My pal Hank Garrett played Officer Ed Nicholson on the classic TV situation comedy, Car 54, Where Are You? He just dropped by a few minutes ago and gave me a copy of the new DVD set of that show's first season. There were only two seasons and I think everyone should rush out and buy copies of this 4-DVD set. It's hilarious stuff and we want to make sure it sells well enough that they'll put out Season Two.
If I had to pick my five all-time favorite sitcoms, Car 54 would certainly be on the list. So would The Dick Van Dyke Show. So would Sgt. Bilko, which was the creation of Nat Hiken, who was also responsible for Car 54. If we have similar tastes in comedy and you aren't familiar with Car 54, trust me. Just trust me.
I've just had time to take a quick peek at the DVD but the picture quality seems to be quite good. There's also a great special feature: An interview of Hank and of Charlotte Rae, who was also on the series. Not many folks who are around were, so it's great the DVD producers got them to do this. They chatted with Robert Klein, who's a huge fan of the show, too. Hank tells a few of the cleaner stories about Joe E. Ross. There are apparently not many anecdotes about Mr. Ross that do not involve (a) hookers, (b) not knowing his lines and/or (c) doing something that those around him found grossly offensive. There are many tales that combine all three.
I'll probably write another rave after I get time to watch some of these. For now, here's the Amazon link. Go get one…or two…or more.