Amos N' Andy Kingfish Slips Up

[GravelGrunt]

Amos and Andy was the only early TV show that allowed black people to be doctors, lawyers, judges, polcemen, businessmen ... anything. On all the other shows black actors and actresses were chauffeurs or maids for white families. And yet is is called racist. :(

[communistfun]

its racist cause its blackface wtf. and because rich were the authoritarians are and were the authoritarians of the whole society so obviously the minorities get exploited most. pulease? secure has nothing to do with it

[artguy42]

@communistfun "its racist cause its blackface"

Uuuum...NO.

It's NOT.

'Blackface' is a white man in black MAKE UP.

Thanks for the bellylaugh.

[bigdaddyricc]

You cannot beat the classics!! Period!!! It has not a damn thing to do with race or whatever anyone wants to come up with. I love these old shows and I still love Sanford and Son!!! Awesome comedy and actors!!!!

[MrDugdabug]

The smarter wives and crazy scheming husbands is a staple of sitcoms.

The Honeymooners was built on that premise. The Honeymooners was very similar with the simpler Ed Norton always getting duped by the schemes of Ralph Kramden. The more reasonable, saner wives kept things on track. This was used in many sitcoms and still is.

[MrDugdabug]

I watched Amos 'N' Andy as a kid, and was happy to discover it on YouTube.

It's unfortunate that this show fell victim to the racial tensions of the day.

This show has great characters performed by very funny actors.

It's unfair that this was considered racist while an equally funny, " I Love Lucy' is

a cherished part of our culture, despite the nonstop jabs at Ricky's accent and hispanic background.

[theoriginalbadbob]

"Curly" ?

[boomerang905]

The whole cast of Amos and Andy was talented. My whole family watched it as I grew up. These high powered people who thought it was a put-down to Blacks were wrong. What's wrong with a talented cast of Black folk making some money? The NAACP members were insecure and afraid THEY WOULD look bad. How? Secure Black folk enjoyed this for the COMEDY IT WAS. I was well written, the men were silly but all comedic men back then were silly with smarter wives! Geez. Thanks.

[death2pc]

Such a wonderful show, such wonderfully talented actors - actresses, such a brilliant script. One of a kind.

[nealkassanoff]

Such well choreographed physical comedy. Easily on par with I Love Lucy, and more modern shows like News Radio that clearly pay homage in certain bits. Its too bad this show became anathema in the golden age of the syndicated rerun or I would have been well entertained by it in my youth.

[jamboa2003]

Andy reminds me of my late grandfather. He was a Cajun Coonass and I loved him so much.

[SenorZorrozzz]

You know, he was so talented, he really is the kingfish!

[SenorZorrozzz]

No actor on tv sitcoms today can come anywhere close to Tim Moores talent!

[Soulblackman]

Hey, the bank teller is Prof. Perriwinkle from Superman.

[doctorpissoff]

Who you going be believe The KingFish or Rev. Jessie Jackson? My money is on The Kingfish ,,,Jessie Jackson can go shake himself.

[doctorpissoff]

I modeled my life after the KinfFish.

[Cynthia95ish]

I'll never forget these guys; they brought a lot of joy to a little boy's heart who was having a hard time at a working class home with some rather negligent and neglectful parents who were too old and didn't know what they were doing with a child. Many a saturday morning would find me in front of the Zenith TV waiting for these guys to come on and hoping I wouldn't get booted out or beat by a headachy old mom who didn't like colored folks anyway. Thanks Amos n Andy.

[Nickcat5]

The 'problem' was that a certain group felt that the images were negative & the only ones on T.V. The larger problem was that the long term harm was over-looked. This was great comedy. Stereotypes come in all shapes sizes & colors. Only the ignorant believe in them & the short-sighted condemn them.

[memyself2k]

The black protagonists on this show with the characters were blue and white collar workers and not stereotypical and negative like other shows that followed in the later decades. The NAACP acted too harshly for discrediting the show.

[snoops71]

@memyself2k I wholeheartedly agree with you. The NAACP made the wrong move.

[usermikes]

What's sad is these guy don't have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Thanks to the NAACP! Genaration of kids will never know who these stars where.

[mroy88]

never seen this until now, i like it...kingfish is hilarious!

[pipper70]

The Kingfish (actor Tim Moore) was such a rascal on TV and in real life. Funny is funny, no matter what color the actors are. As kids watching those old Amos and Andy shows, we learned to love black people more because they made us laugh at them and ourselves. America is great because of it's diversity and the ability for all races to not only laugh at other races, but also to laugh at themselves.

[Pattifish]

Wow, this is archival footage.

[Dissappointment]

what horrible audio

[early60srcool]

The character was on a lot of shows hence, so was the actor who played various characters. He has a beautyiful speaking and singing voice as some of us may have heard in the episode called "The Boarder" which was a very funny episode. Regardless of some people and the NAACP calling this show 'racist' it kept people whose career was in show business working. I think it was a funny show and I am a black woman born in 1951. It was rare to see black people playing a variety of characters.

[blazehok]

White people were always cast as the antagonists.

The show used standard comedic structures.

The trickster is a stock comedy character played perfectly by Tim Moore as the Kingfish.

[parisel313]

great script!

[RayPointer]

@OscarTheOptimist Yes, that is the real issue. Thanks for coming forward with that enlightened statement.

[slicked25]

Real interesting and funny. It's a shame it's not on TV anymore.

[Keyo717]

KINGFISH WAS THE MAN!

[onemooners]

that Sam Jackson been on lot of episodes

[OrganCat]

I can almost get the NAACP's stance - FOR THE TIME. I guess they felt sitcoms should aim higher in depictions of Blacks, even though the characters are no more controversial than white sitcoms. Archie Bunker and the Goldbergs mangled the English language as much as Kingfish and frankly, the Stevens' house had a phone and a car, far more affluent than the Kramdens. I can't see calling it 'stereotyping'given so much in common with 'white TV'.

[hookuspookus529]

thats professor pepperwinkle from superman

[furtherdefinitions]

This is one time that the NAACP seriously screwed up. These were brilliant performers doing brilliant comedy, no more of a stereotype than Archie Bunker. I doubt too many people actually think that Archie Bunker represents all whites anymore than anyone could think Amos n Andy represents all blacks. For Chrissakes, it was just comedy, and brilliant comedy at that!

[JSG1951]

Poor Sapphire!! ;-)She was a saint putting up with The King fish!! Just like Ricky with Lucy! In my book,both were great shows!Thanks for posting!!

[RICHARDDAVISMCLEOD]

I saw the woman who played the part of Sapphire interviewed once about this show, and she said, How dare people criticize our work. We were actors doing comedy, and we felt we did a good job, and it was not racist, it was just good clean well done comedy! These shows are really very funny, with great comedians and very talented actors playing these parts! No difference in the comedy Lucille Ball did in I Love Lucy!

[cmsdude2222]

Pure Genius!!!!!! Without doubt one of the best shows ever. I just can't make myself like Bill Cosby because I heard he was the most instrumental in getting it taken off the air. He said it made black people look bad. If it made them look anything it was fantastic/wonderful.

[TroyOi]

@cmsdude2222 Given the timeline, I doubt Cosby had anything to do with AnA getting pulled off the air, although he may have supported it after the fact. I believe the blackout occurred in the early 60's, whereas Cosby's TV career was just getting started (with "I Spy") in 1965. I mean, sure, he might have been an activist before then, but he wasn't anyone with any unusual amount of clout at that time. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[TroyOi]

For the sake of Totally Useless Information, I believe that the correct title of this episode is "Quo Vadis", not "Kingfish Slips Up".

[allclassics]

later this was repackaged as Sanford and son

[hajune]

Redd Foxx called them comic genius'es. They were. I laugh myself silly when I watch them.

[PapaC1957]

I love Amos and Andy no matter what people say ! I'm a Black man !

[doowaditti]

@PapaC1957

Forget the race,they were funny and entertaining.

But why would anybody bash you for liking Amos and Andy?

[PapaC1957]

@doowaditti

Besides there were plenty of well spoken Blacks on the show. Far more than we actually saw in every day life in the real Marietta, Ga. where Iam from.

[doowaditti]

@PapaC1957 Love ya PapaC1957

It seems that the Government doesn't want us all to get along....ever.

[midlet91]

@PapaC1957 same here, man .loved how we used to clown around and imitate them at school etc. it was just an excellent comedy show. i know lots of folks saw it in a negative light. but i and lots of my friends didn't. we loved the show too. no matter what!

[dandy7989]

@PapaC1957 Good for you for being objetive. I loved it too!!

[PapaC1957]

Iam really from Marietta, Ga.

[treemonisha2006]

@PapaC1957

Now that's something! Its a small world! :-) :-)

[MrAvalon69]

well now "lookie-lookie here".....this show was defenitly a lit'l "somin-somin"........my god....its so bckwards........aftr they watched it white people could go to sleep and feel good about themselves..........how sad

[TroyOi]

@MrAvalon69 Don't know how you can say that. I remember so well the black sitcoms of the 70's and onwards -- the ones that somehow had the NAACP's blessing. Their depictions of blacks were so much more depressing, and embarrassing, than this. AnA featured black lawyers, doctors, policemen, bankers, judges, businessmen, etc., all of whom were depicted as normal, intelligent human beings. Yes, Kingfish is a buffoon; Andy is none-too-bright... and Lucy combined BOTH those traits in I Love Lucy.

[49erBW]

I have not seen these shows in almost 50 years. They were so great! The actors were EXCELLENT! .......The 'Kingfish' looking like the 'Duke of Earl'...Gene Chandler...This was 10 years before the Genes Big Hit, maybe he got an idea?......Thanks for posting such a great series of films from when TV shows were at their best, the 50's & 60's!s...

[Juliaflo]

Roy Glenn. Here's hoping you remember his most famous role.

(There's a dinner in it for you if you know the answer.).

[dggd]

Sidney Poitier's father in "Guess Who's Coming To Dinner"...

[Juliaflo]

CORRECT!

[mrthundaboots]

Lightnin' is sooo funny!

[adc103051]

Brilliant comedy.

[jballard459]

Amos and Andy was such a wonderful series....personally, I think the comedy was pure genius, and the actors were wonderful.

[alanbriv]

@jballard459 This is great comedy. Classic comedy.

[MisterUrl]

Brilliant! A riot. Too bad somebody's misguided POLITICAL CORRECTNESS ruined things. Amos n' Andy was no more "racist" than I LOVE LUCY.

[northpal2]

POLITICAL CORRECTNESS is a marxist ploy to balkanize us. Now just to show you how much bull shit there is, check out the roles of the secondary characters. They talk more normal than most blacks today, and the one guy is a reporter, the party go'ers are normal amd prosperous. No one is ,snortin,shootin, smokin gettin high on somethin.

No one shakin they booty or being called hoes.

Musta really been bad then, I mean manners and politeness and all.

The sheeple believe anything.

[RayPointer]

The Internet seems to refect an amazing number of ignorant, poorly educated people. While "Political Correctness" has become something of a social nusance in some ways, it has NOTHING to do with Marxism. The PC awarness is the result of some of the actions of the NAACP and others. To imply that they are connected to the ideals of Marxism is utter nonsense.

As for the comment about the portrayal of the characters, there were, and continue to be black people who speak standard English.

[doowaditti]

@RayPointer And so goes the MIS-INFORMATION!!!!

You are a commie-lib...go to HELL!!!

[RayPointer]

@doowaditti Regardless of whether you agree or understand the issue, you can be civll towards others. The Internet is a medium where some cowardly people feel a false sense of power where they can be rude. This is narrow-minded and ignorant behavior. What has happened to the social progress that was supposed to have resulted over the past 50 years? As for the "commie-lib" remark, make up you mind. You don't know me, and In the process you only support my remark that seems to upset you.

[enoching7]

@northpal2

way to sell your dignity to the white man. this is coming from a white guy.

[interactiveleaf]

I always thought 'Gilligan's Island' was kind of racist.

[METSGK]

Clean, Brilliant and intelligent comedy

[snoops71]

I still like "Amos 'N Andy", despite the criticisms. It's just plain funny.

[bblaxx]

true true

[samdon815]

Holy balusta fish

[OmegaXP]

God Bless the Kingfish!

Knights of the Mystic Sea for life.

[Juliaflo]

I second that.

Without Amos 'N' Andy, there might not have been a Cosby Show.

[ScaryPretty]

Say what may. A&A was very funny!

If you look at all good comedy. They all put themselves down, no matter what the color ( 3 stoogies,lucy,etc.)

I say bring them back!

[TroyOi]

...actors ever expressed misgivings about A&A.)

Perhaps it should be recognized that the viewing audience for sitcoms today is more sophisticated. We've had more exposure to blacks, whites, Jews, Muslims, etc., & understand how much variety really exists among the members of any one group, and can better "digest" TV stereotypes that are played for laughs.

With all the positive elements of A&A, and all the societal changes in the past half-century, maybe it's time NAACP gave it another look.

[TroyOi]

...back to All in the Family, but, by rights, should go back to A&A.

It's also interesting to note that when, in the late 60's/early 70's, blacks were given greater creative control in television, what did we end up with? "Good Times"! That show, in my view, was a big step backwards - all the stereotypes, none of the good writing & creative humor. (Even the 2 main adult stars of Good Times - Esther Rolle & John Amos - ended up hating their own show. By contrast, I don't think any of the A&A...

[TroyOi]

When the NAACP pushed to get this show canceled, I think they had a preconceived idea of what a good comedy show "should" be, based on the existing "white" sitcoms of the day, which by today's standards are, frankly, pretty bland (My Little Margie, Ann Sothern, etc.)

As far as I'm concerned, A&A was ahead of its time, not behind the times. The best sitcoms today (IMHO, The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm) rely on exaggerated stereotypes for their humor - a trend whose lineage most would trace...

[YourAuntEsther]

Continuing my post. I watched a documentary and Red Foxx and Marla Gibbs gave their thoughts. Red Foxx knew the actors and thought they were talented. What is a shame is that now blacks do not have to act this way. back then they did,but we still have Soul Plan and Don't be a Menace to South Central. That is cooning and we don't have to act that way. Look at these rappers -not all and how they talk. If they took away the sterotypes and broken english the show was funny

[YourAuntEsther]

Well I've watched Amos and Andy with friend of mine who was alive in the 50's and 60's when this was canceled. I watched the show with her the other day and I thought it was funny. She told me the reason it was canceled was because this was the only reprentation of black tv. I have no faults with these actors and I am AFRO AMERICAN and my friend is AFRO AMERICAN. These actors had no choice, what we need to get up in arms about is that coon little wayne!He needs to progress

[vanitysadeparis]

LOL.

[amel2001tx]

8:37-8:58 seconds is a primary example that when one is deceptive "Your Chickens Always Come Home to Roost"!!! LOL!

[LesHut]

Hello Folks, Dis is Amos. Well it seems like da Kingfish and Saffire are at it agin. After a week of bickerin and jobbin at each other, they've changed their names and started fightin on Youtube. You'd think they'd find a room somewhere and just have it out with each other. Oh well business as usual I suppose. Well, 'gnight folks!

[boiboi088]

If you had any common scenes you would know that was a show that was filled with steortypes. First the brother did not have any money in the bank,second he was in the unemployed line then his wife uses her maiden name because she is ashamed of her husband not to mention she was a maid back then that was all black people were allowed to play .There alot more like the grammer,you never herd Andy Griffin talking like that or leave it to beaver.

[abpnw]

tim moore was an incredible actor. this show was funny if they were white,asian,hispanic or whatever. Now that we have a black president maybe african americans can get over their super sensitivity.

[boiboi088]

Ain't no boddy being sensitive this shit is just filled with stereotypes.Thats just like having a movie about slavery and then giving an award to the one actor that played a slave and saying good job,boy.That isn't right but this is how they protrayed all black actors back in that time.Who do you see crying

[abpnw]

that comparison is a quite a bit absurd. He was a comedy actor. If you watched more than one episode you would also see african american doctors, judges, and lawyers in the show.

[ToiBoi8]

Im black and i tell u i dont rele see a problem

[boiboi088]

This is the most ridiculous stereotypical show I've ever seen.Know wonder why my Grandmother hates talking bout the old days the shows they use to play.Its not funny this is not right at all.I wodering when some one is going to come out with some goverment cheese and Kool Laid with their pants saging.This is fucked up

[blkcherry21]

Well this is no different from Good Times being stereotypical. At least the men in these shows had houses and jobs and not acting like pimping and street hustling is the only means of support for African American people.

[ToiBoi8]

why dont u watch mtv its no differnt

[logansGT]

Put the KoolAid down, boiboi, you clueless humorless ass!

Amos & Andy was a hilarious show. People like you just want to keep the racial bullshit going forever.

Find something else to do besides perpetuating problems between blacks and whites, jerk!

[Btw, it's "NO wonder," not "KNOW wonder."

[Penelope3669]

Boy Boiboi088)....you need to go back to school...look at YOUR grammar....I don't think you need to be talking/criticizing anything! Know? or NO? LOL!

[Knowledge088]

Thanks for the spell check bitch.And what the fuck does that have to do with the video.

[Penelope3669]

It's not about the video...it's his commenting...obviously...how much sense does he really have? How smart can he REALLY be??? LOL to you too!

[Knowledge088]

Make a comment about the damn video,then leave.You're not making any sense.I'm Boiboi,and who are you to judge me on what I know.I staided my opinion then I left a week ago.

[Penelope3669]

Do you think I didn't know that was you? You are way too obvious...088?? Anyway...I am not judging...I don't judge...not even Amos & Andy, nor you. I actually feel a little sorry for you. Happy Holidays to you!

[Knowledge088]

"how much sense does he really have? How smart can he REALLY be??? LOL to you too!"

You made it sound like I wasn't in the room. You were using words like he and his.Sorry for me for what?You know what don't answer that, fuck You and have a nice day.

[Penelope3669]

I only figured if you were talking in third party, then I reply should be the same way. I didn't mean to upset your apple cart. This is such a wonderful day! Enjoy it! Isn't it wonderful to just be alive today!!

[Knowledge088]

The fuck you talking about.First I said Thanks for the spell check.That means it was a reply to your first comment about me.Then I called you a bitch.I wouldn't call some one a bitch who didn't disrespect me

[Knowledge088]

Oh I get it you didn't like my comments from last week because they were a little bit to real for you.Shit all I said was the truth.

[Penelope3669]

It has nothing to do with respect. Really, it is okay. I don't know what you are talking about last week.....sorry. Have a good day!! :)

[Knowledge088]

Grow up little girl ask for your parents permission before getting online next time

[Penelope3669]

Ask my parents? They are deceased. I am sure I have kids older than you. That's why my attitude is probably a little different. Lost my husband in a plane crash, my son had a killer disease....so I look at life a little differently I am sure. But I love life! I appreciate it and all the people here. Hope you have a good holiday!!

[olgaolga500]

I Love this show so much

[Acephalic66]

Ah man this was the greatest - takes me back

[storrs19]

All of the people who condemn this show forget about all the (C)rap music today that preaches, ho's bitches, and killing police. Ironic isn't it? It is alright to preach that garbage but not to show black people who own things and are doing well for the most part. All that aside, this is one of the best shows of all time. I love watching A&A as they are so funny with all the malapropisms.

[msgee62]

I totally agree with you.

[mrmesq53]

This show, in many ways, is one of the finest, all time, comedy shows on TV---ever. I'm also partial to the Honeymooners (a lesser clone ), "Taxi" and "Seinfeld".  But "Amos'N Andy" stands alone, in my opinion. Far better--- sets(for the 50's), better scripts, funnier. Three cameras.

This is the show that deserves to be seen. The modern day "Black Police", who have have come down on this, are both stupid (thereby reinforcing the stereotype) and doing EVERYONE a disfavor, including, YOU!

[xoolkam]

HOLY MACKAREL.. !! FUNNY STUFF...

[yoelbenyehuda]

Even with the "ebonical," the image of black folk was an extremely positive one: Everyone dressed well,owned property,were involved in community social organizations, etc. I have loved this show for years and remember when certain elements of the black community called for a ban on the show...to begin the "new black image" a lot of good that did...

[horsechoker704]

am 25 and also like the show my mom and dad love this show and grew up watching it

[daintrusion]

I have 71 volumes of the Amos & Andy Show on DVD as well as 12 radio programs on cassette. I wish they would bring these shows back on television to give the youth of today a glimps into what real comedy truely was, without the foul language.

[biltom]

great, the best ever....todays stuff is trash and not funny

[MARCIA423]

Available on ebay..

[LiquidGardener]

Oh my! The banker is Phillps Tead, "Professor Pepperwinkle" from George Reeves' "Adventures of Superman." (he was also in the Marx Brothers' "Horse Feathers" btw)

[ImJesusChrist]

lol