Happy new year and since this month is the 50th anniversary of the Beach Boys acting debut, thought I would start a discussion of our favorite all-time television shows. Let's get the ball rolling.
The Beach Boys Comedy Hour (1964-1973)
The Beach Boys (Mike Love, Al Jardine and brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson) made their official acting debut in the 1963 movie Beach Party, appearing as Frankie Avalon's best buddies. The success of that movie combined with the birth of the Beach Boys’ fan base resulted in the debut of their comedy show just a year later on ABC.
The Beach Boys were already being compared to the Marx Brothers, Three Stooges, Bowery Boys and Martin & Lewis. In contrast to the comedy shows airing today, the Beach Boys were actually very funny. Who could ever forget Mike Love's portrayal of Napoleon? Or Brian breaking into song with his falsetto voice? Or that skit parodying Lyndon Johnson (Brian) deciding whether to name Bobby Kennedy (Al Jardine) or Hubert Humphrey (Mike) as his running mate? Jardine's mimicking of RFK's mannerisms and speaking voice was so convincing that in an interview, Bobby suggested jokingly that Jardine give his speech at the 1964 Democratic National Convention instead.
But what has to be the highlight of their comedy show was their 1965 tribute to the Marx Brothers. Dennis was so hilarious as Harpo. Then at the end of the skit, the real Marx Brothers surprised the Beach Boys when they appeared in the show. My second favorite was the show airing in Las Vegas with an appearance by Wayne Newton (and Brian dressing up as Newton's overweight likeness).
Every show had a musical recording act. Jan & Dean would appear the most times on the show. They also appeared in Beach Party and nearly all their hit records were co-writted by Mike Love and Brian Wilson. Remember their classics Surf City USA, Surfin' Safari, Surfin' USA, Little Old Lady from Pasadena, I Get Around, Help Me Rhonda, Don't Worry Baby, Sloop John B, Good Vibrations and California Girls? (Elvis Presley performed Little Surfer Girl on the Beach Boys 1964 Thanksgiving special)
The Beach Boys aired its last comedy show on October 20, 1973. The individual members pursued various entertainment projects while maintaining their comedy act but on a part-time basis. The 30th anniversary show in 1994 would mark Carl Wilson’s last televised appearance prior to his death from cancer in 1995.
The Beach Boys Comedy Hour (1964-1973)
The Beach Boys (Mike Love, Al Jardine and brothers Brian, Carl and Dennis Wilson) made their official acting debut in the 1963 movie Beach Party, appearing as Frankie Avalon's best buddies. The success of that movie combined with the birth of the Beach Boys’ fan base resulted in the debut of their comedy show just a year later on ABC.
The Beach Boys were already being compared to the Marx Brothers, Three Stooges, Bowery Boys and Martin & Lewis. In contrast to the comedy shows airing today, the Beach Boys were actually very funny. Who could ever forget Mike Love's portrayal of Napoleon? Or Brian breaking into song with his falsetto voice? Or that skit parodying Lyndon Johnson (Brian) deciding whether to name Bobby Kennedy (Al Jardine) or Hubert Humphrey (Mike) as his running mate? Jardine's mimicking of RFK's mannerisms and speaking voice was so convincing that in an interview, Bobby suggested jokingly that Jardine give his speech at the 1964 Democratic National Convention instead.
But what has to be the highlight of their comedy show was their 1965 tribute to the Marx Brothers. Dennis was so hilarious as Harpo. Then at the end of the skit, the real Marx Brothers surprised the Beach Boys when they appeared in the show. My second favorite was the show airing in Las Vegas with an appearance by Wayne Newton (and Brian dressing up as Newton's overweight likeness).
Every show had a musical recording act. Jan & Dean would appear the most times on the show. They also appeared in Beach Party and nearly all their hit records were co-writted by Mike Love and Brian Wilson. Remember their classics Surf City USA, Surfin' Safari, Surfin' USA, Little Old Lady from Pasadena, I Get Around, Help Me Rhonda, Don't Worry Baby, Sloop John B, Good Vibrations and California Girls? (Elvis Presley performed Little Surfer Girl on the Beach Boys 1964 Thanksgiving special)
The Beach Boys aired its last comedy show on October 20, 1973. The individual members pursued various entertainment projects while maintaining their comedy act but on a part-time basis. The 30th anniversary show in 1994 would mark Carl Wilson’s last televised appearance prior to his death from cancer in 1995.