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Zoneboy · 11-20-2009, 12:15 AM

TV's 'Petticoat Junction' took viewers to a more relaxing place and time

by Paulette Cohn

Link

The '60s was a decade of discord, with antiwar activism, racial strife and a cultural clash between "hippies" and "the establishment." But the majority of Americans didn't turn on and drop out. Instead, they tuned in—to TV shows that transported them each week to simpler places and times.

"You could forget about your cares. It was time to relax at the Junction," says Linda Kaye Henning, who played Betty Jo Bradley on Petticoat Junction, which aired from 1963 to 1970 and was rated among television's most-watched shows for several of those years. Her father, producer Paul Henning, was also behind two other popular shows of the era, The Beverly Hillbillies and Green Acres.

In such a troubled time, says the actress, "Audiences could tune in for a half hour and enjoy knowing that things would turn out OK."

Petticoat Junction was set at the Shady Rest Hotel just outside of the fictitious rural town of Hooterville on the train line of the CF&W Railroad Co. The inn was run by Kate Bradley (Bea Benaderet), who was raising a trio of lovely daughters, Betty Jo, Bobbie Jo and Billie Jo (variously portrayed by Henning, Pat Woodell, Lori Saunders, Jeannine Riley, Gunilla Hutton and Meredith MacRae) with the help of slow-moving Uncle Joe (Edgar Buchanan).

Petticoat Junction found a spot on TV's make-believe map following the runaway success of a show that happened to feature another tightly knit, rural family—albeit one that had been transplanted to upscale Beverly Hills.

When The Beverly Hillbillies became a smash, CBS asked creator Paul Henning for a second show. In a 1990 interview included as a special feature on the Petticoat Junction—the First Season DVD, Henning reveals how it came about.

"My wife had been telling me about her early days in Missouri, where her grandparents had a hotel beside the railroad tracks. Traveling salesmen would come because the rates were very reasonable and there was home cooking." Henning thought there were the seeds in there somewhere for a TV show—and he was right.

Where are the residents of the Shady Rest now? Benaderet died in 1968 from lung cancer at the age of 62. Buchanan passed away in 1979 at age 76 from a stroke. A cancerous brain tumor ended MacRae's life at age 56 in 2000.

Michael Minor, who played Steve Elliott on the show and was married to Henning both on the show and (for five years) in real life, is retired following work in the theater and on daytime TV. Saunders is married and lives in California. Riley continues to work in theater. Woodell follows her singing career all over the world. Hutton, now retired, was a regular on the long-running Hee Haw series.

"We are all busy in what we are doing, and we live in different areas, but we are all friends," says Henning, who manages Trinkets & Treasures, a gift store in the San Fernando Valley, serves as a volunteer teacher at the Los Angeles Zoo, and scratches her acting itch as part of the California Artists Radio Theater.

Earle Marsh, TV expert and author of The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present, suggests that more TV sitcoms from the '60s need to find their way back to the airwaves as reruns or DVD releases. "With the state of our economy, right now people need something to make them feel good—because what is out in the real world is not making them feel good.

Sounds like time for another trip to the Junction!

Marvo301 · 11-20-2009, 12:22 AM

I know I thoroughly enjoyed visiting a simpler place and time while watching my Petticoat Junction DVD's. I agree with this article. More 60's TV series should see the light of day. We need them now more than ever!

janet42 · 11-20-2009, 10:05 AM

I really enjoyed the article. I agree, we do need Petticoat Junction in syndication.

Retro4Life · 11-20-2009, 10:30 AM

It's odd to me that a show that ran for seven seasons is run so seldom. You see Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres and other 60's shows quite often on various networks, but, for whatever reason, Petticoat Junction airings seem to be rare.

I think of all the "rural" comedies, this was one that kind of slipped under the radar a bit. It was popular but didn't seem to be as "gimmicky" or flashy as the others. That's not a comment on its overall quality, mind you.

Personally, I'd like to see it aired again. In contrast to many others shows that have been aired so often one can almost repeat the dialogue verbatim, PJ, with its less frequent airings, seems almost like watching a "new" show to me.

11-20-2009, 12:15 AM	#1
Zoneboy RIP, I'LL NEVER FORGET YOU :( Moderator Forum Superstar Join Date: Jul 13, 2003 Location: AT HOME WISHING ALL THIS WAS JUST A DREAM AND THAT I'LL WAKE UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE. Posts: 34,380	American Profile: 'Petticoat' Memories TV's 'Petticoat Junction' took viewers to a more relaxing place and time by Paulette Cohn Link The '60s was a decade of discord, with antiwar activism, racial strife and a cultural clash between "hippies" and "the establishment." But the majority of Americans didn't turn on and drop out. Instead, they tuned in—to TV shows that transported them each week to simpler places and times. "You could forget about your cares. It was time to relax at the Junction," says Linda Kaye Henning, who played Betty Jo Bradley on Petticoat Junction, which aired from 1963 to 1970 and was rated among television's most-watched shows for several of those years. Her father, producer Paul Henning, was also behind two other popular shows of the era, The Beverly Hillbillies and Green Acres. In such a troubled time, says the actress, "Audiences could tune in for a half hour and enjoy knowing that things would turn out OK." Petticoat Junction was set at the Shady Rest Hotel just outside of the fictitious rural town of Hooterville on the train line of the CF&W Railroad Co. The inn was run by Kate Bradley (Bea Benaderet), who was raising a trio of lovely daughters, Betty Jo, Bobbie Jo and Billie Jo (variously portrayed by Henning, Pat Woodell, Lori Saunders, Jeannine Riley, Gunilla Hutton and Meredith MacRae) with the help of slow-moving Uncle Joe (Edgar Buchanan). Petticoat Junction found a spot on TV's make-believe map following the runaway success of a show that happened to feature another tightly knit, rural family—albeit one that had been transplanted to upscale Beverly Hills. When The Beverly Hillbillies became a smash, CBS asked creator Paul Henning for a second show. In a 1990 interview included as a special feature on the Petticoat Junction—the First Season DVD, Henning reveals how it came about. "My wife had been telling me about her early days in Missouri, where her grandparents had a hotel beside the railroad tracks. Traveling salesmen would come because the rates were very reasonable and there was home cooking." Henning thought there were the seeds in there somewhere for a TV show—and he was right. Where are the residents of the Shady Rest now? Benaderet died in 1968 from lung cancer at the age of 62. Buchanan passed away in 1979 at age 76 from a stroke. A cancerous brain tumor ended MacRae's life at age 56 in 2000. Michael Minor, who played Steve Elliott on the show and was married to Henning both on the show and (for five years) in real life, is retired following work in the theater and on daytime TV. Saunders is married and lives in California. Riley continues to work in theater. Woodell follows her singing career all over the world. Hutton, now retired, was a regular on the long-running Hee Haw series. "We are all busy in what we are doing, and we live in different areas, but we are all friends," says Henning, who manages Trinkets & Treasures, a gift store in the San Fernando Valley, serves as a volunteer teacher at the Los Angeles Zoo, and scratches her acting itch as part of the California Artists Radio Theater. Earle Marsh, TV expert and author of The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows 1946-Present, suggests that more TV sitcoms from the '60s need to find their way back to the airwaves as reruns or DVD releases. "With the state of our economy, right now people need something to make them feel good—because what is out in the real world is not making them feel good. Sounds like time for another trip to the Junction!
	__________________ 'Twas The Night Before Christmas And All Through The Full House Not A Creature Was Stirring, Not Even Mighty Mouse. All My Children We're Nestled All Snug In Their Beds While Visions Of Sugarbakers Danced In Their Heads.

11-20-2009, 12:22 AM	#2
Marvo301 I'm NOT a Blockhead! Forum Celebrity Join Date: May 17, 2002 Location: The Great White North Posts: 21,453	I know I thoroughly enjoyed visiting a simpler place and time while watching my Petticoat Junction DVD's. I agree with this article. More 60's TV series should see the light of day. We need them now more than ever!
	__________________ Only a life lived for others is worth living. Albert Einstein A life isn't worth living unless it has impact on other lives. Jackie Robinson Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. Benjamin Franklin

11-20-2009, 10:30 AM	#4
Retro4Life Accept No Substitutes Forum Veteran Join Date: Feb 04, 2009 Location: IL Posts: 6,708	It's odd to me that a show that ran for seven seasons is run so seldom. You see Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres and other 60's shows quite often on various networks, but, for whatever reason, Petticoat Junction airings seem to be rare. I think of all the "rural" comedies, this was one that kind of slipped under the radar a bit. It was popular but didn't seem to be as "gimmicky" or flashy as the others. That's not a comment on its overall quality, mind you. Personally, I'd like to see it aired again. In contrast to many others shows that have been aired so often one can almost repeat the dialogue verbatim, PJ, with its less frequent airings, seems almost like watching a "new" show to me.
	__________________ Alex Reiger :[Trying to convince Louie not to antagonize Bobby] "It's not hard to make people feel bad about their lives. What's hard is making people feel good about their lives."

11-20-2009, 10:05 AM	#3
janet42 Three's Company Fan! Senior Member Join Date: Feb 22, 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 1,757	I really enjoyed the article. I agree, we do need Petticoat Junction in syndication.