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| NBC Saturday Night at the Movies |
1968–69: The massive success of the '67–'68 season, alongside a solid stockpile of TV movies and plans for a monthly long-form news series, prompted NBC to add a third movie night. After 4 seasons away, the movies were back on Monday. Through the three evenings, NBC would insert more occasional specials giving the movies off-weeks. Nevertheless, the number of good, recognizable movies titles continued to thin, and while successful in filling time and satisfying its audiences, the ratings for its movies declined. However, NBC was putting a bigger target on young people, which led to higher ad rates. In that sense, the nights were successful.
On Saturday: Unlike Monday and Tuesday, NBC only aired one night of specials during the season, instead airing a couple movie repeats to fill a full schedule, but also still airing a fairly strong 25 movies, 4 of which were made-for-TV from Universal. One was a pilot that went to series.
With NBC continuing to mine United Artists' library for movies, not all of their titles were television premieres. While Some Like It Hot, The Misfits, and Birdman of Alcatraz, among others, were quite popular, they had previously aired on ABC. Of the 25 movies, 14 were from United Artists and 9, including those made for TV, were from Universal.
Programmer's Corner: Back to the drawing board for pre-movie programming, NBC brought in two freshmen shows to sandwich Get Smart. Dragnet-verse police patrol drama Adam 12 and sitcom The Ghost & Mrs. Muir, which is based on the movie of the same name. While Adam 12 would later be a ratings hit, it had a slow start. Ghost never took off. Like every year, NBC Saturday Night the Movies faced the final half of The Lawrence Welk Show, which was now past its prime, and then The Hollywood Palace, which was also waning. The CBS competition also remained the same: Hogan's Heroes, Petticoat Junction, and Mannix. No show was a consistent ratings grabber. NBC's lineup was even underwhelming. Get Smart and Ghost were canceled in the 1970, but both were picked up by other networks.
NBC SATURDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES, 1968–69
Regular season
21 Sep 1968: Becket (1964, 3 hours)
King Henry II of England comes to terms with his affection for his close friend and confidant Thomas Becket, who finds his true honor by observing God's divine will rather than the King's. (Drama / Color, Paramount)
Director: Peter Glenville; with Richard Burton, Peter O'Toole, John Gielgud
Programming Note: This was also premiere night for Adam 12, Get Smart, and The Ghost & Mrs. Muir.
Ratings Report: Early NYC returns had the movie at a 46 share. Final rating: 20.8/41.
28 Sep 1968: The Train (1964, 2 hours 45 minutes)
In 1944, a German colonel loads a train with French art treasures to send to Germany. The Resistance must stop it without damaging the cargo. (War / Black & White, United Artists)
Director: John Frankenheimer; with Burt Lancaster, Paul Scofield, Jeanne Moreau
Ratings Report: Trendex's early ratings had the movie's half-hours ranging from 34.5 to 47.6 and easily stomped Mannix, which had a soaring final half (43.7 vs 21.4 and 47.6 vs 33.4).
5 Oct 1968: Khartoum (1966, 2 hours 45 minutes)
In the Sudan, in 1884 to 1885, Egyptian forces led by British General Charles Gordon defend Khartoum against an invading Muslim Army led by a religious fanatic, Mohammed Ahmed el Mahdi. (Action Adventure / Color, United Artists)
Director: Basil Dearden, Eliot Elisofon; with Charlton Heston, Laurence Olivier, Richard Johnson, Ralph Richardson
Ratings Report: Trendex's early ratings had the movie really dueling it out with ABC's Lawrence Welk and Hollywood Palace. The movie stayed around 32.0 while ABC overall did slightly better. While Hogan's Heroes (30.8) could keep up, Petticoat Junction (28.8) and Mannix (27.8) were a ways back.
12 Oct 1968: Help! (1965, 2 hours)
Sir Ringo Starr finds himself the human sacrifice target of a cult, and his fellow members of The Beatles must try to protect him from it. (Music Comedy / Color, United Artists)
Director: Richard Lester; with John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr
19 Oct 1968: The Hallelujah Trail (1965, 3 hours)
On its way to Denver, a cargo of whiskey destined for the miners, is sought after by the Temperance League, the U.S. Cavalry, the local Indians and the miners themselves. (Western Comedy / Color, United Artists)
Director: John Sturges; with Burt Lancaster, Lee Remick, Jim Hutton, Pamela Tiffin
26 Oct 1968: Masquerade (1965, 2 hours)
The British send an American and a war hero to kidnap and hide an oil-country prince. (Comedy Thriller / Color, United Artists)
Director: Basil Dearden; with Cliff Robertson, Jack Hawkins
2 Nov 1968: Banning (1967, 2 hours)
A playboy golf pro, kicked off the circuit for alleged cheating, is forced to hustle for a living. (Drama / Color, Universal)
Director: Ron Winston; with Robert Wagner, Anjanette Comer, Jill St. John, Guy Stockwell, James Farentino
Programming Note: Banning started at 9:30 because of a 30-minute paid political ad for Hubert Humphrey aired at 9.
9 Nov 1968: To Kill a Mockingbird (1962, 2 hours 45 minutes)
Atticus Finch, a lawyer in the Depression-era South, defends a black man against an undeserved rape charge, and his children against prejudice. (Drama / Black & White, Universal)
Director: Robert Mulligan; with Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, Mary Badham, Brock Peters
16 Nov 1968: The Tennessee Ernie Ford Special and Jack Benny's Bag
Lucille Ball, Andy Griffith, and The Golddiggers join Tennessee Ernie Ford. Then with Jack Benny, highlights include an extended parody of The Graduate with Benny and Phyllis Diller. Lou Rawls, Dick Clark, Eddie Fisher, Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson also guest.
23 Nov 1968: Companions in Nightmare (NBC World Premiere) 📺 (1968, 2 hours)
TV Movie. One of the patients in a group-therapy session conducted by a famous psychiatrist is a murderer. This movie, which hasn't been seen in decades, was scored by Bernard Herrmann. (Crime Drama / Color, Universal)
Director: Norman Lloyd; with Gig Young, Anne Baxter, Patrick O'Neal
More: Wikipedia, Letterboxd
Programming Note: Earlier programming was preempted for the new animated special The Mouse on the Mayflower and the Cowsills' 30-minute variety special A Family Thing.
30 Nov 1968: Morgan! (1966, 2 hours)
After his wife leaves him for his former best friend, a failed London artist begins his descent into madness in trying to win her back. (Comedy / Black & White, Cinema V)
Director: Karel Reisz; with David Warner, Vanessa Redgrave, Robert Stephens, Irene Handl
7 Dec 1968: Escape to Mindanao (NBC World Premiere) 📺 (1968, 2 hours)
TV Movie. American POWs in Japan during World War II get Japanese code device and devise a way to reach their unit. (War / Color, Universal)
Director: Don McDougall; with George Maharis, Nehemiah Persoff, James Shigeta
14 Dec 1968: The Glory Guys (1965, 2 hours 15 minutes)
What could be worse for two cavalry officers than to battle with native tribes? To battle each other for the same woman. (Western / Color, United Artists)
Director: Arnold Laven; with Tom Tryon, Harve Presnell, Senta Berger, James Caan
21 Dec 1968: White Christmas (1954, 2 hours 30 minutes; Original Air Date: 19 Dec 1964)
28 Dec 1968: Pocketful of Miracles (1961, 2 hours 30 minutes)
A New York gangster and his girlfriend attempt to turn street beggar Apple Annie into a society lady when the peddler learns her daughter is marrying royalty. (Comedy / Color, United Artists)
Director: Frank Capra; with Glenn Ford, Bette Davis, Hope Lange, Arthur O'Connell
Programming Note: Pocketful of Miracles previously aired on ABC in 1964.
4 Jan 1969: Father Goose (1964, 2 hours 15 minutes)
During World War II, a man persuaded to live on an isolated island and spot aircraft finds himself responsible for a teacher and several students, all female. (Romantic Comedy / Color, Universal)
Director: Ralph Nelson; with Cary Grant, Leslie Caron, Trevor Howard
11 Jan 1969: Birdman of Alcatraz (1962, 3 hours)
A surly convicted murderer held in permanent isolation redeems himself when he becomes a renowned bird expert. (Drama / Black & White, United Artists)
Director: John Frankenheimer, Charles Crichton; with Burt Lancaster, Karl Malden, Thelma Ritter, Neville Brand, Edmond O'Brien
Ratings Report: At 21.8, Birdman was under its 23.3 ABC premiere from 1964.
18 Jan 1969: Trial Run (NBC World Premiere) 📺 (1969, 2 hours)
TV Movie. A slice-of-life drama involving a young lawyer, his adoring secretary who tries to help to advance his career, and his employer, a famed lawyer burdened with an unfaithful wife. (Drama / Color, Universal)
Director: William A. Graham; with James Franciscus, Janice Rule, Leslie Nielsen
More: Wikipedia
25 Jan 1969: A Hole in the Head (1959, 2 hours 30 minutes)
A widower is trying to keep a small Miami hotel afloat while raising a 12-year-old son. He's forced to ask his harried brother for help, but his terms for helping involve marrying a sensible woman. (Comedy / Color, United Artists)
Director: Frank Capra; with Frank Sinatra, Edward G. Robinson, Eleanor Parker, Keenan Wynn, Carolyn Jones, Thelma Ritter
Programming Note: Adam 12 and Get Smart were preempted for the news special Down on the Farm, which was about the agricultural shift from family farms.
Ratings Report: Ever so slightly, Hole had a better premiere on NBC than ABC (19.1 vs 19.0) from 1964
1 Feb 1969: Gunfight in Abilene (1967, 2 hours)
A sheriff, haunted by the accidental killing of his best friend, refuses to wear a gun. But when the brother of his best friend is murdered, the lawman must make a choice. (Western / Color, Universal)
Director: William Hale; with Bobby Darin, Emily Banks, Leslie Nielsen, Don Galloway
8 Feb 1969: Taras Bulba (1962, 2 hours 30 minutes)
In the 16th-century Ukraine, the Polish overlords and the Cossacks fight for control of the land but frequent Turkish invasions force them to unite against the common Turkish foe. (Adventure / Color, United Artists)
Director: J. Lee Thompson; with Tony Curtis, Yul Brynner, Christine Kaufmann
Ratings Report: At 18.5, the movie was just under the 19.0 it did when it premiered on ABC in 1965.
15 Feb 1969: Ambush Bay (1966, 2 hours 15 minutes)
A Marine unit on a Japanese-held island in the Philippines tries to hook up with local Filipino guerrillas. (War / Color, United Artists)
Director: Ron Winston; with Hugh O'Brian, Mickey Rooney, James Mitchum
22 Feb 1969: Deadlock (NBC World Premiere) 📺 (1969, 2 hours)
TV Pilot. The murder of a journalist, a black teenager, and a white cop, has the city on edge. To prevent a riot, Lieutenant Danforth and District Attorney Washburn are determined to find the killer, even though they don't get along with each other and disagree over procedure. This was the pilot for The Bold Ones: The Protectors. (Drama / Color, Universal)
Director: Lamont Johnson; with Leslie Nielsen, Hari Rhodes, Aldo Ray
More: Letterboxd
1 Mar 1969: Some Like It Hot (1959, 2 hours 30 minutes)
After two male musicians witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all-female band disguised as women, but further complications set in. (Romantic Comedy / Black & White, United Artists)
Director: Billy Wilder; with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon
Ratings Report: The movie rated 22.5, just under its ABC premiere (23.3) in 1964.
8 Mar 1969: The Birds (1963, 2 hours 30 minutes)
Original Air Date: 6 Jan 1968
Ratings Report: On first airing last season, the thriller hit a movie ratings record (38.9/58.8). This time was still a strong 24.0/40.
15 Mar 1969: The Vikings (1958, 2 hours 30 minutes)
A slave and a Viking prince fight for the love of a captive princess. (Adventure / Color, United Artists)
Director: Richard Fleischer; with Kirk Douglas, Tony Curtis, Ernest Borgnine, Janet Leigh
Ratings Report: At 17.7, The Vikings was well under its ABC premiere (21.4) from 1964. However, it's second NBC airing was almost equal to the first.
22 Mar 1969: The Misfits (1961, 2 hours 30 minutes)
A divorcée falls for an over-the-hill cowboy who is struggling to maintain his romantically independent lifestyle. (Drama / Black & White, United Artists)
Director: John Huston; with Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift
Ratings Report: At 20.3, The Misfits was a point off its ABC premiere (21.4) from 1965.
29 Mar 1969: The Ride to Hangman's Tree (1967, 2 hours)
Three young outlaws try to stay together and keep one step ahead of the law. (Western / Color, Universal)
Director: Alan Rafkin; with Jack Lord, Melodie Johnson, James Farentino, Don Galloway
Summer repeats
(Movies aired entirely in their allotted timeslot unless otherwise noted.)
(Movies aired entirely in their allotted timeslot unless otherwise noted.)
5 Apr 1969: Becket (1964, 3 hours)
12 Apr 1969: Charade (1963, 2 hours 30 minutes)
19 Apr 1969: The Rare Breed (1964)
26 Apr 1969: The Pad and How to Use It (1966)
Programming Note: Adam 12 and Get Smart were preempted for the Bill Dana variety special A Look at the Lighter Side. "A look at people at play as captured on film in various parts of the country."
3 May 1969: Gambit (1965, 2 hours 15 minutes)
10 May 1969: The Sound of Anger (1968)
Programming Note: The Ghost & Mrs. Muir was preempted for the one-man concert special Rod McKuen: The Loner.
17 May 1969: The Appaloosa (1966)
24 May 1969: The Miracle Worker (1962)
31 May 1969: Dragnet (1969)
7 Jun 1969: Rope of Sand (1949)
14 Jun 1969: The Art of Love (1965)
21 Jun 1969: Fear No Evil (1969)
28 Jun 1969: Fahrenheit 451 (1966, 2 hours 15 minutes)
5 Jul 1969: Sorry, Wrong Number (1948)
12 Jul 1969: Jumping Jacks (1952)
19 Jul 1969: Saratoga Trunk (1945, 2 hours 45 minutes)
26 Jul 1969: The Young Warriors (1967)
2 Aug 1969: Then Came Bronson (1969)
9 Aug 1969: Mister Moses (1965, 2 hours 30 minutes)
16 Aug 1969: Birdman of Alcatraz (1962, 3 hours)
23 Aug 1969: The Whole World Is Watching (1969)
30 Aug 1969: Wild Seed (1965)
6 Sep 1969: The All Star Circus: The Official Circus Hall of Fame Awards Show and Miss America 1970
Hosted by Tony Curtis, this show honored circus performers. No other one was ever produced. Later, Pamela Eldred, of Michigan, was crowned Miss America. (Second runner-up Susan Ellen Anton would star in an NBC series in about 10 years.)
13 Sep 1969: To Kill a Mockingbird (1962, 2 hours 45 minutes)
Programming Note: To Kill a Mockingbird started at 8:30.
Sources: IMDb and Letterboxd for movie and TV specials information as well as Encyclopedia of Television: Series, Pilots and Specials, 1937-1973; Cedar Rapids Gazette, The Daily Banner, and San Bernardino Sun for listing and programming information; Broadcasting for various ratings notes; if you see bad links or incorrect information, let me know in the comments.
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