Complete series cast summary: | |||
Buddy Ebsen | ... | Jed Clampett 274 episodes, 1962-1971 | |
Irene Ryan | ... | Daisy Moses 274 episodes, 1962-1971 | |
Donna Douglas | ... | Elly May Clampett / ... 274 episodes, 1962-1971 | |
Max Baer Jr. | ... | Jethro Bodine / ... 274 episodes, 1962-1971 | |
Raymond Bailey | ... | Milburn Drysdale 247 episodes, 1962-1971 | |
Nancy Kulp | ... | Jane Hathaway 246 episodes, 1962-1971 | |
Meet the Clampett clan - There's Jed; the kind and intelligent patriarch (although lacking formal education) turned into an overnight millionaire through a stroke of luck. While he appears to be in a state of retirement, he is still frequently kept busy by trying to keep his family out of trouble and make peace with his neighbors. Then there is Granny; the matriarch of the clan who is mature, highly opinionated, paranoid of new-fangled ways and things. She considers herself to be highly educated (a self proclaimed Doctor of Hillbilly Medicine) and has difficulty understanding why anyone doubts her wisdom. Then there is Elly May; beauiful, but awkwardly naive. Apparently in her late teens or early twenties, she is considered an 'Old Maid' by the standards of her culture back in the mountains of her childhood. Last but not least, there is Jethro Bodine, the somewhat slow-witted nephew of Jed. He is constantly attempting to find a girlfriend by impressing them with his education (... Written by Lord Farqua
If anyone's mind is pickled on older TV series, it is mine. And I know millions of others as well cherish "The Beverly Hillbillies" among the top of them all. The cast of this show fits so well with each other that they become the real deal. They became a part of our family somehow. Each regular character goes beyond typecast. The Scruggs/Flat music simply adds more of the same quality. I sometimes practice my guitar while watching the show so I can pick up a few licks each time.
I think that one of the most endearing qualities is that most any viewer can find something to identify with. The most obvious things are Uncle Jed's wisdom laden observations and Granny's energy and willingness to take up a cause. Jethro keeps her busy, but she never lacked for time to pick up her doctoring bag and charge full steam ahead to cure whoever might be ailing. From childhood to this day, I never seem to tire from watching this show. I can't say that about many others. Perhaps the Western series, "Bonanza", is one other that comes to mind. In both shows the characters own personalities forge their way into immortality.