I didn think he was funny, I found him a weak character, and to me he is the reason the show is unbarable to watch during the last few years it was one. He is the only character on the show I dont like.

He could be a bit annoying at times, but I think that was the point. I think Ron Carey did a great job playing both a pest who at the same time was someone who just wanted to fit in.

I didn't find him annoying but maybe that was because I really related to his desire to fit in and be one of the guys. I agree with Monika that Ron Carey did a great job of portraying this character and giving him some depth so that he was more than just a pest.

He could be a bit annoying at times, but I think that was the point. I think Ron Carey did a great job playing both a pest who at the same time was someone who just wanted to fit in.

Yep, you got it. I liked Levitt BECAUSE he was annoying and his continuing attempts to prove his mettle only made him more endearing. Of course he went overboard at times, but he fit right in with a bunch of very idiosyncratic cops, all of whom could be annoying at times! :lol:

He was also relatable because he was so frustrated about his short stature and hard time getting a promotion. Levitt wanted to prove to himself and others that he was as good as anyone. Plus, even though the guys found him annoying, I think they'd rather deal with Levitt than Luger any day. :crazy: :lol:

^ Yeah Luger was a whole 'nuther ballgame! :lol:

^ Yeah Luger was a whole 'nuther ballgame! :lol:
Don't forget that even Levitt found Luger annoying - mainly because Luger always called him "Levine". :lol:

^ I always got a kick out of Lugar calling Dietrich "D.D.", too. What the heck was that all about? I just assumed it was another weird quirk of his that really had no explanation! :crazy: And remember when he called Harris "Hare", and Harris called him "Luge"? :lol:

I don't know, but I was always guaranteed to laugh whenever he yelled, "Poppycock, Bah-ney!!" I also enjoyed whenever he would begin another boring story about "me and Foster, Kleiner and Brown" and the other guys (including Levitt, if I'm not mistaken) would silently slink away. :rofl:

I don't know, but I was always guaranteed to laugh whenever he yelled, "Poppycock, Bah-ney!!" I also enjoyed whenever he would begin another boring story about "me and Foster, Kleiner and Brown" and the other guys (including Levitt, if I'm not mistaken) would silently slink away. :rofl:

Yeah poor Barney had the patience of a saint. I think we've all had "Lugers" in our lives at times and I always felt for Barney when he'd get 'kidnapped' during one of those tales. :D

Yeah poor Barney had the patience of a saint. I think we've all had "Lugers" in our lives at times and I always felt for Barney when he'd get 'kidnapped' during one of those tales. :D
Oh, yes, I think we've all been there. Getting back to Levitt, I loved in the last season how he was in charge of getting Barney's birthday present - stationary. It said "Barney Melnick" instead. "That's not what I told them!!!" :rofl:

Levitt could be a bit of a nudge but at the end of the day he meant well and wasn't malicious.

The character who made my skin crawl was Scanlon. He was SLIMY with a capital S. Just watching Scanlon for 5 or 10 minutes makes me want to run into the shower and scrub myself. Also Lugar really worked my nerves. Like nails on a chalkboard - he wants his way no matter what - like a dog with a bone.

So in comparison to these two jokers, Levitt is Mother Teresa imo.

Levitt could be a bit of a nudge but at the end of the day he meant well and wasn't malicious.

The character who made my skin crawl was Scanlon. He was SLIMY with a capital S. Just watching Scanlon for 5 or 10 minutes makes me want to run into the shower and scrub myself. Also Lugar really worked my nerves. Like nails on a chalkboard - he wants his way no matter what - like a dog with a bone.

So in comparison to these two jokers, Levitt is Mother Teresa imo.

As most regular posters know, I love BM but the character of Scanlon was one I always thought they went a bit over the top with. Or maybe it was just George Murdock's portrayal. I understand he was SUPPOSED to be a sleazeball, but geez, that was one of the least subtle characterizations I've ever seen.

When he appeared in an episode I half expected his entrance to be preceded by smoke and brimstone and to see horns jutting out of his head! :eek:

I think that's why Luger and Scanlon were recurring characters. They would've been too much to deal with every single episode...even Barney would be ready to jump out the window!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

I think that's why Luger and Scanlon were recurring characters. They would've been too much to deal with every single episode...even Barney would be ready to jump out the window!! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Luger was actually made a regular character in the last couple of years, wasn't he?

Luger was actually made a regular character in the last couple of years, wasn't he?
Yeah, I think he made more appearances in the last 2-3 seasons of the show. His role increased somewhat after the death of Jack Soo.

Yeah, I think he made more appearances in the last 2-3 seasons of the show. His role increased somewhat after the death of Jack Soo.

I was remembering the credits of the last couple years, and I'm fairly sure Luger was in them along with Barney, Wojo, Harris, Dietrich and even Levitt (they had to extend the theme music a bit longer to include Levitt...boy did that trumpet blare at the end! :lol:).

Here's a fun ode to Levitt I found:

http://mikeblake-myopinions.blogspot.com/2009/11/infamous-tv-characters-officer-carl.html

Carl Levitt was the diminutive police officer on the 70s/early 80s show Barney Miller. He was played by actor Ron Carey. Carey passed away in 2006 at the age of 71. Levitt would stop at nothing to achieve his goal of becoming a detective. If he lived in Buffalo, all he'd have to do is make large donations to area politicians.

Levitt was known for sucking up to Captain Miller. From time to time, he would tattle on his fellow officers. Aren't people like this fun to work with? They exist at every job where there are more than four employees. What kind of an adult tells on other adults? Anyway, I couldn't find any clips on Officer Levitt. Those of you as old as me will remember his character from the show.

Here's a fun ode to Levitt I found:

http://mikeblake-myopinions.blogspot.com/2009/11/infamous-tv-characters-officer-carl.html

Carl Levitt was the diminutive police officer on the 70s/early 80s show Barney Miller. He was played by actor Ron Carey. Carey passed away in 2006 at the age of 71. Levitt would stop at nothing to achieve his goal of becoming a detective. If he lived in Buffalo, all he'd have to do is make large donations to area politicians.

Levitt was known for sucking up to Captain Miller. From time to time, he would tattle on his fellow officers. Aren't people like this fun to work with? They exist at every job where there are more than four employees. What kind of an adult tells on other adults? Anyway, I couldn't find any clips on Officer Levitt. Those of you as old as me will remember his character from the show.


That's neat. Thanks for sharing it.

I always thought Ron Carey could have played Lou Costello if he'd gained a bit of weight. He really has a resemblance to Lou (one of my all time favs, btw). :)

He was definitely a great comedic actor - just ask Mr. Mel Brooks. :cool: :D

He always was very good with facial expressions and body language, and timing. I can't imagine anyone else portraying Levitt (PLEASE don't remake "Barney Miller...PLEASE don't remake "Barney Miller"....).

He always was very good with facial expressions and body language, and timing. I can't imagine anyone else portraying Levitt (PLEASE don't remake "Barney Miller...PLEASE don't remake "Barney Miller"....).
Shhh!!!! Don't give antone any ideas!!

Shhh!!!! Don't give antone any ideas!!

Something tells me they've thought of it...but it's one property I honestly think that no one would touch since it would be way too hard to duplicate.

Then again, no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of Hollywood. :rolleyes:

Something tells me they've thought of it...but it's one property I honestly think that no one would touch since it would be way to hard to duplicate.

Then again, no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of Hollywood. :rolleyes:
Ain't that the truth! ohno: :rolleyes:

First off, I'm not exactly sure how far I am into the show, but Jack Soo's character has been gone an awful long time. Ron Carey is in the opening credits. Anyways, whether or not I have seen him at his worst, I don't think Levitt is really all that bad. He is a tattle tale and he can get annoying, but I don't completely dislike his character. I don't love his character either, but I do agree with thise who were commenting on his acting abilities and comedic timing/facial expressions and body language.

Second, I hope that they never remake BM. If they do, for some awful reason I have the feeling that they woud cast Jim Carry as Levitt. I don't know why they would, just have that feeling. But if they seriously did that, lol, I don't know what I would do yet.

Jim Carrey would be WAY too tall to play "Little Levitt".

Jim Carrey would be WAY too tall to play "Little Levitt".

"Little Levitt"! :brent :rotflmao:

"Little Levitt"! :brent :rotflmao:
I didn't make up that name - that's what Harris always called him!! :lol:

I didn't make up that name - that's what Harris always called him!! :lol:

I know! I remember Harris calling him that, and it made me "lol"! :wave:

From Harris calling him "Little Levitt" to Luger calling him "Levine", no wonder this poor guy was always on edge. It seems like the only detective at the 1-2 who seemed never to be annoyed by Levitt was Dietrich.

From Harris calling him "Little Levitt" to Luger calling him "Levine", no wonder this poor guy was always on edge. It seems like the only detective at the 1-2 who seemed never to be annoyed by Levitt was Dietrich.

I think Harris actually called him "Little Bit" at one point, too! :lol:

But yeah, Dietrich did seem to have a good repore with Levitt. I believe he was the only one who ever called him "Carl".

Yeah, I don't think anyone else called Levitt by his first name other than Dietrich. Dietrich seemed to genuinely like Levitt.

From Harris calling him "Little Levitt" to Luger calling him "Levine", no wonder this poor guy was always on edge. It seems like the only detective at the 1-2 who seemed never to be annoyed by Levitt was Dietrich.
Yeah it always bugs me when Harris calls him "Little Levitt", I mean how condescending can you be. :mad: Although I did find it funny when Luger calls him "Levine", I guess because you know Luger was not intentionally being insulting. It's just Luger being Luger. :lol: Dietrich definitely treated Levitt more like an equal. I think for the most part Dietrich tried to treat everyone as an equal.

Jim Carrey would be WAY too tall to play "Little Levitt".

And we all hope to God that Hollywood would somehow catch onto that.

And we all hope to God that Hollywood would somehow catch onto that.
Exactly!!

Yeah it always bugs me when Harris calls him "Little Levitt", I mean how condescending can you be. :mad: Although I did find it funny when Luger calls him "Levine", I guess because you know Luger was not intentionally being insulting. It's just Luger being Luger. :lol: Dietrich definitely treated Levitt more like an equal. I think for the most part Dietrich tried to treat everyone as an equal.
Yeah, but Harris was condescending to almost everyone, including Barney - his own boss!! :eek: :lol: You're also right about Dietrich - even though he knew just about everything, he was still a genuinely nice person and friendly to everyone.

While most of the guys at the 1-2 treated Levitt like a gnat they just wanted to swat out of their way, I never got the feeling they wanted to shut off the lights and hide when he was coming, unlike Luger or Scanlon. I also agree that it was just in Luger's character to call him "Levine".

I love in the last episode when Levitt just can't take it anymore. "No, not Levine. Levitt! Officer Carl Levitt!" Then Luger looks at him and says: "Correction - DETECTIVE Carl Levitt!" What a great moment - and Levitt was finally vindicated. :D

^ There's an episode where Wojo calls out Harris for talking down to him and he specifically cites the difference between the way Harris treats him and the way Dietrich treats him.

I think he says something like, "I don't even understand what Dietrich is talking about most of the time, but he doesn't talk to me like I'm stupid."

Another great moment from a great show! :)

^ Yes, indeedy!!! :D

Yeah, but Harris was condescending to almost everyone, including Barney - his own boss!! :eek: :lol: You're also right about Dietrich - even though he knew just about everything, he was still a genuinely nice person and friendly to everyone.

While most of the guys at the 1-2 treated Levitt like a gnat they just wanted to swat out of their way, I never got the feeling they wanted to shut off the lights and hide when he was coming, unlike Luger or Scanlon. I also agree that it was just in Luger's character to call him "Levine".

I love in the last episode when Levitt just can't take it anymore. "No, not Levine. Levitt! Officer Carl Levitt!" Then Luger looks at him and says: "Correction - DETECTIVE Carl Levitt!" What a great moment - and Levitt was finally vindicated. :D


So true about Harris. I love the way you know the show inside and out! It was fine entertainment!

So true about Harris. I love the way you know the show inside and out! It was fine entertainment!
They don't make 'em like that anymore!!!!

I was remembering the credits of the last couple years, and I'm fairly sure Luger was in them along with Barney, Wojo, Harris, Dietrich and even Levitt (they had to extend the theme music a bit longer to include Levitt...boy did that trumpet blare at the end! :lol:).
Yeah, for a while, after Gregory Sierra left - it was James Gregory who got the "and" in the opening credits. You know, for the first two seasons it was "And Gregory Sierra as Chano" and then it became "And James Gregory as Inspector Luger".

And we all hope to God that Hollywood would somehow catch onto that.

imo Jim Carrey would be SUCH a bad choice for the reasons stated. You need a short actor - but who???? - Danny DeVito wouldn't work -- it would be so different from any char. he's played so far -- any thoughts??????

They don't make 'em like that anymore!!!!

Amen sister!!!! (shaking his head up and down excitedly in agreement)

Amen sister!!!! (shaking his head up and down excitedly in agreement)
:yeahthat :nod:

Actually, I was just watching the finale from the complete series set. Levitt was actually promoted to Sergeant, not Detective. The other guys seemed genuinely happy for him. They all congratulated him, shook his hand and even called him "Carl". :lol:

I found Levitt endearing. He was SUPPOSED to be annoying because he wanted to be a detective so bad. It was obvious though how much he looked up to Barney and loved the guys. He just wanted to be one of them. He cried when he had to say goodbye in the final episode. It was so touching.

Ron Carey was a very talented actor and is missed, rest his soul.

Something tells me they've thought of it...but it's one property I honestly think that no one would touch since it would be way too hard to duplicate.

Then again, no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of Hollywood. :rolleyes:

They did-Tom Selleck was to play Barney. This was years ago though and nothing seems to have come of it.

I found Levitt endearing. He was SUPPOSED to be annoying because he wanted to be a detective so bad. It was obvious though how much he looked up to Barney and loved the guys. He just wanted to be one of them. He cried when he had to say goodbye in the final episode. It was so touching.

Ron Carey was a very talented actor and is missed, rest his soul.

*I* almost cried along with Levitt at that part. God rest Ron Carey.

For some reason I equate (or associate) Levitt with the character "Warren" that was played by Jack Burns on The Andy Griffith Show. If only for the reason that I could NOT stand either one of them! They both just rubbed me the wrong way for some reason. Not really sure why.

To each his/her own, I guess!!

Annoying?
You guys are crazy not liking Levitt!

Or should I say "NUTS,.....N-V-T-S.....nuts!" (History of the World)

He filled the gaps perfectly. I never found him the least bit annoying.
Solid little (no pun intended) charactor that gave us that spin each and every time out the precinct door!

Now, his Better Cheddars commercials? Well maybe a "lil bit" as Harrris would say!!

I liked "Little Levitt" !:)

http://www.levittshell.org/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Levitt_Shell

In my hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, there is an outside stage venue called The Levitt Shell in Overton Park which was built by the Federal WPA in 1936. Elvis played there before he became World famous and a lot of other groups have played there. When I hear the name, I think of Levitt from Barney Miller.

On Barney Miller, I first heard as a child of someone being needed to go to Bellevue, which is the main mental hospital in New York City. Actually on YouTube there is a good documentary about the running of this hospital. However, for Memphians, Bellevue means Bellevue Baptist Church.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bellevue_Baptist_Church

I love Ron Carey as Levitt, like others have said, his character is very enduring.
Carey didn't even have to talk to be funny, just some of his facial expressions were hilarious.