Bewitched #87 "My Friend Ben" - Full UNEDITED Episode Part 1 of 3 12/8/1966

One of my favorite episodes of Bewitched, a two parter with an accidental zap that has brought Benjamin Franklin into the 20th Century.

Unfortunately, Sony decided to make several cuts to this 2 part episode on the American DVD release. These include chopping the end of part one and the beginning of part 2. They also took it further and removed simple things, such the laugh track and the "glowing orb" of light that flashes in the palm of Samantha's hand when she materializes a tankard of ale... the only time this effect was used and Sony cut it... No idea why. This is the same glowing orb that's used when Endora pays Samantha visits in the middle of the night in episodes 77, 95, 165, and 199.

So, since North America was jipped out of the full release of this two part series (and watching it without any laugh track is just plain uncomfortable), I am posting it here for your enjoyment - fully restored.

The only thing I am unable to post are the original sponsor intros and closings as those belong to my dear friends Vic and Mark. However I was able to restore the correct theme for your enjoyment. :-)

Some very interesting notes about this episode:

This is actually the first filmed color episode of the series. Production on this two part episode finished about a week before the final edits to the season 2 finale "The Prodigy" were in place. Production on the season 3 premiere "Nobody's Perfect" finished 1 month after this episode.

The crew had also not fully completed all of the set renovations that took place between seasons 2 and 3. This two part special are the ONLY color episodes where you will see:

* the kitchen before the back wall cupboards were removed and the brown ceramic tiles (which were incorrectly colorized as blue in the colorized seasons) were replaced with brick.

* the dining room before the wall between it and the kitchen were filled in.

* the living room before the bookshelf to the left of the fireplace would replace the brick insets filled with knickknacks.

*miscellaneous paintings and lamps that decorated the set that would only be used in this episode.

Even more interesting is that the "I Dream Of Jeannie" episode "Jeannie Breaks The Bank" was their first color episode. Like this Bewitched episode, it was filmed directly after their final black and white episode and before any renovations were made to their set. More interesting yet, that first color Jeannie episode too was shelved until mid-season... It aired the same week as part two of this Bewitched episode.

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[kirbyspit]

Sometimes death makes it hard to get to work.

[Greg07623]

This show assembled a set of character actresses and actors second to none. It was a shame Alice Pearce left the show, she was the better Gladys.

[kirbyspit]

@VanessaLynn- it wasn't the times that were safe...hell is for children as much back then as it is today. It's only safe in TVLand.

[Langdell1989]

ben franklin's good in this episode

[dplomin1954]

Ben Franklin could have been in the cast of 1776! Every time I watch Aunt Clara and Samantha interact, I can tell how much Liz loved Marion Lorne, and respected her age and talent. Bless them both!

[gurimrippa]

I so love Aunt Clara! The loveliest aunt in the world! :)

[spottedcuscus]

One of my all time favorite episodes. Who ever played Benjamin was a genius. One of the few series where every character was enjoyable.

[neonpurple1306]

I love this episode

[billyboylb]

Aunt Clara was brilliant.