Ooftus Goofus (13 Dec. 1961)

George Bick is a 40 year old who never grew up. Fed up with his anonymous life and his henpecking wife, he decides to make the world notice him. He becomes the prankster known as "Ooftus Doofus"

Director:

Arthur Hiller

Writers:

Howard Rodman (teleplay), Jo Pagano (teleplay),

Stars:

Paul Burke, Horace McMahon, Harry Bellaver

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Paul Burke	...	Det. Adam Flint
Horace McMahon	...	Lt. Michael 'Mike' Parker
Harry Bellaver	...	Det. Frank Arcaro
Mickey Rooney	...	George Bick
Maureen Stapleton	...	Abbey Bick
Donald Briggs	...	Jerry Bagger (as Don Briggs)
Joe Warren	...	Sam
William Cottrell	...	Freddie - Lab Man
Graham Jarvis	...	Store Manager
Louis Sorin	...	Old Man in Store
Sid Raymond	...	Assistant Store Manager
Roland Wood	...	Kibitzer in Store

Storyline

George Bick is a 40 year old who never grew up. Fed up with his anonymous life and his henpecking wife, he decides to make the world notice him. He becomes the prankster known as "Ooftus Doofus"

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Drama

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Details

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 December 1961 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Biograph Studios, Bronx, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Shelle Productions, Screen Gems

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound Recording)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Don't know whether to laugh or cry

This episode is one of my favorite Naked City episodes. There's little mystery about the culprit of the crimes being investigated, but the characters are intriguing. Mickey Rooney is very good as the slowly deteriorating George, but acting kudos must go to Maureen Stapleton who plays his selfish, cold wife. This is a character with no redeeming warmth or qualities, and she gets her teeth into the role and never lets go. Watch for her resentment at being brought by the police to her husband who is threatening thousands of people he is holding hostage. I think her character is central to building sympathy for the little man who starts out as a prankster but goes over the deep end into violence. His pranks are foolish, but grow desperate as he grows desperate. If you are like me, you'll laugh at the beginning, but perhaps cry a little at the end. Excellent episode of an excellent series.