Thursday's Game (also known as The Berk) is a 1974 American made-for-television comedy film starring Gene Wilder and Bob Newhart, written by James L. Brooks and directed by Robert Moore. Though filmed in 1971, it was originally broadcast April 14, 1974, on ABC. In addition to Wilder and Newhart, Thursday's Game starred many actors familiar to 1970s television viewers including John Archer, Ellen Burstyn, Norman Fell, Cloris Leachman, Valerie Harper, Rob Reiner, Richard Schaal, Martha Scott and Nancy Walker. The film was lauded by critics for its perceptive look at adult relationships, and furthered James L. Brooks's reputation as a writer and producer. Plot Harry Evers and Marvin Ellison are long time friends who meet each Thursday to play poker and get away from their wives. After the weekly game breaks up over a disagreement, the two men decide to continue meeting for other activities, which leads to friendship and rivalry as the men's lives take on very different paths. Cast Gene Wilder as Harry Evers Bob Newhart as Marvin Ellison Ellen Burstyn as Lynn Evers Cloris Leachman as Lois Ellison Martha Scott as Mrs. Reynolds Nancy Walker as Mrs. Bender Valerie Harper as Ann Menzente Rob Reiner as Joel Forester Norman Fell as Melvin Leonard Ric Mancini as Bartender External links 1974 television films 1974 films 1970s buddy comedy films American buddy comedy films Films set in New York City Films directed by Robert Moore Films produced by James L. Brooks Films scored by Billy Goldenberg Films with screenplays by James L. Brooks ABC Motion Pictures films ABC Movie of the Week 1970s English-language films 1970s American films