@@David-yw2lv Same here. I know pretty much the history of the Smothers Brothers, but a biographical movie would be nice. I just watched the bio movie on Jim Henson that was very interesting. Directed by Ron Howard.
@@felixmadison5736 I often wondered if in their early days the roles were reversed.Tom was the straight man and Dick the funnyman.There have been many cases where a team bombed,so they reversed roles.Maybe that happened with the Smothers Brothers.I learned recently they didn't like that sitcom they did and voluntarily ended it.That led to the variety show,which was better suited for them.
Holy cow! This is one of the first television shows I remember watching on my own. I have such great memories of it and am amazed that it's here to watch again. Thanks for posting it!
First time seeing or ever hearing of this show. Based on the negative comments, I see that I'm in the minority. They may have hit their stride with The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, but I still think it's a cute show from what I've seen. Plus, I really couldn't give a shit what others think anyhow.
The opening sequence, featuring the boys describing what viewers are going to see {DICK: "NO, Tom, 'fifity thousand elephants' *aren't* going to be on this show!"/TOM: "Is that next week's show?"}, is omitted from this version.
Not a great show, but got the Smothers Brothers noticed enough that they were able to create their REAL show later on! Also, the narrator is Gary Owens, who would become part of another groundbreaking show, "Laugh-In."
There were TWO versions of the pilot episode. The first was an unaired version written by Allan Burns and Chris Hayward, and featured Marilyn Scott in a more prominent role as "Diane Costello". However, most of the episode was refilmed before the series' premiere, with a new script by Alex Gottlieb; only the beginning and end were retained in the final version [the new footage starts at the 9:13 mark].
Big mistake. Did not feature the Smothers Brothers doing what they did best. Just a crappy sitcom with parts seemingly not written for their specific talents. Mercifully, it only lasted one season. Then they did the variety show, where they really shined.
Even CBS wasn't impressed with the series. Before the premiere, they wanted to scrap it in favor of a half-hour comedy/variety program. But Alberto-Culver [VO5 and other hair care products], the series' primary sponsor, insisted, "THIS is the show we bought", and refused to change formats {their alternate sponsor, American Tobacco [Tareyton], sided with them}. Several affiliates sided with the network, and declined to schedule the show [Fridays, 9:30pm(et), right after "GOMER PYLE- U.S.M.C."]. As a result, while the first few episodes scored impressive ratings, viewers soon bailed out, and the series limped through an entire season until Alberto-Culver and American Tobacco's contracts had ended. Tom fought for better scripts; in a February 1966 TV GUIDE article, he recalled disagreeing with their original producer, Phil Sharp [who left after five episodes, replaced by Fred DeCordova], over his approach to comedy writing {"With Phil, it's 'A + B + C + D = joke'"}. Although Tom won most of his battles, he also gained an ulcer- and his marriage unraveled. After the series ended, he vowed never to appear in another sitcom, insisting the next show he and Dick appeared in feature a comedy/variety format. CBS gave them the chance with "THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR" in February 1967.
I was just seven when this aired. I loved the show! It was my introduction to the Smothers Brothers. It may not have been the best writing, but I thought their personalities shined through. Would have liked to have seen them do some more singing, like the Dick VanDyke Show. But it’s one of my early television good memories. Thank you for posting.
@@melodysledgister2468 Very well said!! Me too. I actually thought the show was good!! 😂Seeing this episode now, I see that it wasn't real good after all, but regardless, I LOVED IT -- and I imagine it's just because of what you said. BTW I didn't even know at the time about their music.
This hits a little different today. Rest well, Tommy.
I loved this show as a kid. I'm going to check it now.
Hank Kimball as the delivery man! LOL!!
I was 16 and remember it well. Now Tommy really IS an angel. RIP Tommy.
💌
I'd like to see a biographical movie about the Smothers Brothers.
@@David-yw2lv Same here. I know pretty much the history of the Smothers Brothers, but a biographical movie would be nice. I just watched the bio movie on Jim Henson that was very interesting. Directed by Ron Howard.
@@felixmadison5736 I often wondered if in their early days the roles were reversed.Tom was the straight man and Dick the funnyman.There have been many cases where a team bombed,so they reversed roles.Maybe that happened with the Smothers Brothers.I learned recently they didn't like that sitcom they did and voluntarily ended it.That led to the variety show,which was better suited for them.
@@David-yw2lv I know they started out to be 'traditional' folk singers, but found out they were liked more for their comedy routines.
Miss you Tommy. Thanks for all the laughs.
Gone but never forgotten.........Thanks for the laughs.....😄
Holy cow! This is one of the first television shows I remember watching on my own. I have such great memories of it and am amazed that it's here to watch again. Thanks for posting it!
Thanks for the memories. Anytime you want to post more of this show, just let me know. 👍🏻
Thanks for this post. I loved the show.
First time seeing or ever hearing of this show. Based on the negative comments, I see that I'm in the minority. They may have hit their stride with The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, but I still think it's a cute show from what I've seen. Plus, I really couldn't give a shit what others think anyhow.
Angels are Amongst Us All
The opening sequence, featuring the boys describing what viewers are going to see {DICK: "NO, Tom, 'fifity thousand elephants' *aren't* going to be on this show!"/TOM: "Is that next week's show?"}, is omitted from this version.
Not a great show, but got the Smothers Brothers noticed enough that they were able to create their REAL show later on! Also, the narrator is Gary Owens, who would become part of another groundbreaking show, "Laugh-In."
There were TWO versions of the pilot episode. The first was an unaired version written by Allan Burns and Chris Hayward, and featured Marilyn Scott in a more prominent role as "Diane Costello". However, most of the episode was refilmed before the series' premiere, with a new script by Alex Gottlieb; only the beginning and end were retained in the final version [the new footage starts at the 9:13 mark].
I heard Tommy doing a bit, they had a sister, Harry Smotthers , Tom,Dick, and Harry
And they really did have a younger sister - Sherry. She died a few months before Tommy.
Our Sympathy to Tommy and his family
Creepy to think this is probably real today!
The Angel Show The Smothers Brothers were not fans.Alvy Moore was a smartass version of Hank Kimball.
Big mistake. Did not feature the Smothers Brothers doing what they did best. Just a crappy sitcom with parts seemingly not written for their specific talents. Mercifully, it only lasted one season. Then they did the variety show, where they really shined.
Even CBS wasn't impressed with the series. Before the premiere, they wanted to scrap it in favor of a half-hour comedy/variety program. But Alberto-Culver [VO5 and other hair care products], the series' primary sponsor, insisted, "THIS is the show we bought", and refused to change formats {their alternate sponsor, American Tobacco [Tareyton], sided with them}. Several affiliates sided with the network, and declined to schedule the show [Fridays, 9:30pm(et), right after "GOMER PYLE- U.S.M.C."]. As a result, while the first few episodes scored impressive ratings, viewers soon bailed out, and the series limped through an entire season until Alberto-Culver and American Tobacco's contracts had ended.
Tom fought for better scripts; in a February 1966 TV GUIDE article, he recalled disagreeing with their original producer, Phil Sharp [who left after five episodes, replaced by Fred DeCordova], over his approach to comedy writing {"With Phil, it's 'A + B + C + D = joke'"}. Although Tom won most of his battles, he also gained an ulcer- and his marriage unraveled. After the series ended, he vowed never to appear in another sitcom, insisting the next show he and Dick appeared in feature a comedy/variety format. CBS gave them the chance with "THE SMOTHERS BROTHERS COMEDY HOUR" in February 1967.
@@fromthesidelines And as the saying goes...The rest is history.
I was just seven when this aired. I loved the show! It was my introduction to the Smothers Brothers. It may not have been the best writing, but I thought their personalities shined through. Would have liked to have seen them do some more singing, like the Dick VanDyke Show. But it’s one of my early television good memories. Thank you for posting.
@@melodysledgister2468 Very well said!!
Me too. I actually thought the show was good!! 😂Seeing this episode now, I see that it wasn't real good after all, but regardless, I LOVED IT -- and I imagine it's just because of what you said. BTW I didn't even know at the time about their music.