Well, we all should remember episode #113, "The Redcoats Are Coming," in which Rob and Laura hide two British rock stars overnight in their home. That episode got me to thinking about music, particularly as it pertains to the Petries.
We never hear much in the way of popular music on the show. For Laura being so young, you would think that she would be more into that type of stuff. Look at any young female today, and watching MTV, VH1, or BET are bound to be a part of her weekly repetoir, as well as listening to music while studying, cleaning, or driving; but not Laura. They never even mentioned her watching the #1 musical show of the times, "American Bandstand." And let's not forget, she loves to dance! But not to the latest hits?
Rock & Roll was huge in those days. Look at any TV show, cartoon, or movie and it's bound to come up, as it did on TDVDS (let's not forget The Twizzle), but it seems to me that it's brought up a couple of times, then fades.
The Petries knew who the British band was, but they didn't even mention owning their albums or any like it. I'm curious as to everyone's thoughts on this. Did the Petries like "hit music," or just "show tunes"? Did Laura watch "American Bandstand?"

Steve

This is an interesting topic, Steve. With the exception of the two episodes you mentioned, I do not recall popular music being mentioned in the show. I do remember the performances of "You Wonderful You," "Mountain Greenery," and "Harmony." The only time I remember them playing a record album was when "Racy" Tracy Rattigan brought over the albums of "sexy American rhythms" so he could dance with Laura. Of course, there was the episode where Vic Damone guest starred and he sang one of his songs. Also, there was "little Janie Layton," the singing weather girl who sang "Just in Time" on Alan's show. And there were the numerous songs that Sally performed at parties, etc.
In the episode where Stacy Petrie auditions for Alan Brady in Rob and Laura's home, Stacy does mention "Elvis and Ricky," a reference to two very popular singers of the 60s, during the song he performed as "Skid Row" the juvenile delinquent.
As I said, this is an interesting topic. I will be interested to see what other people say about it.

Lolac:music: :dance: :banana: peacesign: :rockon:


(They added some new smilies!!!

This is a very interesting topic Steve. My first thought when I read your questions was the fact that Carl Reiner has said that he purposely tried to keep the show timeless. He tried not to use slang or other things that would make the show dated.

Yes, there were the two episodes you mentioned that contained dated music and dance. There is also the music that Lolac mentioned, so obviously they didn't completely erase all dated material.

They also had that one episode, I believe the liberty bell one, where they seemed to try introducing a new slang word. They also had references to other TV shows currently on TV at that time.

I guess I'm kind of glad that Carl tried to keep the show timeless. I know there are some obvious cultural changes that have happened since then, like the dinner party's disappearance from the average life, but I like the timeless feel. If there were too many references to things from that decade, I don't think I'd like the show as well. I wasn't even born until the 70s, so unfortunately I'm sure I don't know as much about the 60s as someone who lived then.

There have been a few times I've had to look something up just to understand a joke, like who Albert Schweitzer was. If there were any more modern references, I think it would take away a lot of the humor of the show for me.

Anyway, that's my opinion.

Christina :bye:

Originally posted by Christina E

My first thought when I read your questions was the fact that Carl Reiner has said that he purposely tried to keep the show timeless. He tried not to use slang or other things that would make the show dated.


I guess I'm kind of glad that Carl tried to keep the show timeless. I know there are some obvious cultural changes that have happened since then, like the dinner party's disappearance from the average life, but I like the timeless feel.
Christina :bye:


Thank you, Christina E, for that insight. I agree that TDVDS is timeless. I believe that is why it has endured as one of America's all time favorite programs for over 40 years. I believe that I Love Lucy has remained so popular for over 50 years for the same reason. They are still funny and relevant decades later.

I appreciated your thoughtful response.

Lolac patriot:

I agree with everybody else about part of it being Carl's desire to not "date" the show. Considering I wasn't even thought of when the show was on, I get a good portion of the jokes. I think if there had been more references to things that were going on at the time, it simply wouldn't make sense now.

Kristen

I concur with all of you about Carl's use of "timeless" material. There is no question what so ever that this is what makes the show as great today as it was 40 years ago. Same is true for I Love Lucy, The Andy Griffith Show, and a few other greats.

B&W "boy it sure seems like the days are dragging as we approach October, doesn't it" fan

Sally once sang "All of Me". I think it was during "Two Faces of Rob".