Oh! Those Bells

NOT HAVING VIEWED this 'forgotten' series ever since its original run on the CBS Television Network, a lot of what was the essence of this series is unremembered. We do recall that the Wiere brothers were a comedy team in the classic sense; being constituted much in the same manner as the Brothers Marx & Rita, as well as the Stooges.

THE STATION IN life that they occupied was most definitely "Blue Collar" and even at that It was on the bottom wrung of the ladder. If memory serves us right, they were either maintenance men or watchmen working the night shift (at least in some episodes).

THE SITUATIONS THAT they found themselves in always proved to be excellent opportunities to display their comic abilities. We can't, however, recall there being musical sequences fit for their wide spectrum of talents in this area.

BORN INTO A SHOW business family in Austria, the Viennese trio came to and remained in America in the 1930's; after establishing themselves as top Music Hall/Vaudeville performers. Perhaps their most memorable appearance, among many, is as three non-English speaking Brazillian musicians in the Crosby/Hope collaboration of THE ROAD TO RIO. We recall with delight that scene in which they were each t be given a line to memorize to prove that they were American. It turned out to be: "You're in the groove, Jackson!", "This is Murder!" and "You're telling me?"

LONG TIME HONCHO of Columbia Pictures Comedy Shorts Department, Jules White, was Producer on the show; and the half hour programs did have a charming resemblance to the old Theatrical 2 & 3 reelers. But this wasn't enough to extend the series to a second season; for regardless of talent and charm, the Wiere's show lacked the numbers necessary in the Nielson Ratings to make the cut.

Here's the story: I was eleven when this first hit the air, but I recognized the Wiere Brothers as comic geniuses from the old Vaudville / Dance Hall days.

The story lines were typical of the era, but the contortions these guys could do with absolute ease and natural good humour was astonishing.

Sadly, the typical viewing public did not share my enthusiasm.

It really was a kinder, gentler world.

I know it's dumb, but I've waited nearly 50 years to tell someone I liked them and thought it was a shame their series ended.

Thank you, IMDd.