"Petticoat Junction" was the unofficial second part of the Paul Henning Hooterville trilogy, a trio of 1960s sitcoms about the clash between city slickers and country bumpkins. In 1962, Henning created "The Beverly Hillbillies," a series about hillbillies who, when they strike oil, move to Beverly Hills. In 1965, he inverted the formula with "Green Acres," a show about millionaires who move to a farm to learn about country living. Sandwiched in between the two was "Petticoat Junction," which debuted on September 24, 1963. "Junction" took place at the Shady Rest Hotel, overseen by the lovable widowed hayseed Kate Bradley (Bea Benederet). She and her uncle Joe (Edgar Buchanan) would run the hotel and oversee the shenanigans of her three daughters Betty Jo, Billie Jo, and Bobbie Jo.
"Petticoat Junction" takes place in the same universe as "Green Acres," as both shows make constant references to common fictional cities that the characters visit. There were a few supporting crossovers,...
"Petticoat Junction" takes place in the same universe as "Green Acres," as both shows make constant references to common fictional cities that the characters visit. There were a few supporting crossovers,...
- 4/22/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
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The 1962 sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies" was the first in show creator Paul Henning's unofficial Hooterville Trilogy, a triune that also included 1963's "Petticoat Junction," and 1965's "Green Acres." These three shows were among the most popular of their time and reflected a cultural clash between a growing class of cosmopolitan urbanites and "down home" rural Americans. Working thematically backward, "Green Acres" was about a pair of New Yorkers who move onto a farm, "Petticoat Junction" was about rural hotel owners who often butted heads with a rich railroad executive, and "The Beverly Hillbillies" was about rural characters moving to Beverly Hills. The Hooterville Trilogy was as sure a sign as any that schisms were forming in American society, and Henning was eager to address the injustice of the class divides, often sympathizing with his hillbillies and lambasting the wealthy.
The 1962 sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies" was the first in show creator Paul Henning's unofficial Hooterville Trilogy, a triune that also included 1963's "Petticoat Junction," and 1965's "Green Acres." These three shows were among the most popular of their time and reflected a cultural clash between a growing class of cosmopolitan urbanites and "down home" rural Americans. Working thematically backward, "Green Acres" was about a pair of New Yorkers who move onto a farm, "Petticoat Junction" was about rural hotel owners who often butted heads with a rich railroad executive, and "The Beverly Hillbillies" was about rural characters moving to Beverly Hills. The Hooterville Trilogy was as sure a sign as any that schisms were forming in American society, and Henning was eager to address the injustice of the class divides, often sympathizing with his hillbillies and lambasting the wealthy.
- 4/1/2024
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
Joe Camp, the writer, director and producer who taught that old dog Hollywood new tricks about animal movies as the creative force behind the 1974 franchise-spawning Benji, has died. He was 84.
Camp died Friday morning at his home in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, following a long illness, his son, filmmaker Brandon Camp, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Camp also directed and co-wrote the comedies Hawmps! (1976), about the U.S. Cavalry replacing horses with camels in the 1850s, and The Double McGuffin (1979), which revolved around kids trying to thwart a terrorist (Ernest Borgnine) and featured lots of in-jokes about Hitchcock movies.
Other than serving as an extra on the Robert Mitchum-starring Home From the Hill (1960), Camp had no Hollywood experience when he raised about $500,000 to make Benji, a story about a stray mixed breed — not a fancy pure breed like Lassie! — who helps rescue two youngsters from kidnappers.
Crucial to the movie’s success,...
Camp died Friday morning at his home in Bell Buckle, Tennessee, following a long illness, his son, filmmaker Brandon Camp, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Camp also directed and co-wrote the comedies Hawmps! (1976), about the U.S. Cavalry replacing horses with camels in the 1850s, and The Double McGuffin (1979), which revolved around kids trying to thwart a terrorist (Ernest Borgnine) and featured lots of in-jokes about Hitchcock movies.
Other than serving as an extra on the Robert Mitchum-starring Home From the Hill (1960), Camp had no Hollywood experience when he raised about $500,000 to make Benji, a story about a stray mixed breed — not a fancy pure breed like Lassie! — who helps rescue two youngsters from kidnappers.
Crucial to the movie’s success,...
- 3/15/2024
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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You would never want to hang out with Caroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker from "All in the Family" in real life. Still, golly if it wasn't enjoyable watching the cantankerous, intolerant family man butt heads with his outspoken progressive son-in-law Michael (Rob "The Meathead" Reiner himself) and his loving but equally liberal and often flustered daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), all while being doted on by his seemingly naive wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), who was really far wiser than Archie ever gave her credit for. Across nine seasons, audiences tuned in time and time again to watch Archie get his comeuppance, only to learn his lesson on Norman Lear's trailblazing 1970s sitcom.
Looking back in the wake of Lear's passing at the ripe old age of 101, it's all the easier to appreciate just how important "All in the Family" was...
You would never want to hang out with Caroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker from "All in the Family" in real life. Still, golly if it wasn't enjoyable watching the cantankerous, intolerant family man butt heads with his outspoken progressive son-in-law Michael (Rob "The Meathead" Reiner himself) and his loving but equally liberal and often flustered daughter Gloria (Sally Struthers), all while being doted on by his seemingly naive wife Edith (Jean Stapleton), who was really far wiser than Archie ever gave her credit for. Across nine seasons, audiences tuned in time and time again to watch Archie get his comeuppance, only to learn his lesson on Norman Lear's trailblazing 1970s sitcom.
Looking back in the wake of Lear's passing at the ripe old age of 101, it's all the easier to appreciate just how important "All in the Family" was...
- 12/7/2023
- by Sandy Schaefer
- Slash Film
Usually, if you’re a news organization that deals in entertainment, you have material prepared in advance to honor icons of your industry – an obituary, an appreciation, something. But I didn’t prepare anything about Norman Lear even as he passed his 100th birthday last year and then his 101st this past July because it seemed inconceivable he could ever die. He would just glide around beneath his signature porkpie hat forever, reassuring the masses that everything was right with the world because he was still in it.
But now that Lear is gone – he died Tuesday night in his sleep – it’s time to give the man who produced “All in the Family,” and “Sanford and Son,” and “The Jeffersons,” and “Maude,” and “Good Times,” and “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and “One Day at a Time” his due. The thing is, it’s not really possible to adequately describe...
But now that Lear is gone – he died Tuesday night in his sleep – it’s time to give the man who produced “All in the Family,” and “Sanford and Son,” and “The Jeffersons,” and “Maude,” and “Good Times,” and “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” and “One Day at a Time” his due. The thing is, it’s not really possible to adequately describe...
- 12/6/2023
- by Ray Richmond
- Gold Derby
Norman Lear, the writer, producer and citizen activist who coalesced topical conflict and outrageous comedy in such wildly popular sitcoms as All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman and The Jeffersons, has died. He was 101.
Lear died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family who, according to a statement on his official Instagram account, sang songs until the very end.
“Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music,” read the post. “But it was people — those he just met and those he knew for decades — who kept his mind and heart forever young. As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support.
Lear died Tuesday at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by his family who, according to a statement on his official Instagram account, sang songs until the very end.
“Norman lived a life in awe of the world around him. He marveled at his cup of coffee every morning, the shape of the tree outside his window, and the sounds of beautiful music,” read the post. “But it was people — those he just met and those he knew for decades — who kept his mind and heart forever young. As we celebrate his legacy and reflect on the next chapter of life without him, we would like to thank everyone for all the love and support.
- 12/6/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
It’s Frasier Week at IndieWire. Grab some tossed salad and scrambled eggs, settle into your coziest easy chair, and join us. We’re listening.
Finish these sentences. (1) “Now, this is a story all about how…” (2) “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, they’re all together…” (3) “Mom and Dad and Vicky always giving him…” (4) “Who’s that girl? It’s…“ (5) “Hey baby, I heard the blues a callin’…”
The best TV theme songs simultaneously stick in our brains and serve as chapter markers for the shows we love, both compelling us to keep knocking back more episodes and subtly organizing our thoughts about the many stories in the series they anchor. Some themes hang with us for the worse; what ’90s parent didn’t have “Elmo’s World” burned into their brain? Some others are memorable for their intensely enjoyable earworm qualities; see “I Dream of Jeannie” and “Green Acres” for details.
Finish these sentences. (1) “Now, this is a story all about how…” (2) “They’re creepy and they’re kooky, they’re all together…” (3) “Mom and Dad and Vicky always giving him…” (4) “Who’s that girl? It’s…“ (5) “Hey baby, I heard the blues a callin’…”
The best TV theme songs simultaneously stick in our brains and serve as chapter markers for the shows we love, both compelling us to keep knocking back more episodes and subtly organizing our thoughts about the many stories in the series they anchor. Some themes hang with us for the worse; what ’90s parent didn’t have “Elmo’s World” burned into their brain? Some others are memorable for their intensely enjoyable earworm qualities; see “I Dream of Jeannie” and “Green Acres” for details.
- 10/15/2023
- by Alison Foreman
- Indiewire
Phyllis Coates, who became television’s first Lois Lane when she was cast in the classic Adventures of Superman series starring George Reeves, died yesterday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills. She was 96.
Her death was announced by daughter Laura Press to our sister publication The Hollywood Reporter.
Born Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell in Wichita Falls, Texas, on January 15, 1927, Coates and her family later moved to Hollywood. Along with some vaudeville-style performances, Coates launched her showbix career as a chorus girl during the 1940s, often touring the the Uso. Later in the decade, she landed small roles in such pictures as Smart Girls Don’t Talk and My Foolish Heart (1949), and appeared in a series of “Joe McDoakes” comedy shorts as Alice MacDoakes.
In 1951, Coates was invited to audition for the role of Lois Lane in the low-budget...
Her death was announced by daughter Laura Press to our sister publication The Hollywood Reporter.
Born Gypsie Ann Evarts Stell in Wichita Falls, Texas, on January 15, 1927, Coates and her family later moved to Hollywood. Along with some vaudeville-style performances, Coates launched her showbix career as a chorus girl during the 1940s, often touring the the Uso. Later in the decade, she landed small roles in such pictures as Smart Girls Don’t Talk and My Foolish Heart (1949), and appeared in a series of “Joe McDoakes” comedy shorts as Alice MacDoakes.
In 1951, Coates was invited to audition for the role of Lois Lane in the low-budget...
- 10/12/2023
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Phyllis Coates, the first actress to play Daily Planet reporter Lois Lane on television, only to leave the Adventures of Superman after just one season, has died. She was 96.
Coates, who also appeared in Republic Pictures serials and in such films as I Was a Teenage Frankenstein, died Wednesday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, her daughter Laura Press told The Hollywood Reporter.
A native of Wichita Falls, Texas, Coates first portrayed the headstrong Lois opposite George Reeves as the Man of Steel in the dark sci-fi movie Superman and the Mole Men (1951).
The success of that Lippert Pictures film — the first full-length theatrical feature starring the comic-book hero — led to the quick decision to start production on a syndicated show for television.
Coates segued to the series and got into jams as Lois in all 26 episodes of the first season...
Coates, who also appeared in Republic Pictures serials and in such films as I Was a Teenage Frankenstein, died Wednesday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Country House and Hospital in Woodland Hills, her daughter Laura Press told The Hollywood Reporter.
A native of Wichita Falls, Texas, Coates first portrayed the headstrong Lois opposite George Reeves as the Man of Steel in the dark sci-fi movie Superman and the Mole Men (1951).
The success of that Lippert Pictures film — the first full-length theatrical feature starring the comic-book hero — led to the quick decision to start production on a syndicated show for television.
Coates segued to the series and got into jams as Lois in all 26 episodes of the first season...
- 10/12/2023
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Fans of classic TV sitcoms, sci-fi, and dramas are about to have even friendlier live TV streaming options as the skinny-bundle streaming service Frndly TV announced on Tuesday that it had entered into an agreement that will bring the Weigel Broadcasting Co.’s MeTV+ network to all of the company’s subscribers next month.
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Beginning in October, Frndly will become the first national TV provider to offer this channel, which is currently only available in select local markets. The live streamer already carries the channel’s sibling MeTV network. The spinoff channel will serve as a companion to MeTV, which is one of the country’s most popular networks focusing specifically on classic television from decades gone by. Both the original channel and the new MeTV+ serve as homes for beloved westerns, iconic sitcoms, groundbreaking sci-fi series, and timeless dramas. Every week, MeTV airs...
7-Day Free Trial $7.99+ / month frndlytv.com
Beginning in October, Frndly will become the first national TV provider to offer this channel, which is currently only available in select local markets. The live streamer already carries the channel’s sibling MeTV network. The spinoff channel will serve as a companion to MeTV, which is one of the country’s most popular networks focusing specifically on classic television from decades gone by. Both the original channel and the new MeTV+ serve as homes for beloved westerns, iconic sitcoms, groundbreaking sci-fi series, and timeless dramas. Every week, MeTV airs...
- 9/5/2023
- by Matt Tamanini
- The Streamable
Along with rival NBC, CBS found success in radio before adding on the new medium of television in the 1940s. With the creation of ABC a few years later, the “Big Three” networks dominated the small screen for half a century before receiving competition from Fox network, cable stations and, later, streaming services. In the earliest days of TV, CBS and NBC vied for top spots in the ratings; by the mid-1950s, CBS commanded the lead with pioneering and groundbreaking programs across multiple genres — a trend that would continue for decades.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
- 6/14/2023
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Along with rival NBC, CBS found success in radio before adding on the new medium of television in the 1940s. With the creation of ABC a few years later, the “Big Three” networks dominated the small screen for half a century before receiving competition from Fox network, cable stations and, later, streaming services. In the earliest days of TV, CBS and NBC vied for top spots in the ratings; by the mid-1950s, CBS commanded the lead with pioneering and groundbreaking programs across multiple genres — a trend that would continue for decades.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
Like NBC, CBS transitioned radio programs over to television. One successful radio series they wanted to convert was “My Favorite Husband,” but the star refused to commit unless her real-life husband was allowed to be her lead. However, her husband was from Cuba, and CBS executives didn’t think Americans would believe an American woman would marry a hispanic.
- 6/13/2023
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
Just days after the report that Amazon was working towards introducing an ad-supported tier of Prime Video, the company is reassuring users that it has no plans to shutter its free ad-supported streaming service Freevee. Just the opposite, as according to The Hollywood Reporter Freevee is adding a total of 33 free ad-supported TV (Fast) channels.
30-Day Free Trial $8.99 / month amazon.com
Many of the channels come to Freevee from MGM, which Amazon acquired last spring. MGM channels soon to be available on Freevee include offerings dedicated to classic shows like “The Pink Panther,” “Stargate,” “Green Acres” and “The Outer Limits.” The timing for the introduction of these channels is notable, as recently it was reported that Amazon is working to create new titles based on some of these franchises.
Joining these channels will be content from Discovery, the cable channel owned by Wbd. These channels will be heavily geared towards the...
30-Day Free Trial $8.99 / month amazon.com
Many of the channels come to Freevee from MGM, which Amazon acquired last spring. MGM channels soon to be available on Freevee include offerings dedicated to classic shows like “The Pink Panther,” “Stargate,” “Green Acres” and “The Outer Limits.” The timing for the introduction of these channels is notable, as recently it was reported that Amazon is working to create new titles based on some of these franchises.
Joining these channels will be content from Discovery, the cable channel owned by Wbd. These channels will be heavily geared towards the...
- 6/13/2023
- by David Satin
- The Streamable
MGM and Warner Bros. Discovery channels are coming to Amazon Freevee, adding to the free ad-supported streamer’s growing slate of programming.
The studio will launch 12 Fast channels focused on individual titles including “The Pink Panther,” “Stargate,” “Green Acres,” and “The Outer Limits,” alongside branded channels such as “MGM Presents,” “MGM Presents: Action,” and “MGM Presents: Sci-Fi,” which will be programmed with premium movies and series including “Capote” and “Red Dawn.” The MGM Fast channels join “Paternity Court,” “In the Heat of the Night,”“The Addams Family” and“Teen Wolf,” which are already live on Freevee.
Meanwhile, Warner will launch 11 Fast channels in June featuring Discovery and Wbd studio content such as “Cake Boss,”“Extreme Couponing,” “Ghost Brothers,”“Paranormal Lockdown,” “Say Yes to the Dress,”and “Long Lost Family.”
Also Read:
Amazon Plans to Launch Ad-Supported Prime Video Tier (Report)
Freevee has rapidly expanded its Fast offerings over the last...
The studio will launch 12 Fast channels focused on individual titles including “The Pink Panther,” “Stargate,” “Green Acres,” and “The Outer Limits,” alongside branded channels such as “MGM Presents,” “MGM Presents: Action,” and “MGM Presents: Sci-Fi,” which will be programmed with premium movies and series including “Capote” and “Red Dawn.” The MGM Fast channels join “Paternity Court,” “In the Heat of the Night,”“The Addams Family” and“Teen Wolf,” which are already live on Freevee.
Meanwhile, Warner will launch 11 Fast channels in June featuring Discovery and Wbd studio content such as “Cake Boss,”“Extreme Couponing,” “Ghost Brothers,”“Paranormal Lockdown,” “Say Yes to the Dress,”and “Long Lost Family.”
Also Read:
Amazon Plans to Launch Ad-Supported Prime Video Tier (Report)
Freevee has rapidly expanded its Fast offerings over the last...
- 6/12/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Hey, Kenan Thompson: Before you step foot on the Emmys stage this year you may want to take a look back at Ellen DeGeneres‘ two times hosting the ceremony in 2001 and 2005. Why? Because she just topped our readers’ list as their favorite Emmys host of this century. See the complete poll results below.
The talk show queen is one of just two women to serve as solo ringleader of TV’s biggest night throughout the past two decades, the other being Jane Lynch in 2011. DeGeneres’ inaugural gig was quite memorable (watch above), as it was postponed twice due to the 9/11 attacks and then the war in Afghanistan. She struck the perfect tone throughout the evening when it finally aired on November 4, 2001, with one of her iconic lines being, “What would bug the Taliban more than seeing a gay woman in a suit surrounded by Jews?”
See 2022 Emmy nominations: Complete...
The talk show queen is one of just two women to serve as solo ringleader of TV’s biggest night throughout the past two decades, the other being Jane Lynch in 2011. DeGeneres’ inaugural gig was quite memorable (watch above), as it was postponed twice due to the 9/11 attacks and then the war in Afghanistan. She struck the perfect tone throughout the evening when it finally aired on November 4, 2001, with one of her iconic lines being, “What would bug the Taliban more than seeing a gay woman in a suit surrounded by Jews?”
See 2022 Emmy nominations: Complete...
- 8/23/2022
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Bill Pitman, a guitarist and bassist in the legendary Wrecking Crew of Los Angeles session musicians, has died at the age of 102.
The New York Times confirmed Pitman died Thursday at his home in La Quinta, California. While no cause of death was revealed, the musician recently fractured his spine in a fall, and spent the last month of his life recovering from that accident.
As a member of the elite Wrecking Crew, Pitman was deployed on albums by artists like Sam Cooke, Nancy Sinatra, the Monkees, James Brown, and the Beach Boys.
The New York Times confirmed Pitman died Thursday at his home in La Quinta, California. While no cause of death was revealed, the musician recently fractured his spine in a fall, and spent the last month of his life recovering from that accident.
As a member of the elite Wrecking Crew, Pitman was deployed on albums by artists like Sam Cooke, Nancy Sinatra, the Monkees, James Brown, and the Beach Boys.
- 8/12/2022
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com
Bill Pitman, a guitarist whose work as part of the legendary recording session group The Wrecking Crew made an invaluable contribution to countless radio hits, TV series and films, died yesterday at his home in La Quinta, California. He was 102.
His death was announced to The New York Times by wife Janet Pitman, who told the publication her husband died after four weeks of hospice care following a fall that fractured his spine.
Pitman’s guitar playing was ubiquitous, if largely anonymous, for decades beginning in the 1950s. Just a sampling of the songs he played on: The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night,” Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were, The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” and The Monkees’ “Papa Gene’s Blues.” He played the ukelele on the B.J. Thomas hit “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,...
His death was announced to The New York Times by wife Janet Pitman, who told the publication her husband died after four weeks of hospice care following a fall that fractured his spine.
Pitman’s guitar playing was ubiquitous, if largely anonymous, for decades beginning in the 1950s. Just a sampling of the songs he played on: The Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations,” Frank Sinatra’s “Strangers in the Night,” Barbra Streisand’s “The Way We Were, The Ronettes’ “Be My Baby” and The Monkees’ “Papa Gene’s Blues.” He played the ukelele on the B.J. Thomas hit “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head” from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,...
- 8/12/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
(L to R) Ashton Kutcher as Quentin Sellers and B.J. Novak as Ben Manalowitz in Vengeance, written and directed by B.J. Novak and released by Focus Features. Credit: Patti Perret / Focus Features
As Summer begins its transformation into Fall, the studios are still offering virtual getaways at the local multiplex. This newest “travel tale’ also combines the popular theme of the “fish out of water” with a protagonist in very unfamiliar surroundings. Now, the movie marketing folks are hitting this aspect hard in the trailers and TV spots, making it appear to be an edgy modern spin on the cult fave TV sitcom “Green Acres” where a “city feller'” was flummoxed by the simple “country folk” (who often got the better of him). Oh but don’t be misled. There’s a lot more going on in this film since it comes from one of the busiest creative minds in the media today.
As Summer begins its transformation into Fall, the studios are still offering virtual getaways at the local multiplex. This newest “travel tale’ also combines the popular theme of the “fish out of water” with a protagonist in very unfamiliar surroundings. Now, the movie marketing folks are hitting this aspect hard in the trailers and TV spots, making it appear to be an edgy modern spin on the cult fave TV sitcom “Green Acres” where a “city feller'” was flummoxed by the simple “country folk” (who often got the better of him). Oh but don’t be misled. There’s a lot more going on in this film since it comes from one of the busiest creative minds in the media today.
- 7/29/2022
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Tommy Morgan, a harmonica soloist who contributed to hundreds of movie and TV shows including “Roots” and “Dances With Wolves,” died June 23. He was 89.
Morgan played on film soundtracks and record dates going back to the early 1950s. His estimated 7,000 recording sessions, according to statistics on his website, suggest that more people have heard his harmonica work than that of any other player of the instrument.
That’s Morgan’s harmonica on Quincy Jones’ “Sanford and Son” theme, Mike Post’s “Rockford Files” theme and the scores for numerous shows including “Maverick,” “The Waltons,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “China Beach,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Family Guy.”
He played on the Emmy-winning score for “Roots” and its sequel, “Roots: The Next Generations.” And his bass harmonica was the signature sound of Arnold Ziffel, the pig on “Green Acres.”
In addition, Morgan played on dozens of classic films including “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,...
Morgan played on film soundtracks and record dates going back to the early 1950s. His estimated 7,000 recording sessions, according to statistics on his website, suggest that more people have heard his harmonica work than that of any other player of the instrument.
That’s Morgan’s harmonica on Quincy Jones’ “Sanford and Son” theme, Mike Post’s “Rockford Files” theme and the scores for numerous shows including “Maverick,” “The Waltons,” “The Dukes of Hazzard,” “China Beach,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Family Guy.”
He played on the Emmy-winning score for “Roots” and its sequel, “Roots: The Next Generations.” And his bass harmonica was the signature sound of Arnold Ziffel, the pig on “Green Acres.”
In addition, Morgan played on dozens of classic films including “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,...
- 7/2/2022
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Maggie Peterson, an actress who made a lasting impression as the sweet-natured, occasionally flirtatious mountain girl Charlene Darling on The Andy Griffith Show in the 1960s, died Sunday, May 15, in Colorado, her family has announced.
“It is with great sorrow that we report that our dear Aunt Maggie died yesterday afternoon,” the family posted on Facebook today. “She passed peacefully in her sleep with her family present.”
Although she appeared on only five episodes of the classic rural sitcom in the Charlene role, Peterson was among the show’s most familiar and memorable recurring cast members, often joining her onscreen family The Darlings in singalongs.
Peterson developed a catchphrase with her repeated entreaties about the sentimental impact of outrageously titled song suggestions, as in an the following exchange with Pyle’s character:
Briscoe: “How...
“It is with great sorrow that we report that our dear Aunt Maggie died yesterday afternoon,” the family posted on Facebook today. “She passed peacefully in her sleep with her family present.”
Although she appeared on only five episodes of the classic rural sitcom in the Charlene role, Peterson was among the show’s most familiar and memorable recurring cast members, often joining her onscreen family The Darlings in singalongs.
Peterson developed a catchphrase with her repeated entreaties about the sentimental impact of outrageously titled song suggestions, as in an the following exchange with Pyle’s character:
Briscoe: “How...
- 5/16/2022
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
The television landscape was changing when the 23rd Emmy Awards took place at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood on May 9, 1971, with Johnny Carson as host. History was made in more than one way that night.
NBC’s “The Flip Wilson Show,” the first comedy-variety series hosted by an African-American, won the genre and writing awards. Wilson shared in both victories. And Mark Warren became the first black helmer to win an Emmy for his direction of NBC’s “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.”
George C. Scott, who had declined the Oscar just 24 days earlier for “Patton,” didn’t attend the Emmys either. However he didn’t turn down this award for his leading role in NBC’s “Hallmark Hall of Fame” presentation of Arthur Miller’s “The Price.” Jack Cassidy accepted on his behalf. David Burns, who had died two months earlier of a heart attack during a stage performance of the musical “70, Girls,...
NBC’s “The Flip Wilson Show,” the first comedy-variety series hosted by an African-American, won the genre and writing awards. Wilson shared in both victories. And Mark Warren became the first black helmer to win an Emmy for his direction of NBC’s “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In.”
George C. Scott, who had declined the Oscar just 24 days earlier for “Patton,” didn’t attend the Emmys either. However he didn’t turn down this award for his leading role in NBC’s “Hallmark Hall of Fame” presentation of Arthur Miller’s “The Price.” Jack Cassidy accepted on his behalf. David Burns, who had died two months earlier of a heart attack during a stage performance of the musical “70, Girls,...
- 8/27/2021
- by Susan King
- Gold Derby
Before “All in the Family” debuted, there was a profound gap between real life and what was being depicted on TV series.
In his autobiography “Even This I Get to Experience,” Norman Lear wrote, “Until ‘All in the Family’ came along, TV comedy was telling us there was no hunger in America, we had no racial discrimination, there was no unemployment or inflation, no war, no drugs, and the citizenry was happy with whomever happened to be in the White House.”
When Lear and Bud Yorkin pitched “All in the Family” to CBS, that network’s executives were looking for something different — but maybe not That different.
A week before the un-publicized sitcom debuted on Jan. 12, 1971, Variety’s Les Brown summed up the first four months of the new season for the three networks. Brown wrote that CBS had a lock on “the rural middle-American viewership” with its “rustic sitcoms,...
In his autobiography “Even This I Get to Experience,” Norman Lear wrote, “Until ‘All in the Family’ came along, TV comedy was telling us there was no hunger in America, we had no racial discrimination, there was no unemployment or inflation, no war, no drugs, and the citizenry was happy with whomever happened to be in the White House.”
When Lear and Bud Yorkin pitched “All in the Family” to CBS, that network’s executives were looking for something different — but maybe not That different.
A week before the un-publicized sitcom debuted on Jan. 12, 1971, Variety’s Les Brown summed up the first four months of the new season for the three networks. Brown wrote that CBS had a lock on “the rural middle-American viewership” with its “rustic sitcoms,...
- 1/12/2021
- by Tim Gray
- Variety Film + TV
“Frasier.” “Friends.” “ER.” “The X-Files.” It’s amazing how just the mention of a TV show can take you back in time, and with this list it’s no surprise that we’re offering our flashback 25 years to 1995, remembering the 47th Emmy Awards. It was a night with no one big winner among several now-classic series, a new Egot recipient, some sentimental moments and a memorable homage to TV theme songs. Jason Alexander of “Seinfeld” and Cybill Shepherd of “Cybill” led the festivities on September 10.
Perennial favorite “Frasier” held on to its title of Best Comedy Series for the second year, a streak it would continue until 1999, winning for each of its first five seasons. It beat out popular sitcoms “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Mad About You,” “Seinfeld” and newcomer “Friends.” Kelsey Grammer won his second of four Best Comedy Actor Emmys for playing the title character, while his onscreen brother,...
Perennial favorite “Frasier” held on to its title of Best Comedy Series for the second year, a streak it would continue until 1999, winning for each of its first five seasons. It beat out popular sitcoms “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Mad About You,” “Seinfeld” and newcomer “Friends.” Kelsey Grammer won his second of four Best Comedy Actor Emmys for playing the title character, while his onscreen brother,...
- 9/20/2020
- by Susan Pennington
- Gold Derby
She still loves game shows. She still answers questions with Rose Nylund’s exclamation points. She’s won six Emmys and hosted three different series titled “The Betty White Show” during her eight decades in television.
At 98, Betty White has many gifts, including her unique perspective on the evolution of television. The Los Angeles native starred in her first experimental TV broadcast in Hollywood a few months before NBC pulled off its broadcasting feat at the 1939 New York World’s Fair in Queens. Her long list of accomplishments include co-starring in three enduring sitcoms: CBS’ “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” NBC’s “The Golden Girls” and TV Land’s “Hot in Cleveland.”
In a recent email correspondence with Variety, White shared observations on her career, starting with her days as the record-spinning sidekick on the five-hour daily talk show “Hollywood on Television,” hosted by popular disc jockey Al Jarvis, for...
At 98, Betty White has many gifts, including her unique perspective on the evolution of television. The Los Angeles native starred in her first experimental TV broadcast in Hollywood a few months before NBC pulled off its broadcasting feat at the 1939 New York World’s Fair in Queens. Her long list of accomplishments include co-starring in three enduring sitcoms: CBS’ “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” NBC’s “The Golden Girls” and TV Land’s “Hot in Cleveland.”
In a recent email correspondence with Variety, White shared observations on her career, starting with her days as the record-spinning sidekick on the five-hour daily talk show “Hollywood on Television,” hosted by popular disc jockey Al Jarvis, for...
- 9/17/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
I’m one of those people who believes that a home is not complete without a pet (I have four cats myself), and love it when a favorite TV character or family has a loyal companion who can add to the adventure or the comedic antics of a show. Some of these adorable animals have become as famous, if not more so, than the human actors of a series.
SEE40 best TV mothers; greatest moms ranked
Animals tend to make a television program more family-friendly, and TV executives have used them to draw in this demographic, despite the fact that working with a non-human actor can be challenging. In the very early days of the medium, American families gathered around their sets to follow the adventures of such noble creatures as “Lassie” and “Flipper,” or to laugh at the ridiculousness of a talking horse in “Mister Ed” or the antics...
SEE40 best TV mothers; greatest moms ranked
Animals tend to make a television program more family-friendly, and TV executives have used them to draw in this demographic, despite the fact that working with a non-human actor can be challenging. In the very early days of the medium, American families gathered around their sets to follow the adventures of such noble creatures as “Lassie” and “Flipper,” or to laugh at the ridiculousness of a talking horse in “Mister Ed” or the antics...
- 7/24/2020
- by Susan Pennington and Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
I’m one of those people who believes that a home is not complete without a pet (I have four cats myself), and love it when a favorite TV character or family has a loyal companion who can add to the adventure or the comedic antics of a show. Some of these adorable animals have become as famous, if not more so, than the human actors of a series.
Animals tend to make a television program more family-friendly, and TV executives have used them to draw in this demographic, despite the fact that working with a non-human actor can be challenging. In the very early days of the medium, American families gathered around their sets to follow the adventures of such noble creatures as “Lassie” and “Flipper,” or to laugh at the ridiculousness of a talking horse in “Mister Ed” or the antics of the “human” pig Arnold on “Green Acres.
Animals tend to make a television program more family-friendly, and TV executives have used them to draw in this demographic, despite the fact that working with a non-human actor can be challenging. In the very early days of the medium, American families gathered around their sets to follow the adventures of such noble creatures as “Lassie” and “Flipper,” or to laugh at the ridiculousness of a talking horse in “Mister Ed” or the antics of the “human” pig Arnold on “Green Acres.
- 7/22/2020
- by Susan Pennington, Chris Beachum and Misty Holland
- Gold Derby
As the “year from Hell” Aka 2020 continues to drag on and on, we can all agree that the oppressive tension of our current state could be deflated by a good dose of humor. In other words, we can all use a “big laugh”. Really. And so, amongst the somber “indie” premieres streaming on-demand, comes a flat-out, “Lol” comedy that leans heavily on satire. And just what is it taking on? Well, you wouldn’t think this topic would lend itself to laughs at this date. No, it’s not set in the arenas of death and disease. nor the “racial struggle’ (but it does get a few “jabs” in). Hard to fathom, but this farce is set squarely in the world of politics. And before you groan or sigh, a big bonus is the reuniting of two giants of topical TV comedy who have not worked together in nearly 15 years...
- 6/26/2020
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
“Irresistible” is the second film written and directed by Jon Stewart, but unlike the first, the deadly serious and surprisingly accomplished true-life Iranian prison drama “Rosewater” (2014), this one comes straight out of Stewart’s satirical-political wheelhouse. Set shortly after the 2016 presidential election, it’s a close-to-the-bone tall tale — slightly exaggerated but still basically plausible — of what happens when America’s two ruling political parties descend upon the rural heartland of Deerlaken, Wisconsin, to take over a small-town election for mayor.
At the center of the movie is a cynical sharpie of a campaign consultant, Gary Zimmer (Steve Carell), who combines the philosophy of a liberal, the high-maintenance fussiness of an East Coast lifestyle elitist, and the do-what-it-takes amorality of a corporate sociopath. He’s just coming off his time as “the grand consigliere” of Hillary Clinton’s failed presidential bid, and like most Democrats he’s in a slight state...
At the center of the movie is a cynical sharpie of a campaign consultant, Gary Zimmer (Steve Carell), who combines the philosophy of a liberal, the high-maintenance fussiness of an East Coast lifestyle elitist, and the do-what-it-takes amorality of a corporate sociopath. He’s just coming off his time as “the grand consigliere” of Hillary Clinton’s failed presidential bid, and like most Democrats he’s in a slight state...
- 6/22/2020
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Trying to get anyone to remember Green Acres at this point and time is akin to asking someone to crack open a history book, they might look at you funny and ask why you don’t just Google it to see what it’s all about. At one time though the show and one of its stars, Tom Lester, were household names that just about everyone knew. Even those of us who were growing up in the 80s, well after the show had been cancelled, managed to pick up a few reruns here and there as the show is still held in
Remembering Green Acres Star Tom Lester...
Remembering Green Acres Star Tom Lester...
- 4/24/2020
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
Actor Tom Lester, primarily known for his role of Eb Dawson on the ‘60s sitcom Green Acres died on Monday in Nashville, Tennessee at age 81. Lester died of complications from Parkinson’s disease. Lester was the last surviving actor of the original Green Acres cast. Lester’s brother Michael announced his death on his Facebook account […]
The post ‘Green Acres’ Star Tom Lester Dies At 81 appeared first on uInterview.
The post ‘Green Acres’ Star Tom Lester Dies At 81 appeared first on uInterview.
- 4/21/2020
- by Paloma Thoen
- Uinterview
Tom Lester, the actor who played the guileless, brighter-than-he-seemed farmhand Eb Dawson on CBS’ 1960s sitcom Green Acres, died Monday in Nashville of complications from Parkinson’s disease, his family announced. He was 81.
Born Thomas William Lester in Laurel, Mississippi, Lester set out for Hollywood after graduating from the University of Mississippi. He studied acting with teacher and Petticoat Junction actress Lurene Tuttle, soon coming to the attention of the show’s creator Paul Henning, who was casting another rural comedy within The Beverly Hillbillies-Petticoat Junction universe.
More from DeadlineNotable Hollywood & Entertainment Industry Deaths In 2020: Photo GalleryMatthew Seligman Dies Of Covid-19: David Bowie Bassist And Camera Club Member Was 64Ranjit Chowdhry Dies: 'The Office' And 'Prison Break' Actor Was 64
The show was Green Acres, an alternately hokey and surreal comedy starring Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor as a sophisticated...
Born Thomas William Lester in Laurel, Mississippi, Lester set out for Hollywood after graduating from the University of Mississippi. He studied acting with teacher and Petticoat Junction actress Lurene Tuttle, soon coming to the attention of the show’s creator Paul Henning, who was casting another rural comedy within The Beverly Hillbillies-Petticoat Junction universe.
More from DeadlineNotable Hollywood & Entertainment Industry Deaths In 2020: Photo GalleryMatthew Seligman Dies Of Covid-19: David Bowie Bassist And Camera Club Member Was 64Ranjit Chowdhry Dies: 'The Office' And 'Prison Break' Actor Was 64
The show was Green Acres, an alternately hokey and surreal comedy starring Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor as a sophisticated...
- 4/20/2020
- by Greg Evans
- Deadline Film + TV
Tom Lester, the actor known for the 1960s television series “Green Acres,” has died. He was 81.
Lester was in Nashville at the home of his fiancee, Jackie, at this time of his death Monday, which was due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, according to TMZ.
He played the wide-eyed, friendly farmhand Eb Dawson on the sitcom who was known to say “Golly, Mr. Douglas.” The Mississippi native began acting in plays after moving to Los Angeles, and is said to have beat out 400 other actors for the part of Eb because he actually knew how to milk a cow in real life.
Lester was also known to be a fan of the simple life. According to a 1969 newspaper article, Lester was living “in an apartment above a garage in the San Fernando Valley” even at the height of his “Green Acres” fame. He continued to farm later in life, and won the award for Mississippi’s “Wildlife Farmer of the Year,” where he owned a large timber farm.
Lester was in Nashville at the home of his fiancee, Jackie, at this time of his death Monday, which was due to complications from Parkinson’s disease, according to TMZ.
He played the wide-eyed, friendly farmhand Eb Dawson on the sitcom who was known to say “Golly, Mr. Douglas.” The Mississippi native began acting in plays after moving to Los Angeles, and is said to have beat out 400 other actors for the part of Eb because he actually knew how to milk a cow in real life.
Lester was also known to be a fan of the simple life. According to a 1969 newspaper article, Lester was living “in an apartment above a garage in the San Fernando Valley” even at the height of his “Green Acres” fame. He continued to farm later in life, and won the award for Mississippi’s “Wildlife Farmer of the Year,” where he owned a large timber farm.
- 4/20/2020
- by Margeaux Sippell
- The Wrap
Tom Lester, best known for his role as the smart-aleck farmhand Eb Dawson on the ’60s sitcom “Green Acres,” died Monday in Nashville, Tenn. from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Lester, who was 81, was the last surviving actor of the original “Green Acres” cast.
His death was confirmed by his brother Michael on Facebook and in local media reports.
Born Sep. 23, 1938 in Jackson, Miss., Lester grew up working on his grandfather’s farm. He earned a degree in chemistry at the University of Mississippi and taught in Oklahoma for a few years before making the move to Hollywood. Lester landed his role in “Green Acres” in 1965, beating out the competition because he was the only actor who could actually milk a cow.
He went on to star in “Green Acres” until the show’s end in 1971, also appearing in the two related series “Petticoat Junction” and “Beverly Hillbillies.” Lester and co-star Eddie Albert,...
His death was confirmed by his brother Michael on Facebook and in local media reports.
Born Sep. 23, 1938 in Jackson, Miss., Lester grew up working on his grandfather’s farm. He earned a degree in chemistry at the University of Mississippi and taught in Oklahoma for a few years before making the move to Hollywood. Lester landed his role in “Green Acres” in 1965, beating out the competition because he was the only actor who could actually milk a cow.
He went on to star in “Green Acres” until the show’s end in 1971, also appearing in the two related series “Petticoat Junction” and “Beverly Hillbillies.” Lester and co-star Eddie Albert,...
- 4/20/2020
- by Ellise Shafer
- Variety Film + TV
Tom Lester, the gawky Mississippi native who starred as the friendly Hooterville farmhand Eb Dawson on the madcap CBS sitcom Green Acres, has died. He was 81.
Lester died Monday of complications from Parkinson's disease in the Nashville home of his fiancee and long-term caregiver, Jackie Peters, his family announced.
Inspired by Andy Griffith Show star Don Knotts — who like Lester did not come off as your typical leading man — Lester pursued a career as an actor after earning degrees in chemistry and biology from the University of Mississippi en route to becoming a doctor.
His friends told him,...
Lester died Monday of complications from Parkinson's disease in the Nashville home of his fiancee and long-term caregiver, Jackie Peters, his family announced.
Inspired by Andy Griffith Show star Don Knotts — who like Lester did not come off as your typical leading man — Lester pursued a career as an actor after earning degrees in chemistry and biology from the University of Mississippi en route to becoming a doctor.
His friends told him,...
- 4/20/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Tom Lester, the gawky Mississippi native who starred as the friendly Hooterville farmhand Eb Dawson on the madcap CBS sitcom Green Acres, has died. He was 81.
Lester died Monday of complications from Parkinson's disease in the Nashville home of his fiancee and long-term caregiver, Jackie Peters, his family announced.
Inspired by Andy Griffith Show star Don Knotts — who like Lester did not come off as your typical leading man — Lester pursued a career as an actor after earning degrees in chemistry and biology from the University of Mississippi en route to becoming a doctor.
His friends told him,...
Lester died Monday of complications from Parkinson's disease in the Nashville home of his fiancee and long-term caregiver, Jackie Peters, his family announced.
Inspired by Andy Griffith Show star Don Knotts — who like Lester did not come off as your typical leading man — Lester pursued a career as an actor after earning degrees in chemistry and biology from the University of Mississippi en route to becoming a doctor.
His friends told him,...
- 4/20/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Here are many more movies to watch when you’re staying in for a while, featuring recommendations from Steven Canals, Larry Karaszewski, Gareth Reynolds, and Alan Arkush with special guest star Blaire Bercy from the Hollywood Food Coalition.
Please support the Hollywood Food Coalition. Text “Give” to 323.402.5704 or visit https://hofoco.org/donate!
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Master of the Flying Guillotine (1976)
Groundhog Day (1993)
Kung Fu Mama a.k.a. Queen of Fist (1973)
Ali: Fear Eats The Soul (1974)
Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (2019)
In The Mood For Love (2000)
Hunger (2008)
The Sweet Hereafter (1997)
Fargo (1996)
Night of the Lepus (1971)
Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Soylent Green (1973)
Silent Running (1972)
Canyon Passage (1946)
McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)
The Professionals (1966)
Ride Lonesome (1959)
Carrie (1952)
The Heartbreak Kid (1972)
Hello Down There (1969)
The Brass Bottle (1964)
The Trouble With Angels (1966)
Pollyanna (1960)
Tiger Bay (1959)
The Parent Trap (1961)
Endless Night (1972)
The Family Way (1966)
Take A Girl Like You (1970)
Freddy Got Fingered...
Please support the Hollywood Food Coalition. Text “Give” to 323.402.5704 or visit https://hofoco.org/donate!
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Master of the Flying Guillotine (1976)
Groundhog Day (1993)
Kung Fu Mama a.k.a. Queen of Fist (1973)
Ali: Fear Eats The Soul (1974)
Portrait Of A Lady On Fire (2019)
In The Mood For Love (2000)
Hunger (2008)
The Sweet Hereafter (1997)
Fargo (1996)
Night of the Lepus (1971)
Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
Soylent Green (1973)
Silent Running (1972)
Canyon Passage (1946)
McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)
The Professionals (1966)
Ride Lonesome (1959)
Carrie (1952)
The Heartbreak Kid (1972)
Hello Down There (1969)
The Brass Bottle (1964)
The Trouble With Angels (1966)
Pollyanna (1960)
Tiger Bay (1959)
The Parent Trap (1961)
Endless Night (1972)
The Family Way (1966)
Take A Girl Like You (1970)
Freddy Got Fingered...
- 4/10/2020
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Mexican-born actor Jaime Camil is incredibly humble. As he tells it, “You have to be thankful to the audience…that people are requesting your services and you’re being hired to do something.” Camil burst onto the scene, for U.S. audiences at least, playing the gregarious and charming Rogelio de la Vega on five seasons of The CW’s “Jane the Virgin.” Now, with “Jane” having concluded its run last year, Camil is transitioning to a new role as an actor and executive producer for the CBS multicamera sitcom, “Broke.”
“Broke,” akin to classic sitcoms like “Green Acres,” follows struggling single mom Jackie (Pauley Perrette) and what happens when her once wealthy sister and brother-in-law (played by Natasha Leggero and Camil) come to live with her after going broke. Camil has deep connections to the property, which initially started out as a Colombian television production. Camil played the title...
“Broke,” akin to classic sitcoms like “Green Acres,” follows struggling single mom Jackie (Pauley Perrette) and what happens when her once wealthy sister and brother-in-law (played by Natasha Leggero and Camil) come to live with her after going broke. Camil has deep connections to the property, which initially started out as a Colombian television production. Camil played the title...
- 4/2/2020
- by Kristen Lopez
- Indiewire
Fred Silverman never stopped pitching.
He never stopped thinking about television and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the networks he once ran, as well as the dozens of outlets that came to prominence after his storied run as a top executive ended in the early 1980s.
Silverman, a seminal figure in TV who died Jan. 30 at 82, knew that the first line of his obituary would identify him as the only person — so far — to have served as head of programming for ABC, CBS and NBC.
But after scaling the heights, he made a successful shift into producing at a time when that path was not as nearly common as it is today for former senior executives. His success in the 1980s and ’90s as a producer of such series as “Matlock” and “In the Heat of the Night,” and later “Diagnosis Murder,” was a testament to his instincts and experience,...
He never stopped thinking about television and analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of the networks he once ran, as well as the dozens of outlets that came to prominence after his storied run as a top executive ended in the early 1980s.
Silverman, a seminal figure in TV who died Jan. 30 at 82, knew that the first line of his obituary would identify him as the only person — so far — to have served as head of programming for ABC, CBS and NBC.
But after scaling the heights, he made a successful shift into producing at a time when that path was not as nearly common as it is today for former senior executives. His success in the 1980s and ’90s as a producer of such series as “Matlock” and “In the Heat of the Night,” and later “Diagnosis Murder,” was a testament to his instincts and experience,...
- 2/4/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Fred Silverman, the executive who became the only person in TV history to have headed programming for each of the Big Three broadcast networks, died on Thursday at his home in the Pacific Palisades, Calif. He was 82.
Silverman died with his family by his side.
During his prolific career, Silverman was credited with helping to launch some of the most successful shows and miniseries of all time, including “All in the Family,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Happy Days,” “The Waltons” and “Roots.”
After turning both CBS and ABC around in the ratings, Silverman failed to work his magic at NBC in the late 1970s and early ’80s. Once he left the Peacock net to branch out on his own with the Fred Silverman Co., Silverman forged another career as a producer, turning out a number of successful series, including “Matlock,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “Jake and the Fatman” and “Diagnosis Murder.
Silverman died with his family by his side.
During his prolific career, Silverman was credited with helping to launch some of the most successful shows and miniseries of all time, including “All in the Family,” “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” “Happy Days,” “The Waltons” and “Roots.”
After turning both CBS and ABC around in the ratings, Silverman failed to work his magic at NBC in the late 1970s and early ’80s. Once he left the Peacock net to branch out on his own with the Fred Silverman Co., Silverman forged another career as a producer, turning out a number of successful series, including “Matlock,” “In the Heat of the Night,” “Jake and the Fatman” and “Diagnosis Murder.
- 1/30/2020
- by Paula Bernstein
- Variety Film + TV
Fred Silverman, the legendary television producer and executive behind such groundbreaking shows as All in the Family, Soap and Hill Street Blues, and the only executive to creatively run CBS, ABC and NBC, died Thursday at his home in Pacific Palisades. He was 82.
Silverman’s knack for identifying hit shows in the making and programming them into memorable primetime nights led Time magazine to crown him “The Man with the Golden Gut” in 1977.
“There are a lot of things that I can point to that I think are proud achievements,” Silverman said in a 2001 interview with the TV Academy Foundation. “Most importantly, I had the opportunity to kind of stretch the medium a little bit, to do some things that had never been done before.”
Watch a clip from his sit-down with Dan Pasternak for the foundation’s “The Interviews” series below.
Born on September 13, 1937, in New York City, Silverman...
Silverman’s knack for identifying hit shows in the making and programming them into memorable primetime nights led Time magazine to crown him “The Man with the Golden Gut” in 1977.
“There are a lot of things that I can point to that I think are proud achievements,” Silverman said in a 2001 interview with the TV Academy Foundation. “Most importantly, I had the opportunity to kind of stretch the medium a little bit, to do some things that had never been done before.”
Watch a clip from his sit-down with Dan Pasternak for the foundation’s “The Interviews” series below.
Born on September 13, 1937, in New York City, Silverman...
- 1/30/2020
- by Erik Pedersen and Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
Paris Hilton has been a public figure for the better part of two decades, but the former reality star and tabloid staple says she’s ready to finally introduce the world to her real self in the YouTube documentary “This Is Paris.”
Hilton is the subject of the upcoming doc, which will grapple with the public perception of her as a world-famous heiress and socialite — a perception she once willingly helped perpetuate — and “uncover the hidden past of the international icon.”
“This is completely different than anything I’ve ever done. This is a real film,” Hilton said at the Television Critics Association press tour on Saturday, promising that “This Is Paris” won’t resemble her short-lived reality series “The World According to Paris” or the ostensible “reality” show that made her a household name, “The Simple Life.”
Also Read: Paris Hilton Shoots Down Rumors of a 'Simple Life' Revival:...
Hilton is the subject of the upcoming doc, which will grapple with the public perception of her as a world-famous heiress and socialite — a perception she once willingly helped perpetuate — and “uncover the hidden past of the international icon.”
“This is completely different than anything I’ve ever done. This is a real film,” Hilton said at the Television Critics Association press tour on Saturday, promising that “This Is Paris” won’t resemble her short-lived reality series “The World According to Paris” or the ostensible “reality” show that made her a household name, “The Simple Life.”
Also Read: Paris Hilton Shoots Down Rumors of a 'Simple Life' Revival:...
- 1/18/2020
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Summer holidays can be deadly in the entertainingly off kilter Blood Paradise. This English-language, filmed-in-Swedish horror-thriller from first-time producer-director Andréa Winter and Patrick von Barkenberg will be released on DVD, Blu-ray (with extras) and on a selection of VOD platforms.
Reeling after her latest novel flops, best-selling crime writer Robin Richards (Andréa Winter) is sent by her publisher to the Swedish countryside to regain inspiration. Instead of relaxation, she comes across an assortment of peculiar and possibly dangerous characters. The beautiful and stylish young woman soon discovers just how dangerous farm life can be. Think “Green Acres” as directed by Jordan Peele.
Blood Paradise stars Andréa Winter, Patrick von Barkenberg, Christer Cavallius, Rolf Brunnström, Martina Novak, and Lars Brunnström;
“[A] Gonzo horror- thriller…undeniably sexy, weird and entertaining. – The Mercury News
“Humorous as it is beautiful and one pretty creepy experience… – HorrorBuzz
“Explosively erotic…an exciting and claustrophobic Gothic fun ride.
Reeling after her latest novel flops, best-selling crime writer Robin Richards (Andréa Winter) is sent by her publisher to the Swedish countryside to regain inspiration. Instead of relaxation, she comes across an assortment of peculiar and possibly dangerous characters. The beautiful and stylish young woman soon discovers just how dangerous farm life can be. Think “Green Acres” as directed by Jordan Peele.
Blood Paradise stars Andréa Winter, Patrick von Barkenberg, Christer Cavallius, Rolf Brunnström, Martina Novak, and Lars Brunnström;
“[A] Gonzo horror- thriller…undeniably sexy, weird and entertaining. – The Mercury News
“Humorous as it is beautiful and one pretty creepy experience… – HorrorBuzz
“Explosively erotic…an exciting and claustrophobic Gothic fun ride.
- 7/11/2019
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Everybody loves Catherine O’Hara. To mention her name in mixed company is to hear a chorus of coos. “She’s the besssst,” they hiss, with abject envy. The Emmy-winner is so great that despite being a full-fledged Canadian, the U.S. has claimed her as an national treasure based wholly on the principle of Manifest Destiny.
Despite being beloved, the star of Pop TV’s “Schitt’s Creek” is as unassuming as she’s been throughout her entire comedy career. With her roots in The Second City in Toronto and as a founding member of sketch comedy show “Sctv,” the actress comes by her comedic bona fides honestly, and in the process found herself forming a lifelong creative bond with “Schitt’s Creek” co-creator and co-star Eugene Levy.
The pair play Moira and Johnny Rose, whose public fall from grace forces them to move to a small town with...
Despite being beloved, the star of Pop TV’s “Schitt’s Creek” is as unassuming as she’s been throughout her entire comedy career. With her roots in The Second City in Toronto and as a founding member of sketch comedy show “Sctv,” the actress comes by her comedic bona fides honestly, and in the process found herself forming a lifelong creative bond with “Schitt’s Creek” co-creator and co-star Eugene Levy.
The pair play Moira and Johnny Rose, whose public fall from grace forces them to move to a small town with...
- 6/10/2019
- by Libby Hill
- Indiewire
Here’s a sweet little flick all about a couple who decide to follow their dream. For many of us that might involve living in the “lap of luxury’, perhaps a plush estate overlooking the ocean, or a “deluxe apartment in the sky”. That’s not for these folks the cameras follow for several years. They want to return to the land and work the soil. I can barely resist humming that catchy song whose lyrics include “Farminin’ is the life for me”. Sure that premise has been the basis for TV sitcoms from the classic (which spawned that aforementioned tune) “Green Acres” to the more recent (perhaps a month old) “Bless This Mess”, which were inspired by big-screen comedies like The Egg And I and Funny Farm. And with this true tale, there are a few laughs, but even more frustration, danger, and heartbreak swirling about The Biggest Little Farm.
- 5/24/2019
- by Jim Batts
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
In an era dominated by full-season releases, how is anyone expected to judge a new series by just one episode? Gone are the days when a pilot’s charms or lack thereof dictate the series’ future — today, many audiences wait to sample until there are enough episodes available to fill a Saturday afternoon, or they’re alerted by a trusted source (professional or otherwise) that, “Hey, this show got good!”
The weekly release model persists — on broadcast, cable, and even streaming (shout-out to Hulu) — but even those network executives are waiting to see who tunes in over the first three days, seven days, weeks, and even months of a season before deciding whether or not to renew or cancel.
But with “Bless This Mess,” we’re all in the same boat: Despite the best efforts of everyone at ABC, only the pilot was available for screening prior to the series’ Tuesday night debut.
The weekly release model persists — on broadcast, cable, and even streaming (shout-out to Hulu) — but even those network executives are waiting to see who tunes in over the first three days, seven days, weeks, and even months of a season before deciding whether or not to renew or cancel.
But with “Bless This Mess,” we’re all in the same boat: Despite the best efforts of everyone at ABC, only the pilot was available for screening prior to the series’ Tuesday night debut.
- 4/17/2019
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
ABC’s new city-slickers-move-to-farm comedy Bless This Mess is set in Nebraska because the tourism board gave them enough money to pay “for the whole first season,” star Dax Shepard joked at TCA.
When a TV critic from Omaha informed them the tourism board’s catchphrase is “It’s Not For Everyone,” a charmed Ep Elizabeth Meriwether announced she had dibs on that for the show.
Single-camera comedy Bless This Mess stars Lake Bell and Shepard as a newlywed couple whose plan to ditch big city living for a simpler life in Nebraska doesn’t go as expected. The cast also includes Ed Begley Jr., Pam Grier, Jt Neal and Christina Offley.
In the pilot, Bell does a scene with a docile cow with big melting eyes. Critics wondered about that process. “They’re notoriously bad actors,” Bell joked. But Shepard jumped in to reveal the truth: Bell could “hardly hear her own dialogue,...
When a TV critic from Omaha informed them the tourism board’s catchphrase is “It’s Not For Everyone,” a charmed Ep Elizabeth Meriwether announced she had dibs on that for the show.
Single-camera comedy Bless This Mess stars Lake Bell and Shepard as a newlywed couple whose plan to ditch big city living for a simpler life in Nebraska doesn’t go as expected. The cast also includes Ed Begley Jr., Pam Grier, Jt Neal and Christina Offley.
In the pilot, Bell does a scene with a docile cow with big melting eyes. Critics wondered about that process. “They’re notoriously bad actors,” Bell joked. But Shepard jumped in to reveal the truth: Bell could “hardly hear her own dialogue,...
- 2/5/2019
- by Lisa de Moraes
- Deadline Film + TV
“Fox & Friends” co-host Brian Kilmeade was not having any of Sarah Sanders’ defense of President Trump’s plan to withdraw U.S. soldiers from Syria, telling the White House press secretary that Trump’s actions were tantamount to “refounding Isis.”
“Sarah, he’s giving Russia a big win, Vladimir Putin praised him. He’s also doing exactly what he criticized President Obama for doing. He said President Obama was the founder of Isis. He just refounded Isis,” Kilmeade said. “They got 30,000 men there and they’re already striking back with our would-be evacuation. The president, he’s really on the griddle with this.”
Sanders said she “vehemently” disagreed with Kilmeade, but could not herself suppress a chuckle in her own response.
Also Read: Megan Mullally Tweets After Trump Shares Their 'Green Acres' Duet: 'I'll Be in a Hole in the Ground'
“The idea that the president has had...
“Sarah, he’s giving Russia a big win, Vladimir Putin praised him. He’s also doing exactly what he criticized President Obama for doing. He said President Obama was the founder of Isis. He just refounded Isis,” Kilmeade said. “They got 30,000 men there and they’re already striking back with our would-be evacuation. The president, he’s really on the griddle with this.”
Sanders said she “vehemently” disagreed with Kilmeade, but could not herself suppress a chuckle in her own response.
Also Read: Megan Mullally Tweets After Trump Shares Their 'Green Acres' Duet: 'I'll Be in a Hole in the Ground'
“The idea that the president has had...
- 12/21/2018
- by Jon Levine
- The Wrap
When “Will & Grace” returned to big ratings in fall 2017, it proved audiences were still hungry for the hit sitcom. But another one of Megan Mullally’s roles may have withstood the test of time quite as well.
In 2005, Mullally took to the stage for a light-hearted duet with then-“Apprentice” star Donald Trump.
“It wasn’t something I would even normally do, because I think those things are stupid,” Mullally explained in an interview with TheWrap. “It was at the height of the popularity of ‘The Apprentice.’ Everybody was going, ‘You’re fired.’ Everybody was doing that, it was kind of in the mass consciousness.”
Also Read: 'Will & Grace' Bosses on 'Roseanne' Revival Success: 'There's Not One Part of Us That's Jealous'
In character as Karen Walker, Mullally performed with an overall-wearing Trump to sing the theme song from the 1960s Eva Gabor sitcom “Green Acres.
In 2005, Mullally took to the stage for a light-hearted duet with then-“Apprentice” star Donald Trump.
“It wasn’t something I would even normally do, because I think those things are stupid,” Mullally explained in an interview with TheWrap. “It was at the height of the popularity of ‘The Apprentice.’ Everybody was going, ‘You’re fired.’ Everybody was doing that, it was kind of in the mass consciousness.”
Also Read: 'Will & Grace' Bosses on 'Roseanne' Revival Success: 'There's Not One Part of Us That's Jealous'
In character as Karen Walker, Mullally performed with an overall-wearing Trump to sing the theme song from the 1960s Eva Gabor sitcom “Green Acres.
- 12/20/2018
- by Reid Nakamura
- The Wrap
Updated with Megan Mullally’s response tweet: Remember wayyyyy back before Donald Trump was the President of the United States? He sure does, and his current and former jobs crashed into each other today. As Potus, he tweeted that he’ll be signing a farm bill “in 15 minutes.” So — of course — the TV-obsessed Leader of the Free World included a clip of him and Megan Mullally singing the Green Acres theme during the 2005 Emmy Awards.
Check it out here, but beware of the sound level:
Farm Bill signing in 15 minutes! #Emmys #Tbt pic.twitter.com/KtSS17xvIn
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018
And here is Mullally’s understandable response:
if you guys need me, i’ll be in a hole in the ground
— Megan Mullally (@MeganMullally) December 20, 2018
Say what you will about then-citizen and The Apprentice host Trump’s vocal prowess — he certainly is … uninhibited — but our objection isn’t...
Check it out here, but beware of the sound level:
Farm Bill signing in 15 minutes! #Emmys #Tbt pic.twitter.com/KtSS17xvIn
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 20, 2018
And here is Mullally’s understandable response:
if you guys need me, i’ll be in a hole in the ground
— Megan Mullally (@MeganMullally) December 20, 2018
Say what you will about then-citizen and The Apprentice host Trump’s vocal prowess — he certainly is … uninhibited — but our objection isn’t...
- 12/20/2018
- by Erik Pedersen
- Deadline Film + TV
By Lee Pfeiffer
Those of us who share the rather unusual- and sometimes bizarre-profession of reviewing films for a living all share a nasty little secret: there are countless classic movies that we haven't seen. I'm not alone in making this mea culpa. No less than the late, great Robert Osborne, whose insightful introductions on Turner Classic Movies helped launch that channel's success, once confided in me that even he could list numerous classic movies that he had yet to catch up with. When he confessed this to Lauren Bacall, she told him that she envied him because she wish she could recapture the sheer joy of seeing a great film for the first time. I've never seen the 1942 musical "Holiday Inn". I can't say why but perhaps it's because that as a boy growing up in the Sixties, such productions seemed quaint and unappealing when I had a celluloid tidal wave of WWII flicks,...
Those of us who share the rather unusual- and sometimes bizarre-profession of reviewing films for a living all share a nasty little secret: there are countless classic movies that we haven't seen. I'm not alone in making this mea culpa. No less than the late, great Robert Osborne, whose insightful introductions on Turner Classic Movies helped launch that channel's success, once confided in me that even he could list numerous classic movies that he had yet to catch up with. When he confessed this to Lauren Bacall, she told him that she envied him because she wish she could recapture the sheer joy of seeing a great film for the first time. I've never seen the 1942 musical "Holiday Inn". I can't say why but perhaps it's because that as a boy growing up in the Sixties, such productions seemed quaint and unappealing when I had a celluloid tidal wave of WWII flicks,...
- 12/2/2018
- by nospam@example.com (Cinema Retro)
- Cinemaretro.com
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