Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Knowing All About Classic TV Sitcoms

By Deanne Shepard


During the 1970's ABC television in America decided to copy a popular British show called "Man About The House." The new program fit well into the classic tv sitcoms category. They hired three unknown actors and named their new show "Three's Company." This series lasted for eight full years until the network decided to cancel it. For years people enjoyed watching Jack, Janet and Chrissy get into all types of chaotic situations. Once the show was canceled they made a new show called "Three's A Crowd." It failed to attract viewers from the previous comedy.

Back in the golden era of television Hollywood knew that it had a star in one woman named Lucille Ball. She and her husband Desi Arnaz created "I Love Lucy" and the fans loved this concept. Lucille was considered to be an expert in comical television since she had years of training.

His production team worked day and night to create unique scripts for this unusual show. The series featured physical comedy that was very demanding at times. Ms. Ball was one of the first women to compete against other male comedians and this was great for America. Vivian Vance joined in on the fun as Ethel Mertz.

Another entertaining show happened in the mid 60's and it was called "I Dream Of Jeannie." This was a program which featured a young astronaut who found a girl living inside a bottle. She was the adorable Barbara Eden who had been in show business for a short time. Jeannie would always get Major Nelson into the most hectic situations and then use her magic to resolve the problems. Major Nelson had a best friend named Roger and he was also very comical.

"Bewitched" was a show that supposedly had a curse upon it since many of the actors died at an early age. Elizabeth Montgomery was the star of this event and she played the lead character. During the time that this show was on several of the characters had been replaced by new actors. Everyone knows that both Dick Sargent and Dick York played the part of Darrin. After the first actress Alicia Pearce died suddenly her character of Gladys Kravitz was replaced.

People of color were very proud to watch "Good Times" during the 70's. This was a funny show which featured Esther Rolle and John Amos. They were the parents to three teenage children while living within a poor area of Chicago. John Amos stayed with the series for three years and then left because of a contract dispute. Esther Rolle did four seasons with this comedy before retiring.

Anyone who loves animals will certainly watch a series called "Mr. Ed." Ed was one talking horse who could create all kinds of problems for his master. In one episode this animal pressured his owner into buying him glasses. Later on it was discovered that the crew smeared peanut butter onto Ed's lips to obtain animated action.

In today's society "Gilligan's Island" still proves to be the most popular comedy of all time. It is truly amazing that people still remember the theme song and they still love Mary Ann, Ginger, The Skipper, Mr. And Mrs. Howell and The Professor.




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