Norman Tokar

Over the course of his entertainment career as director, Norman Tokar was the leading force behind many successful films. Early on, Tokar directed various television shows, such as "Leave It to Beaver" (1957-1963) and "The Donna Reed Show" (ABC, 1958-1966). In addition to his other work, at this time Tokar directed a few films such as "A Tiger Walks" (1964) and the Brian Keith adaptation "Those Calloways" (1964). He continued to work in film in the sixties, directing motion pictures like the Dean Jones comedy "The Ugly Dachsund" (1966), "Follow Me, Boys!" (1966) with Fred MacMurray and the Fred MacMurray comedy adaptation "Happiest Millionaire" (1967). He also appeared in "The Horse in the Gray Flannel Suit" (1968) with Dean Jones. In the latter part of his career, Tokar continued his focus on film, directing the drama "Where the Red Fern Grows" (1974) with James Whitmore, the Bill Bixby comedy "The Apple Dumpling Gang" (1975) and the comedy "No Deposit, No Return" (1976) with David Niven. He also appeared in "Candleshoe" (1977). Tokar last directed the fantastical comedy "The Cat From Outer Space" (1978) with Ken Berry. Tokar passed away in April 1979 at the age of 60.