Anyone else seen this short-lived variety show? I saw pieces of it today and no the actors and actresses didn't have singing or dancing talent but the fact that they didn't have a problem making a fool of theirself on stage is what made the show funny to me-LOL Theu had no idea how stupid they all looked on stage and i think if I was old enough in 1977, i would have tuned in every week to watch the Bradys make a ass of theirself.


KInd of like what people do when they watch WILLIAM HUNG, the reject from American Idol.

I have an episode I taped off VH1 in 1991 when they had "Sensational '70s Week" and you're right, they couldn't sing that well. Florence Henderson probably had the best voice out of the group. The episode I have is the only one I've seen. It has Donny & Marie Osmond as guest stars. At one point in the show, the Bradys do a terrible rendition of "Dance with Me" by Orleans. Not even Donny & Marie could save this show.

In a word, painful.

;)

The show was extremely stupid which is why i found it funny. It's not as painful as these shows

Angie
Flo
Phyllis

I did see two episodes on DVD. :eek: :rofl: The best part was the bonus feature - an interview with Susan Olsen and Mike Lookinland. Their insights were so funny, it made the DVD experience worthwhile!!!! :brent

Yeah, I remember this! Can't say I'd want to see it again though! Once was more than enough!

Andrea

As a person who hated the Brady Bunch this show sucked but it was funny to see them make fools of themselves.

Heck, as bad as it was, I still want the other 8 episodes on DVD!

:lol:

Yeah, I remember this! Can't say I'd want to see it again though! Once was more than enough!

Andrea
I'd still rather watch the Brady Variety show again than sit through Pink Lady & Jeff again. :eek: :rofl: THAT was painful.

As a person who hated the Brady Bunch this show sucked but it was funny to see them make fools of themselves.


Actually, I sing along to those songs. I really dig it. My fave is "Babyface". :lol: They knew that they were looking crazy too. Trust me, they knew. They were real people.

I had the ep when Redd Foxx made an appearance but ended up getting rid of it

I forget which Brady said it, but they were praying that this thing would never catch on and become the next Sonny & Cher, much less the next Donny & Marie :lol:

I forget which Brady said it, but they were praying that this thing would never catch on and become the next Sonny & Cher, much less the next Donny & Marie :lol:
:rofl:

At least they were good sports about it.

We all know Robert Reed LOVED doing it! He knew he couldn't sing or dance, but he had a blast.....go figure :)

The best singer of the kids was Jan....and she was a fake.

The best singer of the kids was Jan....and she was a fake.


The Father was the Highlight of the Variety Hour

The Father was the Highlight of the Variety Hour

Yeah, when it was on you were a year old so you really have a valid opinion.

Yeah, when it was on you were a year old so you really have a valid opinion.

Just curious, is there a reason why you're such a jackass?

I would really like to know.

Yeah, when it was on you were a year old so you really have a valid opinion.


Because I watched the show in my 30's A$$clown

That's a neat trick since except for a couple of episodes the show hasn't aired anywhere since 1977. Oh, I forgot, you live on Pluto and they're first getting the telecast now.

The show aired on TV Land a few times and also was released on video in the early 90's, albeit just a few episodes. Those are now out of print.

Aj

The best singer of the kids was Jan....and she was a fake.


AGREED! :lol: I'm with you on that!

AGREED! :lol: I'm with you on that!
So, have you read Love To Love You Bradys yet?

So, have you read Love To Love You Bradys yet?
No. Which ones do you recommend. I have yet to read that one. Give me your suggestions. :cool:

No. Which ones do you recommend. I have yet to read that one. Give me your suggestions. :cool:
I like that one, and have you read Maureen McCormick's autobiography, Here's The Story? That's a very good read.

I like that one, and have you read Maureen McCormick's autobiography, Here's The Story? That's a very good read.
That makes thress books. I will check those out. I will read Mack's first then Mo's.

We all know Robert Reed LOVED doing it! He knew he couldn't sing or dance, but he had a blast.....go figure :)
I heard that Robert Reed preferred the Brady Bunch variety hour to the original Brady Bunch:crazy:
Can anybody verify this?

The best singer of the kids was Jan....and she was a fake.
I agree 100%
Geri Reischl aka FAKE Jan was the only member of the cast that could sing

I heard that Robert Reed preferred the Brady Bunch variety hour to the original Brady Bunch:crazy:
Can anybody verify this?
That is indeed true - three of the Brady kids confirmed it in their respective books - Maureen McCormick, Barry Williams and Susan Olsen!

I heard that Robert Reed preferred the Brady Bunch variety hour to the original Brady Bunch:crazy:
Can anybody verify this?
According to Susan Olsen in the book "Love to Love You Brady's" Bob Reed had a ball making the Variety Hour. However on the original sitcom Bob was usually grumpy since he was often butting heads with producer Sherwood Schwartz.

According to Susan Olsen in the book "Love to Love You Brady's" Bob Reed had a ball making the Variety Hour. However on the original sitcom Bob was usually grumpy since he was often butting heads with producer Sherwood Schwartz.
Yeah, it seems like Flo and Bob were the only Bradys who really enjoyed the entire experience, while Ann B. Davis and most of the kids (with the exception of Geri Reischl) name is as their least favorite Brady show.

When I was a kid I liked it...but it is kind of cheesy!

[quote=torcan]When I was a kid I liked it...but it is kind of cheesy![/quote
Kind of? This show was dripping with cheese! But in my opinion that's part of it's charm!

When I was a kid I liked it...but it is kind of cheesy!
That's what makes it so much fun!! :lol:

That's what makes it so much fun!! :lol:

The 70's were notorious for these kind of really bizarre programming moves that in retrospect might seem horrible but when you were "there" didn't seem that strange. (for more on this check out my avatar! :lol:)

And now, yeah, they have a real comfort appeal because of their relative innocence and as Marv said, charm.

The 70's were notorious for these kind of really bizarre programming moves that in retrospect might seem horrible but when you were "there" didn't seem that strange. (for more on this check out my avatar! :lol:)

And now, yeah, they have a real comfort appeal because of their relative innocence and as Marv said, charm.
Speaking of your avatar, just to see Paul Lynde performing with KISS is worth the effort. Didn't Paul Lynde also appear on Donny & Marie?

Speaking of your avatar, just to see Paul Lynde performing with KISS is worth the effort. Didn't Paul Lynde also appear on Donny & Marie?

I believe he did, yes.

Lynde was a huge favorite of mine when I was young. Loved his biting wit and sense of timing. I was actually a fan of the very short lived "Paul Lynde Show", which was kind of an AITF clone but was peppered with Lynde's special brand of snarkiness.

Speaking of your avatar, just to see Paul Lynde performing with KISS is worth the effort. Didn't Paul Lynde also appear on Donny & Marie?
He appeared on Donny and Marie twice:
Season 2 Episode 15 (aired January 21, 1977)
Season 3 Episode 8 (aired November 18, 1977)

I believe he did, yes.

Lynde was a huge favorite of mine when I was young. Loved his biting wit and sense of timing. I was actually a fan of the very short lived "Paul Lynde Show", which was kind of an AITF clone but was peppered with Lynde's special brand of snarkiness.
No one could do snarky like Paul Lynde. I can't even imagine anyone else playing Uncle Arthur (Bewitched). :cool: :D

He appeared on Donny and Marie twice:
Season 2 Episode 15 (aired January 21, 1977)
Season 3 Episode 8 (aired November 18, 1977)
Thanks, Marv!!

No one could do snarky like Paul Lynde. I can't even imagine anyone else playing Uncle Arthur (Bewitched). :cool: :D

He was incredible on Hollywood Squares, too. Risque without ever going over the tasteless line, just like Carson used to be. It's sad to think how unhappy he seems to have been in his personal life; it certainly never came through onscreen.

He was incredible on Hollywood Squares, too. Risque without ever going over the tasteless line, just like Carson used to be. It's sad to think how unhappy he seems to have been in his personal life; it certainly never came through onscreen.
I agree. He always seemed to be as happy-go-lucky as Uncle Arthur. :(

I agree. He always seemed to be as happy-go-lucky as Uncle Arthur. :(
He sure did. Did you ever see his performance as Mr. McAfee in "Bye Bye Birdie"? That's my favorite Paul Lynde performance.

He sure did. Did you ever see his performance as Mr. McAfee in "Bye Bye Birdie"? That's my favorite Paul Lynde performance.
Yes, I did. I also enjoyed him as the voice of Templeton the rat in Charlotte's Web, which ironically reunited him with Agnes Moorehead (the voice of the Goose).

Yes, I did. I also enjoyed him as the voice of Templeton the rat in Charlotte's Web, which ironically reunited him with Agnes Moorehead (the voice of the Goose).


Ehh, I almost forgot he was Templeton! That was inspired casting, for sure. I saw that movie in the local theater when I was about nine years old. :)

Ehh, I almost forgot he was Templeton! That was inspired casting, for sure. I saw that movie in the local theater when I was about nine years old. :)
That was Aggie's final role, if I'm not mistaken.

That was Aggie's final role, if I'm not mistaken.

Couldn't find a picture of the goose, but I did find good old Templeton. :)

http://www.paullynde.info/PhotoGalleries/clips/001100_000010_CharlottesWebFair.jpg

153085

153086

153085

153086

Cool pics. For some reason I remember the goose wearing a hat, but then again, that might just be age (on my part, lol).

They just don't make shows/movies like this anymore!! :(

They just don't make shows/movies like this anymore!! :(
Sadly they don't. And today's generation of children is the poorer for it.

Sadly they don't. And today's generation of children is the poorer for it.
I agree. Thankfully, I am making sure my nephews watch the classics. My older nephew loves The Muppet Show!!! :cool:

...Fred Silverman who came up with the idea of a "hybrid"- reviving "THE BRADY BUNCH" by way of trying to generate another successful variety show along the lines of "DONNY & MARIE" (from the same producers, the brothers Krofft). Sherwood Schwartz, however, wanted nothing to do with the show, claiming that "Mike Brady" becoming a variety show performer simply wasn't believable. And yes, during the original series, Robert Reed literally used to send dozens of production notes to Schwartz about what "Mike" should and shouldn't do, causing plenty of friction between them. It got so that, by the end of "THE BRADYS" in 1990, Schwartz claimed that had CBS renewed that series, "Mike Brady" would have perished in a helicopter crash in the first episode of the second season, that's how fed up he was with Reed.

And, of course, with Sherwood Schwartz not being around during the variety show, Reed had the time of his life being a "song and dance man". He was the most enthusiastic of the entire cast about the show....but not enough viewers were, to justify another season.

:tv:

:tv:

Reed was the only thing keeping The Brady Bunch from being totally moronic. As insipid as the show was, it would have been far worse had he not been around to battle Sherwood Schwartz and his dopey son. Just to show how stupid the show could have been, take a look at the virtually unwatchable Brady Brides series. That was the result of no Reed and the Schwartz's going unchecked.

Reed was the only thing keeping The Brady Bunch from being totally moronic. As insipid as the show was, it would have been far worse had he not been around to battle Sherwood Schwartz and his dopey son. Just to show how stupid the show could have been, take a look at the virtually unwatchable Brady Brides series. That was the result of no Reed and the Schwartz's going unchecked.
:yeahthat It's to Robert Reed's credit that he was able to inject as much reality as he could into the show. While he was primarily a dramatic actor, I think he had that deadpan quality that worked very well for him in the sitcom.

^It's ironic that Robert Reed had several problems with scripts from the sitcom and yet enjoyed doing this show.

I remember when this first aired back in '77. I enjoyed the variety shows of the day (Sonny and Cher, Donny and Marie, The Carol Burnett Show, ect.) and this combined the best of both worlds for me at the time, having also watched the Brady Bunch in reruns. :)

Does anyone have any examples of issues that Reed clashed with Schwartz about? Did Schwartz want Mike Brady to be more "funny", for instance? I've always read that the two didn't get along generally but never heard many specifics.

I think its interesting that this short-lived series was "spoofed" on episodes of both The Simpsons and That 70's Show! It definately has a cult following. They should release the entire series on dvd, especially since Susan Olsen put out a book about it!

Does anyone have any examples of issues that Reed clashed with Schwartz about? Did Schwartz want Mike Brady to be more "funny", for instance? I've always read that the two didn't get along generally but never heard many specifics.
You can read a lot of the specifics behind the Reed/Schwartz feud in Barry Williams' book, Growing Up Brady.

As far as not enough viewers, that isn't true. This show did get good ratings....the problem was ABC didn't know where to really put it and bounced it around hoping it would solve the problem of having "too many hit shows". Only the last broadcast did poorly--it aired opposite the Academy Awards! ABC used that telecast to justify not ordering another season, but as Susan Olsen said in the Brady Hour book--everyone was grateful it wasn't renewed!

As far as not enough viewers, that isn't true. This show did get good ratings....the problem was ABC didn't know where to really put it and bounced it around hoping it would solve the problem of having "too many hit shows". Only the last broadcast did poorly--it aired opposite the Academy Awards! ABC used that telecast to justify not ordering another season, but as Susan Olsen said in the Brady Hour book--everyone was grateful it wasn't renewed!
I think people like Bob Reed and Geri Reischl were amongst the disappointed, but everyone else was ecstatic!! They even had a gigantic wrap party as some fancy Italian restaurant, where many proceeded to get hammered. :lol:

I know Chris Knight was one of the celebrants! :lol:

I know Chris Knight was one of the celebrants! :lol:
I think the only one happier than Chris was Maureen!! :lol:

Perhaps........Eve?? :lol:

Perhaps........Eve?? :lol:
Who knows? :lol:

The one thing that stands out in my mind about the show was how Susan Olson had become, how shall we say it, quite well-endowed. As in, damn, she's by far the sexiest of the 3 daughters now. Not sure how old she was at the time, 16 maybe, but she had really gotten pretty and had filled out quite nicely.

The one thing that stands out in my mind about the show was how Susan Olson had become, how shall we say it, quite well-endowed. As in, damn, she's by far the sexiest of the 3 daughters now. Not sure how old she was at the time, 16 maybe, but she had really gotten pretty and had filled out quite nicely.
Yeah, Susan was 15 at the time. But according to the book she co-authored, Love to Love You Bradys, Fred Silverman and other honchos of ABC at the time pressured Susan to lose weight. :mad: But you're right - Susan grew up to be a very attractive lady. More than that, she has a wicked, hilarious sense of humor. Mark, if you haven't read the book yet, I highly recommend it. Susan is very frank yet very funny in her writing style. :cool: :D

Here is a great interview with Susan: http://www.retroality.tv/retropia.html

Not to mention, she is actually a friend of mine (Monika too)--she isn't just some celebrity who sets up a page and then never responds to you. She has commented on things in my life and has e-mailed a couple of times. She rocks! :rock:

She has always seemed very down to earth to me, perhaps the least affected (along with Lookinland) by the success and pitfalls of being a "Brady".

And yeah, she's cute, too. :)

Not to mention, she is actually a friend of mine (Monika too)--she isn't just some celebrity who sets up a page and then never responds to you. She has commented on things in my life and has e-mailed a couple of times. She rocks! :rock:
That she is - plus Geri Reischl!! They are both AWESOME gals. :cool: :D

That's funny about the weight thing although typical of the TV world. Personally, my thing is slightly chunky blondes so she was exactly my type of looks. She looked great and her weight was in the right places!

As to her being down to earth, let's face it, other than The Bradys series, she really hasn't been an actress since she was a kid. I realize that the show has its cult following but she's not really in the public eye anymore. I think that contributes to someone having more sense of normalcy.

That's funny about the weight thing although typical of the TV world. Personally, my thing is slightly chunky blondes so she was exactly my type of looks. She looked great and her weight was in the right places!

As to her being down to earth, let's face it, other than The Bradys series, she really hasn't been an actress since she was a kid. I realize that the show has its cult following but she's not really in the public eye anymore. I think that contributes to someone having more sense of normalcy.
Yes, mainly she stays out of the limelight (except for public appearances, autograph shows, etc.) and is a single mom raising her teenage son. Plus, of course, she just co-wrote the Variety Hour book.

I actually remember watching the Variety show when it first aired. At the time, I was pretty much starved to see the cast members in something new, having seen every Brady Bunch episode at least once by then. It was exciting to me, like the Gilligan's Island reunion movies. These actors and their characters were already achieving iconic status -- at least to me they were!

To this day I try to see all of their work -- like Robert Reed on Father Knows Best or Russell Johnson on Lassie, two of the harder-to-find appearances I've watched.

This should be on dvd.

I actually remember watching the Variety show when it first aired. At the time, I was pretty much starved to see the cast members in something new, having seen every Brady Bunch episode at least once by then. It was exciting to me, like the Gilligan's Island reunion movies. These actors and their characters were already achieving iconic status -- at least to me they were!

To this day I try to see all of their work -- like Robert Reed on Father Knows Best or Russell Johnson on Lassie, two of the harder-to-find appearances I've watched.
Robert Reed appeared on Father Knows Best? Wow, I never knew that. :cool:

Been a long time since I saw RR's ep of FKB (1959). As I recall, the episode had to do with a radio or radio shop -- something to look forward to if Season 6 ever makes it to DVD releases (hopefully in my lifetime yet...!).

Love those Brady actor appearances. Maureen McCormick did a memorable ep of My Three Sons as one of Ernie's classmates; her character was central to the episode (and a good example of her work post-Bewitched and pre-Brady). I also watch for siblings of the Brady kids, like Eve Plumb's sister who did an episode of Dusty's Trail. Lovely woman!

Been a long time since I saw RR's ep of FKB (1959). As I recall, the episode had to do with a radio or radio shop -- something to look forward to if Season 6 ever makes it to DVD releases (hopefully in my lifetime yet...!).

Love those Brady actor appearances. Maureen McCormick did a memorable ep of My Three Sons as one of Ernie's classmates; her character was central to the episode (and a good example of her work post-Bewitched and pre-Brady). I also watch for siblings of the Brady kids, like Eve Plumb's sister who did an episode of Dusty's Trail. Lovely woman!
Did you ever see Eve Plumb in the 80s TV flick The Night the Bridge Fell Down? It reunited her with Desi Arnaz, Jr. who played the bad guy. :lol:

Uhmmmmmm, Eve didn't have a scene with Desi Jr.........Susan and Maureen, even Florence.......but not Eve :D

Yes, mainly she stays out of the limelight (except for public appearances, autograph shows, etc.) and is a single mom raising her teenage son. Plus, of course, she just co-wrote the Variety Hour book.


I just picked up the book. Tons of great pictures in there and I have to say that this must be the most obscure series to ever have a book written about it. What a train wreck. But Monica, maybe you can explain it to me but I just don't get the fascination with the Bradys. Yes, Maureen was gorgeous and the other 2 grew up to be pretty as well. But it wasn't a highly rated show and frankly it wasn't a very good show either. Petticoat Junction, which ran for 7 years had 3 beautiful girls in it as well and that isn't a cult show. Was it the sheer number of kids in the family (6) that made it popular? Just the Ten of Us and Eight is Enough has a lot of kids and those aren't cult shows. Maybe you can explain it to me as it's something I've never understood.

I just picked up the book. Tons of great pictures in their and I have to say that this must be the most obscure series to ever have a book written about it. What a train wreck. But Monica, maybe you can explain it to me but I just don't get the fascination with the Bradys. Yes, Maureen was gorgeous and the other 2 grew up to be pretty as well. But it wasn't a highly rated show and frankly it wasn't a very good show either. Petticoat Junction, which ran for 7 years had 3 beautiful girls in it as well and that isn't a cult show. Was it the sheer number of kids in the family (6) that made it popular? Just the Ten of Us and Eight is Enough has a lot of kids and those aren't cult shows. Maybe you can explain it to me as it's something I've never understood.
I don't really know!! :lol: The Brady phenomenon is something I've never really understood either, but I've always loved it. My former boss used to host a pop culture radio show on the side, and he once loaned me the DVD he had of the show (which had 2 episodes and an interview with Susan Olsen and Mike Lookinland). I loved the other 3 shows you mentioned and I have no idea why they aren't as popular and not out on DVD (or at least syndication).

The book itself is a lot of fun. What detail went into it!! My personal favorite chapter is the one about the Kroftettes. Boy, were they brave! Having both a phobia of heights AND deep water, there's no way I could've done what they did - and kept smiling!!

Who would've guessed that a Brady show looking like this wouldn't have lasted? :lol:

Here's what Geri Reischl (Fake Jan) looks like these days - she turns 50 on New Year's Eve and still looks great!! :cool:

Yikes, that makes me feel so old. Fake Jan certainly looks a lot better than real Jan does these days.

Speaking of the Bradys, I went to see Maureen when she was on Broadway doing Grease in the mid-90s. Still pretty, still had great hair. I think I got an autographed photo of her that's lying around her somewhere. Hey, do you remember their appearances on the show Star Games? Mid-80s series that was kind of like a weekly version of Battle of the Network Stars. I have a few of them with the Bradys on it.

Yikes, that makes me feel so old. Fake Jan certainly looks a lot better than real Jan does these days.

Speaking of the Bradys, I went to see Maureen when she was on Broadway doing Grease in the mid-90s. Still pretty, still had great hair. I think I got an autographed photo of her that's lying around her somewhere. Hey, do you remember their appearances on the show Star Games? Mid-80s series that was kind of like a weekly version of Battle of the Network Stars. I have a few of them with the Bradys on it.
Yes, Maureen mentions her Grease gig in her autobiography and there are a couple of photos of her in the book in costume as Rizzo. Never saw Star Games but I'll have to check YouTube and see if they exist there. Thanks for the heads up, Mark!!

I remember Star Games and seeing the Bradys on it! :)

Maureen's bio is very heart-wrenching. How she has managed to stay sane in light of what has happened the past several years is utterly amazing.

I remember Star Games and seeing the Bradys on it! :)

Maureen's bio is very heart-wrenching. How she has managed to stay sane in light of what has happened the past several years is utterly amazing.
Exactly. I for one will never look at the braces episode again without thinking about what happened in her real life to make the tears she cried real. :(

Exactly. I for one will never look at the braces episode again without thinking about what happened in her real life to make the tears she cried real. :(

I haven't read her book but I would have a hard time feeling sorry for someone drop dead gorgeous and talented besides. If she made bad choices in her life, that was her doing. There are many people who don't get to be born beautiful and talented and yet they still manage to have an okay life.

I haven't read her book but I would have a hard time feeling sorry for someone drop dead gorgeous and talented besides. If she made bad choices in her life, that was her doing. There are many people who don't get to be born beautiful and talented and yet they still manage to have an okay life.
That's true, and thankfully Maureen was fortunate enough to have a grounded husband, daughter and mother who really helped her over the rough patches. Having struggled with depression and panic disorder almost all my life (I'm 30), I can really relate to some of her problems. Having said that, I never got into drug abuse and have never been nearly as gorgeous as Maureen, so I digress.

I haven't read her book but I would have a hard time feeling sorry for someone drop dead gorgeous and talented besides. If she made bad choices in her life, that was her doing. There are many people who don't get to be born beautiful and talented and yet they still manage to have an okay life.


Everyone is born with assets and liabilities. No asset insulates you from pain, nor should it eliminate you from sympathy from your fellow man.

Some are born with beauty, some with intelligence, some with health, some with a wonderful family, etc, etc. No one comes into this world perfect, and no one ever intends to become drug dependent, depressed, or emotionally unstable.

For the most part, Ms. McCormick seems to have hurt herself, and for that reason alone she is worthy (and deserving) of my sympathy.

I'm glad she didn't ultimately reach the same fate as Anissa Jones, Dana Plato, and Lani O'Grady.

I guess maybe being thought of as perfect brings about it's own set of problems. Luckily I've never had to worry about that myself. :)

I'm glad she didn't ultimately reach the same fate as Anissa Jones, Dana Plato, and Lani O'Grady.
Yes, thankfully she got help before it was too late.

I guess maybe being thought of as perfect brings about it's own set of problems. Luckily I've never had to worry about that myself. :)

Heh, me neither. ;)

Here's an interview with Susan Olsen regarding the show and the book:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=druvC4Bhn3Y

I think this clip says it all!! :rofl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP-UCqavp9s

I think this clip says it all!! :rofl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QP-UCqavp9s
"Not a sequin goes unturned. No rhinestone goes unexamined." A very funny line and also an apt description of the book "Love to Love you Brady's" which I own and have read cover to cover. I highly recommend this book to any Brady fan or any fan of 70's pop culture. (thanks for posting the link to that clip Monika!)

"Not a sequin goes unturned. No rhinestone goes unexamined." A very funny line and also an apt description of the book "Love to Love you Brady's" which I own and have read cover to cover. I highly recommend this book to any Brady fan or any fan of 70's pop culture. (thanks for posting the link to that clip Monika!)
That clip just made me howl. I figured others here would get a kick out of it. :rofl:

I don't understand why this show is considered one of the worst shows of all-time. Yes, it's (intentionally) bad, but it's still lightyears more entertaining than 90% of the crap on TV today. I'll take a bad '70s variety show over a reality show any day. I've got all nine episodes and they're delightfully tacky and fun to watch.

I just don't get the fascination with the Bradys. Yes, Maureen was gorgeous and the other 2 grew up to be pretty as well. But it wasn't a highly rated show and frankly it wasn't a very good show either. Petticoat Junction, which ran for 7 years had 3 beautiful girls in it as well and that isn't a cult show. Was it the sheer number of kids in the family (6) that made it popular? Just the Ten of Us and Eight is Enough has a lot of kids and those aren't cult shows. Maybe you can explain it to me as it's something I've never understood.

First of all, "Just the 10 of Us" absolutely is a cult show. Doesn't have the prestige of The Brady Bunch, but there's a massive group of fans clamoring for a DVD release (though much like "The Brady Bunch Hour," there's little hope since the actors performed so many songs on the show, and the music companies have gotten greedy when it comes to DVD releases). The show had the potential to become a bonafide cult phenomenon like The Bradys, but since there's only 40-some episodes, it was never syndicated (not counting its run on USA), which would've given it more notoriety.

As for the fascination with the Bradys, I'd venture to guess that the show has endured because the content is still relevant. Sure, the show's corny and wholesome and styles have drastically changed, but episodes mostly revolve around problems kids have which are unwavering. That's kept the show running for decades, exposing several generations to the bunch. And you couple that with the fact that they almost immediately started doing spin-offs and reunions and big screen spoofs, and it's little wonder that people are still interested in the Bradys over four decades after the show debuted.

^ Susan Olsen even said it in her book - the issues were timeless, like first crushes, sibling rivalry, losing a favorite toy...all kids of all generations can relate. Besides, I agree with you that The Brady Bunch Variety Hour is 100% better than the reality crap polluting the airwaves today.

Found this pics online of Geri Reischl (aka Fake Jan) at her 50th birthday party this past New Year's Eve. :cool:

Wow! She still celebrates and embraces being "Fake Jan"! Thats Great!!!!!

Wow! She still celebrates and embraces being "Fake Jan"! Thats Great!!!!!
It IS great! I love that cake, by the way. :cool: :D

Great pics. Geri looks beautiful!

Great pics. Geri looks beautiful!
I've had the pleasure of corresponding with Geri. She's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. :cool: :D

I've had the pleasure of corresponding with Geri. She's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. :cool: :D
That's great. You know I got that impression from reading her quotes in the "Love to Love You Brady's" book and also reading what her co-stars had to say about her.

Hard to believe Geri was only 17 when the Brady Bunch Hour was on the air.

We Love You Geri :wave:

Hard to believe Geri was only 17 when the Brady Bunch Hour was on the air.

We Love You Geri :wave:
Ditto!! Love To Love You, Geri!! :D

I like that cake- a picture of Geri as Jan next to one of "fake Lisa". :lol:

I like that cake- a picture of Geri as Jan next to one of "fake Lisa". :lol:
It's only fitting!! :cool:

^ Susan Olsen even said it in her book - the issues were timeless, like first crushes, sibling rivalry, losing a favorite toy...all kids of all generations can relate.

Issues that were dealt with in far funnier shows and in far more realistic fashion in dozens of series like Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, The Donna Reed Show, Make Room for Daddy, Family Affair, The Patty Duke Show and many others. Even The Partridge Family was a better show dealing with similar topics. I'm sorry but I just don't get it.

Issues that were dealt with in far funnier shows and in far more realistic fashion in dozens of series like Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, The Donna Reed Show, Make Room for Daddy, Family Affair, The Patty Duke Show and many others. Even The Partridge Family was a better show dealing with similar topics. I'm sorry but I just don't get it.
Well, to each his own! Nothing wrong with feeling that way. :cool:

Issues that were dealt with in far funnier shows and in far more realistic fashion in dozens of series like Leave it to Beaver, Father Knows Best, The Donna Reed Show, Make Room for Daddy, Family Affair, The Patty Duke Show and many others. Even The Partridge Family was a better show dealing with similar topics. I'm sorry but I just don't get it.
So Mark, did you finish the book? What are your thoughts?

Another hilarious YouTube clip about the Variety Hour:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J-013WKoS4

Another hilarious YouTube clip about the Variety Hour:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3J-013WKoS4
The skeleton is about to come out of the closet.... and it's wearing sequins!! :lol: What a great video. I loved every cheesy second of it. It made me want to do the hustle! It made want to shake my booty! (hey even Alice was shaking her booty :eek: Why can't I?) It really made me wish this wonderful cheesy celebration of 70's pop culture was available on DVD in all it's cheesy glory!!

The skeleton is about to come out of the closet.... and it's wearing sequins!! :lol: What a great video. I loved every cheesy second of it. It made me want to do the hustle! It made want to shake my booty! (hey even Alice was shaking her booty :eek: Why can't I?) It really made me wish this wonderful cheesy celebration of 70's pop culture was available on DVD in all it's cheesy glory!!

That's the difference between yesterday's junk and today's junk. Yesterday's junk was often ill-conceived and gaudy and berserk, but today's is mean-spirited and makes you come away feeling worse about your fellow man (see any modern reality show).


At its worst, this show still kind of made you smile. At its worst, reality shows make you feel boarding up your windows and stocking up on canned goods. :rolleyes:

^ :yeahthat :nod:

That's the difference between yesterday's junk and today's junk. Yesterday's junk was often ill-conceived and gaudy and berserk, but today's is mean-spirited and makes you come away feeling worse about your fellow man (see any modern reality show).


At its worst, this show still kind of made you smile. At its worst, reality shows make you feel boarding up your windows and stocking up on canned goods. :rolleyes:
I'll take the junk from the 50's, 60's, and 70's over the so called best current shows any day!

I also have to admit part of the reason the show is so entertaining is those horribly cheesy 70s costumes and sets. :eek: :rofl:

I'll take the junk from the 50's, 60's, and 70's over the so called best current shows any day!

You're right, Marv. And it's not just dreamy eyed nostalgia that fuels our opinion; it's fact borne out by cold, hard numbers, i.e. ratings.

I also have to admit part of the reason the show is so entertaining is those horribly cheesy 70s costumes and sets. :eek: :rofl:

Yeah, I was in eighth grade while that show aired and I never remember anyone dressing like that! :crazy: :lol:

I also have to admit part of the reason the show is so entertaining is those horribly cheesy 70s costumes and sets. :eek: :rofl:
Not to mention that great disco music! :rock::dance:

Plus, this show is a zillion times less painful to watch than Pink Lady & Jeff (though almost every show is)! :eek: :lol:

And if they ever were to put the rest of the episodes on DVD, I'd be first in line to buy them!

And if they ever were to put the rest of the episodes on DVD, I'd be first in line to buy them!
Hey, maybe Shout can get on this!! I'm sure Susan and Geri (and probably even Barry and Chris) would even do commentary. That I would definitely buy if it would ever happen!! :cool: :D

Shout! lately has been performing DVD miracles left and right! :D

Hey, maybe Shout can get on this!! I'm sure Susan and Geri (and probably even Barry and Chris) would even do commentary. That I would definitely buy if it would ever happen!! :cool: :D
Me Too!!

Shout! lately has been performing DVD miracles left and right! :D
If they are willing to pay for the music licensing, that will be a DVD miracle!! :cool: :D

Well stranger things have happened before....

Well stranger things have happened before....
Very true!! :nod:

If they are willing to pay for the music licensing, that will be a DVD miracle!! :cool: :D
I think a lot of the songs used on this show were in the public domain anyway since the Kroffts were to cheap to pay for rights fees.(and too lazy to do the paperwork! After all these were the guys who couldn't even be bothered to pick up a phone and ask Sherwood for permission to use his characters!) That's what I seem to remember reading anyway.

Well, I remember hearing Susan in an interview saying that the whole show isn't on DVD because of the licensing issue. So...who knows?? :confused:

Well, I remember hearing Susan in an interview saying that the whole show isn't on DVD because of the licensing issue. So...who knows?? :confused:
Well with the sheer amount of music they used on that show there's bound to be some liicensing issues even if many of the songs were in the public domain. There had to be at least some that weren't in the public domain and these would be the one's hindering a DVD release.

Shout was able to release Mr. Belvedere Season 3 with the Robert Goulet songs intact, so who knows what wonders they may be able to to for the Variety Hour? :D

Shout was able to release Mr. Belvedere Season 3 with the Robert Goulet songs intact, so who knows what wonders they may be able to to for the Variety Hour? :D
I know I have my fingers crossed!! :D

I kind of thought the Variety Hour would have been announced for a dvd release, following up on Susan Oleson's book!!

I kind of thought the Variety Hour would have been announced for a dvd release, following up on Susan Oleson's book!!
So did I!!

I kind of thought the Variety Hour would have been announced for a dvd release, following up on Susan Oleson's book!!
Nah, that would make way too much sense! :lol:

it would have been the perfect marketing synergy, but this is CBS/Paramount here...even if this show would be available only as a MOD title, they could expect some sales!

Exactly - are they not aware of the HUGE cult that Bradymania is?? :confused: :rolleyes: :mad:

Are you not aware of how many pieces of music are in those shows and how much it would cost to clear them all? It would cost a fortune to release that series, unless they made some serious cuts.

Mark--we have discussed the music issues already, so that is nothing new.

Are you not aware of how many pieces of music are in those shows and how much it would cost to clear them all? It would cost a fortune to release that series, unless they made some serious cuts.
That's what I hate about TV on DVD - the ones who really lose when it comes to music rights are the fans. :mad: At least Universal ponied up and paid for all the music when they released Miami Vice. Too bad Fox couldn't or wouldn't do the same for WKRP. :mad:

Since it doesn't look like we will be getting a DVD release I spent an hour and a half yesterday watching every Brady Bunch Hour clip I could find on youtube. I guess that's the only way I'll be able to get my "fix" for the foreseeable future.

I've seen quite a few of the eps on YouTube as well. Thank goodness for the book, too!

That's what I hate about TV on DVD - the ones who really lose when it comes to music rights are the fans. :mad: At least Universal ponied up and paid for all the music when they released Miami Vice. Too bad Fox couldn't or wouldn't do the same for WKRP. :mad:


it's just greed plain and simple on both ends......music publishers want too much and DVD producers are too cheap.

We the fans are the ones who suffer.

it's just greed plain and simple on both ends......music publishers want too much and DVD producers are too cheap.

We the fans are the ones who suffer.
...and they wonder why fans go for the bootlegs!! :rolleyes: :mad:

I wonder if ioffer.com has it......hmmmmmm...... :D

I wonder if ioffer.com has it......hmmmmmm...... :D
Never know till you check...;)

surprisingly--NADA!!

surprisingly--NADA!!
Bummer!!!

The sci-fi/comic cons I attend have this series on homemade bootleg DVDs. I have seen them sold there for years as well as many other things never officially released.

These people must have gotten hold of all the episodes from original broadcasts and they made copies for years. I'm not sure about this but for the Variety Hour I think 2 episodes were released to DVD?

Yes, Rhino had a 2 episode DVD (that was all they could afford to clear at the time).

Yes, Rhino had a 2 episode DVD (that was all they could afford to clear at the time).
Yes, that was the pilot episode and the third episode (which guest-starred Vincent Price).

The sci-fi/comic cons I attend have this series on homemade bootleg DVDs. I have seen them sold there for years as well as many other things never officially released.

These people must have gotten hold of all the episodes from original broadcasts and they made copies for years. I'm not sure about this but for the Variety Hour I think 2 episodes were released to DVD?

I got the 60's Batman series from one of these dealers. The problem with buying some of this material is you basically get what you pay for. Two of the discs repeat the exact same episodes. :(

Anyway, Vincent Price was a guest on one of these variety hour shows, like he guested on the 4th-season opener in Hawaii. I don't remember what he did on the variety hour.

I got the 60's Batman series from one of these dealers. The problem with buying some of this material is you basically get what you pay for. Two of the discs repeat the exact same episodes. :(

Anyway, Vincent Price was a guest on one of these variety hour shows, like he guested on the 4th-season opener in Hawaii. I don't remember what he did on the variety hour.

I found this really great dealer over at The BigAppleCon who I had no trouble with.

He specialized in TV shows, foreign stuff that never got a US release, concert footage, and tv-movies. (He also sold weapons - swords, knives, and stuff but in recent years the conventions seem to be putting a stop to that. I'm lucky I bought what I did when I did...)


I've seen some dealers sell things that were pretty much crap and others who had pretty good - excellent quality merchandise.

I bought some foreign releases, made-for-TV movies (like KISS Meets the Phantom of the Park), and The Crow tv series years ago before it had an official DVD release.

I got the 60's Batman series from one of these dealers. The problem with buying some of this material is you basically get what you pay for. Two of the discs repeat the exact same episodes. :(

Anyway, Vincent Price was a guest on one of these variety hour shows, like he guested on the 4th-season opener in Hawaii. I don't remember what he did on the variety hour.
Here's a synopsis of Vincent Price's guest turn on the variety hour:

http://www.bradyhour.com/episode3.html

I remember watching a talk show maybe 10 years or more ago, which had as a guest, Eve Plumb (Jan) with some other guests. What she wanted to talk about was her current projects as a painter. What she did not want to talk about was The Brady Bunch. She wanted to talk about what she was doing today as a 40 year old artist and all people wanted was what she did in the Brady Bunch as a 12 year old.

Of course, all the audience members asked her questions about The Brady Bunch to her chagrin. I remember when an audience member wanted her to do "Marcia! Marcia! Marcia!" and she flat out refused to do it, and you could tell that everytime says "Marcia, marcia, marcia" it made her squirm. This only made the TV audience chant Marcia over and over again.

I rather came away watching that show that Eve Plumb could of just chilled out and embraced that character. I know she wanted to promote herself in the present time, but she had to know this was the reason that she was on that show.

I somewhat feel sorry for her because she was actually a serious actress and maybe if she wasn't involved in this moronic TV show. (and the Brady Bunch was moronic.) If she wasn't on that show, maybe she could have been in much better things. Then, maybe not. She lives in California, paints and does whatever middle aged women with interesting pasts do. Can't feel too sorry for her. Just don't call her "Jan" or say "Marcia, Marcia, Marcia" around her or you may be in physical danger!

^ Sounds like you are referring to The Rosie O' Donnell Show. I clearly recall the next day Rosie saying she felt Eve was very rude and that she would never ever bother booking her again. Eve had to know going on Rosie was about pop culture, which Rosie reveled in.

But that was then.......today Eve doesn't come across as harshly and I think she realizes if she goes along, it gives her exposure for her artwork.

Well, this recent clip shows that Eve still has a sense of humor and hasn't neglected the Bradys entirely!! :rofl:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eRf9Rlnuns

^ Sounds like you are referring to The Rosie O' Donnell Show. I clearly recall the next day Rosie saying she felt Eve was very rude and that she would never ever bother booking her again. Eve had to know going on Rosie was about pop culture, which Rosie reveled in.

But that was then.......today Eve doesn't come across as harshly and I think she realizes if she goes along, it gives her exposure for her artwork.
Plus, she's scheduled to appear on Today with fellow Bradys next week - what's the over/under that she or Maureen will bail rather than be in the same room?

Haven't heard anything lately...maybe eve is chilling and realizing that soon she won't have these opportunities forever.

In any case, I'm shocked that no one has that interview of her on Rosie uploaded on Youtube!

Whoa - what's this?? Notice something missing? :mad:

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/35582259/ns/today-today_entertainment/

I stand corrected - Pav mentioned on the General Sitcoms board that the Bunch is indeed still scheduled to appear on Today next week. :cool:

Well - Susan Olsen herself has confirmed it on her Facebook page (this was about an hour ago):

"Fortunately I got the news before leaving to buy snow shoes; the Today Show has been cancelled."

And surprise, surprise - when asked why:

"I would imagine it is due to some women being difficult. Anyway I have to go get my son now and tell him he's not going and that he won't be missing school next week. TO be honest the gig itself was a little lame but taking my boy to NYC was going to be good. Oh well."

This is interesting, plus a cute picture of the kids during the first season in 1969.

http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/television/brady-bunch-reunion-falls-apart-as-tv-sisters-continue-to-feud/story-e6frfmyi-1225835889243

The "Brady Kids" were going to do a sequence on the Today Show which was cancelled because Eve Plumb refuses to be on the same screen or space with Maureen McCormick (Marcia). One reason is that Maureen wrote a trashy book which she claims to have had a lesbian affair with Eve (when Maureen was 15 and Eve was 13). Ewww.

According to Susan Olsen, the two older girls have never liked eached other since the beginning and some of the venom you see between them, and especially from Eve was pretty real. Can't blame Eve, either way. Either the book is a lie, or it wasn't and it exposed a hidden secret that was no one's business in the first place. I used to think that Eve was the bi*ch of the bunch, now I have sympathy for her.

In all, Barry Williams and Christopher Knight are friends, while the youngest, Mike Lookinland is more distant but will do appearances for money. I think if the Brady's were a real family, then Susan would be the sibling who tries to keep everyone together and try to make peace between Maureen and Eve. The fued is something that keeps the other actors from doing joint appearances and making extra income. Except for Christopher Knight, none of the other kid actors are rich, some are quite middle class.

All in all, I don't think it would matter if Eve Plumb doesn't come as long as the interviewer doesn't ask about her or just says that she is "a private person. etc." Most of us boys who grew into men were really into Maureen McCormack, especially now that she has claimed to be a recovering bisexual crack whore. Yummy. She's the star and the interesting one.

Some people will do anything to sell a book.

In Maureen's book, she didn't even mention this so called lesbian affair, so I don't even understand why it's still making news. Susan and Mike Lookinland are still good friends (at least according to her Facebook entries), and she is still tight with Robbie Rist.