Which Mr. Wilson is Better? - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

stevea · 02-25-2018, 12:47 PM

I've seen a couple of posts (in comments on other shows), where the poster prefers Joseph Kearns' Mr. Wilson.

I argue that Gale Gordon's is better:

1. Gale Gordon actually resembles the comic strip Mr. Wilson.

2. I'm not sure what the reason is, but John Wilson is much lower key with Dennis than George is. He actually seems to like the kid, whereas George only seems to like him only for varying nefarious reasons.

It would be interesting to know how Jay North feels about his real life interactions with both actors. I get the feeling Kearns was a real life curmudgeon; Gordon, not so much.

Sterling Holobyte · 02-25-2018, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevea

I've seen a couple of posts (in comments on other shows), where the poster prefers Joseph Kearns' Mr. Wilson.

I argue that Gale Gordon's is better:

1. Gale Gordon actually resembles the comic strip Mr. Wilson.

2. I'm not sure what the reason is, but John Wilson is much lower key with Dennis than George is. He actually seems to like the kid, whereas George only seems to like him only for varying nefarious reasons.

It would be interesting to know how Jay North feels about his real life interactions with both actors. I get the feeling Kearns was a real life curmudgeon; Gordon, not so much.

I like Joseph Kearns myself. Maybe it's more because I first saw him in the role, I don't know. But also, I just can't stop seeing Mr. Whipple in Gale Gordon.

I saw an interview with Jay North, and he talks about how kind Kearns actually was. https://youtu.be/sD2P8RCgK8g Forward to about 1:49 to hear him talk about it.

Bonniegirl · 02-25-2018, 02:07 PM

Oh without a dought, hands down, George Wilson, Joe Kearns!!

He is my favorite character in the show!

Without him, DTM wasn't nearly as funny. Still a good show, I like John Wilson OK, ,and I like Gale Gordon. I prefer him as Mr. Mooney and Harry Carter from Lucy better!

So totally the original Mr.Wilson much better!

tlc38tlc38 · 02-25-2018, 02:40 PM

As usual, the original is always better.

king of comedy · 02-25-2018, 06:20 PM

Gale Gordon

PhoenixAcres · 02-25-2018, 06:55 PM

I agree with stevea. Joseph Kearns' portrayal for whatever reason seemed perpetually grouchy. Though he did care for Dennis, as seen on several occasions, he just didn't come across as likeable.

Gale Gordon's portrayal was a much more interesting character. I think it was easier to empathize with this Mr. Wilson. I also liked his rivalry with Mrs. Elkins.

Hazel Anyday · 02-26-2018, 12:15 AM

This question and the other typical question, who's the better Dick? Sergeant or York when it comes to Darrin on Bewitched and now with Dennis it's always who's the better Mr. Wilson.

Well, it seems obvious the answer to both, obviously it's York and it's Joseph Kearns. The replacements were adequate, but didn't hold a candle to the qualities of the originals. I really don't even like Dick #2 on Bewitched, he's a drag on the series when he takes the role over. BUT, I do like Gale Gordon on Dennis, he's just not nearly as good as Kearns. But it's because he played Mr. Wilson different. Both Dick York & Joe Kearns played their roles to the hilt, they played them with all out funny characteristics and character flaws, as a grouchy and funny CHARACTERS. They weren't the normal straight role you might see a non-regular character in a program would be, Kearns and York were real eccentric, if you will, characters. They played these roles with gusto and a lot of energy. Something lacking in the way both Sergeant and Gordon played their roles, much more laid back and straight. They were played a bit more seriously.

However I do really like Gale Gordon in his role on radio's Great Gildersleeve when he played rich neighbor Rumson Bullard and he was superb as Mr. Mooney up against the annoying Lucy. Gale Gordon was a great actor in his many supporting roles, but only as Mr. Wilson does he come in second.

Bonniegirl · 02-26-2018, 01:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hazel Anyday

This question and the other typical question, who's the better Dick? Sergeant or York when it comes to Darrin on Bewitched and now with Dennis it's always who's the better Mr. Wilson.

Well, it seems obvious the answer to both, obviously it's York and it's Joseph Kearns. The replacements were adequate, but didn't hold a candle to the qualities of the originals. I really don't even like Dick #2 on Bewitched, he's a drag on the series when he takes the role over. BUT, I do like Gale Gordon on Dennis, he's just not nearly as good as Kearns. But it's because he played Mr. Wilson different. Both Dick York & Joe Kearns played their roles to the hilt, they played them with all out funny characteristics and character flaws, as a grouchy and funny CHARACTERS. They weren't the normal straight role you might see a non-regular character in a program would be, Kearns and York were real eccentric, if you will, characters. They played these roles with gusto and a lot of energy. Something lacking in the way both Sergeant and Gordon played their roles, much more laid back and straight. They were played a bit more seriously.

However I do really like Gale Gordon in his role on radio's Great Gildersleeve when he played rich neighbor Rumson Bullard and he was superb as Mr. Mooney up against the annoying Lucy. Gale Gordon was a great actor in his many supporting roles, but only as Mr. Wilson does he come in second.

I totally agree! Excellent post!!

1960'sTVfan · 02-26-2018, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stevea

Gale Gordon actually resembles the comic strip Mr. Wilson.

It's true that Gale Gordon resembled the Mr. Wilson from the Dennis comic books. However, he didn't have the same acting chemistry with Jay North like Joseph Kearns did. So for that reason I'd say that Joseph Kearns was more suited for the role. Having said that, since Gale Gordon resembled the role more, it would have been interesting to see him play Mr. Wilson in the TV show from the start. If Gale had been there from the beginning, he might have developed great acting chemistry with Jay North also.

Gale Gordon had a difficult situation, he took over the role because Joseph Kearns had suddenly passed away. So from that point forward, the TV show seems to have an air of sadness/depression about it, especially the last eight episodes of the 3rd season. I imagine those episodes were tough to do, but the cast had to carry on.

In the Dennis comic books from the 1950's & 60's, Dennis would do some pretty wild stuff, get in all sorts of mischief and cause mayhem. This TV show version is tame in comparison to the comic books, so the censors must have put a pretty firm lid on the type of antics Dennis could do.

stevea · 02-26-2018, 12:17 PM

The producers and CBS toned the Dennis character down. Watch the first few episodes--he's a terror.

gonzo40 · 03-20-2018, 07:36 PM

Joseph Kearns kept the show going..... He was perfect for the role other than not looking like the cartoon character...... Worked great though.... I did love Gale Gordon in season 3 where he was thought to be a witch doctor... Wish that episode was an hour long. Could have done so much more with it.....

Crusinforabrusintoda · 03-20-2018, 08:38 PM

As much as I love Gale Gordon , Joseph Kearns was the better Mr. Wilson

Dude111 · 03-21-2018, 07:09 AM

Gale Gordon

OH Nuts! · 03-21-2018, 08:34 AM

Joe Kearns. Gale Gordon was good but Joe was GREAT!

AMackII · 03-21-2018, 10:55 AM

Gale Gordon, he was the perfect choice to play Mr. Wilson

02-25-2018, 12:47 PM	#1
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,174	Which Mr. Wilson is Better? I've seen a couple of posts (in comments on other shows), where the poster prefers Joseph Kearns' Mr. Wilson. I argue that Gale Gordon's is better: 1. Gale Gordon actually resembles the comic strip Mr. Wilson. 2. I'm not sure what the reason is, but John Wilson is much lower key with Dennis than George is. He actually seems to like the kid, whereas George only seems to like him only for varying nefarious reasons. It would be interesting to know how Jay North feels about his real life interactions with both actors. I get the feeling Kearns was a real life curmudgeon; Gordon, not so much.

02-25-2018, 02:40 PM	#4
tlc38tlc38 Every day’s a Dolly day! Forum Star Join Date: May 02, 2008 Location: I’m just travelin’ thru Posts: 19,252	As usual, the original is always better.
	__________________ Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. Deuteronomy 15:10 In loving memory of my best friend, my Mama.

02-26-2018, 12:15 AM	#7
Hazel Anyday Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 12, 2002 Posts: 2,131	Do Birds Fly? This question and the other typical question, who's the better Dick? Sergeant or York when it comes to Darrin on Bewitched and now with Dennis it's always who's the better Mr. Wilson. Well, it seems obvious the answer to both, obviously it's York and it's Joseph Kearns. The replacements were adequate, but didn't hold a candle to the qualities of the originals. I really don't even like Dick #2 on Bewitched, he's a drag on the series when he takes the role over. BUT, I do like Gale Gordon on Dennis, he's just not nearly as good as Kearns. But it's because he played Mr. Wilson different. Both Dick York & Joe Kearns played their roles to the hilt, they played them with all out funny characteristics and character flaws, as a grouchy and funny CHARACTERS. They weren't the normal straight role you might see a non-regular character in a program would be, Kearns and York were real eccentric, if you will, characters. They played these roles with gusto and a lot of energy. Something lacking in the way both Sergeant and Gordon played their roles, much more laid back and straight. They were played a bit more seriously. However I do really like Gale Gordon in his role on radio's Great Gildersleeve when he played rich neighbor Rumson Bullard and he was superb as Mr. Mooney up against the annoying Lucy. Gale Gordon was a great actor in his many supporting roles, but only as Mr. Wilson does he come in second.
	__________________ Haaazeelll!! Last edited by Hazel Anyday; 02-26-2018 at 12:18 AM. Reason: Slight Correction

02-25-2018, 02:07 PM	#3
Bonniegirl AKA Hazel Horvath Forum Addict Join Date: Jul 10, 2014 Posts: 65,399	Oh without a dought, hands down, George Wilson, Joe Kearns!! He is my favorite character in the show! Without him, DTM wasn't nearly as funny. Still a good show, I like John Wilson OK, ,and I like Gale Gordon. I prefer him as Mr. Mooney and Harry Carter from Lucy better! So totally the original Mr.Wilson much better!

02-25-2018, 06:20 PM	#5
king of comedy Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Aug 31, 2012 Location: New Jersey Posts: 5,140	Gale Gordon

02-25-2018, 06:55 PM	#6
PhoenixAcres Member Moderator Forum Veteran Join Date: Jul 26, 2016 Location: United States Posts: 6,824	I agree with stevea. Joseph Kearns' portrayal for whatever reason seemed perpetually grouchy. Though he did care for Dennis, as seen on several occasions, he just didn't come across as likeable. Gale Gordon's portrayal was a much more interesting character. I think it was easier to empathize with this Mr. Wilson. I also liked his rivalry with Mrs. Elkins.

02-26-2018, 12:17 PM	#10
stevea 22 Years On Sitcoms Moderator Forum Legend Join Date: Aug 13, 2003 Location: Indy Posts: 44,174	The producers and CBS toned the Dennis character down. Watch the first few episodes--he's a terror.

03-20-2018, 07:36 PM	#11
gonzo40 Member Frequent Poster Join Date: Jan 04, 2013 Location: Livonia, Michigan Posts: 112	Joseph Kearns kept the show going..... He was perfect for the role other than not looking like the cartoon character...... Worked great though.... I did love Gale Gordon in season 3 where he was thought to be a witch doctor... Wish that episode was an hour long. Could have done so much more with it.....

03-20-2018, 08:38 PM	#12
Crusinforabrusintoda Member Forum Hawk Join Date: Mar 16, 2018 Posts: 4	As much as I love Gale Gordon , Joseph Kearns was the better Mr. Wilson

03-21-2018, 07:09 AM	#13
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 35,363	Gale Gordon

03-21-2018, 08:34 AM	#14
OH Nuts! Member Forum King Join Date: Feb 15, 2005 Posts: 133,383	Joe Kearns. Gale Gordon was good but Joe was GREAT!

03-21-2018, 10:55 AM	#15
AMackII Member Forum Star Join Date: Oct 23, 2015 Location: St. Louis Posts: 17,198	Gale Gordon, he was the perfect choice to play Mr. Wilson