Today I saw another extra special My 3 Sons, naturally centered around Bub. I don't know whether it's just cause I'm getting older now or I just like the Bub episodes more. Maybe I just appreciate Bub's feelings now more than when I was a young pup.

My My 3 Sons Monday today was 4.24 "Stage Door Bub". In it Bub visits Pert Kelton his old vaudeville friend as she performs in a play. Bub gets the acting fever again and switches places with Pert as she moves in the Douglas household & Bub takes her part in the play and even plans on going on the road and letting Pert stay at the Douglas'. Pert thinks Bub has the life living in a home with a family and Bub thinks Pert has the life living as a performer trodding the boards, hence the switch.

Well, by the end of the show each of them realizes they miss their own lives and they switch back. OK, that's the story, but what makes this episode special is the acting by both Pert and William Frawley. I think this may even be Frawley's finest moment, as he reflects on his situation as does Pert and the looks on each of their faces as they do this silent reflection is a remarkable job of acting. Pert wants to sacrifice her happiness (another superb bit of acting here by her) on the road so that Bub can have one last chance at happiness. And Bub realizes now that what he really wants is a family and a home. It's really a very nice and a touching show. I think Bub & Pert both deserved an Emmy for their acting in this episode. A really great show that leaves you touched in the heart and a little sad for each of these older characters.
Bravo Bill & Pert!:)

Reading this reminds me of one I really like (not sure why). Bub takes Chip to visit a friend at an old hotel run by Maudie Prickett (who seems to be in every TV show back in those days). Well Chip gets bored quickly and he ends up at the player piano in the lobby and meets Angela Cartwright, and they have a good old time with that piano, if I recall correctly. Meanwhile Maudie is trying to keep things quiet, I think. I haven't seen this one in awhile but it's one of my favorites from the b/w era.

You're right about Rosie (Maudie Prickett) just in the past 3 days she's popped up in 3 different TV shows all different and all not planned by me, she just keeps popping up. She was just in a Bewitched I remember and a I think it was a Petticoat Junction, well, forget where but she did pop up in at least 3 different shows this past week.

Yes, it's weird the way some episodes will linger with you and leave you thinking or even reminded of being a kid again and what it was like. Another thing about "Stage Door Bub" is the way the camera lingers on Bub in his own quiet time. Shows him lying on his bed thinking about what he's doing and the changes he may be making. Now I was watching the uncut commercial DVD version of this and I didn't compare it to the current broadcast TV version but I would bet this quiet reflection moment was cut out of the Me TV or even the TV Land version. Don't know for sure but I don't remember seeing Bub lying on his bed just thinking before. It's these little moments that strike you as true to a situation.

Reading this reminds me of one I really like (not sure why). Bub takes Chip to visit a friend at an old hotel run by Maudie Prickett (who seems to be in every TV show back in those days). Well Chip gets bored quickly and he ends up at the player piano in the lobby and meets Angela Cartwright, and they have a good old time with that piano, if I recall correctly. Meanwhile Maudie is trying to keep things quiet, I think. I haven't seen this one in awhile but it's one of my favorites from the b/w era.

As a fan of the Cartwright sisters Veronica & Angela, obviously this episode is of special interest to me. Angela returns in Season 9 as Debbie (Jan. '69).

Veronica doesn't appear until very late in the series, when Chip & Polly are honeymooning (Nov. '70, Season 11). Of course she's memorable on her Family Affair episode (April '69), when Cissy explores the hippie scene. Beautiful, though IMO perhaps she reached the apex of her beauty in Season 2 of Daniel Boone (1965-66).

Anyway, both sisters are involved with Chip each time they appear on M3S.

Angela's first major role probably was the Danny Thomas Show young daughter, Linda. She would have been only 5 in 1957 when she started on the 5th season of that show. And fresh off that role, The Sound of Music.

Veronica played 2 roles on Leave it to Beaver, 2 or 3 appearances as Violet Rutherford, and a final-season one-off as Peggy MacIntosh, a potential date for Beaver.

. I don't know whether it's just cause I'm getting older now or I just like the Bub episodes more. Maybe I just appreciate Bub's feelings now more than when I was a young pup.


I know exactly what you mean, I'm the same way. I find myself sympathizing with characters portrayed as cranky old curmudgeons, such as Ben Weaver and characters William Frawley plays.

I suspect having gained a little wisdom, we now see the vulnerable aspect of those characters, where previously their armor made them appear bullet proof.

While I'm old now and can easily identify with these old codgers on the show, even as a whippersnapper I always liked the what I'd call then the old grouchy guys on TV, Fred Mertz, Uncle Charlie, Bub, Mr. Wilson, I've always liked these old grouchy guys. Now I appreciate their situations though and not just find them funny for being grouches.:)

While I'm old now and can easily identify with these old codgers on the show, even as a whippersnapper I always liked the what I'd call then the old grouchy guys on TV, Fred Mertz, Uncle Charlie, Bub, Mr. Wilson, I've always liked these old grouchy guys. Now I appreciate their situations though and not just find them funny for being grouches.:)
I've always like a good grouch, too. I find them endearing - maybe because I'm a bit of one myself now, and even as a child I had a bit of an "old soul." I would add to the ones you've mentioned Perry White from the '50s Superman series, even though it wasnt a sitcom per se. Unlike the ones on your list, though, he doesn't have too many (if any) humorous moments; he's just pretty much a Grouch through and through!

Yes, 10 whips with a wet noodle for me. And Superman was one of my all time favorite shows too. Yes, you're right, Perry White was probably the first all time grouch on TV. How could I have forgotten, I guess I was just thinking in terms of TV sitcoms.

I even got into the habit (and still do) of saying, when calamity strikes, "Great Scott!" just like Mr. Wilson & Clark Kent. Never did say Great Caesar's Ghost though.

Yes, 10 whips with a wet noodle for me. And Superman was one of my all time favorite shows too. Yes, you're right, Perry White was probably the first all time grouch on TV. How could I have forgotten, I guess I was just thinking in terms of TV sitcoms.

I even got into the habit (and still do) of saying, when calamity strikes, "Great Scott!" just like Mr. Wilson & Clark Kent. Never did say Great Caesar's Ghost though.
Yes, I'm also given to exclaiming "Great Scott" every now and then, and will sometimes even throw my hands up in frustration like Mr. Wilson did for added effect! LOL

As far as Perry White, even though Superman wasn't a sitcom, I’ve always gotten a good laugh when he'd bang the desk and scream at Jimmy Olsen, “Don’t call me Chief!”

I just thought of this, while we're talking about quoting from our favorite characters. I also used to do my imitation of Gale Gordon and Joseph Kearns when they'd say in response to something rotten happening I'd say like Gale Gordon, "Ooohhh Joyyyy". I remember when I was working getting new assignments I didn't really want to do I'd say "Oohh Joyyy". I don't think anyone knew I was imitating Mr. Mooney but that's what happens when you're old, whippersnappers don't get the joke.

Oh, I have done that, too - especially with Mr. Wilson's "Great Scott!" I consider it an inside joke, sort of; if some young'un doesn't get it, too bad. As long as I'M amused, that's all that counts! LOL

Speaking of Gale Gordon, he's right up there with William Frawley as a multiple character grouch: Mr. Wilson, Mr. Mooney and Harry Carter.

Another character that could possibly be included on the Great Grouch list is Oliver Douglas. He might not be a dyed-in-the-wool grouch, as he does have some light-hearted moments, but he IS very quick to anger. Many of his interactions with Mr. Haney and Eb can attest to that!

Of course, another classic "old Grouch" is Mr. Griffin on Hazel. H'es right up there with Bub and Uncle Charley.

Absotively. Mr. Griffin is a perfect grouch. And here's how I've imitated Mr. Griffin, "Baxtahh, Baxtaah".

Another Great Grouch, and this one's not even "old":
Capt. Binghamton on McHale's Navy. His slow-burn reactions after which he'd blurt, "I could just SCREAM!" were hilarious.

It's really funny when someone tries to "tame the grouch." As when Steve and Barbara return from their honeymoon, Katie tells Rob to have Uncle Charley go easy with Barbara. So he tries to be like Mr. French.

It worked for awhile till Barbara turned off his boxing match on TV. So he goes in the kitchen and starts breaking plates. The beginning of the end!

Another grouch is Sgt. Carter. One funny episode had him in a bet that he couldn't hold his temper for a day. At one point he goes up in the mountains alone and lets out a huge bellow!

It's really funny when someone tries to "tame the grouch." As when Steve and Barbara return from their honeymoon, Katie tells Rob to have Uncle Charley go easy with Barbara. So he tries to be like Mr. French.

It worked for awhile till Barbara turned off his boxing match on TV. So he goes in the kitchen and starts breaking plates. The beginning of the end!

Another grouch is Sgt. Carter. One funny episode had him in a bet that he couldn't hold his temper for a day. At one point he goes up in the mountains alone and lets out a huge bellow!
I'll have to look up both of those episodes!
Sgt Carter was indeed another great grouch - Frank Sutton died way too early!

The My Three Sons episode is S10 Ep 10 "After You, Alphonse"

The Gomer episode would take some digging. I'm pretty sure it involved a bet with Sgt. Hacker, played by Allan Melvin.

I just dug--didn't take long. S5 Ep 9 "Come Blow Your Top"

The My Three Sons episode is S10 Ep 10 "After You, Alphonse"

The Gomer episode would take some digging. I'm pretty sure it involved a bet with Sgt. Hacker, played by Allan Melvin.

I just dug--didn't take long. S5 Ep 9 "Come Blow Your Top"

Thanks for the titles!
I just watched the GP episode on YouTube and it's hilarious! Yes, it DID involve a bet with Sgt Sam the Butcher . . . er - Sgt Hacker, and boy, was he ever devious! Loved the part when Carter drove out to the wilderness just to scream his head off on the hill! :lol:

Speaking of Angela & Veronica Cartwright ... on M3S 1-11 Spring Will Be A Little Late this Year we see Marta Kristen make an appearance, and she plays it a bit angry for a bit ... She actually looks a bit like Cheryl Holdridge in her early years -- and on Lost in Space she's a beauty (my 10 year old crush, and still) ! Fun Fact - when Marta was on Lost in Space she was married to - get this, Burt Ward while he was playing Robin, can you imagine their conversations

Marta: Today we we attacked by Tomato People !
Burt: Ya that's cool, I was tied to a conveyor belt with a spinning saw blade about to cut me half ...

I've read Burt Ward say was forced to take some form of Salt Peter (?) to shrink his manhood in his outfit - that must have been NOT FUN (ask Marta lol) - so was Batman naturally small? lol (joking)

Speaking of Angela & Veronica Cartwright ... on M3S 1-11 Spring Will Be A Little Late this Year we see Marta Kristen make an appearance, and she plays it a bit angry for a bit ... She actually looks a bit like Cheryl Holdridge in her early years -- and on Lost in Space she's a beauty (my 10 year old crush, and still) ! Fun Fact - when Marta was on Lost in Space she was married to - get this, Burt Ward while he was playing Robin, can you imagine their conversations

Marta: Today we we attacked by Tomato People !
Burt: Ya that's cool, I was tied to a conveyor belt with a spinning saw blade about to cut me half ...

I've read Burt Ward say was forced to take some form of Salt Peter (?) to shrink his manhood in his outfit - that must have been NOT FUN (ask Marta lol) - so was Batman naturally small? lol (joking)