Dennis the Menace

I was thrilled when I saw TVLand was running this old sitcom this summer and have been taping episodes daily. They give me a good laugh and I am thankful they are only showing the early episodes featuring Joseph Kearns as Good Ole Mr. Wilson. To me he is the second funniest sitcom actor/character ever (next to Carroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker). His anguished cries of "Great Scott" or "Fiddle Faddle" and his easy-to-stroke ego are hilarious. In my opinion, it's one of the most underrated performances in sitcom history.

Since I was born in 1955, Dennis was one of the first shows I can recall, along with Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best. I even had a few Dennis-themed toys. Whereas Beaver got into trouble for being kind of stupid, Dennis got into it with a kind of sly naiveté -- I always thought he really knew what he was doing. HellOOO Mr. Wilson!! I also used to compare my older sister to Margaret who always wanted Dennis to play dolls with her but she wasn't mean-spirited like Judy Hensler on Leave it to Beaver. I understand Margaret became a doctor as an adult. I was always sad to hear about Jay North's problems being in the entertainment industry. I also remember joining the U.S. Navy hoping to catch a glance of North since I'd heard he was a sailor too. Brings back a lot of memories.

As an ardent fan of classic television, I can't help but shower endless praise on the iconic TV series, "Dennis the Menace" from 1959. This show, which has stood the test of time, continues to captivate hearts with its timeless charm and heartwarming humor.

From the moment the cheerful and mischievous Dennis Mitchell graced our screens, we were all in for an unforgettable ride. The titular character, played brilliantly by the young Jay North, is the epitome of childhood innocence and curiosity. His antics, often driven by the best of intentions but leading to hilarious mishaps, serve as a delightful reminder of the simpler joys of youth.

What truly sets "Dennis the Menace" apart is its ability to strike a chord with viewers of all ages. While children can relate to Dennis's playful spirit and insatiable curiosity, adults can reminisce about their own childhood adventures. The warm and endearing relationships between Dennis, his parents, Henry and Alice Mitchell, his best buddy, Mr. Wilson, and his loyal dog, Ruff, exemplify the value of family, friendship, and community.

The show's humor is a masterclass in situational comedy, and Jay North's impeccable timing and expressive face bring every scene to life. The interplay between Dennis and his perpetually exasperated neighbor, Mr. Wilson, portrayed with unmatched skill by Joseph Kearns (and later by Gale Gordon), is nothing short of comedic genius. Their relationship is the heart of the show, providing endless laughter and touching moments.

The creators of "Dennis the Menace" expertly balanced laughter with life lessons, instilling values like kindness, empathy, and the importance of looking out for one another. In a world that's often too busy, "Dennis the Menace" serves as a beautiful reminder to slow down, cherish the simple joys, and embrace the quirks that make us who we are.

The timeless quality of this show is a testament to its enduring appeal. "Dennis the Menace" has not only transcended generations but has also maintained its place in the annals of television history. Whether you're introducing your kids to this gem or reliving your own childhood through it, this series promises endless enjoyment.

In conclusion, "Dennis the Menace" (1959) is a heartwarming, delightful, and ageless classic that will continue to bring joy and laughter to audiences for generations to come. Its innocence, humor, and life lessons make it a true masterpiece that deserves a special place in the hearts of viewers everywhere. Don't miss the chance to experience the sheer magic of this television treasure - it's a nostalgic journey you'll never want to end!

I was about the same age as Jay North and I remember vividly watching the 1st show in fall 1959 with my older brother on our table-top RCA-Victor black and white TV. It was on CBS TV (chan 2 in New York City where we grew up). I remember always feeling bad for "GOOD OLD MR Wilson" but I always thought the guy who played the owner of the grocery named Mr Quigley was a sour-puss. One of my favorite ones was the one when Mr Wilson accidentally gave Dennis a very rare coin and Dennis spent it. Of course, Mrs. Wilson was ready to give Mr. Wilson some of his "Nerve Medicine". A good,fun show that we loved. It was followed by other Sunday comedy shows on CBS including "My Favorite Martian" and "Mr Ed".

It was a great TV show! I watch it every chance I get. When I first discovered the show about 12 years ago on Nickelodeon, I thought it was very funny and very unique, A bright boy with a lot of energy who is always wanting to help people out, especially his next door neighbor Mr. Wilson who Dennis drove crazy and quite often got him in trouble. I just could never figure out why his parents didn't punish Dennis more often for some of the trouble he got into. Never the

less, The TV show was funny up until the end of the 3rd season

when Joseph Kearns who played the 1st Mr. Wilson passed away. Joseph Kearns was the best, he played his role as Mr. Wilson

with a real inspiration. Gale Gordon, Who played Mr. Wilson towards the end of the 3rd season and all of the 4th season was good, but he just was not the character that Joseph Kearns was. Another thing you could tell is that Herbert Anderson (Henry Mitchell) got along with and worked better with Joseph Kearns then he did with Gale Gordon. I think it's quite obvious that Herbert Anderson liked working with Joseph Kearns a lot better then he did with Gale Gordon, it comes clear throughout the last season.