Rawhide Christmas (1961)

"...keep those doggies movin'...Rawhide!"  Thanks for the earworm, Frankie Laine.

I certainly can't go very far re-visiting classic Christmas TV episodes before I bump into a few westerns.  What are your favorite TV westerns?  The light-hearted fourth season episode, "Twenty-Five Santa Clauses,"  is a typical episode of Rawhide--one that includes the drovers stumbling across another individual who needs their help.   This time, Wishbone and Mushy meet up with a stranger in a Santa Claus suit, walking across the Texas prairie during the month of August.

Bateman is played by actor Ed Wynn.

After collapsing from heat exhaustion, Santa introduces himself as Bateman.  He was putting on the costume and wrapping gifts away from his family, when he got too far from the wagon and became lost.  He continues to explain that his adopted son Danny has been diagnosed with a terminal illness.  Bateman and his wife Mag have been traveling across the country to New York, hoping to get Danny medical treatments that may save his life.  Bateman and Mag have decided to celebrate Christmas early with Danny, knowing that they won't be able to afford medical treatments even if they do arrive in New York in time.

Bateman, Danny, and Mag (Anne Seymour) accept Wishbone's invitation to the cattlemen's camp.

Of course this sad story touches Wishbone and Mushy and they insist on helping Bateman and his wife.  The cattle men escort Bateman back to his wagon and look in on poor Danny.  Then Wishbone invites Bateman and his family to join him back at the camp where he and the other twenty five drivers would like to help by throwing Danny a Christmas party and giving him gifts.  Bateman, Mag, and Danny accept the generous invitation.

Though they've used Christmas to rip people off before, Mag begins to wonder if they should expose Danny to a happier, more inspiring holiday celebration.

Soon we learn this is all a ruse by Bateman, Mag--and even Danny.  This is a family that cons everyone they meet.  Although it is true that Bateman and Mag recently adopted Danny, the three of them survive by scheming and conning people to give them valuables.  In this con, Bateman is not only hoping for a few Christmas gifts from the twenty five cowboys--but he's also hoping to convince them to each donate at least one head of cattle to pay for the journey back to New York and for Danny's medical treatments.  However, Bateman plans to use the money from twenty five head of cattle to make the family flush for awhile.

Even Rowdy Yates (yes, that's Clint Eastwood!) is eager to help the dying boy celebrate one last Christmas.

Bateman's plan works.  When the cowboys meet Danny and his parents, they are filled with emotion and begin planning an elaborate Christmas party in August for the boy they believe is dying.  Although trail boss Gil Favor told the cowboys to move the herd across the river, those instructions are ignored so the men can prepare for Danny's Christmas.  Sure enough, a sudden rain storm swells the river and the cowboys are now stranded in the camp, unable to move the herd across the deep waters for several more days.  Though Favor is angry, the party plans move forward.

The cowboys enjoy Danny's company and his spirit--but Mag privately worries that if Danny pretends he's sick for too long that he may end up actually becoming sick.

Bateman is so pleased with himself that he gets a little greedy.  He mentions to Rowdy how beneficial it would be if someone was able to catch the wild stallion the cowboys can see off in the distance.  A wild stallion like that could be sold for a great deal of money--ensuring Danny would be able to afford the best medical treatments, guaranteeing his future health. 

In the foreground, Rowdy has fallen from the horse and is unable to move.

The doctor gives his unexpected diagnosis.

Rowdy really wants to help the young sick boy so he heads off alone with the dangerous task to catch the wild horse.  The next morning when Yates is still missing, the cowboys go looking for him--and he's injured!  He's fallen from the mustang and he needs the care of a doctor.  While the doctor is in the camp, he generously decides to look at poor, sick Danny--and Mag as well.  Now the cowboys learn the truth.  Rowdy will be fine if he takes it easy for awhile (phew!), Danny is as healthy as any other nine year-old boy, however Mag has a weak heart and isn't expected to live much longer.

The cowboys sing "O Come All Ye Faithful" and "Silent Night" around the decorated Christmas tree.

It's not Christmas unless Santa makes a visit, arriving on a wooden "sleigh" pulled by two "reindeer."

Bateman and the twenty five cowboys continue with the Christmas party in August as planned--this time, they are giving Mag one last celebration to make her happy.  This light-hearted story doesn't offer any punishment for Bateman and his con game--certainly losing his wife is painful enough.  The cattle drivers show their goodwill by offering Danny his first Christmas celebration, one with a family, and a glimpse of happiness he's never experienced before. 

Though the episode's story takes place in August, I've seen it broadcast on TV at Christmas time along with other yuletide episodes.  It certainly captures the holiday spirit.

Bateman and Mag decide to make the most of their remaining time together--and go straight with their young son Danny.

I'll be rolling out a few more blog posts on favorite Christmas episodes from TV westerns in the next couple of weeks.  Got a favorite of your own?

Dobie Gillis Christmas (1960)

Dobie wants a gal he can call his own...

This spring I've been re-watching the classics.  While I spend quite a bit of my time following new shows--Mad Men, Justified, and Glee among many others--I also appreciate that Christmas is about tradition which means returning again and again to the holiday episodes of the past.  Which classic TV Christmas episodes do you find meaningful enough that you watch them year after year?

The exaggerated, teen comedy series The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis created several Christmas episodes, however the second season's "Jangle Bells" is the one that stands out to me.  You should know by now that I'm drawn to TV adaptations of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol.  How well do you remember this classic Christmas episode?

School teacher Mr. Pomfritt (William Schallert, center) narrates the classroom production of Dickens' A Christmas Carol.  Zelda plays the Ghost of Christmas Future (Sheila James, left), Dobie plays the Ghost of Christmas Past (Dwayne Hickman, right), and Chatsworth plays Scrooge (Stephen Franken, middle).

In this episode, Dobie is invited to two parties on Christmas Eve.  The confused teen is torn between making influential connections at the extravagant, luxurious party hosted by the wealthy Chatsworth Osborne Jr. or supporting his kooky friend Maynard and attending his party, one with far fewer guests in a less-than-luxurious garage.

Mr. Gillis' advice consists of empty cliches and conflicting aphorisms.  What's a boy to do?

Dobie decides to take a nap before the parties....

Dobie’s father offers no helpful advice and Zelda pressures Dobie into thinking he needs to focus on planning for his future with Chatsworth’s crowd.  Feeling overwhelmed, Dobie lays down to rest and has a dream where he is Dobie Scrooge visited by the ghosts of Christmas past and future (both played by Maynard).

The Ghost of Christmas Past visits with Dobie.

The ghost shows Dobie Scrooge a scene from his past when he and Maynard were four years old.  Dobie once again sees how much his odd friend Maynard needs him.

Dobie also sees a future where he and Zelda are married and wealthy.   However, the future also reveals that when a hungry waif resembling Maynard comes to the window, Dobie will send his butler to chase the urchin away.

Dobie awakens from his dream but the teen remains confused about what he should do.  Since Zelda is expecting him, Dobie escorts her to Chatsworth's party where they are served caviar and champagne.

Friends Zelda and Chatsworth are convinced they know what's best for Dobie.

Everywhere he looks at the Osborne family party, Dobie sees the Ghost of Christmas (Maynard).

Though Zelda is eager for Dobie to rub elbows with the powerful and influential people at the party, Dobie is miserable.  Finally, Dobie announces that he's leaving the Osborne party because his best friend Maynard needs him tonight.

Poor Maynard waits all night but it looks like no one is coming to his Christmas party.

That is, until his best friend Dobie finally shows up.

Sure enough, back at Maynard's garage, the dizzy beatnik is spending Christmas alone.  When Dobie finally arrives, he brings with him his parents and Zelda--and the party gets into full swing when Dobie begins singing the non-holiday song "Love Me As I Love You."  (If you know more about this song, I'd love to hear it).  Eventually carolers join the party in the garage--it's Chatworth and his party guests come to share Christmas with Maynard as well.

A party needs entertainment so Dobie sings while Zelda accompanies him on guitar.

Inspired by Dobie's explanation at Chatsworth's gathering about friendship, the party moves to Maynard's garage.

Who doesn't love a happy beatnik at Christmas?

This comedy episode certainly takes great liberties in its interpretation of Dickens' literary tale.  But that's okay--television has a long history of borrowing A Christmas Carol and adapting it to fit the ever-changing medium.  Before any of you traditionalists forget: television is also responsible for the faithful, critically-acclaimed 1984 George C. Scott movie, as well as keeping the successful theatrical versions (1999's Patrick Stewart movie and 2004's Kelsey Grammer musical version) alive and available for a wider audience too.   I think there's room enough at Christmas for faithful adaptations as well as the highly-interpreted, way-out comedy versions too--even children's versions.   I see it as part of the humanity inherent in Dickens' original words.  People are continually drawn towards what remains truthful and authentic in the original text and they look forward to reconnecting with it (and themselves) each holiday season in a very wide variety of ways including comedy, high drama, and even as parody.

Remember another TV Christmas with Bob Denver?  Click the link to re-visit my review of the 1964 Gilligan's Island Christmas episode.

My favorite part of the "Jangle Bells" episode:  Maynard's hep patter during Dobie’s Dickens dream sequence:
“Abba Dabba Doo Doo,
This will suit-cha,
I’m now the Spirit of
Christmas Fu-tcha.”

The Flying Nun Christmas (1967)

The Christmas episode of The Flying Nun is available in first season DVD release.

With the hundreds of hours of new holiday programming generated each November and December, it's so easy to forget about the classics.  Sometimes we can lose track of our Christmas spirit unless we actively incorporate the past into the present.  How long has it been since you've seen The Flying Nun holiday episode entitled "Wailing in a Winter Wonderland?"

The aged Sister Olaf is not strong enough to return to Norway.  The other sisters fear this may be her last Christmas.

In the first season episode, Sister Bertrille (played by Sally Field) pulls Sister Olaf's name from the grab bag in a holiday gift exchange between the nuns.  The elderly Sister Olaf is originally from Norway and has been living and working in Puerto Rico for many years.  Sister Olaf's holiday wish this year is for a white Christmas--an impossible dream since she's unable to leave the islands.  But Sister Bertrille is determined to make Sister Olaf happy.  After speaking with the man in charge at the weather bureau in San Juan, Sister Bertrille gets the idea to seed the clouds above the convent with dry ice.  Using her special gift of flight, Sister Bertrille speculates that maybe she can create a miraculous white Christmas after all.

If you're familiar with this series, you know Sister Bertrille frequently explains that her ability to fly is just a matter of simple physics.  I guess causing it to snow when it's sunny and eighty degrees must also be a simple explanation of science?!

Sister Olaf (left) is played by actress Celia Lovsky, and Sister Jacqueline (right) is played by Marge Redmon.

On Christmas Eve, Sister Bertrille takes flight and distributes pellets of dry ice throughout the clouds high above the convent.  Sure enough, Sister Olaf sees the snow falling from the sky surrounding the convent and the senior sister is moved by emotion.  Sister Bertrille's good will also has an unintended consequence--the winds carry her further than the convent and she ends up causing a brief snow storm over the city of San Juan as well.

In addition to pleasing Sister Olaf, the snow also brings smiles to children's faces at the San Tanco convent.

However, the tourists in the island's hotels feel their tropical destination has been spoiled by snow!

Though the children of Puerto Rico seem to enjoy the unusual treat, the tourists who have come to the islands to escape wintry weather begin leaving in droves.  Business-owner Carlos Ramirez suspects his friend Sister Bertrille may have something to do with this most unusual event and he confronts her with the harsh reality of snow in San Juan:  her efforts have ruined business and perhaps even Christmas for the residents of the city.  With the tourists flocking to the airport to leave, none of the residents will be able to earn the money they were counting on to pay for their holiday celebrations.

Sister Bertrille continues to try to make everyone happy. 

The unexpected showers of dollars bring tourists out of the airport and back to the city!

Using her charm, Sister Bertrille convinces Carlos to collect money from the more wealthy business owners for her to distribute emergency funds to the residents of the island, so everyone can still afford a merry Christmas.  Knowing most residents won't accept a handout, Bertrille decides to "distribute" the cash without offending anyone.  Back into the clouds, Sister Bertrille takes flight to hand out the money and offer everyone a second chance to save Christmas.  During a montage of images of Bertrille flying and scattering money from the clouds, viewers can hear the song "I'm So Glad I Can Fly."  Fans of the series may remember that several episodes in the first season offer these musical moments, and a collection of songs including "I'm So Glad I Can Fly" were released on a soundtrack album.

Although "Deck the Halls" is a very popular, traditional carol, I'm surprised the nuns didn't lead the children to sing a more sacred holiday song.

Not found on the soundtrack album is another song from this episode.  In a somewhat brief musical moment, the nuns gather with the children and sing the Christmas carol "Deck the Halls." 

Fun Fact: actress Shelley Morrison plays Sister Sixto on The Flying Nun--and the maid Rosario on Will & Grace.

Did you know the actress who played Sister Sixto from The Flying Nun later went on to play Rosario on the hit sitcom Will & Grace?  The TV series Will & Grace went on to create five holiday episodes featuring story lines that relate to both Hanukkah and Christmas.

Do you enjoy watching classic TV? How often do you watch Christmas episodes made in the 1960s?

Car 54, Where Are You? Christmas (1961)

Music has always been an essential ingredient in Christmas programming on television.  If you've read my latest book, Merry Musical Christmas Vol.1: The Best Christmas Music in TV Sitcoms and Dramas, you already know that one of my favorite Christmas sitcom traditions is the show-within-a-show, musical variety episode.  I know this description sounds complicated--but I think you know what I mean.  I'm referring to those fun holiday episodes where the cast of your favorite sitcom decides to show off their talents and "put on a show."  I've already written about several of these holiday episodes on this blog--click the titles to see those linked essays again: The Dick Van Dyke Show, Laverne & Shirley, and Benson.  Indulge me while I share about another Christmas variety show-within-a-show from the classic police comedy, Car 54, Where Are You?  If you'd like to read about more show-within-a-show Christmas episodes, as well as other great musical performances in sitcoms and dramas, please check out my book.  The following is an excerpt from Merry Musical Christmas Volume 1.

In the opening number, the Captain sings "Captain of the 53rd."  The lower ranking men provide humorous background vocals with the chorus, "Give a cheer and not the bird, to the Captain of the 53rd."

"In the 1961 episode “Christmas at the 53rd,” TV viewers are treated with a show-within-a-show storyline as the precinct house hosts a Christmas party for their family and friends, for which Toody and Muldoon serve as co-chairs of the entertainment committee.  The episode consists of a humorous variety show where the officers perform for their guests.  Opening the show, Captain Block sings an original song backed by his patrolmen called “Captain of the 53rd,” which is not unlike a Gilbert & Sullivan tune about being the gallant leader of his precinct.

The precinct's variety show is hosted by officers Toody (played by Joe E. Ross, left) and Muldoon (played by actor Fred Gwynne, right).

Next, Lt. Fleischer humorously demonstrates the well-dressed officer’s uniform as he points out the various elements of his uniform from the quick-paced audio description of an official police recording.  Officer Toody solos on “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You” with his partner Muldoon accompanying him on the guitar.



This is followed by Officer Schnauser performing a comedic recitation about police brotherhood. But as Schnauser enumerates the five golden principles of brotherhood (charity, loyalty, harmony, fellowship, and kindness) the group erupts into a brawling mob as they fight over the correct order of the principles.

Officer Schnauser (left) with the wreath on his head, being lead away from the escalating fight during his brotherhood recitation.  Schnauser is played by actor Al Lewis, who would work again with Fred Gwynne on The Munsters.

Next a chorale group calling themselves The Whippoorwills, with lead vocals by Officer Muldoon, performs an original song about how difficult and thankless it is being a police officer--another Gilbert & Sullivan parody, much like “A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One” from The Pirates of Penzance.

The funny love song is sung actress Alice Ghostley.  You may recognize Ghostley from her better-known TV roles such as Esmeralda on Bewitched, and Bernice Clifton on Designing Women, among others.

There’s also a comical poorly executed magic act by Al Henderson, Toody’s brother-in-law, assisted by his wife, Rose.  Next, Muldoon’s girlfriend Bonnie (played by actress Alice Ghostley) sings a funny, melodramatic French torch song.




And, partners and buddies Toody and Muldoon finish the musical revue with a duet, singing “We Belong to a Mutual Admiration Society.”

Although most of the music within this Christmas episode is not holiday music, it is a very Christmasy episode with Christmas decorations that fill the police stationhouse, and a strong feeling of festivity and Christmas spirit that the characters express to one another again and again.

The angel Patience (Gwynne) sings "Once Upon Another Time" while sitting with the young angel Michael, played by child actor Johnny Whitaker.

It’s a surprising treat to hear actor Fred Gwynne sing.  Gwynne plays Officer Muldoon in this TV sitcom, however TV viewers may better remember him for his role as Herman Munster on TV’s The Munsters.  If you’re curious to hear him sing more in a Christmas program, you can dig up a copy of 1969’s The Littlest Angel, the Hallmark Hall of Fame TV movie musical where he plays the guardian angel, Patience.  Gwynne sings “Once Upon Another Time,” “What Do You Do (When You Say You’re Doin’ Nothin’),” and with Johnnie Whitaker he sings "Where is Blue" in the musical adaptation of the popular children’s book by Charles Tazewell."

Fred Gwynne as the angel Patience singing "Once Upon Another Time" in 1969's Littlest Angel.

Alice Christmas (1977)

I see this opening title and I can actually hear Linda Lavin singing the theme tune.  LOVE IT!

There are a few series I've watched so often in syndication--too many, my mother would quip-- that I have not only the plots memorized, but the rhythm and flow of the dialogue is a part of, what feels like, my being.  The 1970s sitcom Alice is one of those series.  (If you're curious, so is The Brady Bunch, The Partridge Family, The Odd Couple, The Facts of Life, Laverne & Shirley, Happy Days, Gimme a Break.... I'll stop there before I embarrass myself even further).  How long has it been since you've seen the 1977 Christmas episode "A Semi-Merry Christmas" from the series Alice?

Waitresses Vera and Flo think nothing of celebrating the holidays with an artificially colored pink tree while living in the desert of Arizona.  However, Alice longs to experience another white Christmas.

Alice is excited because she's been invited by her cousin to come to their home in Colorado Springs to celebrate with the family and enjoy a white Christmas.  She's looking forward to treating her thirteen year-old son Tommy to a snow-filled holiday--something she hasn't been able to give him since they left New Jersey.  All Alice needs is her bonus check from Mel and she'll buy the bus tickets to Colorado Springs.

The waitresses don't want to hear Mel's bad news.

If you've seen the series even once, you know Mel is stingy--and perpetually broke.  Of course, there will be no Christmas bonuses for the waitresses this year which puts a wrinkle in Alice's plans.  One of the best lines of dialogue in this episode: after she is told her Christmas bonus isn't money but rather two complimentary dinners at Mel's Diner, Flo calmly responds, “Mel, I’d like to wish you a merry Christmas and extend to you a heart-felt message for the new year: KISS MY GRITS!”

Jason complains that his wife wants him home for Christmas--what's he to do?

Later, Mel hears his regular diner patron, Jason Carp, complain about having to work over the Christmas holiday and Mel offers to drive Jason's eighteen-wheeler for him to Denver.  Now Mel can offer Alice and Tommy a free ride to Colorado Springs--and earn $200 for completing Jason's job for him.  Alice is so excited that her trip is back on and she invites her friends Vera and Flo to join her for Christmas. 

It's gonna be a white Christmas after all for the crew from Phoenix.

All five persons fit inside the cab of the semi-truck and the gang merrily sing Christmas carols as they head into the Rocky Mountains.  Alice shares that she's made knitted hats as gifts for her cousin's children, and baked and assembled a gingerbread house too.  Mel is excited for the holiday party as well--he's packed a Santa suit to surprise the children on Christmas Eve.  Tommy is enjoying the long drive and displays his knowledge of CB jargon.

Nothing makes this episode feel more like the '70s than hearing all the CB jargon again.  Can you guess what Flo adopts as her CB handle?  "Hot Cargo."

As the long road trip continues, Mel decides to nap while Alice (whose husband used to be a long-haul trucker as well) continues the drive towards Colorado Springs.  Unfortunately, Flo misreads the map, ditzy Vera was silent about crucial road signs, and the gang finds themselves stopped and stranded in deep snow on a closed mountain road!  The CB isn't receiving or sending any signal.  Mel finally awakens and steps outside to investigate--but falls through the ice in a ditch and is drenched in frozen water.  The travelers turn off the motor in the truck to preserve fuel but the cab becomes quite cold, as the friends begin to point fingers at who is to blame for their misery.

Feeling cold and hungry, the waitresses don the knitted hats, Mel wears the Santa suit, and they all end up eating the treasured gingerbread house--while stranded in the truck.

Afraid they'll spend Christmas cold, hungry, and isolated in the truck, Tommy voices that he's having one of the best Christmases of his life.  He reminds them that they have had fun talking on the CB, singing Christmas carols, eating the gingerbread house, seeing more snow than ever before--and they've done it all together.  Though this isn't the Christmas they all had planned, the gang agree that it has been a good Christmas after all.

Tommy reminds them that spending Christmas with those you love is the best holiday after all.

The way this episode's conflict is resolved reminds me of many other sitcom Christmas episodes.  A family--here a workplace family, a family of friends--choose to be happy with the best of unexpected circumstances at Christmas.  I actually like that plot line--it's serves as a reminder each Christmas season to choose to be happy at the holidays. 

This trucking-themed Christmas story also reminds me of several others.  If you'd like to re-visit other trucking-themed holiday episodes--and WHY wouldn't you?--might I suggest the following:

--the animated series King of the Hill's 2003 episode "Livin' on Reds, Vitamin C, and Propane."
--the mystery drama Monk's 2006 episode "Mr. Monk Meets His Dad."
--1987 TV movie Christmas Comes to Willow Creek starring John Schneider and Tom Wopat
--even the 2003 holiday episode of The Simpsons entitled "Tis the Fifteenth Season" features a brief reference to a humorous Christmas carol, "Christmas Convoy"--a parody of C.W. McColl's hit song "Convoy" which was featured in the 1978 movie Convoy about truckers.

The Duke Boys reunite in 1987's Christmas Comes to Willow Creek.

Can you think of any other trucking-themed Christmas stories in the popular culture?  10-4, Good Buddy!