The Americans

I really liked this show, The Americans. I can't believe it was only on for a year! Civil War action, what more did a kid want back then? (Except maybe the Alamo.) Thanks to IMDB for having some info about it. And thanks to Candace for steering me here because apparently nobody else has bothered to deal with this excellent show. At least I remember it as excellent. If I saw it today, it might not live up to my rosy memory, but I'd like to give it a try. Some old TV shows weren't preserved, and it would be a shame if this old show became 'history', literally. We can only hope for the best. I'd like to share it with my kids. It beats much of what is on TV today for youngsters. What will our kids be reminiscing about in their later years? Don't get me started. One more thing --- I've enjoyed reading all the comments by everybody and I have to say, I don't recall the 'Daisy May' episode. But I was only about 8 years old at the time and probably considered that one boring. Also, it would be great to find a web site with some photos from the show. Let's keep searching.

This show made such an impression on me that I dreamt about it and remember my mother having to wake me and ask me who Ben was. I was talking in my sleep and was worried about if Ben was going to be alright. Pretty strong stuff for an 8 year old. Nothing grotesque or scary. A great story line that left an impression on a kid just beginning to worry about the reports from Huntley and Brinkley and hoping he'd never have to fight against his own brother. For years I've remembered those dreams and couldn't remember the name of the show. I'd love to see it again. I sure hope A&E, TV Land, Nick@Nite or HistoryChannel see to it to run this series. Are you listening over there? Thanks to IMDb for helping solve the mystery of what the source of those dreams were.

I teach history both in high school and at a university. I am especially interested in the American Civil War, the War Between the States, or, as a North Carolina teacher put it to me, "Down here, we call it 'the War of Northern Aggression,'" But, to tell you the truth, one of the reasons I was an avid fan of "The Americans" when it played on television in 1961 was that it was "sexy." I was in 8th grade at the time and therefore of a budding, going on boiling over interest in exotic women. I particularly remember an episode when Dick Davalos goes into a back hills village to recruit some of their sharpshooting men into the Confederate army. Before he finds any men, he encounters a bevy of very shapely Daisy Mays who are very interested in him. What a test of his loyalty to the Southern cause! Should he go back to the battlefield or stay here with the Dogpatch harem?

Am I the only one who remembers the show this way?

Darryl Hickman has been one of my favorite actors of all time. Both my sister and I memorized the opening credits which are: One hundred years ago, Americans, both North and South, gripped by opposing yet sincere beliefs fought the war between the states. From this struggle emerged a new character, a new America. To the brave and gallant soldiers of the union and confederacy, we dedicate this program. Through the eyes of two young brothers, Ben and Jeff Canfield we will relive once more the tumultuous days of the blue and the gray the story of the Americans.

We loved this show and unfortunately have not been able to see it for over forty years. I was hoping we could get a DVD of it so if anyone knows where, please let us know. His picture with Dick Davalos and Gigi Perreau in their roles on the Americans appeared on the cover of a TV Guide issue in 1961. Darryl Hickman was also on Broadway in How to Succeed in Business around 1964. We loved him as Davey on Dobie Gillis. I have seen the majority of his movies. I would love to be able to write to him and let him know how much he is appreciated or at least to be able to get a picture of him.

I fondly recall watching this series. It really left a great impression on me. I was raised in a family of 14 children. We could not afford a TV set. so I would go to a neighbors house to view TV. I have asked many people about this series, how ever not any recall it. This movie should receive more attention than it evidently gets. Should be of interest to anyone that has an interest in the Civil War.Would be nice if some of the cable channels would start airing some of those great shows of yester year.