Oh, how I adore classic TV shows, especially when it comes to the lovable talking horse from the 1960s, Mr. Ed! This unique sitcom captured the hearts of viewers everywhere, including mine. With the hilarious antics of Mr. Ed and his trusty keeper Wilbur Post, there was never a dull moment.
As a huge fan of the show, I’ve discovered many fascinating tidbits and trivia about that iconic talking horse, Mr. Ed. From the iconic opening song to the talented voice behind the character, there’s so much more to learn about this unforgettable TV series. So, saddle up and let’s take a delightful gallop down memory lane, exploring the wonderful world of Mr. Ed trivia and fun facts.
Cast and Characters
Alan Young as Wilbur Post
Now let me tell you about Alan Young, who played the role of Wilbur Post. He was a true gem, not only in the show but also in real life. Did you know he had dark blond hair? That’s right! And guess what? On black-and-white film, his hair color blended into the color of Mr. Ed way too much. What a hoot!
Bamboo Harvester as Mr. Ed
The talking horse, Mr. Ed, wasn’t just any regular horse – he was played by none other than the Palomino horse, Bamboo Harvester! Born in Los Angeles in 1949, he was the offspring of two pedigree horses who were well known in the San Fernando Valley! Talk about a star-studded cast.
Larry Keating as Roger Addison
When it comes to neighbors, Larry Keating took the cake as Roger Addison, the witty neighbor we all wish we had! He brought humor and charm to the show, making him a valuable part of the cast. Oh, how I would have loved to have a neighbor like him!
Edna Skinner as Kay Addison
Edna Skinner played Kay Addison, Roger’s lovely wife. Together with her on-screen husband, they created an entertaining dynamic on the show. I can’t help but chuckle when I think about their hilarious banter and heartwarming chemistry.
Leon Ames as Colonel Gordon Kirkwood
Colonel Gordon Kirkwood, played by Leon Ames, was one of those characters you couldn’t help but respect. With his impressive military background and a natural comedic timing, he only added more humor and flair to the show. He truly left an unforgettable mark on the series.
Florence MacMichael as Carol
Finally, the sweet and fun-loving Carol was portrayed by the talented Florence MacMichael. She was a delight to watch, adding another layer of light-hearted entertainment to the show.
There you have it! I hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane about the talented cast and characters of the “Mister Ed” TV show. They all played their part in creating the whimsical humor that made this series a timeless classic.
Show Creators and Production
Origin of the Talking Horse
Would you believe me if I told you that the hilarious sitcom, Mister Ed, had its roots way back in 1937? That’s right! Walter R. Brooks first created this goofy, talking horse character in a short story called “The Talking Horse.” The story was published in Liberty magazine, and who would’ve thought it’d soon become a major television series?
The Voice of Mr. Ed
Now, let me tell you a secret about the talking horse himself, Mr. Ed. You might be wondering who lent their voice to this lovable equine character. Although it’s still a subject of speculation, legend has it that the voice of Mr. Ed belonged to none other than actor Allan Lane! How’s that for some exclusive insider knowledge?
Horse Trainer Les Hilton
Moving on, let’s talk about the unsung hero behind the scenes of this popular TV show. Les Hilton, an expert horse trainer, played a crucial role in bringing Mr. Ed to life. This incredible man had an astonishing talent for training horses. Thanks to Les, our dear pal Mr. Ed would only respond to his commands. Talk about dedication! Les had to be on set at all times, calling out commands or giving them with hand signals, as mentioned in the IMDb trivia section.
That’s all I can share with you about the creators and production of the famous Mister Ed TV series. I hope these fun facts tickled your funny bone and left you craving more tidbits about the one and only talking horse!
Behind The Scenes Secrets
Talking Horse Techniques
Let me tell you about how they got Mr. Ed to “talk.” It’s a well-known fact that they initially used peanut butter to make the horse move its lips. But trust me, that wasn’t the only technique they employed! They also tried a thread technique, where a small thread was attached to the horse’s jaw to prompt him to open his mouth. I must say, they got pretty creative with making that horse talk!
The Clint Eastwood Connection
Now, this one’s a little-known gem: did you know that Clint Eastwood had a cameo on the show? Yup, that’s right! In the episode titled “Clint Eastwood Meets Mister Ed”, Eastwood appeared as himself and even had a conversation with our beloved talking horse. That’s just one of those golden moments in TV history!
Stunt Double Horses
You might be surprised to learn that Mr. Ed wasn’t just a one-horse show! No, sir! The main horse who played Mr. Ed was named Bamboo Harvester. But our equine hero had a stunt double named Pumpkin. Yup, a Quarter horse named Pumpkin would step in when things got a little too tough for our main man. Talk about teamwork!
There you have it – some behind-the-scenes secrets from the world of Mr. Ed, the legendary talking horse from the 1960s. Who would’ve thought that a character inspired by a short story in Liberty Magazine would leave such a lasting impression in the world of television? I sure didn’t!
Trivia and Fun Facts
Horse Breed of Mr. Ed
As a horse enthusiast, I couldn’t help but notice that Mr. Ed was a beautiful Palomino breed. These purebred horses are highly admired for their striking golden coats and white manes, which naturally made our beloved talking horse a star. Who wouldn’t want a wise-cracking, golden horse best friend, right?
Theme Song and its Composers
Of course, we can’t discuss Mr. Ed without mentioning its catchy theme song. This iconic tune was composed by the talented duo, Jay Livingston and Ray Evans. The lyrics “a horse is a horse of course of course” still linger in the minds of many who watched the show. Interestingly enough, Mr. Ed’s singing voice for the theme song was provided by none other than Sheldon Allman, while the lovable talking voice was voiced by cowboy star, Allan “Rocky” Lane. I bet you didn’t see that coming!
Notable Guest Appearances
One of the amusing aspects of the show was its array of notable guest appearances. Personally, I always found it funny how they managed to rope in celebrities to interact with a talking horse. For instance, the dashing Zorro actor, Scott McKay, played Wilbur’s cousin on the show. And guess what? Even Mr. Ed’s parents made an appearance! I mean, with such a talented son, who wouldn’t want to strut their stuff on TV?
Now, go ahead and enjoy some trivia from Mr. Ed that you can share with your friends. Don’t worry, I won’t judge if you happen to find yourself humming the theme song during your next trivia night!
Legacy and Popularity
Oh, how I adore Mr. Ed, the talking horse that captivated audiences in the 1960s with his charm and wit! This classic show, Mister Ed, aired initially in syndication from January 5 to July 2, 1961, then on CBS from October 1, 1961, to February 6, 1966. But let me tell you, Mr. Ed’s legacy goes far beyond the original airing dates.
Awards and Accolades
Did you know that Mr. Ed was recognized by the American Humane Association with a Patsy Award? It’s true! I couldn’t be more proud of my beloved equine friend. He truly deserved the honor for his unforgettable performances.
Not only did Mr. Ed win awards, but the show was also quite ahead of its time. Back then, it was rare for a series to debut in syndication and be picked up by a major network for prime time. But that’s exactly what happened when CBS took a chance on this quirky sitcom.
The Mr. Ed Fan Base
Now, let’s discuss the fans! That’s right, Mr. Ed’s lasting popularity proved monumental, making him a household name even decades after the show ended. He appeared in everything from rap music and comedy sketches to children’s shows, proving the talking horse will forever be an enduring symbol of American entertainment.
As a die-hard Mr. Ed fan myself, I was overjoyed when I found out that DVD Talk revived the show for home viewing. Having the show on DVD allows newer generations to experience the magic of a talking horse and the fun adventures between Mr. Ed and his keeper, Wilbur Post.
To sum it up, Mr. Ed truly left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. From winning awards to gaining a dedicated fan base, this lovable talking horse made us laugh, and still does, proving that some things just never go out of style.
Post-Show Life
Cast and Crew Careers
After the end of the Mr. Ed TV show, various cast and crew members pursued different career paths. Let me tell you about some of the highlights! Alan Young, who played Wilbur Post, went on to become the beloved voice of Scrooge McDuck in Disney’s “DuckTales.” Can you believe it? From chatting with a talking horse to diving into a pile of gold coins!
Meanwhile, Connie Hines, who portrayed Carol Post, decided to pursue her love for art and retired from acting. As for Mr. Ed’s refined taste, the horse trainer took care of his well-being, ensuring he always had the finest oats in town.
It’s also worth mentioning Allan Lane, the voice actor behind Mr. Ed’s famous chitchat. After the show, he continued working in Hollywood, lending his voice to various animated characters.
Mr. Ed’s Death and Legacy
Sadly, I have to share the news that Mr. Ed left this earthly realm in 1970. It was a sorrowful day for TV fans who had come to adore him. However, his legacy lives on! The charming talking horse continues to bring joy to succeeding generations who discover the show through syndication and streaming services.
In conclusion, Mr. Ed and the entire cast and crew left an indelible mark on television history. Their shared adventures, humor, and heartwarming friendship will always be a cherished part of our collective pop culture memory. And no matter where you are, just remember: A horse is a horse, of course, of course!
