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Tweety · 01-12-2006, 09:45 PM

My favorite 50s shows are I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, Leave it to Beaver and Burns & Allen. I also loved Father Knows Best, but I haven't seen that in 15 or 20 years, and I have a feeling that I wouldn't like it as much now as I did back then.

I Love Lucy, I think, is the greatest sitcom ever (and the best TV Show ever) because it ran for five years or so and never had a really bad episode (I'm not a fan of the Scottish musical episode, so maybe one bad one)...

The Honeymooners was probably wise to quit after 1 year, because even Gleason admitted that maintaining the high quality of the classic 39 would be impossible... So I think that the Honeymooners is the single best season over, for any show...

But there's a difference in being great for 1 year, vs. 5 years... to borrow a sports term, TV shows can be evaluated both on "Peak" value as well as "Career" value... Honeymooners is the best at peak value, but I think I Love Lucy and Dick van Dyke rate best in 'career' value (i.e. the general quality of the show over its entire run).

I'd love to see more Burns and Allen shows, the only ones I've seen (other than reruns as a kid in the late 60s, which I don't remember) are the few episodes TV land would run on Sunday mornings. But I love that show!

I also love Leave it to Beaver, although I think it would have been better had they quit after season 4 or 5. When Beaver was like 14, but he was still acting and talking like a 7 year old...not cute! And a bunny suit??? Even in those days, Jr. High Schools didn't put on pagents in which the kids dressed as animals... what WERE the writers thinking??

Ireneparalegal · 01-12-2006, 09:54 PM

Desi Arnaz was a pioneer. He is deserving of more credit than he gets. It's because of I Love Lucy he was able to make his mark in television history.
I cut this article down. It was toooooo long.
ARNAZ, DESI

U.S. Actor/Media Executive

Desi Arnaz is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the early television situation comedy, I Love Lucy. The series, which starred his wife, Lucille Ball as his fictional wife, Lucy Ricardo, appeared weekly on CBS. The show originally ran from the fall of 1951 through the 1957 season, and during this time ranked consis-tently among the top three national pro-grams. In addition to this recognition of Arnaz as perfect comic straight-man for Ball's genius, however, he was one of Hollywood's most perceptive, and powerful, producers in television's early years. His shrewd business skills and his realization of particular combinations of the television's technological and cultural connections enabled him to develop aspects of the medium that remain central to its economic and cultural force.

1951, before the perfection of video tape, nearly all television shows were live productions, fed from the East Coast because of time-zone differences. Philip Morris approved the idea of filming I Love Lucy, but the sponsor wanted a live audience, which had been effective on radio. Desi and cinematographer Karl Freund, a veteran of pre-World War II German expressionist cinema working in Hollywood, devised a plan for staging the show as a play, performing each act before an audi-ence, and simultaneous-ly filming with three or four cameras stationed in different loca-tions. Because this technique in-creased network production costs, CBS asked the Arnaz and Ball to take a cut in salary to compensate for the increase. In negotia-tion, Arnaz agreed, providing Desilu, a company he and Ball had created, would then own the shows after the broadcasts. A few years later the couple sold the films back to CBS for more than four million dollars, a sum that provided the economic base for building what became the Desilu empire. The practice of filming television episodes also paved the way to TV re-runs and syndication. After I Love Lucy was established as a hit, Desilu applied its multi-camera film technique to the product-ion of other shows, such as Our Miss Brooks, December Bride, and The Lineup. By 1957, Desilu was so successful that addition-al facilities were needed and it bought RKO Studios from the General Tire and Rubber Company.

TVFactFan · 01-12-2006, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Desi Arnaz was a pioneer. He is deserving of more credit than he gets. It's because of I Love Lucy he was able to make his mark in television history.
I cut this article down. It was toooooo long.
ARNAZ, DESI

U.S. Actor/Media Executive

Desi Arnaz is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the early television situation comedy, I Love Lucy. The series, which starred his wife, Lucille Ball as his fictional wife, Lucy Ricardo, appeared weekly on CBS. The show originally ran from the fall of 1951 through the 1957 season, and during this time ranked consis-tently among the top three national pro-grams. In addition to this recognition of Arnaz as perfect comic straight-man for Ball's genius, however, he was one of Hollywood's most perceptive, and powerful, producers in television's early years. His shrewd business skills and his realization of particular combinations of the television's technological and cultural connections enabled him to develop aspects of the medium that remain central to its economic and cultural force.

1951, before the perfection of video tape, nearly all television shows were live productions, fed from the East Coast because of time-zone differences. Philip Morris approved the idea of filming I Love Lucy, but the sponsor wanted a live audience, which had been effective on radio. Desi and cinematographer Karl Freund, a veteran of pre-World War II German expressionist cinema working in Hollywood, devised a plan for staging the show as a play, performing each act before an audi-ence, and simultaneous-ly filming with three or four cameras stationed in different loca-tions. Because this technique in-creased network production costs, CBS asked the Arnaz and Ball to take a cut in salary to compensate for the increase. In negotia-tion, Arnaz agreed, providing Desilu, a company he and Ball had created, would then own the shows after the broadcasts. A few years later the couple sold the films back to CBS for more than four million dollars, a sum that provided the economic base for building what became the Desilu empire. The practice of filming television episodes also paved the way to TV re-runs and syndication. After I Love Lucy was established as a hit, Desilu applied its multi-camera film technique to the product-ion of other shows, such as Our Miss Brooks, December Bride, and The Lineup. By 1957, Desilu was so successful that addition-al facilities were needed and it bought RKO Studios from the General Tire and Rubber Company.

Ricky still was no wasn;t WILD like Ralphie Boy-lol

Ireneparalegal · 01-12-2006, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetroTVCollector

Ricky still was no wasn;t WILD like Ralphie Boy-lol

Ricky wasn't...but Desi sure was! That's why Lucy divorced him!! LOL

Mrs. John Ritter · 01-13-2006, 09:52 AM

I have to agree with all of you. The Honeymooners is a classic show. It is one of the greatest shows of its time.

clj2 · 01-13-2006, 09:58 AM

I like I Love Lucy, as well as The Honeymooners - Both were equally entertaining. I wish it would come back to TV Land, I see it's on the "Vote for the most Requested Shows" list.

Mrs. Ducky · 01-13-2006, 09:34 PM

I agree with you that The Honeymooners was one of the most innovative shows of the decade and it is a true classic, but in terms of personal taste, it's definately not my favorite. It's not bad, I mean I can tolerate it, but I've never been able to really get into sitcoms revolvong around the home (with the exception of Burns & Allen) that had only a couple and no children. I don't know, something about larger families I think gives the show more dimension. JMO.

Classicshowsgurl15 · 01-13-2006, 09:59 PM

I think I Love Lucy was the best show of the 50's. The Honeymooners Second.

bencasey · 01-17-2006, 03:52 AM

The Honeymooners was a classic. Why do you denigrate it by saying it's like a 70s show? No, it's good, so it's like a 50s show. But there are lots of great 50s sitcoms, just they are either unfamiliar to modern viewers or the pacing is something they aren't used to. Honeymooners has similar pacing to more modern shows. That doesn't make it better, just more familiar looking.

dawsongirl · 01-17-2006, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ireneparalegal

Sorry Soloman, it's gotta be I Love Lucy. I never cared for Honeymooners.

Ditto.

dawsongirl · 01-17-2006, 04:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RetroTVCollector

Lucy never did anything for me,. I recall the husband being the standout character-"LUCY U GOT SOME EXPLAINING TO DO"-lol

Yeah...Lucy got on my nerves sometimes, but Ricky was awesome.

dawsongirl · 01-17-2006, 04:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tweety

(I'm not a fan of the Scottish musical episode, so maybe one bad one)...

I think I'm the only one who liked that episode.

comedyfreak · 01-17-2006, 08:25 AM

I have always liked I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, and Sgt. Bilko.

Lexx82 · 01-23-2006, 03:46 AM

The Honeymooners is the greatest tv show EVER! PERIOD!

i loved watching it as a kid and i love watching it as an adult and i will love watching it as a senior citizen.
The 39 episodes are priceless.

01-12-2006, 09:54 PM	#17
Ireneparalegal LEGAL SPICE ;) Forum Legend Join Date: Jul 25, 2005 Location: OXNARD, CA - WHERE THE DALLAS COWBOYS TRAIN & PRACTICE Posts: 38,689	DESI ARNAZ WAS THE BOMB!!! Desi Arnaz was a pioneer. He is deserving of more credit than he gets. It's because of I Love Lucy he was able to make his mark in television history. I cut this article down. It was toooooo long. ARNAZ, DESI U.S. Actor/Media Executive Desi Arnaz is best known for his role as Ricky Ricardo in the early television situation comedy, I Love Lucy. The series, which starred his wife, Lucille Ball as his fictional wife, Lucy Ricardo, appeared weekly on CBS. The show originally ran from the fall of 1951 through the 1957 season, and during this time ranked consis-tently among the top three national pro-grams. In addition to this recognition of Arnaz as perfect comic straight-man for Ball's genius, however, he was one of Hollywood's most perceptive, and powerful, producers in television's early years. His shrewd business skills and his realization of particular combinations of the television's technological and cultural connections enabled him to develop aspects of the medium that remain central to its economic and cultural force. 1951, before the perfection of video tape, nearly all television shows were live productions, fed from the East Coast because of time-zone differences. Philip Morris approved the idea of filming I Love Lucy, but the sponsor wanted a live audience, which had been effective on radio. Desi and cinematographer Karl Freund, a veteran of pre-World War II German expressionist cinema working in Hollywood, devised a plan for staging the show as a play, performing each act before an audi-ence, and simultaneous-ly filming with three or four cameras stationed in different loca-tions. Because this technique in-creased network production costs, CBS asked the Arnaz and Ball to take a cut in salary to compensate for the increase. In negotia-tion, Arnaz agreed, providing Desilu, a company he and Ball had created, would then own the shows after the broadcasts. A few years later the couple sold the films back to CBS for more than four million dollars, a sum that provided the economic base for building what became the Desilu empire. The practice of filming television episodes also paved the way to TV re-runs and syndication. After I Love Lucy was established as a hit, Desilu applied its multi-camera film technique to the product-ion of other shows, such as Our Miss Brooks, December Bride, and The Lineup. By 1957, Desilu was so successful that addition-al facilities were needed and it bought RKO Studios from the General Tire and Rubber Company.
	__________________ DALLAS COWBOYS ARE HERE AT TRAINING CAMP!!!

01-13-2006, 09:52 AM	#20
Mrs. John Ritter John is my true love Frequent Poster Join Date: Oct 30, 2005 Location: Being Held by the wonderful John Ritter Posts: 439	I have to agree with all of you. The Honeymooners is a classic show. It is one of the greatest shows of its time.
	__________________ Johnathan the love that I have for you is so strong, and it continues to grow everyday. You are my angel. I miss you so much my darling. You will always be in my heart. John S. Ritter September 17, 1948-September 11, 2003 I love you. :loveu

01-13-2006, 09:34 PM	#22
Mrs. Ducky Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 01, 2003 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,461	I agree with you that The Honeymooners was one of the most innovative shows of the decade and it is a true classic, but in terms of personal taste, it's definately not my favorite. It's not bad, I mean I can tolerate it, but I've never been able to really get into sitcoms revolvong around the home (with the exception of Burns & Allen) that had only a couple and no children. I don't know, something about larger families I think gives the show more dimension. JMO.
	__________________ “If television's a babysitter, the Internet is a drunk librarian who won't shut up.” Dorothy Gambrell

01-13-2006, 09:59 PM	#23
Classicshowsgurl15 Happy Days Senior Member Join Date: Jun 28, 2004 Location: California Posts: 2,088	I think I Love Lucy was the best show of the 50's. The Honeymooners Second.
	__________________ “All our young lives we search for someone to love, someone who makes us complete. We choose partners and change partners. We dance to a song of heartbreak and hope, all the while wondering if somewhere, somehow, there's someone perfect who might be searching for us.” - The Wonder Years

01-23-2006, 03:46 AM	#29
Lexx82 The Honeymooners #1 Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 23, 2006 Location: Jerz Posts: 262	The Honeymooners is the greatest tv show EVER! PERIOD! i loved watching it as a kid and i love watching it as an adult and i will love watching it as a senior citizen. The 39 episodes are priceless.
	__________________ A Mixture of Ralph Kramden with Daffy Duck= Explosive personality!!!! "American mother, if you are contacted by the Department of Defense and told that you will receive your son in a coffin, blame it on George Bush."

01-12-2006, 09:45 PM	#16
Tweety Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Jan 18, 2002 Location: Florida Posts: 6,804	My favorite 50s shows are I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, Leave it to Beaver and Burns & Allen. I also loved Father Knows Best, but I haven't seen that in 15 or 20 years, and I have a feeling that I wouldn't like it as much now as I did back then. I Love Lucy, I think, is the greatest sitcom ever (and the best TV Show ever) because it ran for five years or so and never had a really bad episode (I'm not a fan of the Scottish musical episode, so maybe one bad one)... The Honeymooners was probably wise to quit after 1 year, because even Gleason admitted that maintaining the high quality of the classic 39 would be impossible... So I think that the Honeymooners is the single best season over, for any show... But there's a difference in being great for 1 year, vs. 5 years... to borrow a sports term, TV shows can be evaluated both on "Peak" value as well as "Career" value... Honeymooners is the best at peak value, but I think I Love Lucy and Dick van Dyke rate best in 'career' value (i.e. the general quality of the show over its entire run). I'd love to see more Burns and Allen shows, the only ones I've seen (other than reruns as a kid in the late 60s, which I don't remember) are the few episodes TV land would run on Sunday mornings. But I love that show! I also love Leave it to Beaver, although I think it would have been better had they quit after season 4 or 5. When Beaver was like 14, but he was still acting and talking like a 7 year old...not cute! And a bunny suit??? Even in those days, Jr. High Schools didn't put on pagents in which the kids dressed as animals... what WERE the writers thinking??

01-13-2006, 09:58 AM	#21
clj2 Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Sep 16, 2005 Location: SC Posts: 3,501	I like I Love Lucy, as well as The Honeymooners - Both were equally entertaining. I wish it would come back to TV Land, I see it's on the "Vote for the most Requested Shows" list.

01-17-2006, 03:52 AM	#24
bencasey Member Senior Member Join Date: Dec 29, 2001 Location: Long Beach Posts: 1,692	The Honeymooners was a classic. Why do you denigrate it by saying it's like a 70s show? No, it's good, so it's like a 50s show. But there are lots of great 50s sitcoms, just they are either unfamiliar to modern viewers or the pacing is something they aren't used to. Honeymooners has similar pacing to more modern shows. That doesn't make it better, just more familiar looking.

01-17-2006, 08:25 AM	#28
comedyfreak Cheers! Forum Fanatic Join Date: Dec 14, 2005 Location: Sunny California Posts: 11,058	I have always liked I Love Lucy, The Honeymooners, and Sgt. Bilko.