Did you know The Beverly Hillbillies became a huge hit in the UK?
Beverly Hillbillies is not only for country people but also for British people!
The Beverly Hillbillies had nine successful seasons from 1962 to 1971. Many Americans loved the series for its exaggerated characters, depiction of simple life, and chemistry between the actors.
However, many critics argue otherwise. You can call The Beverly Hillbillies whatever you want: silly, quirky or funny – but critics will tell you that the series is a sad commentary on education and intelligence . US intelligence.
Despite what critics said about The Beverly Hillbillies, the show ranked among the highest-rated shows in the country for almost its entire run. America wasn’t the only place the hillbillies explored, however. At that time, The Beverly Hillbillies were spreading like wildfire in England.
According to a 1965 interview with The Charlotte News, Buddy Ebsen, who played Jed Clampett, said he had a lot of fans in England who loved the movie and helped it become an international hit. .
“The British found the show funnier than the Americans,” Ebsen said.
Ebsen said he hasn’t tried to find out why the Hillbills have become so popular in the UK – but based on comments he’s received from people he’s met, he knows the show has a following. tracking and huge impact there.
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In the summer of 1964, Ebsen said he took his wife and five children to England, where they visited the home of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford. They tried their best to pamper Ebsen and treat him like a king.
“You know, they changed my part a little bit,” Ebsen said. “For a while, I was nothing but a straight man, giving the others straight lines. But they put more backbone in old Jed.”
The Beverly Hillbillies became famous in England for many reasons: their offbeat humor, cultural curiosity, common language and of course their lovable personalities. However, Ebsen thinks it’s because mountain people have “kinship ties with country people everywhere” – even all over the world.
The series helped Ebsen have a successful career in both America and England. According to a 1966 interview with the Democrat and Chronicle, Ebsen said Henning refused to do the series with anyone except Ebsen playing Jed Clampett.
“The whole world is looking for a father and old Jed Clampett is that man,” Ebsen said. “Our success is similar to Bonanza. Papa Cartwright has the same appeal. Their family loves and respects them.”
Love and respect must have struck a chord with people around the world who are involved in their family issues and family dynamics. Ebsen’s foresight is the main reason why The Beverly Hillbillies succeeded. Without Jed as the head of the family, the series might not have lasted as long as it did. He knows what America… and England… needs.
“We let viewers know there are many types of fathers in the world,” Ebsen said. “We have never been outside the top 10 and with a little luck we could stay there for a few more years – no matter what the critics say.”