How The Show Was Filmed.....

[ILuvCarolBurnett]

I believe I read or heard one of the kids on an interview show once say they never missed going to a public school while filming "the Brady Bunch". would this even be possible? Kids were in school for 9 months out of the year, Mon- Fri all day....how could they film a show like that?

[Jack1000]

Originally Posted by ILuvCarolBurnett

I believe I read or heard one of the kids on an interview show once say they never missed going to a public school while filming "the Brady Bunch". would this even be possible? Kids were in school for 9 months out of the year, Mon- Fri all day....how could they film a show like that?

The Unified County School District of Los Angeles, according to Barry's book, Growing up Brady and other sources required that when on the set, each child had to receive three hours of studio school each day. In addition to a parent or guardian being on the set at all time. The kids work and school hours were to be no earlier than 8am and no later than 5PM. Interestingly enough as a comparison, Jerry Mathers from "Leave it to Beaver" said that the actor rules for kids at that time was a choice of working from 8am-5PM or 9am-6PM.

Francis Whitfield the lady seen with the white hair in the Snow White and the Seven Bradly's episode who was Cindy's "teacher" in reality WAS the main on-set school teacher and parental guardian for the kids throughout the run of The Brady Bunch. She also had a career as an actress and was loved by EVERYONE! Even Robert Reed complimented her dedication, sincerity, and professionalism.

One each kid had his/her three hours of schooling in for the day you had to be on the set. If you weren't needed for a scene you could get permission to hang out. The kids would often go visit other sets around the Paramount lot, which included Happy Days, Star Trek, and The Odd Couple!

Mrs. Whitfield remembers all the kids were wonderful. They wrote well, especially Susan, and many of them liked to draw. The corridor for the school room became a "Brady Art Exhibit." Eve once drew a picture of a supermarket, designing and labeling every product.

The problem was that when people toured the Paramount lot, many stole the pictures, in addition to time and deterioration to them. I leaned that few remain.

Jack

[ILuvCarolBurnett]

Thanks Jack, but I remember distinctly one of the kids saying they were in public school for several months out of the year. I did some research, and it appears "Brady" would film sometimes two episodes per week. If that is the case, then a full season for the show could be shot in as little as three months, which would allow the kids to attend public school for awhile.