The Beverly Hillbillies has always been one of my favorite shows, and it’s easy to see why. No sex, no foul language, no politics — just pure, feel-good comedy.
Take the hilarious episode where Granny mistakes a kangaroo for a giant jackrabbit. It perfectly captures the charm and simplicity that made The Beverly Hillbillies so beloved.
Did you know that this particular episode set a record as the most-watched half-hour sitcom of its time? But here’s the kicker — if you know where to look, there’s a glaring mistake the producers missed.
Slammed and hated by the critics. “Strained and unfunny”, according to New York Times. But to me, The Beverly Hillbillies is one of the greatest and funniest shows ever. This was back when TV was great to watch; good, old-fashioned family TV. Today’s comedies could learn a great deal from shows like this one.
From Buddy Ebsen’s laid-back charm to Irene Ryan’s feisty Granny, the show’s cast — including Max Baer Jr., Donna Douglas, Nancy Kulp, and Raymond Bailey — kept audiences laughing for years.
But even this classic sitcom had its share of goofs, and we’re here to reveal the funniest mistakes that made it onto the screen.
Ocean is on their left
In the opening scene, the Clampetts are cruising back home from Malibu, but there’s a funny little mix-up.
Malibu is west of Beverly Hills, so the ocean should be on the right if they’re heading east. Instead, it’s on their left — meaning they’re actually driving away from home.
Guess the Clampetts took the scenic route… or just got a little turned around.
The Boston Strong Girl
In season six’s episode ”The Rass’lin’ Clampetts,” Granny takes on the Boston Strong Girl and supposedly tosses her right out of the ring. But if you watch closely, you’ll see the Strong Girl giving herself a little jump to get over the ropes.
Here’s a fun twist: the Boston Strong Girl was actually played by Jerry Randall, who was a stuntman dressed in drag. And in true hillbilly style, the title’s ”Rass’lin” is just their way of saying ”wrestling.”
The missing fish
In the episode The Clampetts Go Fishing, Mr. Drysdale tries to spark the Clampetts’ interest in deep-sea fishing by sending them off to Marineland.
But here’s where things get fishy — literally! When Miss Hathaway and Mr. Drysdale pull up to the Clampett mansion, their car’s backseat is completely empty.
Yet, somehow, by the time they steps out of the car, a giant fish magically appears in the back!
Jane Hathaway’s first car
Throughout most of seasons one and two, the location shots for The Beverly Hillbillies show Jane Hathaway’s first car, a 1962 Plymouth convertible.
But if you look closely, you’ll notice a little TV magic at play. In some scenes, the shot suddenly jumps to a close-up of her arriving in a completely different car — a 1963 or 1964 Dodge.
It looks like Jane had a knack for spontaneous car upgrades.
The groundskeeper
During the closing credits of the season one Thanksgiving episode, Elly’s First Date (1962), an unexpected guest made a surprise cameo.
On the right side of the screen, a groundskeeper strolls into view, casually carrying a rake and sporting a white tank top. But then —oops!— he suddenly realizes he’s wandered straight into the shot.
With a look of sheer panic, he quickly changes course and bolts out of the frame, probably wishing he could rake that moment right off the screen.
Here’s a hilarious goof from the episode: During Jethro’s magic show, Mr. Drysdale tosses his hat to Jethro to use in an illusion. Naturally, Jethro ends up ruining the hat right off the bat.
Max Baer Jr. played his twin sister
Max Baer Jr played the role of Jethro Bodine, the son of Jed’s cousin, Pearl, a naive and borderline dim-witted man who showed off his great math skills with his multiplication classic “five gozinta five one times, five gozinta ten two times.”
But that wasn’t the only character he played on the show. In fact, Max Baer Jr. also portrayed Jethro’s twin sister Jethrine for 11 episodes during the first season.
Although Max Baer Jr. played Jethrine Bodine, he couldn’t do her voice.
As a result, he was dubbed. The one who actually said her lines was Linda Kaye Henning – daughter to the series’ creator, Paul Henning.
Mr. Drysdale’s magic hat
Here’s a hilarious goof from the episode ”The Great Jethro”: During Jethro’s magic show, Mr. Drysdale tosses his hat to Jethro to use in an illusion.
Naturally, Jethro ends up ruining the hat right off the bat.
But the real magic trick here isn’t part of the show — it’s a classic TV mistake! After Jethro does his damage, the camera cuts to Mr. Drysdale, and there he is, calmly holding his perfectly fine hat in his lap.
Then, as if by magic, the hat reappears on the magician’s stand in the next shot. Moments later, Mr. Drysdale is seen holding the ruined hat once again.
John Wayne got paid in bourbon
Even though John Wayne’s name doesn’t appear in the credits, many fans still remember his memorable cameo in the episode ”The Indians Are Coming.”
Interestingly, the only payment John Wayne requested for his guest appearance was a fifth of Jack Daniel’s bourbon. Let’s hope they paid him after his performance!
The Giant Jackrabbit
The iconic season-two episode ”The Giant Jackrabbit” achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the most-watched telecast at the time of its airing, and it still holds the record for the most-watched half-hour episode of any sitcom.
At first glance, these astonishing ratings might seem puzzling. However, when you consider the context of the time, it all begins to make sense.
Early 1964 was a challenging period for America, following the tragic assassination of President Kennedy just six weeks earlier. The nation was in mourning, seeking solace and a respite from the harsh realities of life. In this environment, the lighthearted humor and quirky charm of The Beverly Hillbillies offered the perfect escape for viewers.
The blooper
But considering how many people have enjoyed watching Granny mistake a kangaroo for a jackrabbit, it’s surprising that many have missed a tiny goof in this episode. And honestly, it’s understandable — it really takes a keen eye to catch it.
So here it is: when the kangaroo first hops up to the Clampetts’ back door, a man’s foot — most likely that of the trainer — briefly appears in the lower left corner (at 09:02) of the screen. It’s a little detail that adds to the fun of this classic moment.
A nod to the casting genius
Since we’re diving into this legendary episode, let’s talk about the owner of “Beverly Caterers.” When Granny spots the escaped kangaroo and mistakenly believes it to be an oversized jackrabbit, it raises eyebrows and makes the others suspect she might have had a bit too much moonshine.
Meanwhile, the Clampetts face a struggle to get food from Beverly Caterers. Interestingly, the owner, Bill Tinsman, is named as a nod to William Tinsman, the casting director for The Beverly Hillbillies as well as other shows in the HenningVerse.
The creator was ashamed
Speaking of the creator of the series, Paul Henning, did you know that he was ashamed of the 1981 TV movie “The Return of the Beverly Hillbillies”?
10 years after the popular show ended, some of the characters in the Clampett family reunited in a television movie written and produced by Henning. But viewers and critics didn’t like it, as many thought that the series’ original spirit had been abandoned in the movie.
Paul admitted to sheer embarrassment when the finished product aired on the CBS network.
Different original title
Those who watched the pilot “The Clampetts Strike Oil” may have noticed that the show was then called “The Hillbillies of Beverly Hills.”
After the first episode, though, the original title was changed to “The Beverly Hillbillies”, which was a little easier to say and more catchy.
Sonny was 8 years younger than his mother
Hollywood has had its fair share of impossible mothers. For example, when Angela Lansbury starred in The Manchurian Candidate (1962), she was only two years older than Laurence Harvey, who played her son. And the list goes on and on – The Beverly Hillbillies was no exception.
Did you know that the actress who played Mrs. Drysdale was just eight years older then her on-screen son Sonny Drysdale, the spoiled rich step-son of Milburn Drysdale.
Why CBS axed the show
By the end of the 60’s, The Beverly Hillbillies struggled with ratings.
But it was still a very popular and successful show, so when CBS went out and announced the canceling of the show in 1971, many were shocked. The same thing happened to Paul Henning’s other hit, “Petticoat Junction”.
This was dubbed a “rural purge” and CBS took the lead by axing several popular shows. The change came when the networks and the advertisers decided to target a more cultured, metropolitan audience.
“CBS canceled everything with a tree — including Lassie,” actor Pat Buttram of Green Acres famously said.
Beverly Hillbillies – what a show with great actors and actresses!
As we wrap up our journey through the hilarious world of these characters, it’s clear that even the most beloved shows have their quirks and blunders.
From the kangaroo mix-up to the magical hat tricks gone awry, these little-known mistakes add an extra layer of charm to the series.
So next time you tune in, keep an eye out for the behind-the-scenes fun—you might just find a new reason to chuckle at these unforgettable characters!
A beach in the 70’s. Not one over weight body. My, how the food industry destroyed us.
The Transformation of Our Bodies and Diets
In the 1970s, a visit to the beach was a showcase of lean, active bodies. People of all ages enjoyed the sun, surf, and sand with a level of fitness that seemed effortless. Fast forward to today, and the scene has drastically changed. The prevalence of overweight and obese individuals has skyrocketed, painting a stark contrast to the svelte figures of the past. This shift prompts us to examine the role of the food industry in this dramatic transformation.
The 1970s: A Different Era of Eating
During the 70s, the typical diet was markedly different from what we see today. Meals were often home-cooked, with fresh ingredients forming the backbone of family dinners. Processed foods were available but not ubiquitous. Fast food chains were fewer, and eating out was considered a treat rather than a regular occurrence. Portion sizes were smaller, and sugary snacks were less prevalent in households.
Physical activity also played a significant role in the lives of people in the 70s. Without the convenience of digital entertainment, children and adults alike spent more time outdoors, engaging in physical activities. Walking, cycling, and participating in sports were common pastimes.
The Rise of Processed Foods
The landscape began to change with the rise of processed foods and fast food chains in the late 20th century. The food industry, driven by profit, began to prioritize convenience and shelf-life over nutritional value. High-fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated oils, and an array of artificial additives became staples in many foods. These ingredients made food cheaper and more accessible but also less healthy.
Marketing strategies targeted at children and busy adults further entrenched these unhealthy eating habits. Fast food advertisements promised quick, tasty meals at low prices, and snack companies created products that were hard to resist due to their high sugar and salt content. This aggressive marketing, combined with the convenience of ready-made meals, led to a significant increase in the consumption of unhealthy foods.
The Impact on Public Health
The consequences of these changes in diet have been profound. Rates of obesity have soared, bringing with them a host of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and various forms of cancer. According to the World Health Organization, worldwide obesity has nearly tripled since 1975. In many countries, the number of overweight children and adolescents has increased tenfold over the same period.
The food industry’s influence extends beyond what we eat to how we perceive food. Portion sizes have increased dramatically, and the notion of what constitutes a normal serving has become distorted. Additionally, the emphasis on convenience has led to a decline in cooking skills, with many people relying heavily on pre-packaged meals and fast food.
Moving Towards a Healthier Future
Addressing this issue requires a multifaceted approach. Public awareness campaigns can educate people about the dangers of processed foods and the benefits of a balanced diet. Governments can implement policies to regulate the marketing of unhealthy foods, particularly to children, and promote healthier options. Schools can play a crucial role by providing nutritious meals and incorporating nutrition education into their curricula.
On an individual level, making a conscious effort to prepare meals from fresh ingredients, controlling portion sizes, and increasing physical activity can help counteract the damage done by the food industry. Embracing a lifestyle reminiscent of the 70s, where home-cooked meals and outdoor activities were the norm, can pave the way towards a healthier society.
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