Classic Radio: “My Favorite Husband”

I just ran across a trio of episodes of the classic radio show, “My Favorite Husband,” which starred Lucille Ball and Richard Denning.  It’s common knowledge that “My Favorite Husband” was the initial basis for what would become (arguably) the most beloved sitcom of all time, I Love Lucy.

Rhoda…etc.

It is September 19, 1970 when Mary Richards moves into 119 North Weatherly in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  Escorted by building manager and friend, Phyllis Lindstrom and her daughter Bess, Mary steps into the space and marvels at what she sees.  It’s perfect!  A stylish, one-room apartment.

The Dick Van Dyke Show

I’m sure it comes as no surprise to anyone if I say that if I had the time, I’d spend most of my days watching classic television and movies.  It just never gets old.  Unfortunately, the time I’ve available to dedicate to the classics is limited so the best I can do is squeeze in an episode here, a movie there, and so on.  Of late I’ve been “squeezing in” episodes of The Dick Van Dyke Show.  Naturally I am compelled to post a comment or two about those classic gems.  However, before I comment on any specific episode, I thought it might be a good idea to share a bit about how that show came to be.  Although, I’m sure it’s safe to say most of us know the general backstories of our favorites, it’s always fun to relive the stories – vicariously.

Chico, Harpo & Groucho – last TV appearance together

As is a part of my routine, I was reading through the “happenings in entertainment history on this day” -type of notices when I saw that March 8 (either today or tomorrow depending on where in the world you may be), is the anniversary of the three Marx Brothers’ last appearance together on television – in 1959.  That would be Groucho, Chico and Harpo and the show was titled “The Incredible Jewel Robbery,” an installment of CBS’ General Electric Theater anthology series, which ran from 1953 to 1962 and was hosted by Ronald Reagan.

Columbo: Why It Matters

This is a companion piece to a previous post submitted by Paul Hughes, Columbo: Why We Watch.

Classic TV Show Ads

I suspect most people who are fans of classic television are so because they watched the shows as children.  Well, I fall into that group in any case.  As part of my weekly television ritual, and I might add THE most exciting day of the week, when I was a child was Friday – when I would go through every single inch of the upcoming week’s TV Guide and plan what I would watch the following week.  

Columbo TV Story – by the actor in our midst

Dean Matthews needs no introduction in Columbo fan circles on Twitter.  Known as @DastardlyDeano, he’s become one of the essentials in the monthly #ColumboTV screenings where Columbo fans the world over live-tweet to episodes every month.  Not to mention Dean is also one of the more, shall we say, passionate people I’ve encountered on Twitter.  There is no limit to his love for Columbo and his talent as you are about to see…