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My Three Sons (1960)
One of Television's Greatest Hits
"My Three Sons" remains one of the most popular television series ever. Of course it has its detractors as any show does, but its historical value lies in its simplicity and naivete. A hybrid of the era the would be labeled the 'dom-com' or domestic situation comedy, "My Three Sons" is notable for its star-friendly shooting schedule, and the composition of the nuclear family, with a motherless family being brought up by the widowed father and housekeeper grandfather, something that was relatively new to television in 1960. In its early years the cast changes were minimal but as the show progressed and additional characters were added, most viewers had no problem keeping up with the Douglases. In reruns the show has found a whole new generation of audience, even if they seem more sophisticated now than what we were at a younger age. The fact remains that the series is still popular and with a huge catalogue of episodes in it's inventory, the reruns will probably continue for ever as long as television stations need programming.
By today's standards it appears wholesome, tame and perhaps slightly dated, but it's a slice of life that all of us can appreciate and learn from. "My Three Sons" is more than just another run of the mill television show from the 1960s - it is an enduring piece of sitcom entertainment that still entertains today some forty plus years after its premiere. The comfortably numb nostalgia that the show evokes is only part of the viewing pleasure. There really is great work here so take a step back in time to the good old days when there were no tv dinners... and watch a much loved part of television history.
American Masters: Lucille Ball: Finding Lucy (2000)
The Greatest Star of All-Time
Most "Lucy" fans worth their salt, know the story of Lucille Ball. While this special delves into her beginnings and her early career as "Queen Of The 'B' movies", much attention is given to the character that made her world famous, Lucy Ricardo, in Television's classic Television series "I Love Lucy". The struggles to maintain the quality in the writing and performances are examined, along with the creative talent behind the cameras. Her long tempestuous (and finally divorced) relationship with Cuban bandleader Desi Arnaz is discussed with friends, family and business associates. Lucille Ball the actress and "Lucy" the character collided in the psyche of the American public. She is forever linked to that wonderful, wacky character. A wealth of clips from her various "Lucy" incarnations are showcased, with anecdotes by former guest stars like Edie Adams and Carol Burnett, who virtually has the final tear-jerking moment in this presentation in recalling her friendship with Lucy. Lucille Ball was a phenomenon. A timeless performer who is still sadly missed. We shall never see her like again. The end quote of the production is worth repeating here: "I Love Lucy" will last forever, we won't but it will. While God and the Angels watch six hour documentaries, in the back family room they watch "I Love Lucy". There is laughter in heaven... because Lucille Ball is there. (And we have her here in our hearts and memories and on the television screens of the world. And thanks to a little thing called the re-run, she always will be.)