Fair Exchange

Fair Exchange could have been a good vehicle to show the cultural differences between Americans and Britons. Two families deciding to exchange daughters experiencing culture shock in what was the innocent 60s of TV land. It was a fun show, but hardly trend-setting or innovative. Still, it was nice to see (in one episode) an Asian man dressed in a suit and cane, talking perfect English in an impeccable British accent. Ah, an early piece of Americana with no stereotype Asians!

Well actually I can't recall how good or bad this series was, but I had a terrible crush on Dennis Waterman's character! It was the start, at age 12, of my love affair with Brits. Would love to re-watch them.

This show was notable for two things: It was the first situation comedy to run for a full hour every week, and it introduced Judy Carne to America (she went on to fame, fortune, and emotional trauma as a regular on Laugh-In). Basic plot: Judy wants to make it big in American theater, and Lynn wants to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, so old war buddies Eddie and Victor agree to house and feed each other's daughters while they pursue their dreams. It was a sweet and funny situation which demonstrated that culture shock can be found where least expected. Unfortunately they couldn't sustain the one-hour format so after about half a season they cut back to a half hour. The show did not get the audience it deserved and ended shortly thereafter.

I was only 11 when this show was on but I loved it. I was fascinated by it's view of Britain. In the Christmas show. The families go to visit each other and the Americans wind up in England and the Brits in the US. In England, it was a big issue for the Finchs to get "central heating." I realized that they were different. Was especially amused by the character of Willie Shorthouse. Who hated Americans. His interactions with Patty were hilarious! I identified with the boys, of course and found Neville's life fascinating. I was always interested in the cast members afterwards, especially Victor Maddern, who was on shows as varied as Bonanza and Doctor Who. I know Dennis Waterman became a big star so I got a Region 2 DVD of the first season of Minder as I am also a big George Cole fan.

Desilu Studios was trying to expand a bit in their comedy range and must have blown the budget on this one. I think that was the reason Fair Exchange might have been canceled after only 15 episodes.

The American Walkers, Eddie Foy, Jr. and Audrey Christie and the British Finchs, Victor Maddern and Diana Chesney to do a little people to people relations on their own. Also maybe to exchange each others problems with their teenage daughters, Lynn Loring and Judy Carne. They kept their respective boys at home, Flip Mark and Dennis Waterman, but in the future had the show lasted, who knows where that might have developed.

I think Fair Exchange was only two years ahead of its time. Had this show premiered when the Beatles started gaining international popularity this show might really have taken off. I wonder if that had ever occurred to Lucille Ball.

As it was my guess was that the production costs for shooting in London and Hollywood were too much and the show was canceled before it found an audience. I do remember I liked the episodes I did see and maybe the idea could be revived.

Come to think of it, it was halfway revived with British cousin Cathy visiting the Patty Duke family and the sights you see from Brooklyn Heights.