’50s TV favorites keep coming

Well, we have talked about the first televisions and our favorite shows of the early television seasons. I was contacted by a few who said I left out some important shows in that list of favorites. So I promised we would hit a few of them this week.

As children of the ’50s and early ’60s, it seems that one of the most common playtime activities was playing cowboys and Indians. Girls and boys alike could play this game, as the TV heroes covered both genders.

How many of you recall all the westerns that were on television? There were plenty.

Do you remember “Bonanza,” which did not start until 1959. “Gunsmoke” began in 1955 and was a favorite around this area, especially since Dennis Weaver grew up in Joplin. James Arness was also popular. Clint Eastwood was famous with the ladies in “Rawhide.” And Chuck Connors could sure twirl that rifle in “The Rifleman.” I had a coloring book of “Sugarfoot,” and wanted to be Annie Oakley, but the closest I came to it was Halloween in 1961.

Hop Along Cassidy (1948) was on the sides of milk cartons. And it was so cool to see the Texas Rangers come in from the sides of the TV screen until they had a large group of rangers riding together.

Gabby Hayes was in so many westerns you didn’t know who he was riding with as a sidekick. It could be Hop Along Cassidy, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, John Wayne or many other western heroes.

Wyatt Earp (1955), with Hugh O’Brian, had a catchy song.  There were theme songs with lots of the westerns that children memorized. And many westerns were mimicked, such as “Kit Carson,” “Cisco Kid,” and “Wells Fargo,” with Dale Robertson. Richard Boone was a favorite as Paladin in “Have Gun Will Travel.” “Bat Masterson,” staring Gene Barry, was a dandified cowboy. “Wagon Train” (1957) was a rough life for cowboys. “Broken Arrow” had the best Indian of all, Cochise, played by Michael Ansara. Is there any wonder why the favorite pastime would be playing cowboys and Indians? I had my cap guns with the pearl handles, cowboy hat and boots. My horse looked like a wagon. I didn’t always win the fights, but I had fun trying.

Cowboy games were delayed on Saturday morning as we watched the cartoons. I mentioned a few of my favorites and then some friends shared theirs. Some of these were mentioned by my older friends because I don’t remember watching all of them. There were lots of puppet shows in the early ’50s, such as: “Rootie Kazootie” (1950), “Shari Lewis,” “Judy Splinter” (late ’40s), “Jimmy Nelson & Danny O’Day,” “Lucky Pup” (1948), “Children’s Corner” (1955), “Howdy Doody” (1947-1960), “The Singing Lady” (1949) and, of course, “Kukla, Fran & Ollie” (1949).

I don’t know how I could have forgotten “The Beatles,” a cartoon show of the ’60s. I mean, I was alive when the Beatles came to America! That seems to amaze some younger folks! And we did enjoy “Rocky and Friends” (or better known as “Rocky & Bullwinkle”).

Game shows came into popularity in the ’50s. Of course, many of them originated on the radio and switched to TV. On “Queen for a Day,” with Jack Bailey; the contestant with the most tear-jerking hard-luck story was picked to wear the crown. That show ended in 1965.

“Truth or Consequences” was hosted by Bob Barker. “Treasure Hunt” was a favorite, with Jan Murray. “What’s My Line,” “I’ve Got a Secret,” and “To Tell the Truth” seemed to have the same panelists all the time. “This is Your Life” and “Name that Tune” were fun to watch. “Name that Tune” came out again many years later as a new game show. The “$64,000 Question” and the “$64,000 Challenge” earned some big money for contestants. The “$100,000 Big Surprise” was hosted for a while by Mike Wallace (you know…the news announcer!).

“The Price is Right” started out in 1956, hosted by Bill Cullen. The ’60s brought different games, such as: “Let’s Make a Deal,” “Password,” “Match Game,” “Video Village” and many more.

Television was a guest in our home, and it was very entertaining. It was good clean fun for the entire family. Children still managed to get their homework completed, their baths and off to bed at a decent hour. They still had time to play outside in the sunshine with neighbors. And you had to mind at your friend’s house because every mother was in charge and you knew to behave.

I hope you enjoyed another trip down television memory lane. There are still many wonderful shows like “Twilight Zone.” But do you remember when they started showing the “Saturday Night Movies” in 1962. How awesome, to be able to sit in your own living room and watch a movie that you used to have to go to the theater to enjoy. Many theaters that had shown reruns of movies had to make changes.