Did this show have an opening other than the tapping shoes and the hands cartoon? I never saw year 12 so I don't know if some change occurs. Also, in which season did the opening begin to credit Tina Cole? Form my memories of syndicated reruns it seemed like it wasn't until year 10. When did Ronne Troup and Dawn Lyn get billed in the opening?

During seasons 2 and 3 (I think) the closing credits featured pictures of cars and trucks because the show was sponsored by Chevrolet.

Tina Cole was not credited on the opening credits until Season 10 (along with Beverly Garland). Ronne Troup and Dawn Lyn were featured on the opening credits in Season 12 (although some syndication prints still use a generic opening theme that doesn't show their names). The opening credits were always of the tapping feet throughout the run of the series. All stars of the show were credited on the end credits as well except in the last season, where only the Guest stars were shown due to a very sped up arrangement of the closing theme music. In the opening credits of Season 12 that features Polly and Dodie's name the animated hands come together after Uncle Charley and then show Chip and Ernie, removing Robbie's credit as obviously he had left the show by that time and was not seen at all during the last season.

Geoff , Do you see the show in Austrailia? It is amazing how many american shows are seen overseas.

If you think about it, poor Tim Considine (Mike) was the only main character not to be featured in the opening credits.

Yes we do see the show. Whilst not seen in color on free to air TV since 1999, the series has since then played on cable television until very recently. First shown in heavy rotation in the wee hours of the morning and then later on weekend afternoons, the original black and white episodes have been the rarest, some having not been rerun since the late 70s or early 80s.

Many American shows are the staple of Australian televison viewing. The major capital cities all boast 5 free to air stations (or networks). Pay Television (on Cable) started in 1995 and gives viewers a wider range of programming from around the world. US programs consisiting of old classics to current favourites and the contemporary hits, make up a great deal of our TV fare. If you visited Australia, it would not be that much different to what you get. Just the timing. Current shows do not usually air until the following season and are often only a few months behind the US. Whereas the start of your season is usually September, here it is usually February (in the middle of summer).