflicts with his parents over his career choice, and his early frustration over not being able to play his kind of music, the film tends to be more a series of musical highlights than a biography. The film Read More

1955
I Love Lucy: The Hedda Hopper Story

Actors: Hedda Hopper, Kathryn Card, Hy Averback, Bob Jellison, John Hart

Synopsis: Charlie Pomerantz (Hy Averback), press agent for Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz), arranges a publicity stunt whereby Ricky will "rescue" a supposedly drowning woman from the pool of the Beverly Palms Hotel. This act of courage is sure to win Ricky a mention in the newspaper column of influential gossip Read More

1955
Dragnet: The Big Frank

Synopsis: Based on a radio play first broadcast on March 15, 1951, this episode focuses on the relationship between Sgt. Joe Friday (Jack Webb) and his partner, officer Frank Smith (Ben Alexander). While investigating a robbery, Smith is shot and seriously wounded by suspect Jack B. Grant (Joe Cranston). As Read More

1953
I Love Lucy: Baby Pictures

Actors: Hy Averback, Doris Singleton, Joe Mayer, Mike Mayer

Synopsis: The Ricardos engage in a "battle of the brags" with their friends the Applebys, with each couple dragging out pictures of their respective children at the slightest provocation. While the war continues to rage between Lucy (Lucille Ball) and Caroline Appleby (Doris Singleton), Ricky (Desi Arnaz) Read More

1953
Cry Danger

Actors: Dick Powell, Rhonda Fleming, Richard Erdman, William Conrad, Regis Toomey

Synopsis: Dick Powell stars in this suspenseful melodrama, directed by Robert Parrish. Rocky Mulloy (Powell) has recently returned from prison, after being pardoned from a life sentence when new evidence clears him from a robbery conviction. Delong (Richard Erdman), a crippled Marine veteran who concocted Read More

1951

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