Enjoyes some of the Jean Hagen DVDs

[Jude The Obscure]

I own 2 mini-volumes (3 episodes each) and watched them again yesterday and enjoyed the episodes immensely. Does anyone how many different episodes from the Jean Hagen era are out on DVD (yes, I know public domain), since this is probably the only way we will ever get to see the Jean Hagen episodes.

[Benno123]

I don't know how many are available, but I would like to know why a proper DVD release hasn't started with season 1 instead of with season 5?!?!?

[Jude The Obscure]

From what I read from various sources is that Danny Thomas and now his estate doesn't want to see those seasons released, since supposedly residuals would have to be paid to Jean Hagen's estate? I don't know the REAL reason, but I think it is STUPID that the show's fans are denied access to some of the funniest work that Danny and the gang did. Aside from daytime NBC reruns, I don't these seasons were ever in syndication.

[Benno123]

There must have been a heck of a fallout between Jean Hagen and Danny Thomas! It's a shame that most people only remember the series from 1957 on .... though that is when it moved to CBS (in I Love Lucy's old time slot) and became a massive hit.

[Jude The Obscure]

And the series as a whole tells a very interesting story--considering also the sequel series, Make Room for Granddaddy. Shame that we are denied access to it all. I was surprised a few years back when TV Land (when it was still a GREAT channel) was rerunning The Joey Bishop Show to see Rusty Hamer's character join the show during the last season.

[bencasey]

Originally Posted by Jude The Obscure

From what I read from various sources is that Danny Thomas and now his estate doesn't want to see those seasons released, since supposedly residuals would have to be paid to Jean Hagen's estate? I don't know the REAL reason, but I think it is STUPID that the show's fans are denied access to some of the funniest work that Danny and the gang did. Aside from daytime NBC reruns, I don't these seasons were ever in syndication.

I just read Danny Thomas' autobiography and he really did not get along at all with Hagen. Not to mention how pissed he was at her for leaving the show and almost causing the series to get cancelled. I don't think he ever forgave her and that pretty much explains why he made sure her episodes were buried. He loved Lord and couldn't stand Hagen. He makes it sound like she was a real prima donna and a complete bitch.

[Jude The Obscure]

Well despite if she indeed was (and it may be true considering her big screen career was kinda squandered), these episodes shouldn't be "buried". But I know Danny's children keep following their dad's intentions, so odds are we will never see these in general syndication or DVD release, other than the odd public domain issue.

[KSCOTT]

I read in T.V. guide when they did an article on Danny around 1963 that He and the Producers tried to talk Jean out of leaving the show. However, they got nowhere. I wonder if she ever regreted leaving the show in it's prime.
I would love to have all of the copies she appeared in with Danny!
Nothing against Majorie but I've always liked the Danny and Jean episodes the best.

[bencasey]

Of course that was when the show was new and fresh. As with any series, it starts to wear out after being on a long time and MRFD clocked in with almost 350 episodes, more than any sitcom other than Ozzie and Harriet. Not to mention Sherry Jackson, who was blossoming into a very beautiful young woman. That's another mystery - why was she forced off the show. I think it had to do with her turning into a voluptuous teenager and them really not knowing what to do with a 16 year old girl built like a Playmate. So, even though she was 16, they sent her off to college. Then the following year they brought the character back with a plainer, less sexy actress, in the role.

[catlover79]

Originally Posted by bencasey

I just read Danny Thomas' autobiography and he really did not get along at all with Hagen. Not to mention how pissed he was at her for leaving the show and almost causing the series to get cancelled. I don't think he ever forgave her and that pretty much explains why he made sure her episodes were buried. He loved Lord and couldn't stand Hagen. He makes it sound like she was a real prima donna and a complete bitch.

Wow, that's really petty. What a shame.

[Bob's TV Treasures]

That's confusing. If Sherry Jackson was ousted from the show for
being too voluptuous, then why was Annette Funicello added
for a season in 1959? It wasn't her mouse ears that made
boys watch The Mickey Mouse Club.

[KSCOTT]

I don't think Sherry Jackson was ousted from The Show. However, the Show wasn't the same in my opinion after she left because she was an asset!
Also, it's my understanding that Sherry was supposed to comeback for the 1959-1960 Episodes but something happened with the producers.

[treky]

I read somewhere that Danny requested in his will tat the Jean Hagen episodes never be seen again; ANYWHERE! So now, his family is simply honoring his wishes.

[Jude The Obscure]

apparently something called forgiveness is a foreign concept that only suits those who can profit from it.

[biffbronson]

I have one of those public domain DVDs with three of Jean's episodes -- I think mine is one put out by Digiview. Really stellar presentation -- not only sharp in every way, but also including all original commercials; and even the little countdown strips at the start that viewers never saw on TV. You can't get more complete than that as far as original elements!