That era fascinates me with all that was going on post-WWII and all. The 1950s were the incubator and it just blew up in the 1960s. By 1970 we were all confused again. The 1980s? Narcissistic slime pit! lol.
Mike, this is absolutely delightful. I suppose it doesn't hurt that my parents couldn't drag me out of the room for the Mister Ed theme song even if it was time for bed. A horse is a horse of course... Thank you for this nostalgic piece, and for the link to the nature of storytelling in the first place. And for the little typing cowboy picture.
Thanks, Laury! Give my best to your pa! BTW that little typing cowboy was me. Usually the TV was on, but I was happier with my Muppet and typewriter. lol.
Loved Mr. Ed as a kid too, and also My Favorite Martian. I was at a party recently where we started reminiscing about all the 60s sitcoms -- Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Gilligan's Island, etc -- and sang the theme songs together.
I think you're right that all those sitcoms did instill a certain story sense, as my brother and I were avid TV watchers and we've both gravitated to various forms of more comedic story-telling through the years.
...a million alleluias to this praise to Mr. Ed...i have similarly hoofy love for ALF...something amazing about putting our voice into other beings in order to better hear just how funny we sound...
The 1960s was the hey-day of offbeat sitcom concepts, so naturally Mr. Ed fit right in then.
That era fascinates me with all that was going on post-WWII and all. The 1950s were the incubator and it just blew up in the 1960s. By 1970 we were all confused again. The 1980s? Narcissistic slime pit! lol.
Mike, this is absolutely delightful. I suppose it doesn't hurt that my parents couldn't drag me out of the room for the Mister Ed theme song even if it was time for bed. A horse is a horse of course... Thank you for this nostalgic piece, and for the link to the nature of storytelling in the first place. And for the little typing cowboy picture.
Thanks, Laury! Give my best to your pa! BTW that little typing cowboy was me. Usually the TV was on, but I was happier with my Muppet and typewriter. lol.
I figured as much, which made it so much more delightful. I share your fascination with the TV shows of that time.
Cool article, Mike! I had no idea George Burns made Mr. Ed possible.
Now check out “Family” and yes it was Kristy McNichol
https://youtu.be/vXKkHqMH2B0?si=8Xk4smyV2HCmQdfY
It’s true.
Fascinating. This show is completely new to me. But really interesting to see your analysis of it.
Loved Mr. Ed as a kid too, and also My Favorite Martian. I was at a party recently where we started reminiscing about all the 60s sitcoms -- Beverly Hillbillies, Green Acres, Gilligan's Island, etc -- and sang the theme songs together.
I think you're right that all those sitcoms did instill a certain story sense, as my brother and I were avid TV watchers and we've both gravitated to various forms of more comedic story-telling through the years.
Maybe a new wave of "oddball TV" could be coming our way to take us into a post-insane world? Worth dreaming about.
...a million alleluias to this praise to Mr. Ed...i have similarly hoofy love for ALF...something amazing about putting our voice into other beings in order to better hear just how funny we sound...
Great observation! Thanks!
I can still sing the theme song 😉
yeah but "I AM MISTER ED" as low as you can go baby! hahahahha.