AMAZINGLY after about a half century, late night television reruns have proved to be a real boon to our knowledge of Movies & TV. Shocking as it may seem, we now really appreciate some of those old shows that are now put into the pioneer category. By way of example, one such program is the Stuart & June Erwin early 1950's sitcom, THE TROUBLE WITH FATHER/aka THE STU ERWIN SHOW.
SURPRISING to this writer is the fine quality and longevity of THE ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1952-66). The series seems to have maintained a high level of quality throughout its run; perhaps by being adaptable and staying current. As the years rolled along and the sons, David and Ricky grew from boys, to adolescents and then to young men; commanding grown up situations.
TODAY'S subject is this 1958 episode, guest starring veteran actor of stage, film, Radio and Television, John Archer. As was the custom with the show's Producer (Ozzie Nelson) to have the Director (Mr. O. Nelson) make every member of the regular cast prepare for episodes that would alternately put each in the spotlight on a rotational basis.
IN this particular episode it was the folks turn, so the writing team (including Ozzie Nelson) came up for a gem of a story for the principal players, Harriet Nelson, Ozzie Nelson and special guest, Mr. John Archer.
THE whole story revolves around the Nelsons and the Darby family (Parley Baer & Sally Hughes as Mr. and Mrs. Respectively) attempting to play matchmaker for mutual friend, guest star, Mr. Archer.
OPENING slowly and quietly enough, with a brief bit of expositional speech by John Archer (playing a guy named "John Archer") and then it begins to stack complications upon it in an ascending rate; until it is masterfully brought back to a quiet scene, much like the beginning.
ODDLY enough, the object of doing the matchmaking job apparently succeeded; albeit not in the manner to which it had originally been planned.
WE could well wrap up the half hour's proceedings with some old Proverb; but there seem to be two that fit the situation, such as:
"All's well that ends well!" and "The best laid plans of Mice and Men often go asunder!" Schultz says to give it a rating of ** ½ . We heartily concur.
SURPRISING to this writer is the fine quality and longevity of THE ADVENTURES OF OZZIE AND HARRIET (1952-66). The series seems to have maintained a high level of quality throughout its run; perhaps by being adaptable and staying current. As the years rolled along and the sons, David and Ricky grew from boys, to adolescents and then to young men; commanding grown up situations.
TODAY'S subject is this 1958 episode, guest starring veteran actor of stage, film, Radio and Television, John Archer. As was the custom with the show's Producer (Ozzie Nelson) to have the Director (Mr. O. Nelson) make every member of the regular cast prepare for episodes that would alternately put each in the spotlight on a rotational basis.
IN this particular episode it was the folks turn, so the writing team (including Ozzie Nelson) came up for a gem of a story for the principal players, Harriet Nelson, Ozzie Nelson and special guest, Mr. John Archer.
THE whole story revolves around the Nelsons and the Darby family (Parley Baer & Sally Hughes as Mr. and Mrs. Respectively) attempting to play matchmaker for mutual friend, guest star, Mr. Archer.
OPENING slowly and quietly enough, with a brief bit of expositional speech by John Archer (playing a guy named "John Archer") and then it begins to stack complications upon it in an ascending rate; until it is masterfully brought back to a quiet scene, much like the beginning.
ODDLY enough, the object of doing the matchmaking job apparently succeeded; albeit not in the manner to which it had originally been planned.
WE could well wrap up the half hour's proceedings with some old Proverb; but there seem to be two that fit the situation, such as:
"All's well that ends well!" and "The best laid plans of Mice and Men often go asunder!" Schultz says to give it a rating of ** ½ . We heartily concur.
