From What I've Seen, A Brilliant Sitcom-Why Isn't It on DVD?

RJV

I regret that I have only seen a fraction of the episodes of THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW.  But those that I have seen confirms the show's reputation as an authentic television classic.  Consider the star, Phil Silvers as Sgt. Ernie Bilko. Was there a more lovable conniver?  His joy in his scheming was so droll and endearing one couldn't help but root for him.  Yet Bilko never wanted to hurt anyone and whenever he learned any plan could hurt someone, he wouldn't go through with it.  Silvers' ruefulness at such moments was as delightful as his ecstasy.

Silvers was backed by a delightful supporting cast.  Particularly memorable were Maurice Gosfeld as the innocent Private Duane Doberman and Paul Ford as Bilko's flustered superior Colonel John Hall.  Joe E. Ross got his big break as the gruff but lovable Sgt. Rupert Ritzik.  Producer Nat Hiken would later team up Ross with Fred Gwynne in the police sitcom CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU? And what hilarious, inventive scripts that so deftly served those performers.  I'm no prude but I consider such riotous episodes like "The Trial of Harry Speakup" and "The Face on the Recruiting Poster" proof that writers don't have to stoop to raunchiness to generate laughs.  The problem with today's television sitcoms is that they often indulge in gratuitous filth.

With so many old sitcoms coming out on DVD today, isn't it about time for DVD episode guides of THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW?  Why should DVD users be denied access to, from what episodes I've seen, a wonderful show?  Such a treasure does not deserve oblivion.

score /10

RJV 8 January 2004

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw0054162/