"Father Knows Best" (1954)TV series 1954-1960

Directors:

William D. Russell
Peter Tewksbury

Writers:

Ed James (characters)
Sumner Arthur Long (writer)

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | unknown

Release Date:

3 October 1954 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Family

Plot:

The popular radio show comes to life in this hit sitcom about a wise family man, Jim Anderson, his common-sense wife Margaret and their children Betty...

Plot Keywords:

Springfield | Family | Father Daughter Relationship | Father Son Relationship | Mother Daughter Relationship

Awards:

Won 6 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win & 14 nominations

Cast

Robert Young	...	James 'Jim' Anderson / ... (57 episodes, 1954-1977)
Jane Wyatt	...	Margaret Anderson (57 episodes, 1954-1977)

Also Known As:

I Told You So (USA)

Runtime:

30 min | USA:30 min (203 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono | Mono (Western Electric Recording) | Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company:

American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

Trivia:

(November 22, 1963) When New Yorkers first witnessed breaking news of John F. Kennedy's assassination over WABC-TV, "Father Knows Best" was interrupted to make way for the unfolding news coverage.

Quotes:

Bud Anderson: This is a special delivery for Dad from the Universal Alumni Association.
Jim Anderson: I wonder how much money they want now.
[Bud is shaking Jim's letter, trying to read it]
Jim Anderson: Why don't you hold it up to the light so you can see it better?
Bud Anderson: Never thought of that.
[Holds it up to the light]
Bud Anderson: Can't see a thing.
Jim Anderson: Bud, as long as it's addressed to me, do you mind letting me have it?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "3rd Rock from the Sun: Father Knows Dick (#1.18)" (1996)

Soundtrack:

Waiting

One of the Best

Critics of this type of show are quick to point out how "unrealistic" it was. After all no episode dealt with drug addiction, teen pregnancy,dropping out of school, or any of the other "relevant" topics that pass for entertainment today. Instead this program concentrated on the, now passe, issues of family love, warmth, charity, and decency. I challenge any parent, of whatever generation, to contrast an episode of this show with any "Married with Children" or the majority of today's teen oriented sitcoms and decide which world view they would wish for their children. Perhaps this show and others of its era (e.g. Andy Griffith) was overly hopeful in its portrayal of family and community, but isn't it better to aspire to the values of Father Knows Best than succumb to the spirit of the age we live in?