It wasn’t long after widower Jed Clampett (Buddy Ebsen) loaded up his truck and moved his mountain family to Beverly Hills that this 1962–71 comedy became TV’s No. 1 show. The Beverly Hillbillies‘ six-hour October 10th marathon, bookended by its first and final episodes, hits the highlights. Here are three storylines that always delight.
(Credit: Courtesy of Everett Collection)
1. When the Clampetts go Hollywood
In Season 3, Jed, ornery mother-in-law Granny (Irene Ryan), daughter Elly May (Donna Douglas), and nephew Jethro (Max Baer Jr.) become the owners of a movie studio. Legendary columnist Hedda Hopper convinces them to keep making “great pictures,” then regrets it after the Clampetts star in a riotous four-minute silent Western (4:30/ 3:30c).
In a surprisingly sweet Season 5 episode, they mistakenly believe three-time Oscar nominee Gloria Swanson, who guest stars, is auctioning her possessions because she’s broke (6/5c).
2. When Jethro is courtin’
A particularly racy two-part misunderstanding from Season 2 (3:30/2:30c and 4/3c) finds clueless Jethro pining for a stripper, and dancer Chickadee (Barbara Nichols) believing she’s been “engaged” for a performance at the Clampett mansion!
3. When Granny gets physical
The Season 2 favorite in which she boxes a kangaroo airs at 3/2c!
The Beverly Hillbillies, Sunday, October 10, 2/1c, FETV