Shooting up to Number 1 in the Neilson ratings at the time, even beating out Lucille Ball's hit tv show, a large portion of the country caught this classic episode, which became a holiday tradition. And it's still outrageous.
Mr. Drysdale, believing the Clampetts are leaving Beverly Hills for good (and a frequent theme), arranges for a FIRST CLASS trip back home to the country. A limmo, a jet plane and mink coats for the ladies -- all done to make Jed, Granny, Elly and Jethro feel guilty for leaving.
But you darn well know they aren't. They're just going to visit cousin Pearl (Bea Benedaret), Jethro's mom, for Christmas.
Two points to be made, especially if you're a long time fan. Pearl had her eyes set on Mr. Brewster, a classy version of Mr. Drysdale, and Miss Jane had a crush on Jethro. These were two bits that got a lot of mileage in the series. Also, had Bea Benederet not starred in her own tv show (PETTICOAT JUNCTION), she certainly would have been a regular on this series.
As I have noted before, producer and writer Paul Henning tossed in some links to the MA AND PA KETTLE film series, which the show was loosely based on. The Kettles were not acquainted with new fangled inventions, much like the Clampetts. For starters, Jed and everybody else think the airplane is
a floating bus? Funny stuff which opened the door to many other gags in the years to come. A later Christmas episode would find Granny mistaking a new tv set for a washing machine? How Henning came up with that was a small wonder.
Top direction by Richard Whorf, who did much to make this show a mega hit. All the wacky characterizations had Whorf's stamp of approval.
Popular character actor Frank Wilcox, master of the double take, plays Mr. Brewster and look for teenage Eilene Janssen as one of the stewardesses. She was the most photographed baby of all time, featured in a series of high profile ad campaigns. Later a juvenile actress who was crowned Little Miss America in 1944. Great trivia question.
Super duper ventriloquist Paul Winchell appears as Grandpa, another perfect fit. He only guested twice, missed opportunity. He was everywhere on tv at the time, also a master of makeup and disguises. Best playing a hippie director on the BRADY BUNCH!
A wonderful holiday episode. Only debit; it should have been in color. Been saying that a lot lately.
More goofy XMas episodes to come. SEASON 1 EPISODE 13 remastered CBS dvd box set. Classic First Season. According to Amazon, seasons 6 through 9 are expected to be remastered on blu ray and released in 2027. Thanks to METV for running all nine seasons. 1962-71.
