Part 1 Originally Aired September 13, 1977 on ABC (60-minute episode)Part 2 Originally Aired September 20, 1977 on ABC “I have cooked veggies for a Hollywood star!” That’s Mrs. C’s reaction when Chachi tells everyone that The Fonz was discovered at Arnold’s by a Hollywood talent scout. Before long Potsie and Ralph Malph are planning … Continue reading Happy Days Epics: “Hollywood” Parts 1 & 2
“The Graduation Part One” original air date February 8, 1977 “God doesn’t want me to go to the prom!” bemoans Ralph Malph. Poor Ralphie has left his vehicle in Fonzie’s locked garage, and inside the glove box is the address to the location of the bar mitzvah at which the boys’ band is performing. No … Continue reading Happy Days Epics: “The Graduation” Parts 1 & 2
To start its 4th season–the 2nd season as a (usually) multicamera sitcom– “Happy Days” presented an epic 2-part saga involving a possibly long-term romantic interest for The Fonz, almost certain promotion to Grand Poobah of the Leopard Lodge for Mr. C, and that great American tradition: The demolition derby. (Rerun watchers would consider “Fonzie Loves … Continue reading Happy Days Epics: “Fonzie Loves Pinky” Parts 1 & 2
I love “Happy Days.” It is an incredibly uneven sitcom that I enjoy because of, and in spite of, the wildly varying tone from episode to episode. The foundation of the series was the Cunningham family–occasionally frisky parents Howard and Marion, son RIchie, daughter Joanie and sometimes-son Chuck. Richie’s friend Potsie was there from the … Continue reading Happy Days Epics: “Fearless Fonzarelli” Parts 1 & 2
It’s May 22. 29 years ago today NBC aired the final episode of “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson”. Johnny’s “Tonight Show” was one of those rock-of-Gibraltar presences in American life. The radio equivalent would be Paul Harvey…you just couldn’t imagine a day without them. Until it happened. So today, I watched Johnny’s last “Tonight … Continue reading “I Bid You A Very Heartfelt Goodnight”
On the Pluto TV “Johnny Carson Channel” they air a rotation of vintage “Tonight Show” broadcasts. One late evening I was watching an episode from December 14, 1972. Johnny’s final guest was author Terry Galanoy, who–of all things–had just written a book called “Tonight!: An Anecdotal History Of America’s Favorite Talk Show.” And here’s that … Continue reading Book Review: “Tonight!” (Or Whenever You Get Around To Reading It.)
When Bob S. Bestos and I chat on the morning program, I am George Fenneman. Bob is Groucho. For every Groucho there must be a George Fenneman–or a Margaret Dumont. George Fenneman was born in China; his parents were importer-exporters–in fierce competition, one assumes, with Vandelay Industries. The Fenneman family moved to San Francisco 9 … Continue reading FORGOTTEN ICONS OF BROADCASTING: George Fenneman
ILLUSTRATING THE ARTICLE: Screenshots from “Behind The Iron Curtain”, which aired live on CBS February 16,1957. In the early 1950’s Jackie Gleason hosted a variety show on the DuMont network, which ain’t here no more. It was called “Cavalcade Of Stars” and Gleason introduced several popular characters during its run including Ralph and Alice Kramden … Continue reading And Away They Go…To Europe!
I’ve been watching a lot of “The Muppet Show” lately. I just finished season 2, which means 48 episodes down and 60-some to go. I have watched the series completely in order thus far with two exceptions: I watched the Spike Milligan episode to see why Disney gave it one of its disclaimers, and I … Continue reading The Sophie’s Choice of TV Theme Song Battles
This started with a brief Facebook post of mine last evening, to wit: I’ve always been a sucker for old TV shows. Lucy, “Honeymooners”, Dick Van Dyke, all the classics. But you learn quickly that “old” does not necessarily mean “good.” The “Classic TV” channel on Pluto TV is airing “Dennis The Menace”, the live … Continue reading Old TV Shows Wenty Hates
