How can you not wane nostalgic for then "good ole days" after watching this gem. There is a Grinch, a bunch of heroes fighting Charles Lane playing a Scrooge who wants to ruin it all for everyone. Still evokes a decent belly laugh or two, even in ultra jaded viewers as myself. Even though anyone watching this realizes it's a wistful fantasy, we all secretly wish we could be heading towards "Hootersville" for our white Christmas. Just sit back, forget the days trials and tribulations, and let this great escape back into a simpler time and place in TV land sweep over you. I guarantee you won't regret it. Don't worry about who is going to play Santy Claus, there is always going to be a big fat gobbler waiting for all who come across the threshold on Christmas day.
6 Reviews
The True Return of Villainous Bedloe
TheFearmakers10 January 2019
Bedloe is the show's villain that got the show started by basically making it a serialized series for the first four episodes: he, and then his boss, wanted to close the railroad, and now he's at it again. The ultimate Scrooge. It's always funny seeing him jamming on the handcart. He's the true foil, and yet it's best when he gets foiled as it's also understandable all the things he hates about the small town folk and their basic, innocent ways. A pretty good episode where Christmas is more a distraction than destination. Good that Floyd and Charlie have a lot of scenes as they hadn't been in the last few episodes.
Railroaded for Christmas
ExplorerDS678924 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Paul Henning really made a name for himself with the creation of The Beverly Hillbillies, which became a surprise hit, and so they commissioned him to come up with a second series, and that's how we got Petticoat Junction. Maybe it isn't as memorable or quite as popular as the Hillbillies, but it's still a very good show in its own right. To be honest, I've only seen two episodes, and this is one of them. It's all about the fine folks of Hooterville gearing up for their favorite time of year: Christmas, although this year, the Shady Rest was nearly put out of business when their faithful train, the Cannonball, got taken away unexpectedly. But I'm getting ahead of myself. You may recall from the first few episodes, a ruthless businessman by the name of Homer Bedloe, former VP for the C&FW Railroad, tried to take the Cannonball away for numerous infractions, or at least, what he considered to be infractions, but luckily he was foiled by his boss, the kindly Norman P. Curtis. However, Bedloe won't give up that easily. He'll regain his position as vice president no matter what day he has to work, and whose back he has to stab. A surprise inspection visit at Christmas would be just the ticket, and Mr. Curtis doesn't suspect a thing. Either C&FW has a ton of holdings, or Curtis doesn't think Bedloe would try to swindle the folks in Hooterville again. Meanwhile at Sam Drucker's store, the Cannonball arrives on time, but for some reason, the train feels a little light. This is because the coach came disconnected a few miles back and Floyd and Charley were too busy arguing to notice. As they start pointing fingers, Sam sends them back to get the coach, as they need the whole train to start decorating. So, they throw it in reverse and backtrack all the wayto the coach and get her all coupled up. Now, back to Sam. It was at this point that Homer Bedloe's plane touched down in Hooterville, and he arrives at the train station just in time to see the Cannonball whiz by and stop a few feet away at Sam's store, where Sam, Kate, and the girls began loading their holiday supplies into the coach with the intention of decorating it all nice and pretty for their Christmas Eve ride. The stationmaster tells Bedloe he better make a beeline for the train before it departs, but unfortunately, he just isn't fast enough. Also, have you noticed that in the shot of Bedloe running after the train, the sign on Sam's store is reversed? Good one, Filmways. With no other alternative, Bedloe climbs aboard a handcar and starts pumping it toward the Shady Rest. Ooh, is he gonna be sore and winded by the time he gets there.
When they arrive at the hotel, they begin unloading their decorations and discover a previously forgotten passenger riding in the coach. A cow! Wait, how did they ride all that way in the train and not hear the cow mooing until now? Floyd claims he forgot to drop off the cow to her intended recipient on account of Charley yelling at him, which he claims also made him forget to couple the coach. Yeesh, stop your blubbering and act your age. While they unload the decorations, Uncle Joe emerges with the intention of playing Santa Claus this year, although Charley's still got the top half of the outfit and asserts it's his year to play the part, as last year it was Floyd, and year before that it was Pixley Fats. LOL! Great name. So after finally getting the train decorated, they spy someone on a handcar pumping their way. It was Homer Bedloe, and as expected, he was in a foul mood. He starts barking at the girls to take the decorations off the train, then he hands Uncle Joe a legal writ to seize the train, citing numerous violations. I'm not sure if he's serious or not, or maybe he's just being a jerk, as at no point does he show them in a rule book where putting Christmas lights on a train is violating the rules. Well, it seems as if their Christmas Eve ride along the countryside was canceled, so Kate, Billie Jo, Bobbi Jo, and Herby do their best to pacify Bedloe with carols and eggnog, while he sits in their living room gloating about how he finally outsmarted them. He even removed the Cannonball's throttle lever so they couldn't sneak it away and went on to pleasurably state how the Shady Rest will soon shut down on account of there being no train to ferry in guests and they'll all be stricken to abject poverty. What a sadistic man. I hope a trio of Christmas ghosts visit him tonight. Well, maybe he only needs one, for back at the headquarters of C&FW, Mr. Curtis' secretary lets it slip about Homer Bedloe flying out to Hooterville. Knowing that rat was up to no good, Curtis decides to get out to the Shady Rest pronto, so he takes the company chopper. Well, be careful with it because M*A*S*H needs it back by five. When he arrives at the hotel, he's all dirty and his suit is disheveled, so when Uncle Joe sees him, he takes him for a hobo. Now, like I said earlier, I never watched this show religiously, but how does Uncle Joe not know who Norman Curtis is? Hopefully after this encounter, he'll remember, as Mr. Curtis instantly puts Bedloe in his place, foils his scheme, and even settles that argument between Charley and Joe as to who would play Santa Claus. A not-so-jolly Santa Bedloe, who begrudgingly wishes everyone a Merry Christmas. With that all settled, the gang climbed aboard their train and rode along the countryside, singing a plethora of merry carols.
Even if you've never seen Petticoat Junction before, this is a good episode to start at. It has a good story, some funny jokes, funny performances, and some very good singing. Plus, it was probably the only time in Charles Lane's career that he played Santa Claus. Whenever you needed a stone-cold, no-nonsense, straight-laced character who could rain on parades and stop any kind of show, and still remain funny and likable while doing so, Lane was your man. There isn't much else I can say about Cannonball Christmas, except to check it out. The theme song is extremely catchy, opening and closing. So this Christmas, why not spend a little time with your old friends in Hooterville and give this festive episode of Petticoat Junction a watch. Oh, and when people ask me who was prettier, Billie Joe, Bobbi Joe, or Betty Jo, I always have the same answer: Elly May Clampett.
When they arrive at the hotel, they begin unloading their decorations and discover a previously forgotten passenger riding in the coach. A cow! Wait, how did they ride all that way in the train and not hear the cow mooing until now? Floyd claims he forgot to drop off the cow to her intended recipient on account of Charley yelling at him, which he claims also made him forget to couple the coach. Yeesh, stop your blubbering and act your age. While they unload the decorations, Uncle Joe emerges with the intention of playing Santa Claus this year, although Charley's still got the top half of the outfit and asserts it's his year to play the part, as last year it was Floyd, and year before that it was Pixley Fats. LOL! Great name. So after finally getting the train decorated, they spy someone on a handcar pumping their way. It was Homer Bedloe, and as expected, he was in a foul mood. He starts barking at the girls to take the decorations off the train, then he hands Uncle Joe a legal writ to seize the train, citing numerous violations. I'm not sure if he's serious or not, or maybe he's just being a jerk, as at no point does he show them in a rule book where putting Christmas lights on a train is violating the rules. Well, it seems as if their Christmas Eve ride along the countryside was canceled, so Kate, Billie Jo, Bobbi Jo, and Herby do their best to pacify Bedloe with carols and eggnog, while he sits in their living room gloating about how he finally outsmarted them. He even removed the Cannonball's throttle lever so they couldn't sneak it away and went on to pleasurably state how the Shady Rest will soon shut down on account of there being no train to ferry in guests and they'll all be stricken to abject poverty. What a sadistic man. I hope a trio of Christmas ghosts visit him tonight. Well, maybe he only needs one, for back at the headquarters of C&FW, Mr. Curtis' secretary lets it slip about Homer Bedloe flying out to Hooterville. Knowing that rat was up to no good, Curtis decides to get out to the Shady Rest pronto, so he takes the company chopper. Well, be careful with it because M*A*S*H needs it back by five. When he arrives at the hotel, he's all dirty and his suit is disheveled, so when Uncle Joe sees him, he takes him for a hobo. Now, like I said earlier, I never watched this show religiously, but how does Uncle Joe not know who Norman Curtis is? Hopefully after this encounter, he'll remember, as Mr. Curtis instantly puts Bedloe in his place, foils his scheme, and even settles that argument between Charley and Joe as to who would play Santa Claus. A not-so-jolly Santa Bedloe, who begrudgingly wishes everyone a Merry Christmas. With that all settled, the gang climbed aboard their train and rode along the countryside, singing a plethora of merry carols.
Even if you've never seen Petticoat Junction before, this is a good episode to start at. It has a good story, some funny jokes, funny performances, and some very good singing. Plus, it was probably the only time in Charles Lane's career that he played Santa Claus. Whenever you needed a stone-cold, no-nonsense, straight-laced character who could rain on parades and stop any kind of show, and still remain funny and likable while doing so, Lane was your man. There isn't much else I can say about Cannonball Christmas, except to check it out. The theme song is extremely catchy, opening and closing. So this Christmas, why not spend a little time with your old friends in Hooterville and give this festive episode of Petticoat Junction a watch. Oh, and when people ask me who was prettier, Billie Joe, Bobbi Joe, or Betty Jo, I always have the same answer: Elly May Clampett.
SCROOGE AIN'T NO MATCH FOR THE CANNONBALL!
tcchelsey3 December 2023
For all of us kids who grew up on the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, GREEN ACRES and PETTICOAT JUNCTION -- which were all ingeniously tied together-- this is a must see episode from the first season.
The series featured one of the most heartless guys of tv sitcoms, Homer Bedloe (played to the hilt by veteran Charles Lane). Bedloe's scheme was to somehow, someway put the old Cannonball train out of business and mess it up for everybody.
The running gag throughout the series was he ALWAYS came back, no matter how many times he got stung.
Bedloe definitely comes back for Christmas, and with every intention of playing Scrooge to all the residents. Once again, he's got his eye on the Cannonball and his master plan is to keep it from making its annual Christmas tour.
Of course, mighty Kate (Bea Benadaret at her very best) and Uncle Joe (Edgar Buchanan) are ready for a smackdown!
Well written by Mark Tuttle, who was head writer for the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, later writing for THREES COMPANY in the 70s.
Charles Lane, who eventually became one of the oldest working actors in Hollywood, is a natural as Bedloe, a role he repeated on so many other sitcoms for years. Another super character actor, Roy Roberts, plays Mr. Curtis. Look for Billy Benedict (as Willie), best remembered as one of the BOWERY BOYS. Billy was everywhere on tv, and so fondly remembered by all the casting directors.
This episode was so popular, the cast did it again in a 1966 Christmas special episode, which was beautifully done in color and became an enormously popular episode for years. It was also a tribute to Bea Benadaret, one of the great tv moms, who we all miss.
Thank you METV for bringing back some terrific memories.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 14 (1963) remastered dvd box set.
The series featured one of the most heartless guys of tv sitcoms, Homer Bedloe (played to the hilt by veteran Charles Lane). Bedloe's scheme was to somehow, someway put the old Cannonball train out of business and mess it up for everybody.
The running gag throughout the series was he ALWAYS came back, no matter how many times he got stung.
Bedloe definitely comes back for Christmas, and with every intention of playing Scrooge to all the residents. Once again, he's got his eye on the Cannonball and his master plan is to keep it from making its annual Christmas tour.
Of course, mighty Kate (Bea Benadaret at her very best) and Uncle Joe (Edgar Buchanan) are ready for a smackdown!
Well written by Mark Tuttle, who was head writer for the BEVERLY HILLBILLIES, later writing for THREES COMPANY in the 70s.
Charles Lane, who eventually became one of the oldest working actors in Hollywood, is a natural as Bedloe, a role he repeated on so many other sitcoms for years. Another super character actor, Roy Roberts, plays Mr. Curtis. Look for Billy Benedict (as Willie), best remembered as one of the BOWERY BOYS. Billy was everywhere on tv, and so fondly remembered by all the casting directors.
This episode was so popular, the cast did it again in a 1966 Christmas special episode, which was beautifully done in color and became an enormously popular episode for years. It was also a tribute to Bea Benadaret, one of the great tv moms, who we all miss.
Thank you METV for bringing back some terrific memories.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 14 (1963) remastered dvd box set.
Classic TV Xmas Countdown Episode #45
kgraovac20 December 2023
Homer Bedloe comes to Hooterville to stop the citizens from using the Cannonball during Christmas.
It's Xmas in Hooterville and when Kate and Billie-Jo kiss Sam Drucker and his box boy under the mistletoe (respectively), the guys are so wowed they each knock over a display of canned goods. Meanwhile, back at the C & FW Railroad, miserable Homer Bedloe plans a trip to Petticoat Junction just to ruin Xmas for its' residents.
Floyd can't help getting on Charlie's nerves as per usual. Later Uncle Joe and Charlie fight over a Santa Claus suit. When Bedloe arrives, everyone waits on him hand and foot and Bobbie-Jo (Pat Woodell in this episode) serenades him with "O Come All Ye Faithful" sung in Latin.
When Mr. Curtis' secretary clues him in, he selflessly takes a chopper to save the Bradleys' Xmas from "The Original Mister Mean". It's funny when Uncle Joe mistakes him for a hobo, but Kate recognizes Mr. Curtis immediately and Bedloe gets punished by being made to play Santa. It all ends with nighttime shots of the decorated train chugging through the valley as everyone sings Xmas carols while aboard. We don't get to see the cast, though, which is too bad.
Overall, just an average Xmas episode. We don't see enough of the girls and there are no scenes at the Shady Rest until halfway in. This episode would be remade word-for-word in 1966 Season 4 with a few tweaks and a couple of new bits added. The color version looks more festive and Bedloe ends up having to wear a more ridiculous costume, so if you only pick one to watch, skip this and watch Season 4's "The Santa Claus Special" instead. 6/10.
It's Xmas in Hooterville and when Kate and Billie-Jo kiss Sam Drucker and his box boy under the mistletoe (respectively), the guys are so wowed they each knock over a display of canned goods. Meanwhile, back at the C & FW Railroad, miserable Homer Bedloe plans a trip to Petticoat Junction just to ruin Xmas for its' residents.
Floyd can't help getting on Charlie's nerves as per usual. Later Uncle Joe and Charlie fight over a Santa Claus suit. When Bedloe arrives, everyone waits on him hand and foot and Bobbie-Jo (Pat Woodell in this episode) serenades him with "O Come All Ye Faithful" sung in Latin.
When Mr. Curtis' secretary clues him in, he selflessly takes a chopper to save the Bradleys' Xmas from "The Original Mister Mean". It's funny when Uncle Joe mistakes him for a hobo, but Kate recognizes Mr. Curtis immediately and Bedloe gets punished by being made to play Santa. It all ends with nighttime shots of the decorated train chugging through the valley as everyone sings Xmas carols while aboard. We don't get to see the cast, though, which is too bad.
Overall, just an average Xmas episode. We don't see enough of the girls and there are no scenes at the Shady Rest until halfway in. This episode would be remade word-for-word in 1966 Season 4 with a few tweaks and a couple of new bits added. The color version looks more festive and Bedloe ends up having to wear a more ridiculous costume, so if you only pick one to watch, skip this and watch Season 4's "The Santa Claus Special" instead. 6/10.
Mind-numbing
ronsloan-7467126 December 2023
I hadn't watched this show since I was a kid in the '60s, and thought I'd treat myself to a bit of nostalgia. This episode aired in late '63, when 'rural comedy' was at the height of its popularity (Petticoat Junction was kissin' cousins with The Beverly Hillbillies and Green Acres. There were, if I recall correctly, a few crossover episodes with Sam Drucker and his general store as the common denominator.
While 'Hillbillies' and 'Acres' had plenty of bonafide comedy, 'Junction' by comparison is truly lame. The storyline, script and acting, at least in this particular installment, are insipid, dumb and just plain unfunny. By the end of this episode I couldn't wait to leave Hooterville. Even if I had to take the handcar.
While 'Hillbillies' and 'Acres' had plenty of bonafide comedy, 'Junction' by comparison is truly lame. The storyline, script and acting, at least in this particular installment, are insipid, dumb and just plain unfunny. By the end of this episode I couldn't wait to leave Hooterville. Even if I had to take the handcar.
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