The show was originally supposed to be called “The Hillbillies of Beverly Hills,” but stringing the whole thing together as “The Beverly Hillbillies” just works a whole lot better. The only place the initial name appears is in the pilot episode. By episode two, the title was changed for the better.
We hope whoever came up with the new title at least got a raise or a promotion! They are definitely a part of the show’s success and should be recognized for their contribution to the history of television.
Almost Retired
Although Buddy Ebsen had a successful acting, writing, and music career after “The Beverly Hillbillies” was canceled in the early 1970s, he was considering retirement before the hit show even went on air. He was actually thinking about quitting show business just before the series went into pre-production.
It’s clear that he had a change of heart, and the first episode, named “The Beverly Hillbillies: The Clampetts Strike Oil,” premiered in 1962. The crew finished work on the pilot in December 1961, and there was no stopping after that.
My Levi’s
America just goes nuts for a beautiful blonde in a pair of jeans (also apparent from the successful show “The Dukes of Hazzard”.) At the end of “The Beverly Hillbillies” first season, legendary jean makers Levi-Strauss acknowledged that the gorgeous Elly May was good for business.
In an interview, A brand executive said, “Donna Douglas had done more for the sale of blue jeans in one year than cowboys had done in a hundred.”
Payment Fit for A Cowboy
John Wayne has basically been the first thing to pop into your head when someone says cowboy forever. Wayne did a cameo on the fifth season of “The Beverly Hillbillies”, in an episode called “The Indians Are Coming”.
The memorable scene shows Granny wishing that the famous cowboy would suddenly appear and help them fight the Indians (this was obviously a less politically correct climate). Suddenly, the infamous gunslinger does appear! The Hollywood rumor mill claims that Wayne was paid for his appearance with a fifth of bourbon. That is just plain cool.
The Show Lives On
Max Baer Jr., who played Jethro Bodine on the show, is the only member of the main original cast who is still alive today. He still has one dream he has not accomplished, regarding “The Beverly Hillbillies.” Based on the show, Baer wants to build themed restaurants and casinos across Las Vegas, Nevada.
He has managed to land sub-licensing rights for slot machines and food items, so hopefully, fans can continue enjoying the wacky characters for many years to come.