The Beverly Hillbillies remains a comedic gem that continues to resonate with audiences even today, decades after its initial broadcast. When The Beverly Hillbillies debuted in 1962, it broke away from the conventional American sitcom mold, which typically featured relatable settings akin to the ones seen in The Honeymooners and I Love Lucy. The Beverly Hillbillies introduces a unique and humorous premise that feels more aligned with modern sitcoms, characterized by its eccentric characters and outlandish scenarios. Over the course of nine entertaining seasons, the Clampett family navigated their newfound wealth and status, leading to a plethora of comical situations that highlight their distinct personalities.
In the storyline of The Beverly Hillbillies, the Clampett family, hailing from the Ozark Mountains in Missouri, strikes oil, resulting in an unexpected fortune that allows them to relocate to the affluent neighborhood of Beverly Hills, California. This dramatic shift brings their wholesome, straightforward way of life into stark contrast with the fast-paced and often superficial lifestyle typical of the Los Angeles elite. The show serves as a captivating fish-out-of-water narrative, where the Clampetts find themselves in a world that is both bewildering and amusing. Among the countless memorable episodes of The Beverly Hillbillies, five episodes shine as the pinnacle of comedy, showcasing the series’ best moments.
5
Jed Becomes A Banker: Hilarity Ensues in the Financial World
Season 1, Episode 24: A Comedic Take on Banking
In the episode titled “Jed Becomes a Banker,” we see Jed Clampett (played by Buddy Ebsen) receive an unexpected invitation from Mr. Drysdale (Raymond Bailey) to join him at the bank, as he seeks a partner for an upcoming skeet shooting competition. While Jed possesses a natural talent for skeet shooting, his banking skills leave much to be desired. However, this lack of financial acumen turns out to be less of a hindrance than anticipated, as the humor in this episode revolves around the fact that many of the bank’s executives are often absent or completely clueless about their responsibilities when they do show up.
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By placing Jed in the midst of this elite banking environment, the episode generates a multitude of comedic misunderstandings. Mr. Drysdale, being one of the few diligent executives at the bank, experiences mounting frustration as he witnesses the absurdity of the Clampetts fitting seamlessly into this world. This scenario serves as a timeless critique of corporate culture, illustrating how someone with no formal training can effortlessly thrive in a corporate setting while experienced professionals flounder.
4
The Clampetts Throw a Party: A Comedic Clash of Cultures
Season 1, Episode 31: A Hilarious Social Gathering
The comedic brilliance of The Beverly Hillbillies often stems from the amusing misunderstandings that arise from the Clampetts’ lack of familiarity with the nuances of high society. Being genuine, down-to-earth individuals, they treat everyone equally, oblivious to the societal pressures of impressing others. In the episode “The Clampetts Entertain,” the family decides to host a gathering in honor of Granny (Irene Ryan), inviting the Drysdales and the esteemed chairman of Mr. Drysdale’s bank, Marty Van Ransohoff (Jim Backus). This party serves as a delightful clash of cultures.
It’s always funny when a new character gets roped into the Clampett’s world, and when Mr. Drysdale is uncomfortable, it’s even funnier.
Mr. Drysdale deliberately omits critical details about the Clampetts when promoting their account to the bank, fearing that their unconventional lifestyle might offend Marty. However, true to their nature, the Clampetts manage to charm Marty, who mistakenly believes he is attending a hillbilly-themed celebration. The humor is amplified as new characters become entangled in the Clampetts’ world, and Mr. Drysdale’s discomfort only enhances the comedic effect.
3
Jed’s Comedic Quest to Save Mr. Drysdale’s Marriage
Season 1, Episode 18: A Hilarious Misunderstanding
While the Clampetts may complicate Mr. Drysdale’s life on occasion, they also manage to provide assistance when it counts. However, their attempts to help often stem from their own mix-ups. In the episode “Jed Saves Drysdale’s Marriage,” a comedic misunderstanding leads the Clampetts to believe that Mr. Drysdale has romantic feelings for Jed’s cousin, Pearl (Bea Benaderet). Despite Mr. Drysdale’s disinterest in Pearl, Jed’s determination to “assist” his friend creates a series of comical scenarios.
The hilarity of the misunderstandings stands out in this episode, showcasing Bea Benaderet’s remarkable talent as the scheming cousin of the Clampetts. Her yodeling, coupled with her relentless quest for a husband, adds a layer of humor that has become emblematic of her character. The inclusion of multiple characters enriches the episode further, solidifying its place as one of the funniest installments in The Beverly Hillbillies.
2
The Giant Jackrabbit: A Hilarious Prank Gone Awry
Season 2, Episode 16: A Comedic Animal Antics
In the episode “The Giant Jackrabbit,” the titular animal turns out to be a kangaroo rather than a bunny. Granny, frustrated by the lack of animals to cook with since they have all become pets, finds herself at the center of a prank when a friend of Mr. Drysdale leaves a kangaroo at the Clampett residence. Mistakenly believing the kangaroo to be a giant jackrabbit, Granny’s attempts to showcase the creature to others lead to comedic chaos, as the kangaroo hops away just as she tries to reveal it, causing everyone to question Granny’s sanity.
Sharon Tate guest stars as Janet Trego; her third appearance as the character, and fourth appearance (of 13) on the show.
This episode plays on a classic sitcom trope where everyone narrowly misses the opportunity to see what one person is experiencing, and The Beverly Hillbillies executes this concept with impeccable humor. Granny’s character is perfectly suited to encountering the kangaroo, and her mounting frustration at not being believed is topped only by the side-splitting boxing match she engages in with the “jackrabbit” at the episode’s climax.
1
The Clampetts Undergo Psychoanalysis: A Hilarious Look at Family Dynamics
Season 1, Episode 33: A Comedic Therapy Session
In the episode “The Clampetts Get Psychoanalyzed,” we witness a modern take on the classic sitcom as it introduces a psychiatrist’s perspective, closely examining each member of the Clampett family. They visit Dr. Eugene Twombly (Herbert Rudley), a psychiatrist intent on uncovering the “true” nature of the Clampetts. However, Dr. Twombly’s cynical, modern mindset leads him to doubt that the family could genuinely be as absurd and blissful as they claim.
This episode serves as a brilliant and humorous critique of the very premise of The Beverly Hillbillies. The Clampetts embody a level of ridiculousness that, if encountered in real life, would prompt skepticism about their authenticity. Yet, the Clampetts are refreshingly genuine, wearing their emotions openly. Their sincerity is so alien to a learned man like Dr. Twombly that he struggles to comprehend their uncomplicated happiness. This episode showcases the Clampetts at their comedic best, revealing that the creators of <em>The Beverly Hillbillies</em> were acutely aware of the show’s unique charm and comedic brilliance.
