Nearly-Forgotten TV Shows, Themes, and Ads

[James Y]

Thank you for sharing! Those were before my time, though I believe I saw The Rifleman a few times as a kid.

Jim

Yes.
That was back when you had a black and white TV
and had to turn the rabbit ears antenna
for better reception when you changed
to one of the 3 channels available.
I'm 78.

I remember those days. Born in 1963 (so I'm 62 now). The TV we had until I was 7 was a big, heavy black and white one that you had to manually turn the dial on. Our family had had it since the '50s. I don't remember if it had rabbit ear antennas or not; I do know our house, and every other house had a TV antenna on the roof. Our first color TV had the rabbit ear antennas.

I also remember that when we turned off that old B&W TV, a little whitish dot would remain in the center of the screen for several seconds, until it faded away.

Jim

[James Y]

The Entertainment Industry is Dead, so is Hollywood: That's a Good Thing



It was a bit of a challenge deciding which thread to post this in.

I agree with pretty much everything he says here.

I will add my 2 cents that women defeating men in fight scenes in movies is not a new thing. It started happening at least since the 1960s, in some of the Hong Kong wuxia-style films, and in some Japanese samurai movies. The difference between those movies and the modern "woke" Hollywood movies that feature women beating up and humiliating men, is that the latter are pushing an agenda, whereas the former were not.

I can suspend my disbelief for a movie, if the movie is good. I cannot suspend my disbelief for the current preachy, agenda-driven Hollywood drivel that contains no originality, no character development, and no evolution of the characters during the course of the movie.

Jim

[Ankerson]

The Entertainment Industry is Dead, so is Hollywood: That's a Good Thing



It was a bit of a challenge deciding which thread to post this in.

I agree with pretty much everything he says here.

I will add my 2 cents that women defeating men in fight scenes in movies is not a new thing. It started happening at least since the 1960s, in some of the Hong Kong wuxia-style films, and in some Japanese samurai movies. The difference between those movies and the modern "woke" Hollywood movies that feature women beating up and humiliating men, is that the latter are pushing an agenda, whereas the former were not.

I can suspend my disbelief for a movie, if the movie is good. I cannot suspend my disbelief for the current preachy, agenda-driven Hollywood drivel that contains no originality, no character development, and no evolution of the characters during the course of the movie.

Jim

Jim,

I also agree with it too being the age that I am.

I remember quality TV.

Jim

[James Y]

The Entertainment Industry is Dead, so is Hollywood: That's a Good Thing



It was a bit of a challenge deciding which thread to post this in.

I agree with pretty much everything he says here.

I will add my 2 cents that women defeating men in fight scenes in movies is not a new thing. It started happening at least since the 1960s, in some of the Hong Kong wuxia-style films, and in some Japanese samurai movies. The difference between those movies and the modern "woke" Hollywood movies that feature women beating up and humiliating men, is that the latter are pushing an agenda, whereas the former were not.

I can suspend my disbelief for a movie, if the movie is good. I cannot suspend my disbelief for the current preachy, agenda-driven Hollywood drivel that contains no originality, no character development, and no evolution of the characters during the course of the movie.

Jim

Jim,

I also agree with it too being the age that I am.

I remember quality TV.

Jim

Yes. Things were just more vibrant in the past. I don't envy the young people today.

Jim

[James Y]

Inchworm Riding Toy Commercial (Romper Room, 1972)

I remember this commercial back then, but by that time, I was 9; way too old for such a toy.



Jim

[Ankerson]

The Entertainment Industry is Dead, so is Hollywood: That's a Good Thing



It was a bit of a challenge deciding which thread to post this in.

I agree with pretty much everything he says here.

I will add my 2 cents that women defeating men in fight scenes in movies is not a new thing. It started happening at least since the 1960s, in some of the Hong Kong wuxia-style films, and in some Japanese samurai movies. The difference between those movies and the modern "woke" Hollywood movies that feature women beating up and humiliating men, is that the latter are pushing an agenda, whereas the former were not.

I can suspend my disbelief for a movie, if the movie is good. I cannot suspend my disbelief for the current preachy, agenda-driven Hollywood drivel that contains no originality, no character development, and no evolution of the characters during the course of the movie.

Jim

Jim,

I also agree with it too being the age that I am.

I remember quality TV.

Jim

Yes. Things were just more vibrant in the past. I don't envy the young people today.

Jim

Jim,

The shows were just plain better really in general.

Each episode could stand on it's own, unlike these days were all the shows are basically soap operas.

And not having political agendas shoved down your throat was nice too.

The seasons ran from September through May into June with normally 26 to 30+ episodes per season.

They used to actually put real effort into making the shows.

The movies?

Well maybe 1 out of 10 might be watchable these days.


Jim

[Mad Mac]

Late night shows like Johnny Carson
were actually funny.
He was an equal opportunity offender.
Now, there is a lot of "clique" comedy.

Comedy exclusively for the "in crowd",
the cool kids in the echo chamber.
Comedy aimed at disparaging
deplorables clinging to their guns and Bibles.

We may be at... a turning point.
But I could be wrong. I often am.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.

[James Y]

The Entertainment Industry is Dead, so is Hollywood: That's a Good Thing



It was a bit of a challenge deciding which thread to post this in.

I agree with pretty much everything he says here.

I will add my 2 cents that women defeating men in fight scenes in movies is not a new thing. It started happening at least since the 1960s, in some of the Hong Kong wuxia-style films, and in some Japanese samurai movies. The difference between those movies and the modern "woke" Hollywood movies that feature women beating up and humiliating men, is that the latter are pushing an agenda, whereas the former were not.

I can suspend my disbelief for a movie, if the movie is good. I cannot suspend my disbelief for the current preachy, agenda-driven Hollywood drivel that contains no originality, no character development, and no evolution of the characters during the course of the movie.

Jim

Jim,

I also agree with it too being the age that I am.

I remember quality TV.

Jim

Yes. Things were just more vibrant in the past. I don't envy the young people today.

Jim

Jim,

The shows were just plain better really in general.

Each episode could stand on it's own, unlike these days were all the shows are basically soap operas.

And not having political agendas shoved down your throat was nice too.

The seasons ran from September through May into June with normally 26 to 30+ episodes per season.

They used to actually put real effort into making the shows.

The movies?

Well maybe 1 out of 10 might be watchable these days.


Jim

I agree, except I think you're being a little generous with 1 out of 10 movies being watchable today. If the movies in question are Hollywood-related, it's probably closer to 1 out of 20. And I even hesitate to rate any that high nowadays.

Jim

[James Y]

Late night shows like Johnny Carson
were actually funny.
He was an equal opportunity offender.
Now, there is a lot of "clique" comedy.

Comedy exclusively for the "in crowd",
the cool kids in the echo chamber.
Comedy aimed at disparaging
deplorables clinging to their guns and Bibles.

We may be at... a turning point.
But I could be wrong. I often am.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Those have been some of my observations, too.

Nowadays, everything is tribalism. I've never understood how people get caught up in it. Of course, in the past there was some of that, but now it's everywhere.

This is my personal opinion on that:

Two wings = same bird = same bird crap.

Jim

[James Y]

Gen Z First Time Watching AL Bundy's Best Insullts



This is virtually a perfect stereotype (right down to the purple hair) of how I see many (but definitely not all!) members of the current younger generations' responses to previous generations' humor. EVERYONE was made fun of, and very few people had a prudish attitude over it.

Jim

[Ankerson]

Jim,

I also agree with it too being the age that I am.

I remember quality TV.

Jim

Yes. Things were just more vibrant in the past. I don't envy the young people today.

Jim

Jim,

The shows were just plain better really in general.

Each episode could stand on it's own, unlike these days were all the shows are basically soap operas.

And not having political agendas shoved down your throat was nice too.

The seasons ran from September through May into June with normally 26 to 30+ episodes per season.

They used to actually put real effort into making the shows.

The movies?

Well maybe 1 out of 10 might be watchable these days.


Jim

I agree, except I think you're being a little generous with 1 out of 10 movies being watchable today. If the movies in question are Hollywood-related, it's probably closer to 1 out of 20. And I even hesitate to rate any that high nowadays.

Jim

Jim,

I was going by movies that I might want to see.

That said, I will say some of the older shows and movies are pretty cheesy and I really don't like that personally.

Nor do I like the goodie two shoes TV Westerns either.




Jim

[James Y]

Yes. Things were just more vibrant in the past. I don't envy the young people today.

Jim

Jim,

The shows were just plain better really in general.

Each episode could stand on it's own, unlike these days were all the shows are basically soap operas.

And not having political agendas shoved down your throat was nice too.

The seasons ran from September through May into June with normally 26 to 30+ episodes per season.

They used to actually put real effort into making the shows.

The movies?

Well maybe 1 out of 10 might be watchable these days.


Jim

I agree, except I think you're being a little generous with 1 out of 10 movies being watchable today. If the movies in question are Hollywood-related, it's probably closer to 1 out of 20. And I even hesitate to rate any that high nowadays.

Jim

Jim,

I was going by movies that I might want to see.

That said, I will say some of the older shows and movies are pretty cheesy and I really don't like that personally.

Nor do I like the goodie two shoes TV Westerns either.




Jim

Well, yes, not everything from the past was great, or even good. There was just much more good stuff back then than now.

I never really liked any westerns, TV or movie, until I first saw some of the better-made Italian spaghetti westerns. I never liked any of John Wayne's movies. The first American western movie that I actually liked was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; then later, The Outlaw Josey Wales. My dad liked western shows like Rawhide, The Virginian, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, High Chaparral, etc., but I never really cared for them. They were what we watched when my dad was watching them, unless we were doing other things. I did come to like some of those shows' theme music, though.

I never liked I Love Lucy, Leave it to Beaver, Dennis the Menace, or a number of other popular old shows. But I liked The Twilight Zone; I loved the original Star Trek, as well as Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, etc. I liked the 1960s Batman, Land of the Giants, The Mod Squad, Baretta, etc.

As with any time period, there was always good, bad, and so-so. Only nowadays, "good" is extremely hard to come by (in terms of American / Hollywood product).

Jim

[Ankerson]

Jim,

The shows were just plain better really in general.

Each episode could stand on it's own, unlike these days were all the shows are basically soap operas.

And not having political agendas shoved down your throat was nice too.

The seasons ran from September through May into June with normally 26 to 30+ episodes per season.

They used to actually put real effort into making the shows.

The movies?

Well maybe 1 out of 10 might be watchable these days.


Jim

I agree, except I think you're being a little generous with 1 out of 10 movies being watchable today. If the movies in question are Hollywood-related, it's probably closer to 1 out of 20. And I even hesitate to rate any that high nowadays.

Jim

Jim,

I was going by movies that I might want to see.

That said, I will say some of the older shows and movies are pretty cheesy and I really don't like that personally.

Nor do I like the goodie two shoes TV Westerns either.




Jim

Well, yes, not everything from the past was great, or even good. There was just much more good stuff back then than now.

I never really liked any westerns, TV or movie, until I first saw some of the better-made Italian spaghetti westerns. I never liked any of John Wayne's movies. The first American western movie that I actually liked was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; then later, The Outlaw Josey Wales. My dad liked western shows like Rawhide, The Virginian, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, High Chaparral, etc., but I never really cared for them. They were what we watched when my dad was watching them, unless we were doing other things. I did come to like some of those shows' theme music, though.

I never liked I Love Lucy, Leave it to Beaver, Dennis the Menace, or a number of other popular old shows. But I liked The Twilight Zone; I loved the original Star Trek, as well as Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, etc. I liked the 1960s Batman, Land of the Giants, The Mod Squad, Baretta, etc.

As with any time period, there was always good, bad, and so-so. Only nowadays, "good" is extremely hard to come by (in terms of American / Hollywood product).

Jim

Jim,

I don't like comedies generally as most try too hard to be funny and to me that makes them hard to watch to say the least.

I know what you mean about the popular older shows like I love lucy etc. I didn't like most of them either. I just wasn't buying what they were trying to sell Soto speak.

The original Star Trek was OK other than William Shatner grossly over acting which got on my nerves.

Over acting is a massive turn off for me.

Jim

[James Y]

I agree, except I think you're being a little generous with 1 out of 10 movies being watchable today. If the movies in question are Hollywood-related, it's probably closer to 1 out of 20. And I even hesitate to rate any that high nowadays.

Jim

Jim,

I was going by movies that I might want to see.

That said, I will say some of the older shows and movies are pretty cheesy and I really don't like that personally.

Nor do I like the goodie two shoes TV Westerns either.




Jim

Well, yes, not everything from the past was great, or even good. There was just much more good stuff back then than now.

I never really liked any westerns, TV or movie, until I first saw some of the better-made Italian spaghetti westerns. I never liked any of John Wayne's movies. The first American western movie that I actually liked was Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid; then later, The Outlaw Josey Wales. My dad liked western shows like Rawhide, The Virginian, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, High Chaparral, etc., but I never really cared for them. They were what we watched when my dad was watching them, unless we were doing other things. I did come to like some of those shows' theme music, though.

I never liked I Love Lucy, Leave it to Beaver, Dennis the Menace, or a number of other popular old shows. But I liked The Twilight Zone; I loved the original Star Trek, as well as Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, etc. I liked the 1960s Batman, Land of the Giants, The Mod Squad, Baretta, etc.

As with any time period, there was always good, bad, and so-so. Only nowadays, "good" is extremely hard to come by (in terms of American / Hollywood product).

Jim

Jim,

I don't like comedies generally as most try too hard to be funny and to me that makes them hard to watch to say the least.

I know what you mean about the popular older shows like I love lucy etc. I didn't like most of them either. I just wasn't buying what they were trying to sell Soto speak.

The original Star Trek was OK other than William Shatner grossly over acting which got on my nerves.

Over acting is a massive turn off for me.

Jim

I originally watched Star Trek during its original run. As a little kid, I didn't notice Shatner's overacting until years later. Although I remembered Shatner/Kirk's funny face when Spock was strangling him, when they got into a fight in one episode. I really liked the monsters in it.

Jim

[James Y]

"Hare Ribbin," Theatrical Release vs Director's Cut



Even as a kid, I instinctively knew that the Merrie Melodies / Looney Tunes cartoons were originally intended for adults. Many contained references and in-jokes that would have flown over the heads of kids. I later learned that was the case. I saw Mel Blanc at the San Diego Comic Con 1976, and again in '77. At one of those, I recall him telling the audience that they did NOT make those cartoons for kids, but for themselves. They were originally played in theaters before the movies started. And most of the movie audiences were adults.

Many young people who react to these old cartoons are shocked by their non-PC nature, the suggestive material, and the violence (gunshots, etc.). I saw all of those old cartoons as a kid, and NOT ONCE did I ever feel compelled to point a gun at myself or anybody else. I just took them as cartoons. I especially liked the over-the-top, but accurate body language and facial expressions. But they wouldn't fly today.

Jim

[Ankerson]

"Hare Ribbin," Theatrical Release vs Director's Cut



Even as a kid, I instinctively knew that the Merrie Melodies / Looney Tunes cartoons were originally intended for adults. Many contained references and in-jokes that would have flown over the heads of kids. I later learned that was the case. I saw Mel Blanc at the San Diego Comic Con 1976, and again in '77. At one of those, I recall him telling the audience that they did NOT make those cartoons for kids, but for themselves. They were originally played in theaters before the movies started. And most of the movie audiences were adults.

Many young people who react to these old cartoons are shocked by their non-PC nature, the suggestive material, and the violence (gunshots, etc.). I saw all of those old cartoons as a kid, and NOT ONCE did I ever feel compelled to point a gun at myself or anybody else. I just took them as cartoons. I especially liked the over-the-top, but accurate body language and facial expressions. But they wouldn't fly today.

Jim

Jim,

Both those and the Flintstones that was on prime time TV back when it 1st aired.


Jim

[James Y]

"Hare Ribbin," Theatrical Release vs Director's Cut



Even as a kid, I instinctively knew that the Merrie Melodies / Looney Tunes cartoons were originally intended for adults. Many contained references and in-jokes that would have flown over the heads of kids. I later learned that was the case. I saw Mel Blanc at the San Diego Comic Con 1976, and again in '77. At one of those, I recall him telling the audience that they did NOT make those cartoons for kids, but for themselves. They were originally played in theaters before the movies started. And most of the movie audiences were adults.

Many young people who react to these old cartoons are shocked by their non-PC nature, the suggestive material, and the violence (gunshots, etc.). I saw all of those old cartoons as a kid, and NOT ONCE did I ever feel compelled to point a gun at myself or anybody else. I just took them as cartoons. I especially liked the over-the-top, but accurate body language and facial expressions. But they wouldn't fly today.

Jim

Jim,

Both those and the Flintstones that was on prime time TV back when it 1st aired.


Jim

TBH, I never really liked The Flintstones. I thought it was boring.

Oddly enough, as a kid, I liked The Flying Nun, Petticoat Junction, and The Beverly Hillbillies. I liked the Elly May character in Beverly Hillbillies, and the "Hooterville" girls in Petticoat Junction. At the end credits of Beverly Hillbillies, I used to think Elly May was waving goodbye to me, LOL.

Jim

[SpyderEdgeForever]

Wagon Train was good.

[Ankerson]

"Hare Ribbin," Theatrical Release vs Director's Cut



Even as a kid, I instinctively knew that the Merrie Melodies / Looney Tunes cartoons were originally intended for adults. Many contained references and in-jokes that would have flown over the heads of kids. I later learned that was the case. I saw Mel Blanc at the San Diego Comic Con 1976, and again in '77. At one of those, I recall him telling the audience that they did NOT make those cartoons for kids, but for themselves. They were originally played in theaters before the movies started. And most of the movie audiences were adults.

Many young people who react to these old cartoons are shocked by their non-PC nature, the suggestive material, and the violence (gunshots, etc.). I saw all of those old cartoons as a kid, and NOT ONCE did I ever feel compelled to point a gun at myself or anybody else. I just took them as cartoons. I especially liked the over-the-top, but accurate body language and facial expressions. But they wouldn't fly today.

Jim

Jim,

Both those and the Flintstones that was on prime time TV back when it 1st aired.


Jim

TBH, I never really liked The Flintstones. I thought it was boring.

Oddly enough, as a kid, I liked The Flying Nun, Petticoat Junction, and The Beverly Hillbillies. I liked the Elly May character in Beverly Hillbillies, and the "Hooterville" girls in Petticoat Junction. At the end credits of Beverly Hillbillies, I used to think Elly May was waving goodbye to me, LOL.

Jim

Jim,

It was OK, not one of my favorites however.

Always liked Looney Toons better.


Jim

[James Y]

The Beatles Saturday Morning Cartoon (1965 - 1969), Season 3 Intro



I remember watching this a few times. While I liked the Beatles' music, I never cared for the cartoon, which was cheaply produced, and the characters didn't have their real voices, except for in the songs.

Jim