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Barbara Nichols
1929-1976
Updated 3/24/2008 with more films available on DVD.
biography
Born Barbara Nickerauer in New York in December 1929, Barbara Nichols started in show business as a model and burlesque dancer in the late 1940s. In the early 1950s, she appeared on Broadway in Pal Joey and would eventually reprise her role in the film version, released in 1957. In 1954 Nichols began doing guest spots on popular TV anthology series, such as The United States Steel Hour and Center Stage.
LEFT: High school photo of Barbara Nichols from the mid 1940s. CENTER and RIGHT: Glamourous shots of Barbara Nichols
Getting good notices, Nichols was ast in a small role in her first film, The Wild Party (1956; with Carol Ohmart). Throughout the remainder of the 1950s, Nichols acted in a string of A and B pictures, such as Pal Joey (1957; with Frank Sinatra) and The Naked and the Dead (1958; with Aldo Ray). In 1958, she landed her only television series, the short-lived Love that Jill with Anne Jeffreys. She also starred in the pilot for The Untouchables with Robert Stack, which aired on Westinghouse Desilu Playhouse in 1958.
the films of barbara nichols
The King and Four Queens (1956)
From the western comedy The King and Four Queens
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (1956)
From the RKO film noir thriller Beyond a Reasonable Doubt,. LEFT: Nichols as dancer Dolly Moore. RIGHT: Dana Andrews keeps an eye on Barbara Nichols
Sweet Smell of Success (1957)
With Tony Curtis in the excellent film noir release Sweet Smell of Success
The Naked and the Dead (1958)
In The Naked and the Dead, Barbara Nichols takes a roll in the hay with Aldo Ray
Let it Ride (October 1961-December 1961 Broadway Play)
An October 1961 copy of Playbill featuring Let it Ride. Nichols appears in the upper right-hand corner. Also starring in this musical comedy were George Gobel and Sam Levene. RCA released an album from the show.
House of Women (1962)
With Constance Ford and Shirley Knight in the campy Warner Bros. prison drama House of Women
The Disorderly Orderly (1964)
From the Jerry Lewis comedy The Disorderly Orderly, released by Paramount
Dear Heart (1964)
With Glenn Ford in the Warner Bros. comedy Dear Heart
Batman (1966-1968 ABC TV Series)
Nichols as Maid Marilyn with Art Carney from two September 1966 episodes of Batman
later years
Nichols' film career began to run out of steam by the mid 1960s; taking on roles in low-budget films, she acted in such films as House of Women (1962; with Constance Ford and Jeanne Cooper) and The Human Duplicators (1965; with George Nader and Hugh Beaumont). However, Nichols kept working, making occasional films and numerous television appearances through the mid 1970s, when a serious liver disease ravaged her health. Nichols passed away in October 1976 at the age of 46.
If you're an avid TV rerun watcher, you can catch Nichols in many episodes of Jack Webb-produced series, such as Dragnet, Adam 12, and Emergency!. In addition, Nichols did guest spots on The Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, The Wild, Wild West, and Love, American Style, among other series.
Love That Bob, Vol. 3 [DVD] DVD
Five episodes include "Bob's Forgotten Fiancee," "Bob Goes to the Moon," "Bob and Schultzy Reunite," "Bob Retrenches," and "Grandpa's Old Buddy." 127 min. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English. Plays All Regions.
River Of No Return [DVD](1954) DVD
Gripping Gold Rush saga stars Marilyn Monroe as a saloon singer searching for her runaway husband with the aid of widowed trailhand Robert Mitchum. Spectacular rafting action sequences are not to be missed. Rory Calhoun, Tommy Rettig co-star under Otto Preminger's direction. 95 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital 4.0, French Dolby Digital stereo; Subtitles: English, Spanish; photo gallery; theatrical trailer.
The Lon Chaney Collection [DVD] DVD
First, a treasure hunter kills his partner after they find pirate loot, in "Manfish" (1956). Lon Chaney, Jr. stars with Victor Jory, Barbara Nichols, and John Bromfield. Next, Lon plays an aging Greek immigrant seeking a college education, in "The Golden Junkman," a 1956 episode of the "Telephone Time" program. Then, a small-town sheriff (Chaney) investigates a case of infidelity and murder, in "The Case of Joe Slade," a 1960 episode of "Lock-Up." Finally, silent but deadly Lon is "The Indestructible Man" (1956), a re-animated criminal seeking revenge on the cohorts who sent him to the chair. Max Showalter and Marian Carr also star. 4 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital stereo; featurette; photo gallery.
Miracle In The Rain [DVD](1956) DVD
Sentimental romance set in 1942 New York finds a shoe company secretary (Jane Wyman) accepting an impulsive marriage proposal from an army private (Van Johnson) just before he is dispatched overseas to fight in World War II. When she receives news of his death, her physical and spiritual suffering becomes unbearable...until a miracle occurs. Eileen Heckart, Alan King also star. 107 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English; featurettes; theatrical trailer.
Pal Joey [DVD](1957) DVD
Frank Sinatra is the womanizing nightclub singer caught between his attraction to chorus girl Kim Novak and rich socialite Rita Hayworth in Rodgers and Hart's classic musical. Score includes "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered," "The Lady Is a Tramp," "My Funny Valentine." 111 min. Side A: Widescreen; Side B: Standard; Soundtrack: English mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Thai; publicity material; theatrical trailer; scene access.
Sweet Smell Of Success [DVD](1957) DVD
A publicity-hungry New York press agent (Tony Curtis) desperate for success tries to ingratiate himself with a powerful columnist (Burt Lancaster) by breaking up an affair between the writer's sister and a jazz musician. Powerful drama of the high cost of fame, co-scripted by Clifford Odets, also stars Martin Milner, Susan Harrison, Barbara Nichols. 96 min. Widescreen; Soundtracks: English Dolby mono, French mono; Subtitles: French, Spanish; theatrical trailer; scene access.
The Doris Day Collection [DVD] DVD
Eight-disc set includes "Young Man with a Horn," "Lullaby of Broadway," "Calamity Jane," "Love Me or Leave Me," "The Pajama Game," "Please Don't Eat the Daisies," "Billy Rose's Jumbo," and "The Glass Bottom Boat."
The Pajama Game [DVD](1957) DVD
Labor relations take on a whole new meaning in George Abbott's filming of the hit Broadway musical, with garment worker activist Doris Day and factory foreman John Raitt playing the enemies-turned-lovers. "Steam Heat," "Hernando's Hideaway" and "I'm Not at All in Love" are among the memorable Adler/Ross tunes enhanced by Bob Fosse's choreography. 102 min. Standard and Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, French; deleted song; theatrical trailer.
The Untouchables: Season 1, Vol. 1 [DVD](1959) DVD
The feature-length pilot, "The Scarface Mob," and the first 14 episodes of the premiere season--including "The Empty Chair," "Ma Barker and Her Boys," "The Artichoke King," "You Can't Pick the Number," and "Syndicate Sanctuary"--are included in a four-disc set. 13 1/2 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese.
The Untouchables: Season One Pack [DVD](1959) DVD
The feature-length pilot, "The Scarface Mob," and all 28 episodes of the premiere season--including "The Empty Chair," "Ma Barker and Her Boys," "The Noise of Death," "Little Egypt," and "The Frank Nitti Story"--are included in an eight-disc set. 25 1/2 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, Portuguese; bonus "The Lucy Show" episode.
Where The Boys Are [DVD](1960) DVD
The original fun-in-the-sun romp, as four young gals head to pleasurable Fort Lauderdale during Easter vacation for tans, music and boys. Connie Francis, Paula Prentiss, Yvette Mimieux, Dolores Hart, Jim Hutton and George Hamilton star. 99 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, French Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; audio commentary; documentary; newsreel footage; theatrical trailer.
Dean Martin Double Feature [DVD] DVD
First, in "How to Save a Marriage (And Ruin Your Life)" (1968), Dean Martin shines as a lawyer who discovers that his best friend is having an affair. Trying to save his pal's marriage by seducing his buddy's mistress, Dino makes matters worse when he woos the wrong woman. With Stella Stevens, Eli Wallach, Anne Jackson. Then, in "Who Was That Lady?" (1960), Martin helps married college professor pal Tony Curtis cook up an explanation when his wife (played by Curtis' then real-life spouse Janet Leigh) catches him smooching a student. But when the ruse gets out of hand, a series of wacky adventures ensues. James Whitmore, John McIntire co-star. 3 1/2 hrs. total. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English.
The Disorderly Orderly [DVD](1964) DVD
The diagnosis is bellylaugh after bellylaugh when Jerry Lewis, as an attendant who experiences "sympathy pains," turns a quiet nursing home upside down. Hilarious hospital hi-jinx with Susan Oliver, Jack E. Leonard. 89 min. Widescreen; Soundtrack: English.
Jerry Lewis: The "Legendary Jerry" Collection [DVD] DVD
Ten-disc set includes "The Stooge," "The Delicate Delinquent," "The Bellboy," "Cinderfella," "The Errand Boy," "The Ladies Man" (1961), "The Nutty Professor" (Special Edition) (1963), "The Disorderly Orderly," "The Patsy," and "The Family Jewels."
The Loved One [DVD](1965) DVD
Outrageous black comedy, promoted as "the motion picture with something to offend everyone!," stars Robert Morse as a British poet who visits California and, after his uncle's death, is introduced to the seamier side of the funeral industry. Rod Steiger, Anjanette Comer, Liberace, and, in a dual role, Jonathan Winters also star in Tony Richardson's adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's novel. 116 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English; Subtitles: English, Spanish, French; featurette; theatrical trailer.
The Human Duplicators [DVD](1965) DVD
When alien giant Richard Kiel is sent to Earth to build android doubles of world leaders in an effort to conquer the planet, who can save humanity? Will it be government agent George Nader or will Kiel's affection for a beautiful blind woman make him rethink his evil ways? Dolores Faith, Barbara Nichols and "Leave It to Beaver's" Hugh Beaumont also star in this classic "drive-in" sci-fi shocker.
Hawaii Five-O: The Second Season [DVD](1969) DVD
Twenty-four episodes from the series's second season--including "A Thousand Pardons...You're Dead!," "Savage Sunday," "The Singapore File," "The One with the Gun," and "Kiss the Queen Goodbye"--are featured in a six-disc set. 20 hrs. total. Standard; Soundtracks: English Dolby Digital mono, Spanish Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: Spanish, Portuguese.
filmography
FILM
Won Ton Ton, the Dog Who Saved Hollywood (1976)
The Photographer (1975) with Michael Callen and Edward Andrews
Charley and the Angel (1973) with Fred MacMurray and Cloris Leachman
The Power (1968) with Richard Carlson, Yvonne De Carlo, George Hamilton, Suzanne Pleshette, and Aldo Ray
Criminal Affair (1967) with Ann-Margret, Roger Smith, and Rossano Brazzi
The Swinger (1966) with Ann-Margret, Anthony Franciosa, and Yvonne Romain
The Loved One (1965) with Robert Morse, Jonathan Winters, and Tab Hunter
The Human Duplicators (1965) with George Nader, Hugh Beaumont, Dolores Faith, Richard Kiel, and Richard Arlen
Looking for Love (1964) with Connie Francis, Jim Hutton, and Joan Marshall
Dear Heart (1964) with Glenn Ford and Geraldine Page
The Disorderly Orderly (1964) with Jerry Lewis and Karen Sharpe
House of Women (1962) with Shirley Knight, Constance Ford, Jeanne Cooper, and Jason Evers
The George Raft Story (1961) with Jayne Mansfield, Julie London, and Ray Danton
Who Was That Lady? (1960) with Joi Lansing, Tony Curtis, Janet Leigh, and Dean Martin
Where the Boys Are (1960) with Jim Hutton, Paula Prentiss, Connie Francis, George Hamilton, and Yvette Mimieux
Woman Obsessed (1959) with Susan Hayward and Stephen Boyd
That Kind of Woman (1959) with Sophia Loren, Tab Hunter, and George Sanders
Ten North Frederick (1958) with Gary Cooper, Diane Varsi, Stuart Whitman, and Suzy Parker
The Naked and the Dead (1958) with Aldo Ray, Cliff Robertson, Raymond Massey, and Max Showalter
Pal Joey (1957) with Rita Hayworth, Frank Sinatra, and Kim Novak
Sweet Smell of Success (1957) with Burt Lancaster, Tony Curtis, Jeff Donnell, and Martin Milner
The Pajama Game (1957) with Doris Day and John Raitt
Miracle in the Rain (1956) with Jane Wyman, Peggie Castle, and Van Johnson
Beyond a Reasonable Doubt (1956) with Dana Andrews and Joan Fontaine
The King and Four Queens (1956) with Clark Gable and Eleanor Parker
Manfish (1956) with John Bromfield and Lon Chaney Jr.
The Wild Party (1956) with Anthony Quinn and Carol Ohmart
River of No Return (1954) with Marilyn Monroe, Robert Mitchum, and Rory Calhoun
TELEVISION SERIES
Love That Jill, 1958 ABC TV series
SELECTED TELEVISION GUEST APPEARANCES
Batman, episodes Shoot a Crooked Arrow and Walk in the Straight and Narrow, aired September 7 and 8, 1966
The Wild, Wild West, episode The Night of the Whirring Death, originally aired February 18, 1966
Laredo, episode A Question of Discipline, originally aired October 28, 1965
The Beverly Hillbillies, episodes Jethro's First Love and Chickadee Returns, originally aired October 30 and November 6, 1963
The Twilight Zone, episode Twenty-Two, originally aired February 10, 1961
Stagecoach West, episode A Time to Run, originally aired November 15, 1960
The Real McCoys, episode The Politician, originally aired December 9, 1959
The Untouchables, episode The Empty Chair, originally aired October 10, 1959
The Untouchables, episode The Scarface Mob, originally aired October 3, 1959
Maverick, episode The Third Rider, originally aired January 5, 1958
The United States Steel Hour, episode Good For You, originally aired June 8, 1954
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This page premiered December 14, 1999.
Counter reset March 1, 2001.
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