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John Rich

Director

"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. The impulse to go there is correct, but don't do this....'"

About This Interview

John Rich (1925-2012) was interviewed for nearly seven hours in Los Angeles, CA.  Rich talks about getting his start in television - as a stage manager for NBC's The Colgate Comedy Hour - and describes his big break into directing on The Ezio Pinza Sho w. He discusses numerous shows he directed throughout his career, including I Married Joan, The Ray Bolger Sho w, 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.

Related To This Video

  • Shows
  • People
  • Topics
  • Professions

Shows

  • Academy Awards, The
  • All in the Family
  • All in the Family: "Sammy's Visit"
  • Barney Miller
  • Bat Masterson
  • Benson
  • Bonanza
  • Brady Bunch, The
  • Colgate Comedy Hour, The
  • Dennis Day Show
  • Dick Van Dyke Show, The
  • Dick Van Dyke Show, The: "That's My Boy?"
  • Dick Van Dyke Show, The: "Where Did I Come From?"
  • Dunninger Show, The
  • Ezio Pinza Show, The
  • Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
  • Gunsmoke
  • I Married Joan
  • I Spy
  • Jack Carter Show, The
  • Jeffersons, The
  • Kraft Television Theatre
  • Law & Order
  • MacGyver
  • Maude
  • Mr. Sunshine
  • Murphy Brown
  • Newhart
  • Our Miss Brooks
  • Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse
  • Ray Bolger Show, The
  • Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The
  • Twilight Zone, The
  • Wanted
  • Wonderful World of Disney, The aka Magical World of Disney, The
  • Your Show of Shows

People

  • James Arness
  • Beatrice Arthur
  • Milton Berle
  • Hal Cooper
  • Hugh Downs
  • Michael Eisner
  • Robert Guillaume
  • Sherman Hemsley
  • Florence Henderson
  • Norman Lear
  • Sheldon Leonard
  • Jerry Lewis
  • Art Linkletter
  • Rose Marie
  • Bob Newhart
  • Carroll O'Connor
  • Carl Reiner
  • Rob Reiner
  • Aaron Ruben
  • Sherwood Schwartz
  • Rod Serling
  • Fred Silverman
  • Sid Smith
  • Lynn Stalmaster
  • Dick Van Dyke
  • Henry Winkler
  • Bud Yorkin

Topics

  • Censorship / Standards & Practices
  • Characters & Catchphrases
  • Classic TV series episodes
  • Comedy
  • Emmy Awards
  • Hollywood Blacklist (ca. 1950s)
  • Minorities
  • Studio Management
  • TV Theme Songs

Professions

  • Director
  • Performers
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  • Highlights
  • Interview
  • Shows
  • People
  • Topics
  • Genres
  • Professions

Highlights

  • On mentally trying out solutions for directing problems while waiting for his big breakOn mentally trying out solutions for directing problems while waiting for his big break
    Clip begins at: 18:02, Duration: 00m 49s
  • John Rich on directing <i>Gunsmoke</i> and James ArnessJohn Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness
    Clip begins at: 00:34, Duration: 02m 22s
  • Director John Rich on the creation of the classic "ottoman" opening of <i>The Dick Van Dyke Show</i>Director John Rich on the creation of the classic "ottoman" opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show
    Clip begins at: 19:00, Duration: 01m 55s
  • John Rich on the development and casting of the 3rd (and final) pilot and early seasons of <i>All in the Family</i>John Rich on the development and casting of the 3rd (and final) pilot and early seasons of All in the Family
    Clip begins at: 13:26, Duration: 15m 33s
  • John Rich on insisting that "MacGyver" would solve every problem without a gun and making an enemy of the NRAJohn Rich on insisting that "MacGyver" would solve every problem without a gun and making an enemy of the NRA
    Clip begins at: 16:24, Duration: 00m 30s
  • John Rich on telling the truth in his workJohn Rich on telling the truth in his work
    Clip begins at: 27:46, Duration: 00m 21s

Interview

  • Part 1
  • On his childhood and early influences; on his love of reading, radio and plays
    Clip begins at: 0:64
  • 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 Garland Garrison - NBC radio director
    Clip begins at: 10:51
  • On working for radio station WHRV in Michigan
    Clip begins at: 24:57
  • Part 2
  • On reporting basketball for WHRV; on moving to New York and starting the radio program Wanted
    Clip begins at: 0:42
  • On F.B.I involvement with Wanted; on the Willy Sutton episode of Wanted
    Clip begins at: 21:04
  • Part 3
  • On becoming a stage manager at NBC television; on his union activities and working in Hollywood
    Clip begins at: 0:58
  • On working in live television on The Colgate Comedy Hour; On how working on the West Coast differed from the East Coast
    Clip begins at: 23:30
  • Part 4
  • On his efforts to promote the Director's Guild of America; On directing The Ezio Pinza Show  and The Dennis Day Sho w
    Clip begins at: 0:47
  • On the new story, "Let's Watch Florence Chadwick Leave Catalina Island at Midnight and Watch her Swim Across the Channel"
    Clip begins at: 14:46
  • On directing I Married Joan
    Clip begins at: 21:04
  • Part 5
  • On the first broadcast of the Academy Awards; On directing I Married Joan
    Clip begins at: 0:38
  • On directing The Ray Bolger Show; on union minimums in the 1950s; on directing Our Miss Brooks
    Clip begins at: 11:09
  • On sitcoms in the 1950s
    Clip begins at: 27:13
  • Part 6
  • On directing Gunsmoke; on the challenges of directing Westerns; on being in the editing room
    Clip begins at: 0:38
  • On directing Elvis Presley; On the cast of Gunsmoke
    Clip begins at: 16:47
  • Part 7
  • On directing episodes of Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Bat Masterson  and The Twilight Zone
    Clip begins at: 0:34
  • On the 1955 live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")
    Clip begins at: 09:58
  • On guild strikes and negotiations for pension plans and 1948-1960 movie royalties 
    Clip begins at: 20:00
  • Part 8
  • On the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)
    Clip begins at: 0:36
  • On getting hired to direct The Dick Van Dyke Show; on Carl Reiner and Sheldon Leonard; on banning set visitors on the first 3 days of rehearsals
    Clip begins at: 03:51
  • 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
    Clip begins at: 12:38
  • On negotiating his deal on The Dick Van Dyke Show with Sheldon Leonard; on his directing style on The Dick Van Dyke Show
    Clip begins at: 20:55
  • Part 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
    Clip begins at: 0:36
  • On feature films, Gilligan's Island  and I Spy
    Clip begins at: 13:44
  • Part 10
  • On directing the first three episodes of Gilligan's Island;  on the talents of creator Sherwood Schwartz and the cast
    Clip begins at: 0:54
  • On directing the first six episodes of The Brady Bunch;  on working with the cast and the casting process
    Clip begins at: 04:30
  • On directing episodes of Gomer Pyle   (briefly)
    Clip begins at: 12:32
  • On the development and casting of the 3rd (and final) pilot and early seasons of All in the Family
    Clip begins at: 13:26
  • Part 11
  • On the casting of Sherman Hemsley as "George Jefferson" on All in the Family; on dress rehearsals of All in the Family; on rehearsing eating scenes
    Clip begins at: 0:31
  • On problems with Standards and Practices; on breakthrough episodes of All in the Family
    Clip begins at: 19:56
  • Part 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
    Clip begins at: 0:38
  • On leaving All in the Family; on working with Henry Fonda; on directing Barney Miller
    Clip begins at: 13:54
  • On directing the pilot of Maude; On The Jeffersons
    Clip begins at: 22:13
  • On being executive producer on Benson
    Clip begins at: 26:00
  • Part 13
  • On directing and executive producing Benson; On directing the pilot of Newhart
    Clip begins at: 0:36
  • On producing and directing Mr. Sunshine; On producing MacGyve r  and his favorite episodes of MacGyver
    Clip begins at: 07:21
  • On ending his producing partnership with Henry Winkler; on directing an episode of Murphy Brown
    Clip begins at: 19:56
  • On his thoughts on the industry today; on television shows he watches; on advice to aspiring directors
    Clip begins at: 23:06
  • Part 14
  • On doing a pilot with Walter Slezak on which there was a major problem with the set
    Clip begins at: 0:39
  • On television directing today and the future of television; on career highlights and regrets; on how he'd like to be remembered
    Clip begins at: 05:44
  • On the final shot of the movie The New Interns
    Clip begins at: 14:13
  • On thoughts on people with whom he's worked
    Clip begins at: 16:01

Shows

  • Academy Awards, The
    • John Rich on working on the first Academy Awards in 1952; the 3-camera technique
      Clip begins at: 00:38, Duration: 02m 45s
  • All in the Family
    • John Rich on the development and casting of the 3rd (and final) pilot and early seasons of All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 13:26, Duration: 15m 33s
    • John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family, and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)
      Clip begins at: 00:31, Duration: 03m 35s
    • John Rich on leaving All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 04:06, Duration: 01m 20s
    • John Rich on shooting rehearsals of All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 07:16, Duration: 12m 40s
    • 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")
      Clip begins at: 03:48, Duration: 01m 04s
    • Director John Rich on informing guest star Sammy Davis, Jr. on the way All in the Family was rehearsed
      Clip begins at: 06:57, Duration: 01m 07s
    • Director John Rich on the invention of the "kiss" for the third act in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
      Clip begins at: 08:53, Duration: 01m 03s
    • Director John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
      Clip begins at: 09:56, Duration: 00m 42s
    • Director John Rich on insisting that guest star Sammy Davis Jr. not use cue cards on the episode "Sammy's Visit"
      Clip begins at: 08:04, Duration: 00m 49s
  • All in the Family: "Sammy's Visit"
    • 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)
      Clip begins at: 03:48, Duration: 01m 04s
    • Director John Rich on the set-up of All in the Family's episode "Sammy's Visit"
      Clip begins at: 05:16, Duration: 01m 41s
    • Director John Rich on informing guest star Sammy Davis, Jr. on the way All in the Family was rehearsed
      Clip begins at: 06:57, Duration: 01m 07s
    • Director John Rich on the invention of the kiss for the third act in the All in the Family episode Sammy's Visit
      Clip begins at: 08:53, Duration: 01m 03s
    • Director John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
      Clip begins at: 09:56, Duration: 00m 42s
    • Director John Rich on insisting that guest star Sammy Davis Jr. not use cue cards on the episode "Sammy's Visit"
      Clip begins at: 08:04, Duration: 00m 49s
  • Barney Miller
    • Director John Rich on wanting a casting change for the wife in Barney Miller
      Clip begins at: 16:37, Duration: 05m 37s
  • Bat Masterson
    • John Rich on directing Bat Masterson
      Clip begins at: 03:21, Duration: 02m 37s
  • Benson
    • John Rich on ABC President Anthony Thomopoulos' daughter wanting to observe a rehearsal of Benson
      Clip begins at: 10:09, Duration: 02m 29s
    • John Rich on being an executive producer on Benson (starting on the second season)
      Clip begins at: 26:00, Duration: 02m 36s
    • John Rich on directing and executive producing Benson
      Clip begins at: 00:36, Duration: 01m 10s
  • Bonanza
    • John Rich on directing Bonanza
      Clip begins at: 02:56, Duration: 00m 25s
  • Brady Bunch, The
    • John Rich on directing the first six episodes of The Brady Bunch; on working with the cast; on casting
      Clip begins at: 04:30, Duration: 08m 02s
  • Colgate Comedy Hour, The
    • John Rich on setting up The Colgate Comedy Hour at the El Capitan Theater
      Clip begins at: 16:42, Duration: 11m 18s
  • Dennis Day Show
    • John Rich on directing The Dennis Day Show
      Clip begins at: 00:47, Duration: 06m 40s
    • John Rich on Jack Benny guest starring on The Dennis Day Show
      Clip begins at: 27:40, Duration: 01m 22s
  • Dick Van Dyke Show, The
    • John Rich on directing and motivating actors on The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 25:36, Duration: 00m 27s
    • 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 3 days of rehearsals
      Clip begins at: 03:51, Duration: 08m 47s
    • 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
      Clip begins at: 12:38, Duration: 08m 17s
    • 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
      Clip begins at: 20:55, Duration: 07m 42s
    • John Rich on Carl Reiner and other Dick Van Dyke Show writers
      Clip begins at: 00:36, Duration: 00m 57s
    • 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
      Clip begins at: 05:54, Duration: 00m 40s
    • John Rich on Proctor & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 06:34, Duration: 03m 51s
    • 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
      Clip begins at: 10:55, Duration: 00m 03s
  • Dick Van Dyke Show, The: "That's My Boy?"
    • John Rich on Proctor & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 06:34, Duration: 03m 51s
  • Dick Van Dyke Show, The: "Where Did I Come From?"
    • 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
      Clip begins at: 05:54, Duration: 00m 40s
    • 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
      Clip begins at: 10:25, Duration: 00m 33s
  • Dunninger Show, The
    • John Rich on being a stage manager at The Dunninger Show
      Clip begins at: 09:36, Duration: 01m 15s
  • Ezio Pinza Show, The
    • John Rich on directing The Ezio Pinza Show
      Clip begins at: 07:27, Duration: 04m 45s
  • Gilligan's Island
    • John Rich on directing Gilligan's Island
      Clip begins at: 18:06, Duration: 09m 20s
    • John Rich on directing the first three episodes of Gilligan's Island; and the talents of creator Sherwood Schwartz and the cast
      Clip begins at: 00:54, Duration: 03m 36s
  • Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
    • John Rich on directing episodes of Gomer Pyle
      Clip begins at: 12:32, Duration: 00m 54s
  • Gunsmoke
    • John Rich on directing Gunsmoke when he wanted to switch to drama from comedy directing
      Clip begins at: 00:38, Duration: 16m 09s
    • John Rich on the actors of Gunsmoke
      Clip begins at: 23:26, Duration: 01m 39s
    • John Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness
      Clip begins at: 00:34, Duration: 02m 22s
  • I Married Joan
    • John Rich on directing I Married Joan
      Clip begins at: 21:04
    • John Rich on directing I Married Joan, and Joan Davis
      Clip begins at: 04:42, Duration: 06m 27s
    • John Rich on the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)
      Clip begins at: 00:36, Duration: 03m 15s
  • I Spy
    • John Rich on working with Bill Cosby on I Spy
      Clip begins at: 27:26, Duration: 00m 54s
  • Jack Carter Show, The
    • John Rich on being a stage manager at The Jack Carter Show
      Clip begins at: 07:40, Duration: 01m 56s
  • Jeffersons, The
    • John Rich on casting Mike Evan as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 16:55, Duration: 06m 45s
    • John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family , and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)
      Clip begins at: 00:31, Duration: 03m 35s
  • Kraft Television Theatre
    • John Rich on being a stage manager at Kraft Television Theatre
      Clip begins at: 03:18, Duration: 04m 22s
  • Law & Order
    • John Rich on acting with Julia Roberts on Law & Order
      Clip begins at: 25:53, Duration: 01m 20s
  • MacGyver
    • John Rich on producing MacGyver
      Clip begins at: 11:59, Duration: 07m 57s
  • Maude
    • Director John Rich on Maude with Bea Arthur
      Clip begins at: 22:35, Duration: 00m 39s
  • Mr. Sunshine
    • John Rich on producing Mr. Sunshine
      Clip begins at: 07:21, Duration: 04m 38s
  • Murphy Brown
    • John Rich on directing one episode of Murphy Brown
      Clip begins at: 22:19, Duration: 00m 47s
  • Newhart
    • John Rich on directing the pilot of Newhart; the concept, format of the series
      Clip begins at: 01:46, Duration: 05m 35s
  • Our Miss Brooks
    • John Rich on directing Our Miss Brooks
      Clip begins at: 22:37, Duration: 02m 59s
    • John Rich on format changes on Our Miss Brooks
      Clip begins at: 25:36, Duration: 01m 37s
  • Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse
    • John Rich on working with producer/director Fred Coe on The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse
      Clip begins at: 08:30, Duration: 01m 06s
  • Ray Bolger Show, The
    • John Rich on directing The Ray Bolger Show
      Clip begins at: 11:09, Duration: 07m 20s
  • Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The
    • 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")
      Clip begins at: 03:48, Duration: 01m 04s
  • Twilight Zone, The
    • John Rich on directing two episodes of The Twilight Zone
      Clip begins at: 06:43, Duration: 03m 15s
  • Wanted
    • John Rich on starting a radio pilot, Wanted
      Clip begins at: 13:42, Duration: 14m 56s
  • Wonderful World of Disney, The aka Magical World of Disney, The
    • John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
      Clip begins at: 09:58, Duration: 05m 44s
  • Your Show of Shows
    • John Rich on wanting to work on Your Show of Shows
      Clip begins at: 11:08, Duration: 00m 16s

People

  • Bernard "Bernie" West
    • John Rich on All in the Family writers Bernie West and Mickey Ross
      Clip begins at: 23:59, Duration: 01m 00s
  • Eve Arden
    • John Rich on Eve Arden of Our Miss Brooks
      Clip begins at: 22:37, Duration: 02m 59s
  • James Arness
    • John Rich on the actors of Gunsmoke
      Clip begins at: 23:26, Duration: 01m 15s
    • John Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness
      Clip begins at: 00:34, Duration: 01m 43s
  • Danny Arnold
    • Director John Rich on wanting a casting change for the wife in Barney Miller
      Clip begins at: 16:37, Duration: 05m 36s
  • Beatrice Arthur
    • Director John Rich on Maude with Bea Arthur
      Clip begins at: 22:35, Duration: 01m 35s
  • Rene Auberjonois
    • John Rich on the cast of Benson  
      Clip begins at: 26:03, Duration: 01m 57s
  • Jim Aubrey
    • John Rich on Jim Aubrey
      Clip begins at: 16:08, Duration: 01m 07s
  • Jim Backus
    • John Rich on directing Jim Backus in I Married Joan
      Clip begins at: 05:32, Duration: 00m 47s
    • John Rich on directing Jim Backus in I Married Joan
      Clip begins at: 08:18, Duration: 02m 10s
  • Gene Barry
    • John Rich on Gene Barry of Bat Masterson
      Clip begins at: 03:39, Duration: 02m 19s
  • Jack Benny
    • John Rich on Jack Benny guest starring on The Dennis Day Show
      Clip begins at: 27:40, Duration: 01m 22s
  • Milton Berle
    • John Rich on watching Milton Berle rehearse
      Clip begins at: 10:51, Duration: 00m 19s
  • Ray Bolger
    • John Rich on directing Ray Bolger
      Clip begins at: 11:09, Duration: 01m 32s
    • John Rich on Ray Bolger
      Clip begins at: 13:57, Duration: 02m 06s
  • Jack Carter
    • John Rich on being a stage manager and becoming an AD at The Jack Carter Show
      Clip begins at: 07:40, Duration: 01m 56s
  • Fred Coe
    • John Rich on working with producer/director Fred Coe on The Philco-Goodyear Television Playhouse
      Clip begins at: 08:30, Duration: 01m 06s
  • Hal Cooper
    • John Rich on getting Hal Cooper on as Associate Producer for Gilligan's Island
      Clip begins at: 20:53, Duration: 00m 19s
  • Bill Cosby
    • John Rich on working with Bill Cosby on I Spy
      Clip begins at: 27:26, Duration: 00m 54s
  • Tony Curtis
    • John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis
      Clip begins at: 16:58, Duration: 01m 08s
  • Anthony D. "Tony" Thomopoulos
    • John Rich on ABC President Anthony Thomopoulos' daughter wanting to observe a rehearsal of Benson
      Clip begins at: 10:09, Duration: 02m 29s
  • Sammy Davis, Jr.
    • Director John Rich on insisting that guest star Sammy Davis Jr. not use cue cards on the episode "Sammy's Visit"
      Clip begins at: 08:04, Duration: 00m 49s
    • Director John Rich on informing guest star Sammy Davis, Jr. ("Sammy's Visit") on the way All in the Family was rehearsed
      Clip begins at: 06:57, Duration: 01m 07s
  • Joan Davis
    • John Rich on meeting and working with Joan Davis of I Married Joan
      Clip begins at: 21:04
    • John Rich on directing Joan Davis in I Married Joan
      Clip begins at: 09:17, Duration: 01m 11s
  • Dennis Day
    • John Rich on working with Dennis Day
      Clip begins at: 06:32, Duration: 00m 55s
    • John Rich on Jack Benny guest starring on The Dennis Day Show
      Clip begins at: 27:40, Duration: 01m 22s
  • Richard Dean Anderson
    • John Rich on MacGyver's Richard Dean Anderson
      Clip begins at: 15:27, Duration: 02m 05s
  • Bob Denver
    • Director John Rich on the cast of Gilligan's Island
      Clip begins at: 02:00, Duration: 01m 25s
  • Walt Disney
    • John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
      Clip begins at: 09:27, Duration: 05m 39s
  • Hugh Downs
    • John Rich on meeting Hugh Downs 
      Clip begins at: 23:23, Duration: 00m 37s
  • Douglas Edwards
    • John Rich on his first memories of television - seeing Douglas Edwards do the news on a TV in a hamburger joint
      Clip begins at: 21:55, Duration: 00m 30s
  • Michael Eisner
    • John Rich on Michael Eisner
      Clip begins at: 17:33, Duration: 01m 34s
  • Mike Evans
    • John Rich on casting Mike Evan as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 16:55, Duration: 06m 45s
  • Henry Fonda
    • Director John Rich on his television movie with Henry Fonda
      Clip begins at: 14:59, Duration: 01m 38s
  • Robert Guillaume
    • Director John Rich on Benson's Robert Guillaume
      Clip begins at: 27:28, Duration: 00m 32s
    • John Rich on Benson's Robert Guillaume
      Clip begins at: 01:12, Duration: 00m 34s
  • Sherman Hemsley
    • John Rich on casting "George Jefferson" on  All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 25:21, Duration: 03m 38s
    • John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family, and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)
      Clip begins at: 00:31, Duration: 03m 35s
    • Director John Rich on using props to tell backstory of characters - as he did with Sherman Hensley's "George Jefferson"
      Clip begins at: 24:14, Duration: 01m 06s
  • Florence Henderson
    • Director John Rich on shooting the first few episodes of The Brady Bunch around Florence Henderson 
      Clip begins at: 05:45, Duration: 02m 29s
  • Norman Lear
    • Director John Rich on All in the Family's co-creator Norman Lear
      Clip begins at: 13:26, Duration: 01m 17s
    • John Rich on casting Mike Evan as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 16:55, Duration: 06m 43s
    • John Rich on Norman Lear's involvement and casting on All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 23:38, Duration: 05m 21s
    • John Rich on how Sherman Hemsley was cast as George Jefferson on All in the Family, and later, The Jeffersons (spin-off)
      Clip begins at: 00:31, Duration: 03m 35s
    • John Rich on the difficulties of getting All in the Family on the air
      Clip begins at: 12:46, Duration: 01m 06s
    • John Rich on working with Norman Lear on The Colgate Comedy Hour
      Clip begins at: 21:53, Duration: 00m 19s
  • Sheldon Leonard
    • 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 3 days of rehearsals
      Clip begins at: 03:51, Duration: 06m 18s
    • John Rich n negotiating his deal on The Dick Van Dyke Show with Sheldon Leonard; on his directing style on The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 20:55, Duration: 07m 42s
    • John Rich on Sheldon Leonard and Carl Reiner's reaction to Rich leaving The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 12:17, Duration: 00m 56s
  • Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin "Martin & Lewis"
    • John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin
      Clip begins at: 27:20, Duration: 00m 40s
    • John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin
      Clip begins at: 27:20, Duration: 00m 40s
  • Jerry Lewis
    • John Rich on working with Jerry Lewis and Tony Curtis
      Clip begins at: 16:58, Duration: 01m 08s
  • Art Linkletter
    • John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
      Clip begins at: 09:58, Duration: 05m 44s
  • David Lloyd
    • John Rich on writing Mr. Sunshine
      Clip begins at: 10:09, Duration: 00m 56s
  • Tina Louise
    • Director John Rich on the cast of Gilligan's Island
      Clip begins at: 02:00, Duration: 01m 25s
  • Rose Marie
    • John Rich on Rose Marie's amazing talent as a comedy straight woman
      Clip begins at: 12:41, Duration: 00m 27s
  • Norman McDonnell
    • John Rich on working with Gunsmoke producer Norm McDonnell and assisting the editor, who won the Emmy that year
      Clip begins at: 12:20, Duration: 03m 02s
  • Ted Mills
    • John Rich on working with Ezio Pinza and Ted Mills on The Ezio Pinza Show
      Clip begins at: 07:27, Duration: 04m 43s
  • Bob Newhart
    • John Rich on directing the pilot of Newhart; the concept, format of the series
      Clip begins at: 05:30, Duration: 01m 51s
  • Don Nicholl
    • John Rich on All in the Family writer Don Nicholl
      Clip begins at: 25:08, Duration: 00m 52s
  • Carroll O'Connor
    • John Rich on the cast of All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 23:38, Duration: 01m 43s
    • Director John Rich on actor Carroll O'Connor
      Clip begins at: 12:09, Duration: 01m 45s
  • Jerry Paris
    • John Rich on training Jerry Paris to direct The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 12:53, Duration: 00m 20s
  • Ezio Pinza
    • John Rich on working with Ezio Pinza and Ted Mills on The Ezio Pinza Show
      Clip begins at: 07:27, Duration: 04m 43s
  • Ronald Reagan
    • John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955); on Reagan as an actor
      Clip begins at: 09:58, Duration: 10m 02s
  • Robert Reed
    • Director John Rich on Robert Reed of The Brady Bunch
      Clip begins at: 04:55, Duration: 00m 50s
  • Carl Reiner
    • John Rich on directing The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 03:51, Duration: 03m 07s
    • John Rich on Carl Reiner and the creation of the opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 19:00, Duration: 01m 55s
    • John Rich on Carl Reiner and other Dick Van Dyke Show writers
      Clip begins at: 00:36, Duration: 00m 57s
    • John Rich on Proctor & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 06:34, Duration: 03m 51s
    • John Rich on Sheldon Leonard and Carl Reiner's reaction to Rich leaving The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 12:17, Duration: 00m 56s
    • John Rich on the casting of Rob Reiner as "Mike Stivic" on All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 14:43, Duration: 02m 12s
  • Rob Reiner
    • John Rich on the casting of Rob Reiner as "Mike Stivic" on All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 14:43, Duration: 02m 12s
    • Director John Rich on Rob Reiner on the first day of All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 23:28, Duration: 00m 42s
  • Julia Roberts
    • John Rich on acting with Julia Roberts on Law & Order
      Clip begins at: 25:53, Duration: 01m 20s
  • Pernell Roberts
    • John Rich on working with Gunsmoke casting agent Lynn Stalmaster and wanting Pernell Roberts
      Clip begins at: 04:04, Duration: 03m 41s
  • Mickey Ross
    • John Rich on All in the Family writers Bernie West and Mickey Ross
      Clip begins at: 23:59, Duration: 01m 00s
  • Aaron Ruben
    • John Rich on Aaron Ruben
      Clip begins at: 22:06, Duration: 01m 02s
  • David Sarnoff
    • John Rich on David Sarnoff
      Clip begins at: 19:12, Duration: 02m 54s
  • Sherwood Schwartz
    • John Rich on Sherwood Schwartz writing for I Married Joan
      Clip begins at: 06:43, Duration: 00m 21s
    • John Rich on Sherwood Schwartz
      Clip begins at: 07:20, Duration: 00m 58s
    • John Rich on directing Gilligan's Island  
      Clip begins at: 18:06, Duration: 09m 11s
    • John Rich on Gilligan's Island and the talents of Sherwood Schwartz
      Clip begins at: 00:54, Duration: 00m 16s
    • Director John Rich on Sherwood Schwartz's The Brady Bunch
      Clip begins at: 04:55, Duration: 07m 37s
  • George Segal
    • John Rich on actor George Segal and top billing in The Jerusalem Post
      Clip begins at: 13:44, Duration: 02m 06s
  • Jerry Seinfeld
    • John Rich on Jerry Seinfeld on Benson
      Clip begins at: 06:20, Duration: 00m 56s
  • Rod Serling
    • John Rich on directing two episodes of The Twilight Zone
      Clip begins at: 06:43, Duration: 02m 44s
  • Fred Silverman
    • John Rich on trading wit with Fred Silverman
      Clip begins at: 27:54, Duration: 01m 22s
    • Director John Rich on Fred Silverman
      Clip begins at: 00:38, Duration: 01m 03s
  • Sid Smith
    • John Rich on his first shot directing The Colgate Comedy Hour, replacing Sid Smith
      Clip begins at: 20:41, Duration: 00m 58s
  • Lynn Stalmaster
    • John Rich on working with Gunsmoke casting agent Lynn Stalmaster and wanting Pernell Roberts
      Clip begins at: 04:04, Duration: 03m 41s
  • Sally Struthers
    • John Rich on the cast of All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 25:13, Duration: 00m 08s
  • David Susskind
    • John Rich on getting hired by David Susskind to direct a pilot that got cancelled and the beginning of "pay or play"
      Clip begins at: 20:14, Duration: 02m 23s
  • Jeffrey Tambor
    • John Rich on producing Mr. Sunshine
      Clip begins at: 07:21, Duration: 03m 44s
  • Jerry Van Dyke
    • John Rich on Dick Van Dyke's brother, Jerry, and Jerry's role on The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 01:33, Duration: 04m 21s
  • Dick Van Dyke
    • 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
      Clip begins at: 12:38, Duration: 08m 17s
    • John Rich on meeting and working wtih Dick Van Dyke 
      Clip begins at: 04:54, Duration: 05m 15s
  • Henry Winkler
    • John Rich on partnering with Henry Winkler to producie Mr. Sunshine
      Clip begins at: 07:21, Duration: 02m 46s
    • John Rich on ending his producing partnership with Henry Winkler
      Clip begins at: 19:56, Duration: 02m 23s
  • Robert Wood
    • John Rich on CBS President Bob Wood
      Clip begins at: 10:54, Duration: 01m 52s
  • Bud Yorkin
    • Director John Rich on All in the Family's co-creator Bud Yorkin
      Clip begins at: 15:02, Duration: 01m 53s
    • John Rich on working with Bud Yorkin on The Colgate Comedy Hour
      Clip begins at: 22:06, Duration: 00m 23s
  • Zsa Zsa Gabor
    • John Rich on directing The Ezio Pinza Show
      Clip begins at: 06:09, Duration: 00m 23s

Topics

  • Emmy Awards
    • John Rich on working with Gunsmoke producer Norm McDonnell and assisting the editor, who won the Emmy that year
      Clip begins at: 12:20, Duration: 03m 02s
  • Historic Events and Social Change > Diversity in Television > Minorities
    • John Rich on casting Mike Evan as "Lionel Jefferson" on All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 16:56, Duration: 06m 42s
    • 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")
      Clip begins at: 03:48, Duration: 01m 04s
  • Pop Culture > Characters & Catchphrases
    • John Rich on All in the Family's "Archie Bunker"
      Clip begins at: 23:19, Duration: 00m 40s
    • Director John Rich on using props to tell backstory of characters - as he did with Sherman Hemsley's "George Jefferson"
      Clip begins at: 24:14, Duration: 01m 06s
  • Pop Culture > Classic TV series episodes
    • John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
      Clip begins at: 09:58, Duration: 05m 44s
    • John Rich on memorable episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 05:54, Duration: 05m 04s
  • Pop Culture > Classic TV series episodes > Comedy
    • 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")
      Clip begins at: 03:48, Duration: 01m 04s
    • Director John Rich on the audience's reaction to the kiss in the All in the Family episode "Sammy's Visit"
      Clip begins at: 09:56, Duration: 00m 42s
  • Pop Culture > TV Theme Songs
    • Director John Rich on the creation of the classic "ottoman" opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 19:00, Duration: 01m 55s
  • Television Industry > Censorship / Standards & Practices
    • John Rich on Proctor & Gamble and CBS having issues with the "That's My Boy?" episode of The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 06:34, Duration: 03m 51s
    • John Rich on problems with Standards & Practices on All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 19:56, Duration: 03m 23s
  • Television Industry > Industry Crossroads > Hollywood Blacklist (ca. 1950s)
    • John Rich on the Hollywood Blacklist (and witnessing an actor being fired during a reading of an episode of I Married Joan)
      Clip begins at: 00:36, Duration: 03m 15s
  • Television Industry > Studio Management
    • John Rich on the live broadcast of the opening of Disneyland ("Dateline: Disneyland")(airdate: July 17, 1955)
      Clip begins at: 09:58, Duration: 05m 44s

Genres

  • Adventure/Espionage Series
    • John Rich on producing MacGyver
      Clip begins at: 11:59, Duration: 07m 57s
  • Comedy Series
    • Director John Rich on the creation of the classic "ottoman" opening of The Dick Van Dyke Show
      Clip begins at: 19:00, Duration: 01m 55s
    • 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
      Clip begins at: 00:36, Duration: 13m 08s
    • John Rich on directing All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 13:26, Duration: 15m 33s
    • John Rich on All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 00:31, Duration: 28m 45s
    • Director John Rich on All in the Family
      Clip begins at: 00:38, Duration: 13m 16s
    • John Rich on directing the pilot of Newhart
      Clip begins at: 01:46, Duration: 05m 35s
  • Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials
    • John Rich on being stage manager/AD on The Colgate Comedy Hour
      Clip begins at: 16:43, Duration: 11m 17s
    • John Rich on directing The Ezio Pinza Show
      Clip begins at: 07:27, Duration: 04m 43s
  • Western Series
    • John Rich on directing Gunsmoke
      Clip begins at: 00:38, Duration: 16m 09s
    • John Rich on directing Gunsmoke and James Arness
      Clip begins at: 00:34, Duration: 01m 43s

Professions

  • Director
    • John Rich on his early directing responsibilities
      Clip begins at: 18:59, Duration: 01m 16s
    • John Rich on protecting actors
      Clip begins at: 24:22, Duration: 00m 48s
    • John Rich on moving from comedy to directing drama- he wanted to direct Playhouse 90 but got Gunsmoke from CBS
      Clip begins at: 00:38, Duration: 01m 24s
    • 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
      Clip begins at: 20:55, Duration: 07m 42s
    • Director John Rich on the casting process
      Clip begins at: 18:35, Duration: 00m 45s
    • John Rich on the type of directing that isn't done anymore
      Clip begins at: 26:52, Duration: 01m 02s
    • John Rich on his view of directing today, and his disappointment with television today (1999), and how directors are being phased out by networks. "You don't hire a legend."
      Clip begins at: 05:44, Duration: 03m 11s
  • Performers
    • Director John Rich on the casting process
      Clip begins at: 18:35, Duration: 00m 45s
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Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 2013-01-23 02:23.

If you want to be a film/TV director, this is the interview to watch.

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2012-01-30 19:05.

RIP John Rich. I loved your work.

Submitted by Random Fandom on Mon, 2012-01-30 01:05.

This interview is priceless! John will be missed and it's nice to see his story and genius will live on. Thank you.

Submitted by Patrick C on Sun, 2012-01-29 20:14.

RIP John Rich

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