Classic TV: The Phil Silvers Show (aka Sgt. Bilko or You'll Never Get Rich)(1955)

Ten-hut!

CBS had a stable of classic comedies in the 50's, from I Love Lucy to our next subject, The Phil Silvers Show, which, when it ran in syndication in the 70's & 80's on cable, went by the alternate title, Sgt. Bilko, after its central character, Master Sergeant Ernest Bilko. A dreamer and a schemer, Bilko (Silvers) was always looking for a few quick extra bucks. If you thought Ralph Kramden over on The Honeymooners was a dreamer, Bilko had him beaten, just by being in the Army.

For four seasons (1955-9), Bilko was forever looking to get one over on Colonel Hall (Paul Ford), but then having to cover his trail when the heat was turned up. Producer Edward Montagne took this concept with him to Revue/Universal three years after the series ended, and taking actor Billy Sands with him, in developing McHale's Navy for ABC, and that also lasted four years (1962-6). Sub McHale (Ernest Borgnine) for Bilko, Captain Binghamton (Joe Flynn) for Hall, and so on. Bilko was also the inspiration for Hanna-Barbera's 1961 primetime cartoon sitcom, Top Cat, and also had a connection to the show in the form of Maurice Gosfeld (Doberman), who was cast as Benny.

After the series ended, Silvers moved on to movies such as "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World", and even did a Disney movie, "The Boatniks", with Robert Morse. That film reunited Silvers with co-star Joe E. Ross (later of Car 54, Where Are You? & It's About Time). Silvers returned to television with The New Phil Silvers Show, and we'll discuss that another day. Daughter Cathy would find her way into primetime in the 80's, joining the cast of Happy Days.

Here's the intro:



Paul Ford would land one more series gig, The Baileys of Balboa, which was a one season wonder. We'll look at that down the road, too.

Rating: A-.