Mrs. Drysdale's Father

Classic of classic episodes featuring one of Hollywood's most beloved comedians from the golden age, Charlie Ruggles. His appearances on BEWITCHED may have inspired producer and writer Paul Henning to write a wacky story around him. It fits.

Charlie plays Mrs. Drysdale's sly ole father, so named Lowell Redlings Farquar (love that name) who passes through Beverly Hills to greet his dear daughter. One little problem. The guy's a compulsive gambler and lost the family fortune in Las Vegas! Dreadful.

Now what? Naturally, Mrs. Drysdale wants her husband to help him out, and ya know where that's going. However clever, right next door is millionaire Jed Clampett (how convenient!) -- Farquar moseys over to the mansion to meet the folks and get a little gambling action going. Watch this part because its outrageous.

Henning's script is chock full of funny one liners and situations, Charlie Ruggles making the most of his visit. An episode you have to see just for him. By the way, the name Farquar is Scottish, meaning "man beloved." Had to have been an inside joke, and the fact this episode inspired many other sitcom writers to also use the name.

Distinguished British actor Arhur Gould Porter plays Ravenswood, the butler, who would appear eight times on the show. His very best tv role came just before he retired in 1977, playing Winston Churchill in ELEANOR AND FRANKLIN; THE WHITE HOUSE YEARS.

A gem. SEASON 4 EPISODE 12 remastered CBS dvd box set. According to Amazon, seasons 6 through 9 are expected to be released on blu ray in 2027. Keeping our fingers crossed. Thanks to METV for running the entire series.