10 David Stanley from Farmington, New Mexico, USA: The Beverly Hillbillies' best episodes (in my humble opinion) were the ealier B&W ones, as the plots and story lines were fresh and unique. As the series progressed into Color, some of the older plots were re-hashed into new episodes, so the show became a little boring and stale in the later years. The premise of a poor appalachian family striking it rich and moving into the upper crust of society can only be carried so far. Eventually, the show coasted on its ratings as the writers hit bottom.
As a kid, I tended to look upon the Beverly Hillbillies as mindless entertainment and pointless humor with no clear direction. As an adult watching reruns, I was hoping to detect some subtle wit or Mark Twainish humor - but failed to see any. Instead, it still seems to be pointless humor and mindless entertainment.
In many of the older sitcoms, as with the Beverly Hillbillies, I tend to view them with a certain fascination as they are windows into an earlier time era - some of which I can remember, some before my time (I was born in 1966).
Some of the episodes of the Beverly Hillbillies do make social commentaries, although subtly, not with an in-your-face style as is so common today. One B&W episode dealt with a beatnik (an early hippy), and many later episodes dealt with hippies and the 60s artsy counter-culture.
The opening theme song is almost universally known and can be sung from memory by virtually anyone!
9 Stephen Blair from Northern Ireland: I watched Beverly Hillbillies
when i was young now i am glued to television again as i am not well, this has really brightened up my days and helping my recovery.
8 Danny from Manchester: In Jed Gets The Misery there was a very touching scene where Elly May goes to comfort her Pa in his supposed sick bed and embraces him and saying, "I am scared fer yer Pa." I found that to be a very touching scene mixed with the right amount of pathos and comedy and a true testement to the acting brilliance and direction of all concerned.
I think that when the Clampetts come waving us goodbye with the invitation for us all to come back next week for another heaping helping of hospitality is pure genius on the writers part. I mean how many of us have never waved back or been tempted to do so and afterwards gone back for more of the Clampett vittles?
A timeless piece of t.v. genius which will never be bettered or ever come again-cept for re-runs and a duff Hollywood film.
Danny
7 Danny from Manchester: Hi Alan Hare,
I have just this minute finished watching the episode you inquire of and I believe it to be the second episode of a two parter called The Clampetts Go Hollywood, the first being The Clampetts Are Overdrawn. Even after all these years I still sing Jeds daft little song of "Yeah baby,no baby." Like you I think it hilarious-I guess some boys never grow up.
Happy trails,
Danny
6 colin from Merseyside: The date of 1967 given for the series end is wrong. It was actually 1971. Bea Benaderet was most noted for being the voice of Betty Rubble in the Flintstones, and died in the late 60's (I think it was cancer).
5 Colin from Merseyside: Can anyone tell me the answer to the following. The show was originally filmed in B/w until 1965. However, the credits of the show from day one are the same clips used in the colour credits, with the exception of where we see the wagon driving down Hollywood boulevard (filmed from the front). Why is this? Also another website where you can actually watch the episodes online featured colour screenshots ov every b/w episode, though the videos were in b/w. Were the credits filmed in colour in anticipation of the show going into colour? If so, why did it take almost 4 seasons to go into colour, as a show that popular would have gone colour sooner, or am I wrong?
4 Matthew from Louisiana: I loved his old rifle so much that I built a Tennessee from parts.
3 Alan Hare from Irving, Texas: I alswys like the episode where I beleive Jed (Buddy Ebson) ends up playing an electric double-neck guitar.... Take that Jimmy Page !!
BTW, if anyone knows the name of this episode, please respond. Thanks !!
2 Les Upp from Brighton: Have you seen that one where Jethro proposes? Its my favourite! I've just realised its on on Thursday - ace!
1 Paul Jackson from Manchester: The Hillbillies is one of the classic American sitcoms of the 60s. Clever situations, top performances, some slapstick and even a bit of social comment adds up to an entertaining half hour. It shouldn't be missed.