Henry Mitchell

[gonzo40]

Does anyone else notice that Mr. Wilson calls Henry Mitchell just plain "Mitchell" on occasion? Thought that was odd......

[1960'sTVfan]

It's a carryover from the comic books. In the comics, sometimes he just calls him Mitchell. It's just his way of speaking.

[gonzo40]

Thanks Retro.....

[1960'sTVfan]

Originally Posted by gonzo40

Thanks Retro.....

You're welcome, glad to help you with your question.

[Hazel Anyday]

Also notice how Henry & Alice called George Wilson "Mr. Wilson" but called John Wilson "John". I think they had more respect for the first Mr. Wilson cause he seemed older. THough Joseph Kearns was only in his 50's, he just seemed to be in his 60's.

[gonzo40]

In the "Out of Retirement" episode it sounded like Mr. Wilson had been retired for a few years, although the exact time had not been mentioned.... You are right when saying he looked older, as Mr. and Mrs. Wilson almost have reached Grandparent age looking status for that time period..... Maybe they called him John to show the difference between the two and by that 4th season everything sure changed and the writers must have known the end was near....

[Elainer]

In the cartoon, Henry calls Mr Wilson: George and George calls Mr Mitchell Henry.

[schmave]

I think we were always supposed to assume John was George's younger brother, and while still clearly older than the Mitchells was closer to their age than George and Martha. In real life, Gale Gordon was 51 weeks older than Joseph Kearns and outlived him by 33 years.

[PhoenixAcres]

Originally Posted by gonzo40

Does anyone else notice that Mr. Wilson calls Henry Mitchell just plain "Mitchell" on occasion? Thought that was odd......

I've noticed that too, though it was only the original Mr. Wilson who did that. It really was strange, sort of a distant way of greeting your neighbor. It seemed old-fashioned, like how a strict school professor would call his students by their last name. The Mitchells responded by calling him "Mr. Wilson" I suppose out of respect. When John Wilson came along everyone was on first name basis and I liked that better because it seemed more genuine and casual.

As to George Wilson's age, I remember reading something about how Joseph Kearns was heavily made-up to advance his age (makeup, greying the hair, etc.) because Kearns himself was only in his early 50s.