television | The Oasis at Four Queen Palms

Over the weekend, Best Friend and I were watching a few episodes from The Colgate Comedy Hour, a variety show on television that aired between 1950-55. It was before my time, but it still was a nice trip down Memory Lane.

In the several episodes we watched, Dean Martin sang with a small ensemble of dancers. The dancers were dressed in the typical 1950s ladies’ fashions – petticoats, chiffon, and femininity. Their hair was combed, and their makeup enhanced their good looks. The songs? They were all about love and respect and admiration, all the way through.

About halfway through a number, I commented to Best Friend as he sat watching the troupe swirling around Dean, “Look how nice this number is. If this was today, those dancers would be half naked and the singer would be spewing ‘Imma kill you b— ‘cuz I hate yo’ face’ while lewdly grabbing his every private body part. What a difference from then to now, wouldn’t you agree?”

Best Friend nodded in assent.

Lately, more so than ever, I have been directing my thoughts to years gone by . . . long ago years that I remember, and those long-ago years before my time that are legendary in my family lore. Since the beginning of time, there has always existed the good and the bad, yet the chaos of now and what it promises to bring to our doorsteps is all too real.

Watching these old television programs for me is about peace, calm, and a sort of escapism, of course, from the madness of the current chaotic world. Yes, it is good to periodically break away from the world’s insanity.

As ever,

Our days are busy with schedules, appointments, working, and spring yard work. As for me, I’ve been busy nearly every day with writing a new book and setting up outlines for other new works, too.

By the end of the day, Best Friend and I are ready for some relaxation. We might catch some news to see what new ways the world is showing its craziness. But what we really look forward to is watching the 1970s television program, “The Bob Newhart Show.”

This is Newhart’s second television program. The first one, also called “The Bob Newhart Show,” was aired in 1961 on NBC, and it was a variety show. That one we need to check out. But this show that we are watching, he is a psychologist in Chicago. It really takes us out of this world and into one that looks so much saner.

The dry humor is right up our alley, and the 1970s references are fun to catch. The fashions – well, they show me that even though some of it was quirky, people still cared for their grooming and clothing. Even a nurse on the show was dressed up for work. No pajamas there!

Then there are the guest stars who weren’t quite at the star level yet – John Ritter, Teri Garr, Penny Marshall, Bernie Kopell, Pat Morita, Raul Julia, . . .

We’re only in Season 3; we’ve a few more seasons to go before we’re finished.

One of the most enlightening points of the program is that so many of the 1970s current topics are ones that people and politicians today are still talking about. Goes to show and prove that politicians do a lot of talking without much action. So far, I’ve heard comments on the show about gun control, abortion, and growing inflation.

All that changes is the date on the calendar. And maybe the fashions.

As ever,

The Oasis at Four Queen Palms

Gracious Living at The Oasis.

Tag Archives: television

About Admiration and Respect.

Hey, Bob!