Starter of this subject: Philip Railsback
Last post in this subject: 5/18/2000
Messages in this subject: 11
| Philip Railsback | 5/18/2000 11 replies |
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Just what is the history of the Bickersons? I undersand it started as a feature on the Edgar Bergan show. Eventually it got it's own show, called "Dreamtime" or something like that. How long did that last? And Lew Parker(?) played John for year or two. When was that?
All details will be appreciated. Thanks. |
| Jack French | 5/18/2000 9 replies |
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It started out as a skit on Don Ameche's "Drene Time" (named after the shampoo sponsor) in early 1946. Danny Thomas played Blanche's brother, Amos. It ran as part of this series on NBC from 9/46 to 6/47. In the fall of 1947 it came back as a segment in Ameche's new series, "The Old Gold Show" on CBS. Again Ameche and Langford were leads, but Frank Morgan took Thomas's place as the third character. This show ran from 9/47 to 6/48.
The only actual program named "The Bickerson's" was a short-lived resurrection in the 50s. It was sponsored by Philip Morris Cigarettes and ran for the summer of 1951 on CBS. Lew Parker and Langford played the title leads. The Bickerson skits heard on Edgar Bergen/Charlie McCarthy show occured for about three months in fall of 1948. Ameche and Marsha Hunt played the battling couple for this period. Jack French Editor: Radio Recall |
| Philip Railsback | 5/19/2000 8 replies |
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Thanks so much for that response. It's a different history than I expected. While the great majority of Bickerson shows that I've heard have been the short skits (which I had always assumed came from the Edgar Bergen show, though it always seemed odd to me that a major star like Don Ameche would be doing a skit on a program that wasn't his), I seem to recall hearing only one complete Dreme Time show, and that one -- if I'm remembering right -- was a full half hour of the Bickersons, done more like a regular radio show with other actors, seperate scenes, and more of a plot. So did Dreme Time do this occasionally; that is, have episodes of the Bickersons that were more like other sit-coms, or am I misremembering?
Thanks. - Philip |
| Jack French | 5/21/2000 7 replies |
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Philip,
I've not heard the "Drene Time" show so I can't answer your last question. It's possible they could make a full half hour just with "The Bickerson's" but I doubt it. That abrasive humor is best enjoyed in small doses. Jack |
| Don Fisher | 5/23/2000 4 replies |
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"Drene Time", not Dremetime was a half hour show with only about the last 10 to 15 min. of the show consisting of the "Bickerson's" sketch. Drene was or may still be a hair shampoo that sponsored the 1946-47 season of the show. I think I have all the shows that exist (9).
Don Fisher |
| Philip Railsback | 5/29/2000 3 replies |
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Thanks for the information. I've listened to a couple of Drene Times and you're quite right. But somewhere along the line I recall hearing a complete half hour (or close to it) show that was more than a sketch. The show had Don Ameche off to a new job. On the train he is accosted by a brat kid who ends up tearing his pants (I think). Meanwhile, Blanche's cousin's family is coming to stay, or is moving in down the street and the kid turns out to be in that family. The plot was something like that. What I remember most vividly (though none of it is too vivid) was that there were other characters in the show, including the kid and cousin. Does any of this sound familiar? I wonder if it was some kind of one-time attempt to see how a regular thirty minute show would do. I also wonder if it's a figment of my imaganation, though I don't think so.
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| Gene Keyes | 8/25/2000 2 replies |
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I am facinated about all the information about the bickersons. I remember the show but can't remember the name of Blanche's husband-Don Ameche. Can anyone supply itc?
Thanks, Gene Keyes |
| Lou Genco | 8/27/2000 1 replies |
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Don Ameche played "John Bickerson"
Frances Langford played "Blanche Bickerson" Danny Thomas played "Brother Amos" Lou
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| Gene Keyes | 8/28/2000 0 replies |
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Dear Lou(Lou Genco)
Thanks for the info on Blanche's Husband(Don Ameche). I will be able to sleep night's now!! Gene Keyes |
| Terri | 1/9/2001 1 replies |
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I know her name was Blanche. What I would like to know is what was her Husband'name.
Thank you Terri |
| Lou Genco | 1/9/2001 0 replies |
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Teri -
Your question was answered a couple of messages above yours. Lou |
| Ben Ohmart | 12/4/2002 0 replies |
| In the summer of 2002 I published a book of Bickersons Scripts. In 2003 or 2004 I'll put out a biography on the Bickersons, with biographies of all the cast and an introduction by Frances Langford. |