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Edgar Buchanan thought Petticoat Junction was more realistic than The Beverly Hillbillies
Although The Beverly Hillbillies was based on producer Paul Henning's experiences, Buchanan thought ''the Junction'' was more real.
Both Petticoat Junction and The Beverly Hillbillies were similar in a few ways. They were both produced by Paul Henning and included rural characters. Although The Beverly Hillbillies was based on Hennings' past experiences camping in the Ozarks, Edgar Buchanan believed that Petticoat Junction was more realistic.
Buchanan played uncle Joe Carson, the guy who was supposed to help Kate Bradley and her daughters take care of the Shady Rest Hotel. Instead, he always thought of schemes to make more money and bring in visitors.
In an interview with The Morning Call in 1964, the actor shared his feelings about the two shows. "Beverly Hillbillies is a caricature while Petticoat Junction is a little more realistic," he said.
Buchanan also told the newspaper that he was surprised "the Junction" was a hit. "I think there's more small town in most of us than people realize. The small town is the heritage of the American people, and evidently, fans like to relive it."
While viewers saw uncle Joe Carson as a troublemaker, Buchanan saw him as a simple guy who wanted the hotel to thrive.
"Joe is a little simple," he added. "with his plans to give the hotel class, his heated swimming pool, his elevator that doesn't work, his telephone without wires. He's a bumbler, and he's no cynic."
The article also talks about the nature of the characters in each show. Petticoat Junction had little conflict "because the characters are basically all good." While in The Beverly Hillbillies, there was always something going on, and Granny, for example, had no problem calling it out.
There were still no major conflicts in either series because the focus was rural comedy; they weren't dramas. Sometimes, this made Buchanan second guess whether the episode scripts would turn into a 27-minute production. He said, "You read a script and wonder how you're going to get 27 minutes out of it. Then you do it, and the show comes out fine."
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Well, IMO that formula is the secret-sauce for all successful comedies. I don't know what it's about now. But, back in the day, most of those programing decisions, etc. were made by men. Except for LB, of course. And, for that time, she was an incredibly savvy exception. We can thank her programing instinct for many of our classic TV show favorites.
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The link took me to an interesting site, which speaks of the threat of a writers strike. And by their admission will affect streaming services (meaning new content). Strikes also have a tendency to turn people, off.
Not that there has to be a "reason" for everything. But my hunch is MeTV is cashing in on the opportunity of some viewers being annoyed by the strike. And for them to "sally" on over to MeTV for a look-see. What better visible/accessible time-slot than 6:00pm. And what stronger show to appeal to many, than MASH. Which (probably) has more mass appeal than the rural comedies. Because (IMO) there's no danger in losing those kinds of viewers. Of course, it's not just about watching the show, but being exposed to MeTV's promos in general. And getting a feel for classic TV.
What's the point? Is my guess why they upped their strategy instead of "Mayberry Days." And now we have MAySH Nights instead.
"MeTV Adds More ‘M*A*S*H’ In May /By Michael Malone/ ( Broadcasting & Cable )/ published 8 days ago." also show on your end? As that's why I sent the link.
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This is the first I've heard about MASH-in-MAY which was a promo'd after Barnaby Jones. Caught my attention, because it's the end of A-Team. And the Writer's Strike, only through the courtesy of your link. No doubt, I confess to easily over-thinking the idea of a strategy. Although in terms of planning, as an Industry, they would know about a pending writer's strike. Via the link you offered, apparently writers have been threatening for a long time.
I haven't paid attention to "Themed Months", except for obvious holidays and Mayberry month, then Summer of Me. They do change the Three Stooges' promo monthly. And Sven if it's a big deal.
I do know, in living through the previous, very extensive writers strike, it changed a lot of things, and threw programming off, as well. Very inconvenient. I don't know if this one is for compensation or more benefits / advantages.
