Series Run : 1957-1963
224 episodes
Network: ABC/CBS
Series Premise (as far as I can tell):
Farmers from West Virginia move to Californy (thats what they called it)
Episode Watched: The New Well (Season 2)
Episode Summary: A new well has to be dug and Amos uses his trusty Diviner Rod to locate a place to dig, even though the kids would prefer the scientific approach from the local geologist.
My Thoughts: Two things leapt out at me as I watched this show, first: THEY MADE 224 EPISODES OF THIS! and secondly, “Is that really Richard Crenna?”. The show is actually a vehicle for Walter Brennan, who plays the curmudgeon patriarch backwoods farmer extremely well. Everything about his performance from costume, to the way he walks and talks is spot on. What is strangely out-of-place for me, as having only memories of Richard Crenna as Rambo’s commanding officer and bad guy from Summer Rental, is a folksy, southern voiced Richard Crenna as Amos’ son. If ever there was a before/after commercial about the dangers of smoking, Richard Crenna as Luke vs. Richard Crenna as Col. Trautman should scare anyone from smoking. As for the show itself, its extremely wholesome and non offensive. For the farmers out there in the audience I am sure it appealed to their lifestyles and their view of what Californy must be like. Whatever the reason, it was popular for over 6 years and 200 episodes, and while not particularly memorable, it isn’t that bad either.
Memorable Quotes:
“The only thing backing up that big mouth of yours is an empty head” -George
“The stick don’t lie!” -Amos
“You gotta be sick, you’re too easy to get along with” – George
Acting Notables:
Walter Brennan- Amos
Richard Crenna- Luke
Kathy Nolan- Kate
Michael Winkelman- Little Luke
Tomorrow: Pre-Catwoman Julie Newmar, she plays a robot
365 Days of Sitcoms 