"December Bride" (1954) TV series 1954-1959

Creator:

Parke Levy

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

Release Date:

4 October 1954 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Plot:

Charming and wise Lily Ruskin lives with her daughter and son-in- law who, along with her close friend Hilda Crocker...

Plot Keywords:

Sitcom

Awards:

Nominated for 5 Primetime Emmys.

Cast

Spring Byington	...	Lily Ruskin (111 episodes, 1954-1959)
Harry Morgan	...	Pete Porter (111 episodes, 1954-1959)
Frances Rafferty	...	Ruth Henshaw (111 episodes, 1954-1959)
Verna Felton	...	Hilda Crocker (111 episodes, 1954-1959)
Dean Miller	...	Matt Henshaw (111 episodes, 1954-1959)

Runtime:

30 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Filming Locations:

Desilu Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company:

Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Trivia:

This long-running half-hour CBS sitcom debuted on 4 October 1954 and was last broadcast on 20 April 61. Mostly remembered today for featuring neighbor 'Harry Morgan' as Pete Porter, who complained constantly about his unseen wife, Gladys. They'd eventually get their own show as a spin-off in the fall of 1960.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Desi Arnaz/Desi Arnaz, Jr. (#1.14)" (1976)

December Bride Was a 12 Month Affair ***1/2

Hilarious comedy where Spring Byington played a doting parent (Lili Ruskin) living with her married daughter and son-in-law. Along the way, she makes friends with Hilda Crocker, memorably portrayed by Verna Felton. Miss Felton was so adept at comedy; yet, I remember her for her magnificent performance as the neighbor in the 1955 film classic "Picnic," based on the William Inge play.

Both Hilda and Lili cook up ideal schemes in the way of Ethel Mertz and Lucy Ricardo.

Remember the fabulous opening music? It just told you what you'd be in for the next half hour.

Harry Morgan was truly great as a wacky next door neighbor who chronically complained about Gladys, his long suffering wife. When December Bride went off the air, "Pete and Gladys" went on with Morgan and Cara Williams in the lead roles. Those were certainly the days of spin-offs at their best.