Bilko in Britain. - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Tina H · 03-25-2018, 07:57 PM

I am really amazed that this classic TV show does not seem to be as beloved in the US as it is in Britain.

Bilko was regularly on our screens right through the 80's up until mid 2000's, and that is just in my memory.

Phil Silvers was one of the greatest comedians of all time and his performance, along with a superb supporting cast, and the smart, snappy scripts make Bilko an incredible TV show.

I read an interview with Phil Silvers where he says that if he had not had any responsibilities he would have moved to Britain to spend his final years. It was only a few years before he died and he was probably not too well at the time. It was a lovely recognition of his gratitude to the British people but really it was us who were grateful to him.

Thank you to Mr. Silvers we salute you.

Hazel Anyday · 03-25-2018, 10:45 PM

This was one of those shows I was not too familiar with as a kid in the '60's. I don't even think it was run in our area (in the U.S.) though I could be wrong. I sure don't remember watching it. And I watched a LOT of TV back then (and now). But I discovered this show a few years back (finally) when ME TV ran it, even when TV Land ran it a decade or more ago I wasn't that impressed.

I find the show one of the very funniest of sitcoms, it's guaranteed to make you laugh out loud in almost every single episode

. This show and Nat Hiken's other, Car 54, Where Are You, they are both extremely funny "laugh out loud" programs.

Both of them seem to be almost (sadly), but not to those in the know, forgotten today.

Another extremely funny show that has suffered even worse since it's broadcast is Amos And Andy.

This show was not only one of the very funniest shows on but it suffered the indignity of being banned from US TV broadcasts as repeats

. I never even saw it till VHS tapes started up. Unfortunately as great as the show is still many of the episodes are in very poor condition. If there was ever a need for a restoration of a series, this is it. At least Car 54 and Sgt. Bilko are both in terrific shape to be seen today. Both of them were filmed and so was Amos And Andy, which means it could be restored if someone spent the time and money to do so. It's a crime this show isn't available as widely as the others.

03-25-2018, 07:57 PM	#1
Tina H Member Occasional Poster Join Date: Oct 28, 2016 Location: England Posts: 7	Bilko in Britain. I am really amazed that this classic TV show does not seem to be as beloved in the US as it is in Britain. Bilko was regularly on our screens right through the 80's up until mid 2000's, and that is just in my memory. Phil Silvers was one of the greatest comedians of all time and his performance, along with a superb supporting cast, and the smart, snappy scripts make Bilko an incredible TV show. I read an interview with Phil Silvers where he says that if he had not had any responsibilities he would have moved to Britain to spend his final years. It was only a few years before he died and he was probably not too well at the time. It was a lovely recognition of his gratitude to the British people but really it was us who were grateful to him. Thank you to Mr. Silvers we salute you.

03-25-2018, 10:45 PM	#2
Hazel Anyday Member Senior Member Join Date: Apr 12, 2002 Posts: 2,131	Here Here and There There This was one of those shows I was not too familiar with as a kid in the '60's. I don't even think it was run in our area (in the U.S.) though I could be wrong. I sure don't remember watching it. And I watched a LOT of TV back then (and now). But I discovered this show a few years back (finally) when ME TV ran it, even when TV Land ran it a decade or more ago I wasn't that impressed. I find the show one of the very funniest of sitcoms, it's guaranteed to make you laugh out loud in almost every single episode . This show and Nat Hiken's other, Car 54, Where Are You, they are both extremely funny "laugh out loud" programs. Both of them seem to be almost (sadly), but not to those in the know, forgotten today. Another extremely funny show that has suffered even worse since it's broadcast is Amos And Andy. This show was not only one of the very funniest shows on but it suffered the indignity of being banned from US TV broadcasts as repeats . I never even saw it till VHS tapes started up. Unfortunately as great as the show is still many of the episodes are in very poor condition. If there was ever a need for a restoration of a series, this is it. At least Car 54 and Sgt. Bilko are both in terrific shape to be seen today. Both of them were filmed and so was Amos And Andy, which means it could be restored if someone spent the time and money to do so. It's a crime this show isn't available as widely as the others.
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