Phil Silvers' News                               

The British Phil Silvers Appreciation Society Update:

A very big thank you to everyone who has taken time to sign the Phil Silvers Guest Book. We've now been live for  8 months and we're pleased to report response has been tremendous! Since the re-launch of the site we've had almost 18000 visitors. A real testament to the enduring legacy of Phil Silvers.

We've also seen the Facebook group grow at a steady rate, and we've recruited more enlistees to our Bring Back Bilko campaign!

Please be sure to bookmark us because this site is an ongoing project and will be constantly updated with new material.

Saluting Phil!

Steve & Mick

KEEP IN TOUCH

Come and join The British PHIL SILVERS Appreciation Society on Facebook! Enjoy our extensive Photo Gallery, Video Library and the chance to hook-up with Phil-fans from all over the World. Simply click on the link below to sign up to Facebook.....and join the only official Appreciation Society in honour of Phil Silvers!

 http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7324522421

and why not pay us a visit at YouTube

http://www.youtube.com/user/mickclews

SYDNEY CHAPLIN

Sydney Chaplin, eldest son of Charlie Chaplin, has died at the age of 82, at his home in Palm Springs, Los Angeles. Sydney, an actor in his own right, was a successful Tony Award winner who made notable stage appearances in BELLS ARE RINGING and FUNNY GIRL. He passed away on March 3rd 2009. Sydney appeared in the 1hr live BILKO special KEEP IN STEP with Diana Dors.

Left: Sydney Chaplin announces Charlie Chaplin's Commemorative stamp

USPS DEDICATE STAMP TO PHIL SILVERS IN 2009

The United States Postal Service will release a set of 20 stamps commemorating the early years of television in 2009.

Among the shows to receive stamps are The Phil Silvers Show, The Twilight Zone, The Honeymooners, The Ed Sullivan Show, I Love Lucy, Texaco Star Theater, Kukla, Fran and Ollie, The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet and Lassie.

According to Variety.com, the stamps will be unveiled on August 11th in Los Angeles. TVWeek has a small image of the set available.

Left: A set of images to be used on the stamps.

1980's STYLE SGT BILKO T SHIRTS!

Anyone remember these classic tee shirts from the mid 1980's? That long-ago decade spawned quite a few Bilko designs, but this one stood out as the shirt every Phil fan wanted to be seen in! Well after receiving a few requests from the Phil Silvers Yahoo Group we're now looking at commissioning a fresh batch through the Society! If you are interested in purchasing one of these tees please email steviebilko@aol.com with:

Your name/T-Shirt Size/Colour (Specify Black or White)

If we receive enough interest we'll organise a production run and then advise of final cost. As in the past these tee shirts will be available to fans at the price they cost to print (plus postage & packing).

CANDACE SILVERS

Candace Silvers, Phil's daughter, sent this brief message for all Phil-fans everywhere:

"Your continued appreciation for my fathers talent and work is a true blessing to me and my family... he was/is a giant to us all!"

Love,

Candace Silvers

Check out Candace's website at:

www.candacesilvers.com

ADMIRAL MOTTI SALUTES PHIL!

At last year's Memorabilia show in Birmingham we met Richard Le Parmentier, who portrayed Admiral Motti in Star Wars: A New Hope. Originally from the United States, Star Wars was Richard's third film after moving to Britain in 1974. Richard has appeared in over fifty films and TV shows.

He now lives in Bath, UK and works as a screenwriter. He is currently developing a comedy-drama series for the BBC and is busy writing a feature film.He actually approached us at the show after spotting our Phil Silvers T-shirts!

We spoke at great length and it was obvious from the outset Richard holds Phil in high esteem, a trait which seems to run through showbusiness on both sides of the Atlantic. Phil's humour and talent is far reaching and his influence is etched into the fabric of comedy. We are always astonished that people from all walks of the entertainment industry revere Phil as a comedy genius... I'm sure you'll all agree they show extremely good taste!

Check out Richard: www.admiralmotti.co.uk

LARRY STORCH

Larry Storch is perhaps best remembered for his role as Corporal Agarn in the popular 1960's comedy F-TROOP. Larry has appeared in countless TV shows over the years including YOUR SHOW OF SHOWS, THE LARRY STORCH SHOW, GILLIGAN'S ISLAND, GARRISON'S GORILLAS, GOMER PYLE USC, THE PERSUADERS etc. He also appeared in two episodes of THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW - BILKO'S BOPSTER and BILKO JOINS THE NAVY.

Larry wanted me to pass on this message:

"I just want to say hi to all the Phil Silvers fans! He was just one of the great comics of all-time. He was up there with the greatest...I mean comics like Jack Benny and Jackie Gleason! I adored him and he was a joy to work with!"

Larry is 86 now and living happily in retirement in New York.

"These days I take life easy. I play my saxophone, go to dinner, take in a few shows and that's pretty much the way I like it!"

Larry Storch

April 2009

THE BRITISH PHIL SILVERS APPRECIATION SOCIETY: Update April 2009:

Get Fell-in! Following a great day at the Autographica event in Birmingham, check out our updates in the FEATURES section.

Interviews with George Kennedy and Martine Beswicke just added!

There will be more to follow....with memories from Phil's MAD WORLD co-star Mickey Rooney, close friend Ernest Borgnine and more recollections of his BILKO days from Oscar-winning actor George Kennedy!

EXCITING NEWS FROM LA!

This message just arrived from Iren regarding the PHIL SILVERS STAMP ceremony.....

Tentative plans call for The Early TV Memories stamp ceremony to be held at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, Leonard H. Goldenson Theatre, 5230 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91601-3109 on Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 10.30 a.m.

Iren Koster

1980's STYLE SGT.BILKO T-SHIRTS UPDATE

A big 'thank you' to everyone who has expressed an interest in the limited run Society T-shirts.We now have enough orders to proceed and will contact all who have ordered shortly.In the meantime if any new members would like to place a T-shirt order please contact us at the e-mail addresses at the bottom of the page.

PHIL SILVERS FACEBOOK GROUP HITS 300 RECRUITS!

We're pleased to report recruits to our Phil Silvers Facebook group have trebled since the launch of the 'new-look' website! So a big thank you to everyone for your loyal support. We have arranged some special Phil Silvers goodies for the 300th member, so start spreading the word! At this rate we'll hit 500 in no time, and remember the more activity we have on both sites, the better chance of getting Bilko back on our TV screens...

And don't forget to check out Mick's latest videos, dear Billy Sands in The Munster's Revenge and Steve and Mick's appearance on Comic Relief way back in 1989... perhaps it's about time we organised another 24 hour Bilkothon?

MEMORIES OF PHIL

It is always a pleasure to welcome aboard new members, and even more exciting when they have a personal story to tell! One of our new recruits Michael Townsend Wright was very lucky to see Phil performing live on Broadway in 1972.

As many will know Phil just loved performing on stage, and after Forum closed in the US he made a remarkable recovery and toured his beloved England with a new production alongside seasoned veterans Arnold Ridley (Dads Army) and Trevor Jones.

Here is Michael's short message posted on the Facebook group:

I had the privilege of seeing Phil Silvers on Broadway in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in 1972, shortly before his illness. He was wonderful; full of energy and theatrical magic on the stage. The opening number, Comedy Tonight, is happily imbedded in my memory. Although relatively young (very relatively!), I was Joey Faye's final sketch partner for about six years and I would often reflect upon Phil and Joey's days together with Minsky.

Michael Townsend Wright

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR SILVERS!

Please join us in wishing Phil a very Happy Birthday for 11 May. It was on this day in 1911, 98 years ago, little Philip Silver was born into a family of 10 children at 417 Pennslyvania Avenue, Brownsville the roughest of Brooklyn's Jewish ghettos. From such humble beginings who would have thought that Phil would eventually go on to become one of the world's best-loved entertainers? From his initial discovery by Gus Edwards at Coney Island to Vaudeville, Burlesque, Broadway, USO tours (With Frank Sinatra), Radio, Hollywood, Television and ultimately worldwide acclaim as Master Sergeant Ernest G Bilko in The Phil Silvers Show, arguably one of the greatest television comedies of all time!

The late Red Buttons delivered a moving eulogy at Phil's funeral in 1985 and again in 2000 at the Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony. Red theorized Phil just wasn't around long enough.' 'If Phil had been able to catch another 20 years in the business, which most of the guys seemed to be doing - Milton Berle, 93, Henry Youngman, 91, George Burns, a big number - he would have been royalty.'

And now as the 100th anniversary approaches one thing is for sure...the legacy that Phil gave us grows in importance and stature with each passing year. His influence on generations of comics and performers is without question. His contribution to the entertainment industry and particularly television is immeasurable. Phil you were a Top Banana and in the words of Red Buttons "If you're a comedian what else is there to aspire to?" Happy Birthday Phil! 

BRUCE KIMMEL

Actor Bruce Kimmel is another famous new recruit to the Phil Silvers Facebook Group. Mr Kimmel has enjoyed a long and varied Hollywood career. He wrote, directed and starred in the cult movie hit, The First Nudie Musical. He performed those same duties on his second film The Creature Wasn't Nice (aka Naked Space), with Leslie Nielsen, Cindy Williams and Patrick Macnee. He also co-created the story for the hit film, The Faculty, directed by Robert Rodriguez.

As an actor, Mr. Kimmel has guest-starred on most of the long-running television shows of the Seventies, including Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, The Partridge Family, The Donny and Marie Show and many others. Here is Bruce's recollection of working on the much maligned 1979 movie Racquet and his chance meeting with Phil.

"I loved Phil and I loved Bilko. I went to school with Mike Lembeck and was quite close with Harvey and Co. And I remember that as a teen, I was on one of my first dates, trying to find a party in Beverly Hills (walking, of course) and being quite hopelessly lost, and seeing a man in front of his house. I went up to ask him directions, and it was Phil Silvers! He gave them to me with kindness and humor! Years later we appeared in a horrible, horrible film together (although we didn't share any scenes) It was quite sad that he had to take part in that debacle, but there were several oldies but goodies in the film. He and Jack Benny were my faves. The film was the God awful Racquet. It had the dubious distinction of being the first film of Tanya Roberts. Bert Convy was in it, and Bjorn Borg and Linda Day George and Edie Adams (her scenes were with Phil if I'm remembering correctly - I've only seen it once). I did it as a favor to the director, with whom I'd worked before, David Winters. The story about Phil giving directions really was funny to me. I approached him (I think I was all of fourteen) on Palm Drive and he turned around and I realized immediately who he was (how could you not!) and I just gawked like an idiot and said "I know who you are" and he said that was great but that info wouldn't help me find the address I was looking for! I laughed and laughed and he just did his Phil looks and was wonderful!".

BRUCE KIMMEL

2009

PHIL SILVERS ON YOUTUBE!

We are thrilled to announce that Phil's page on YouTube has now received over 100,000 hits. This is absolutely phenomenal and a true testament to the legacy of Phil Silvers!

We thank you for your support. If you haven't paid a visit to the page yet simply click on the link http://www.youtube.com/user/mickclews

DICK VAN DYKE TO PEN MEMOIRS

Dick Van Dyke is currently writing his memoirs with a release set for 2010! The 83 year old actor and comedian - known for The Dick Van Dyke Show, Mary Poppins and Chitty Chitty Bang Bang - will write about his lengthy career in the book.

Among Dick's early television appearances were two episodes of The Phil Silvers Show - Hillbilly Whiz and Bilko's Cousin. During the 1960's and early 1970's Dick established himself as one of the world's most popular film and television stars. More recently Dick has starred in the phenomenally successful TV series Diagnosis Murder as Dr. Mark Sloane and enjoyed renewed movie success in the smash-hit Ben Stiller movie Night At The Museum (2006).

NANCY WITH THE LAUGHING FACE

It has been well documented that Phil Silvers had a hand in writing Frank Sinatra's smash-hit song Nancy With The Laughing Face. Phil was solely responsible for writing the lyrics to the song, later collaborating with Jimmy Van Heusen and Johnny Burke. Here is a short piece by Examiner and Sinatra writer Rick Busciglio explaining the origins of the song.

The authorship of the Sinatra classic 'Nancy With The Laughing Face' is discussed/covered at great lengths on both the internet and in several books covering the tunes of the great American songbook. In every case they mostly have it wrong. Here is my personal story:

In 1979 I was working with songwriter Jimmy Van Heusen on a TV special with Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope that was never produced. Jimmy told me that one day (circa 1942) he and his lyricist Johnny Burke were working at 20th Century Fox composing for a film. While Burke was out of their writers bungalow, Phil Silvers, the comedian, a friend to both, entered and suggested to Jimmy that they write a song for Johnny's wife, Bessie, who was soon to celebrate a birthday. Silvers provided the lyrics, later revised by Van Heusen and Burke.

At the party they sang 'Bessie With A Laughing Face'. It was such a hit that they used it at other female birthday events. When they sang it as 'Nancy...With The Laughing Face' at little Nancy Sinatra's birthday party, Frank broke down and cried, thinking that it was written specially for his daughter - the trio wisely didn't correct him. Jimmy assigned his royalties to Nancy after Frank recorded it for Columbia."

BENNY HILL AUCTION UPDATE:

Phil's letter to Benny Hill dated 6 December 1979 goes under the hammer tomorrow 15 August. Estimate is between £500-600. Here is a transcript of the actual letter:

My Dear Mr Hill,

I have no idea of how or when you will receive this letter, but I am compelled to write to you and tell you how much I admire and enjoy your program shown here every night at 11.30pm. Los Angeles time.

I won't be coy and not acknowledge that mine is a well known name in America and more importantly in your country.

Most of my life I have been an incurable Anglophile and watching you and your funny family of performers have indeed increased my Anglophilia.

Every good wish and a sincere T.T.F.N.

From

Phil Silvers

'Sgt Bilko'

GOODBYE LARRY GELBART

Larry Gelbart, who created the classic TV adaptation of Robert Altman's "M*A*S*H" and whose talented comedy writing stretched from the days of radio to cutting-edge cable shows, died at his home in Beverly Hills Friday morning. He was 81. He had been diagnosed with cancer in June, his wife Pat said to the Los Angeles Times.

Gelbart, the principal writer on "M*A*S*H" during the first four years of the hit series, was responsible for 97 segments of the show, one of TV's best and most literate comedies. He also directed some of the early episodes of this ground breaking series.

Beginning as a gag writer in days of radio and honing his comic craft for such talents as Jack Carson and Eddie Cantor. Gelbart was a versatile stylist who succeeded in various formats, including the stage. He went on to write gags for Bob Hope, Jack Paar, Red Buttons, Jack Carson, Joan Davis and Phil Silvers.

In 1953 he accepted Sid Caesar's offer of $1,000 a week to work for "Caesar's Hour," joining a legendary writing team that included Reiner, Mel Brooks and Neil Simon. " He's the fastest of the fast, the wittiest man in the business," Brooks once said of him.

Gelbart won an Emmy with co-producer Gene Reynolds for "M*A*S*H" as well as three WGA Awards for the episodes he wrote. He picked up two Tonys for writing the books for the musicals "A Funny Thing Happened to the Way to the Forum" and "City of Angels." He collected six awards from the Writers Guild of America, including the Laurel Award for TV Writing Achievement. And he earned two Oscar nominations for the screenplays for "Oh, God" and "Tootsie."

Obviously there are many connections with Phil, not only Forum and the recently screened Judy Garland Special, but he created the pilot episode of Bel Air Patrol in 1967. Phil starred as Eddie Skinner, a Bilkoesque patrol man in plush Bel Air. Sadly such a delicious premise didn't make the jump to a fully fledged series.

He is survived by his wife, their two children Adam and Becky, two stepchildren Gary and Paul Markowitz, six grandchildren and two great-grandchild.

So long Larry and God Bless.

SPANDAU BALLET CHILL OUT WITH SERGEANT BILKO!

It's two decades since they last shot a video together but Spandau Ballet proved they're back to their best. We know this much is true because we joined the middle-aged new romantics on the set of the promo for their new single, Once More.

Singer Tony Hadley's voice was as strong as ever as he belted out the tune yesterday. And studio staff looked on in delight as the 80s icons also ran through some of their classics. We arrived at the Air Studios in North London expecting to see some of the dressing room fireworks the band were once famous for. But instead the lads were doubled up in hysterics watching classic 50s comedy The Phil Silvers Show/Sergeant Bilko. Tony said: "You're probably too young but we love this. It helps us to chill out."

Well done Tony & Co! As the ole Sarge himself would've said, 'You show extreme good taste'! Perhaps a mention on any forthcoming tours might make those illusive and stubborn TV executives sit up and take notice!

ANITA HARRIS

In the following video Anita Harris recalls her time working on Carry On Follow That Camel with Phil Silvers and Kenneth Williams. The interviewer is Helen James and was recorded as part of the 50th anniversary celebrations for the Carry On film series.

(Video is shown courtesy of Helen James & HELEN JAMES PRODUCTIONS LTD.)

Helen James has worked in the media industry for over 20 years. Helen has worked as a news reporter at GMTV and ITV Yorkshire. She has also worked as a presenter, entertainment correspondent and senior reporter at ITV Thames Valley.

"I am very excited to be now running my own video production company after 20 years working in TV news for the BBC and ITV." explains Helen. "We produce videos for a wide range of clients, from sole traders to multi-national companies."

Helen has interviewed many celebrities over the years including Sir Norman Wisdom, Daniel Craig, Meryl Streep, Matt Damon and Sir Michael Caine.

To see more of Helen's Carry On footage or celebrity interviews and films simply click on the link  below...

www.youtube.com/user/HelenJamesProduction

Helen's website can now be viewed by clicking the following link:

www.helenjamesproductions.co.uk/

FREE BILKO GOODIES!

2009 has been a resounding success for The British Phil Silvers Appreciation Society. With over 18,200 hits we want to say a big thank you to everyone who has supported us, and more importantly Phil since it's launch in March. As a small gesture of our appreciation we are proud to offer to the first 26 recruits an authentic Phil Silvers Show promo glass slide! This slide dates from 1955 and measure 2 x 2". Glass Promo Slides were used for press kits for TV shows, each slide has a black frame and silver matte with image in the centre. Produced by the Craftsmen Photo Company, 245 West 55th Street, NYC, this little piece of Bilko history can be yours for the paltry price of postage and packing! Please email e.bilko@btinternet.com or and register your name for one of these slides! Be quick we only have 26, so it's 'first come first served'! An offer even Bilko couldn't turn down, and when they're gone, they're gone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

The British PHIL SILVERS Appreciation Society would sincerely like to thank Phil-fans everywhere for their support during the inception year of the BPSAS website. When the BPSAS first launched in 1985 we could not have imagined that we would still be here 24 years later. This website has finally given us the chance to create the tribute for Phil that we always envisioned. We will be adding new features, photos, videos and content in the forthcoming year and endeavour to make this a site worthy of the one and only Mr. Phil Silvers!

Our Facebook group membership has rocketed to almost 500 members and our page on YouTube has now received over 150,000 hits. This is just phenomenal and I know that Phil would be absolutely thrilled to know just how much his work is still appreciated around the world. 2011 will of course see the 100th Anniversary of Phil's birth and the BPSAS is hoping to organise an event to commemorate this occasion. News reaches us that there is a chance that The Phil Silvers Show may receive a Blue-Ray DVD release and we will of course keep you posted with any developments. And so from Steve, myself and Phil's family we would like to take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Saluting Phil!

THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW 

We have been informed that there is a chance that The Phil Silvers Show may be given a Blu-Ray DVD release. It is hoped that the release would include all four seasons as opposed to the paltry 18 episodes included on the 50th Anniversary DVD release. At this time we can only confirm that this is in the planning stages. 

MEMORABILIA 2010 

The British PHIL SILVERS Appreciation Society will be attending this years MEMORABILIA event to be held at the Birmingham NEC on March 27th & 28th. Photographs, T-Shirts, Postcards, DVD's and a host of other memorabilia will be available to Phil-fans. Anyone wishing to attend the event is welcome to contact us for further details.

AARON RUBEN AND BARRY BLITZER PASS AWAY

Two veteran TV comedy writers passed away last week:

Aaron Ruben, who worked on such shows as 'The Phil Silvers Show', 'The Andy Griffith Show,' 'Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.' and 'Sanford and Son,' and Barry Blitzer, who wrote for such series as 'Get Smart' and 'The Flintstones.' Ruben died Jan. 30 in Beverly Hills from complications of pneumonia, according to EW.com. He was 95. Barry Blitzer died Jan. 27 in Santa Monica from complications after abdominal surgery. He was 80.

Ruben first entered the industry as a writer for radio comedies and segued to TV comedies in the 1950s, writing for Milton Berle and Sid Caesar, and making his directorial debut on 'The Phil Silvers Show.' He wrote and produced 'The Andy Griffith Show' for five seasons in the 1960s and served as executive producer for 'Gomer Pyle' before working as one of the original producers of 'Sanford and Son' in the 1970s.

Ruben was a longtime advocate for troubled children and was awarded the Writers Guild's Valentine Davies award in 2003 for his volunteer work. He is survived by his wife, actress Maureen Arthur.

Blitzer's long career -- he was the last surviving member of the group of writers who shared a 1956 Best Comedy Writing Emmy for 'The Phil Silvers Show', according to Variety -- included writing stints on episodes of 'The Love Boat,' 'Land of the Lost,' 'The Jetsons,' 'Get Smart,' 'Too Close for Comfort,' 'McHale's Navy,' 'Good Times' and 'The Jetsons.' He was also a major contributor to the Top Cat series which owed more than a passing nod to Sgt. Bilko.  

Blitzer is survived by his wife, Elsie, a daughter and a sister.

Another two Bilko veterans now gone ~ our thoughts are with their friends and families. Goodbye Aaron and Barry ~ and thanks for the memories.

DAMN YANKEES 

News from Hollywood that Jim Carrey and Jake Gyllenhaal are set to star in the new film adaptation of  Damn Yankees. The original Broadway musical debuted in 1955 and numerous productions have followed over the years, including a West End production in 1957. The musical was revived with great success on Broadway in 1994, the show then transferred to the West End in 1997.

Former Happy Days' writers Lowell Ganz and Babaloo Mandel are set to write the script. The musical will be produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron for New Line. The duo were behind New Line's other musical success, Hairspray.

Jake Gyllenhall will play Joe Boyd, a married middle-aged man whose love of a loser baseball team makes him do a deal with the devil, Mr Applegate (Jim Carrey). The devil then transforms him into a slugger to help his team win the World Series.

A television film of the musical was produced in 1967 and featured Phil Silvers as Mr. Applegate. Previous incarnations of Mr.Applegate have been played by Ray Walston, Bill Kerr, Vincent Price, Van Johnson and Victor Garber and Jerry Lewis. Lewis played Mr.Applegate in both the Broadway and West End productions of Damn Yankees.

No casting details have yet been announced for the female role of Lola. Previous incarnations were played by Gwen Verdon, Elizabeth Seal, Lee Remick and Bebe Neuwrith.

The film is to be directed by Bandslam helmer Todd Graff for New Line Cinema.

No details have been announced as to a release date. 

We are pleased to report that membership of The British PHIL SILVERS

Appreciation Society on Facebook has now reached 500 members.

It's your chance to talk about Phil Silvers, leave comments or open discussions.

There are regular updates, a terrific video and photo gallery and the chance to hook-up with Phil-fans the world over.

MEMORABILIA 2010

The BPSAS display and sales stall at the March 27/28 event held at the NEC in Birmingham was a resounding success. Steve and I would like to thank the numerous Phil-fans who visited the display and spent their time chatting and sharing their thoughts on Phil Silvers. We met many interesting people over the weekend including one young lady who has recently discovered that she is related to Phil. She is currently researching her family tree and we hope to bring you an update on her story as soon as possible.

As well as a small display of our Phil Silvers memorabilia collection we had a sales stall selling such items as DVD's, T-Shirts, Key-rings, Stills, Autographs and assorted memorabilia. We are pleased to announce that we will shortly be launching a sales page on the website.

The highlight of the weekend was undoubtedly the several chats we had with Anita Harris. Anita of course co-starred with Phil in Follow That Camel in 1967. Anita was absolutely delightful. Warm, charming and very friendly and she could not enthuse enough about the time she spent working with Phil. Anita has very kindly agreed to give us an interview for the website.

Following the success of our first appearance at Memorabilia we are pleased to announce that we will be attending and displaying at the Memorabilia event to be held in November at the NEC in Birmingham. We will announce full details nearer to the event itself.

REMEMBERING JOEY FAYE 

April 26, 2010 - It is thirteen years, to this very day that Burlesque legend Joey Faye passed away at the age of 87. Joey's career spanned almost 70 years and covered theatre, radio, films and television. As well as being a talented performer, Joey is also recognized as being the author of numerous Vaudeville and Burlesque sketches including Slowly I Turn and Floogle Street.

Joey was born Joseph Antony Palladino in New York's Greenwich Village, on 12 July 1909.He got his start in show business by appearing in 'amateur night' contests at various New York City movie theatres. He later took a job as a social director in a series of hotels up in the Catskills Borscht Belt Region, which led to a job at Minsky's burlesque in New York. He adopted the Faye surname whilst working with best school chum Bobby Faye, brother of Herbie Faye. During WWII he served in the USO entertaining the troupes in Europe with Marlene Dietrich, following the 82nd Airborne, with General George S.Patton.

Joey's first legitimate stage role came in 1937 when he appeared in the national touring company of 'Room Service, playing  the  Harpo Marx role , and his Broadway debut was in Sing Out the News in 1939.  He played Banjo, in  another Harpo Marx vehicle with the National Touring Company of The Man Who Came to Dinner starring Clifton Webb in 1940. On radio he was a regular writer and performer on the Kate Smith and Bert Lahr Shows.On Broadway he appeared in dozens of shows, particularly working for George Abbott in a half dozen Broadway hits, He also played himself in Lindsay and Crouse's Strip for Action' (1942), Little Me (1962) and in two shows opposite Phil Silvers, High Button Shoes (1947) and Top Banana (1951). In Man Of La Mancha (1966) he appeared as Sancho Panza.

Aside from early cinema studio shorts, Vitaphone and Soundies, Joey appeared in dozens of movies from 1948 through to the 1970s, playing  the comic relief  to such stars as, John Wayne, Cary Grant , Gary Cooper, and Frank Sinatra. He was the Dancing Green Grapes in The Fruit of the Loom commercials in the most successful  advertising campaign in American history. The commercials lasted 15 years, also in that campaign with Joey was The Lion King's Sam Wright, Harry Goz, and academy award winner F. Murray Abraham.

In 1959 he was asked  to play Estragon, in Samuel Beckett's  Waiting For Godot with good friend and Burlesque partner Jack Albertson. He credits Albertson  for guiding him into receiving the Los Angeles Critics Association's , Best Actor Award.  Later, he and Tom Ewell  would shine in their  performances as Didi and Gogo in the NYC , Sheridan Square production, 1971 directed by Alan Schneider.

Joey had the honorable distinction to have played in  a Command Performance at the White House for Lyndon B. Johnson in "Guys and Dolls".

A true pioneer in early television, he had his own show , "The Joey Faye Frolics", and a game show with Mike Wallace, Guess Again. He  made dozens of TV appearances including PERRY MASON, THE DETECTIVES, 77 SUNSET STRIP, CAR 54 WHERE ARE YOU? and THE JACKIE GLEASON SHOW. Most notably he appeared in what is considered to be the most memorable episode of THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW...THE COURT MARTIAL (Harry Speakup's keeper!). His final TV appearance came in BENNY HILL AROUND THE WORLD: NEW YORK in 1991. 

Writer, Producer and Director Carol Bradshaw remembers Joey Faye  

Joey had a long and very illustrious career, being a beacon to other performers who would always seek out his advice. He made a seamless transition in all phases of show business and through all genres of entertaining.  He worked with the best and the best would ask for him including Samuel Beckett, as well as, Charles Laughton and Lupino Lane. 

He made such an impact on comedy that he is known as the Inventor of Stand Up and The Boswell of Burlesque.  He wrote for Ernest Truex, Walter Hampden, Milton Berle, Henny Youngman, Dean Martin, Ed Sullivan, Jackie Gleason and  Sally Marr as well as her son Lenny Bruce.

Joey Faye was never a household name or a star, but he was for those who knew him in showbiz, and they all knew him ! Charlie Chaplin, Harpo Marx and Buster Keaton , loved him. Harry Gribbon teamed up with him!

When he died he was given a Memorial Tribute on Broadway , at the site of Minsky's Old Republic Theatre, starring Tony Randall, Milton Berle, Al Lewis, Henny Youngman, Nanette Fabray, Sondra Lee, Betty Garrett, Sherry Britton, Rose Marie, Harry Goz, and many others.  It was a packed house of young and old.

He was my dear friend and he will be remembered while I have breath in my body to Sing Out the News about The Boswell of Burlesque who even Fiorello La Guardia couldn't keep down!

Carol Bradshaw April 26, 2010

BREAKING NEWS...!!!

Some great news from fellow member Dave Thompson regarding the long awaited and much anticipated release of the entire first season of The Phil Silvers Show on DVD. Here is the official press release courtesy of  www.tvshowsondvd.com : 

This classic TV gem follows the fast-paced antics of Sgt. Ernie Bilko (Phil Silvers) as he attempts to swindle, bluff and flatter his platoon and his fellow comrades at the Ft. Baxter Army Post in the wilds of Kansas. The camp is supposedly run by Colonel Hall, but it's Bilko that calls the shots! Along with the other sergeants from the mess hall, Bilko is continually at war with Colonel Hall, who is desperately trying to put a stop to the gambling Bilko is running.

For the first time ever on DVD, relive the entire hilarious, Emmy award-winning first season of Sgt. Bilko: The Phil Silvers Show. Phil Silvers as Sgt. Bilko is one of the most identifiable comic actor/TV personas from classic comedy television!

This 5-disc collection contains an army supply of special features, including the original live pilot, audio commentaries, cast commercials, original openings, a "Lucy Show" episode featuring Phil Silvers, and all 34 gut-busting episodes which have been remastered for optimal picture quality.

Back in 2006 CBS/Paramount released a 3-disc "50th Anniversary Edition" with 18 classic episodes...but today the studio has announced that Sergeant Bilko: The Phil Silvers Show - The 1st Season will come to DVD on July 27th. This new 5-disc set contains the extras described in the studio description above; note that the participants for the Audio Commentaries include George Kennedy and Allan Melvin, the episode of The Lucy Show is "Lucy and the Efficiency Expert", and the commercials include 2 from Camel and one from Pontiac (per studio-provided info). Pricing isn't available yet. Video is full screen, audio is English mono, closed captioning is included, and the run time provided is 882 minutes (timing may be subject to correction). Here's an early (small, low-res) look at the front box art for this long-awaited set, but it may not represent the final version of the cover. 

Not quite the return to Primetime television we were all hoping for but fantastic news indeed for Bilko junkies who need their daily fix of life at Fort Baxter!! More news updates to follow including the UK release date.

MICKEY FREEMAN SOLDIERS ON!

I had a wonderful chat with Mickey and he asked me to tell you that "Zimmerman is alive, well and still knocking out the jokes!". Mickey still performs his stand-up comedy routine across the United States. "I'm still enjoying myself and as long as the audiences will listen I'll be there!".

Ever the comedian,  Mickey asked me to relate this joke to you.....

A man has heart attack and has open heart bypass surgery. He wakes up to find himself in the care of a nun at a Catholic Hospital.

As he is recovering, the nun asks how he is going to pay for his treatment. She asks if he has health insurance.

"No health insurance." he says.

She asks if he has money in the bank.

"No money in the bank." he says.

"Do you have a relative who could help you?"  she says.

"I only have a spinster sister, who is a nun." he says.

The nun says "Your sister is not a spinster! She is married to God."

"Send the bill to my Brother-in-law." says the man!

Mickey was recently the subject of a Roast at the New York Friars Club. "It was a great night." said Mickey. "One of their biggest turn outs in years! Boy what a night!"

He was thrilled to hear about the July release of season one of The Phil Silvers Show onto DVD. "I have the three disc set they put out a few years ago. It's nice but this news about a new release is just great. I can't wait...".

Mickey asked me to pass on this message to you...

"Tell everyone I'm so touched they still think of old Zimmerman. I never imagined I would still be talking about the show so many years after we made it. Tell the fans you spoke to Mickey and that I'm the only platoon member left alive! You know, for a non-combatant unit we have a high mortality rate!"

THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW - SEASON 1 DVD RELEASE

Further to the exciting news that Season 1 of The Phil Silvers Show is coming to DVD on July 27th, US-based, longtime member Dave Thompson has posted more info re the up-coming release.

The latest information from Paramount Home Video is reproduced below: 

Sgt. Bilko: The Phil Silvers Show - Season 1  (1955)

Starring: Phil Silvers, Allan Melvin, Jimmy Little, Harry Clark, Michael Dreyfuss, Harvey Lembeck, Herbie Faye, Paul Ford, Maurice Gosfield, Karl Lukas, Billy Sands, P. Jay Sidney, George Kennedy

Director: Al De Caprio

Genre: Television, Comedy, Military/War

Year: 1955

Studio: Paramount Home Video

Length:             850 minutes

Release Date: July 27, 2010

Rating:NR

Format: DVD

Misc:NTSC, Full Screen, Black & White

Language:English(Original Language)

SYNOPSIS:

This classic TV gem follows the fast-paced antics of Sgt. Ernie Bilko (Phil Silvers) as he attempts to swindle, bluff and flatter his platoon and his fellow comrades at the Ft. Baxter Army Post, in the wilds of Kansas.

The camp is supposedly run by Colonel Hall, but it's Bilko that calls the shots! Along with the other sergeants from the mess hall; Signals and Supply, Bilko is continually at war with Colonel Hall, who is desperately trying to put a stop to the gambling Bilko is running.

BONUS FEATURES:

    * Commentary by Allan Melvin

    * The Lost Audition Show

    * Commentary by George Kennedy

    * Original Network Opening

    * Lucy and the Efficiency Expert

    * Camel Commercials

    * 1959 Pontiac Commercial 

As yet there are no details as to the disc layouts but as soon as they are released we will post them. There is also no news as to the possible UK release date. With the exception of the inclusion of Lucy and The Efficiency Expert all the extras are taken from the previous released 50th anniversary boxed set. Seasons Two, Three and Four are reportedly set for release dependent upon the success of the July 27th release of Season One.

MANY HAPPY RETURNS MR SILVERS!

On this day May 11th 2010, the anniversary of Phil's 99th birthday let us pause, reflect, honour and celebrate the life and times of one of the 20th Century's greatest ever comedy performers, and just as importantly pay tribute to a warm, considerate and loving father and perfect gentleman.

We all continue to admire Phil for his lifetime in comedy and his ability to bring joy and laughter to millions but let us not forget how generous Phil was both as a performer and father. In our 25 years of running the Society ~ countless interviews with Phil's friends and family stand testament to how kind and thoughful Phil was to others.

His kindness can be best summed up by his close friend Leo DeLyon at Phil's funeral in 1985: 

'In the end I did get up' he recalled, 'and what I got into was how everyone had been talking about what a brilliant stage performer and comedian he was. Both those things are true.  But I told them how I had worked with a large number of 'high profile' celebrities, but never with anyone who was as humane and as considerate to other people. Phil was an actor who, if things went wrong, would never ever take it out on you. I thought I would cry, which was another reason I was afraid to get up and speak. I didn't cry, although I was overcome with emotion. I miss him, when I'm reminded of these things. Like now I miss him. For want of a better word, he was a gentleman.'

And nearly 25 years on and we all miss Phil as much as ever. Indeed the world is a sadder place but at the very least, with the flick of a remote we all have the ability to bring Phil back into our lives... priceless moments to be savoured and enjoyed!

Perhaps with the imminent release of the first season of The Phil Silvers Show onto DVD some 'forward thinking' TV Exec will have the vision to bring Bilko back to primetime television, where he belongs!  

Happy Birthday Phil and thanks for the memories!

Steve & Mick and all at the BPSAS

11 May 2010

DVD RELEASE UPDATE

Viacom have confirmed that Season One of The Phil Silvers Show will be released on DVD (Region 1) through the Paramount Home Entertainment Division on July 27th in the US.

Viacom have emailed me with the following "Further to our previous email - Season One of The Phil Silvers Show is scheduled to be released in July.  Wth regard to the UK release, the current schedule now says September."

OK so we have to wait a couple of months but at it'll be worth the wait!

More news on any developments will follow shortly...

PRE-ORDER THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW- SEASON ONE!

Unless you've been living in a cave most Phil-fans out there will be aware by now that Paramount Home Entertainment are due to release the first season of The Phil Silvers Show onto DVD on July 27th of 2010!

A five disc set of the complete first season along with a set of extras which include commentaries by Allan Melvin and George Kennedy (taken from the 2006 50th anniversary DVD release), the original pilot plus Phil's appearance on The Lucy Show (Lucy & The Efficiency Expert) from 1966.

UK-based fans will have to wait until September (date tbc) for a Region 2 release. However, US Bilko fans along with any Bilko completists out there who wish to order a Region One box set may do so by simply clicking on the link below and completing a pre-order with AMAZON. 

SGT. BILKO FINALLY GETS SEASON TREATMENT!

The greatest military con man is ready to report to duty in a season set when Sgt. Bilko: The Phil Silvers Show, The First Season is released on July 27. Four years ago fans were teased with Sgt. Bilko: The Phil Silvers Show - 50th Anniversary Edition. Fans wanted more than a sampler of 18 of the 143 episodes. Now finally it is here. Sgt. Bilko (Phil Silvers) runs his unit like a rigged card game. He’s a hustler in uniform with more schemes than the Pentagon. The four seasons of Sgt Bilko are considered the cream of military comedy. Here is the press release from CBS DVD:

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. (May 20, 2010) – Television’s most beloved conman and celebrated comedic character, Sergeant Bilko, returns to finagle his way into fans’ hearts when the Emmy® award-winning series SERGEANT BILKO: THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW, The First Season makes its debut on DVD July 27 from CBS Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment.

Created by Nat Hiken (Car 54, Where Are You?), SERGEANT BILKO: THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW won three consecutive Emmy® awards for Best Comedy Series and launched the character of Army Sergeant Ernie Bilko, portrayed by Emmy®-award-winning star Phil Silvers (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum), into television history. Fort Baxter sets the scene for the hilarious antics of Sergeant Bilko as he attempts to swindle, bluff and flatter his platoon and fellow comrades in his hilarious attempts to get rich quick. Commanding big laughs, SERGEANT BILKO: THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW co-stars Allan Melvin (All In The Family), Harvey Lembeck (Beach Party), Paul Ford (The Music Man) and Herbie Faye (The Dick Van Dyke Show).

SERGEANT BILKO: THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW, The First Season is a five-disc set featuring all 34 episodes from the premiere season beautifully remastered for optimal picture quality. Available for the suggested retail price of $42.99 US and $47.99 CAN, the set also includes audio commentaries, the original lost audition show, an episode of The Lucy Show featuring Phil Silvers as a guest star and cast commercials.

SERGEANT BILKO: THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW, The First Season five-disc set is presented in full screen with English Mono. The DVD is not rated. The total running time is approximately 14 hours and 42 minutes. The DVD disc breakdown is as follows:

Disc One:

* New Recruits (Commentary by Allan Melvin)

* The Empty Store

* The WAC

* The Horse

* A.W.O.L.

* The Boxer

* Special Feature:

o The Lost Audition Show – Rarely seen, live audition show that was never broadcast

Disc Two:

* The Hoodlum

* Mardi Gras

* The Eating Contest

* The Centennial

* Bivouac

* The Singing Contest

* The Twitch

* Special Features:

o Original Network Opening

o Original Cast Commercials

Disc Three:

* The Reunion

* The Rich Kid

* Hollywood

* The Investigation

* Kids In The Trailer

* The Revolutionary War

* The Transfer

Disc Four:

* The Rest Cure

* Dinner At Sowici’s

* Army Memoirs

* Miss America

* The Court Martial (Commentary by George Kennedy)

* Furlough In New York

* The Big Uranium Strike

Disc Five:

* Bilko and the Beast

* The Physical Check-Up

* The Recruiting Sergeant

* Hair

* The Con Men

* Bilko on Wall Street

* Special Feature:

o Lucy and the Efficiency Expert – Classic Episode from the fifth season of The Lucy Show where Phil Silvers hilariously guest stars as an efficiency expert who takes over Lucy’s office

(Courtesy Inside Pulse Movies) 

NEWS JUST IN....

Viacom have emailed us to confirm that season one of The Phil Silvers Show is due for release in the UK on September 6, 2010. It is expected to retail at £17.99 although this price may vary dependant on the retailer.

BILLIE ALLEN

I had the great pleasure of speaking with Billie Allen this evening (June 4th 2010). Billie of course played the part of WAC Billie on The Phil Silvers Show.

Billie is now aged 85 and lives in New York. She studied at the Lee Strasberg Institute in New York and was a founding member of  Frank Silvera Writers Workshop in New York. She has enjoyed a distinguished career both on stage and TV and she has also enjoyed great success as a director of several stage productions including Home and The Brothers.

Billie has very kindly agreed to share her memories of her time on The Phil Silvers Show as well as her life and career which we will be posting shortly on the ROLL CALL section. In the meantime Billie asked me to pass on this message:

"I'm so thrilled and happy that the show is still remembered so many years later. I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a groundbreaking show and it helped me so much in developing as a performer and also in shaping my career as an actress and a director. We had such fun. I'm thrilled that people still remember the show. I still remember how fast and funny it all seemed...Phil and the boys and all those wonderful antics!"

SIR  ALAN AYCKBOURN PAYS TRIBUTE TO PHIL...

Sir Alan Ayckbourn has become the first playwright ever to receive two of the highest accolades available in the world of theatre. Having received the Olivier special award in 2009, last week he was presented with the Tony special award for lifetime achievement.

Accepting the 'Tony' in New York, Sir Alan said: "Coming, as it does, after last year's Olivier Award - which is the British equivalent of the Tony - it's a wonderful double. It's just thrilling. This one was more surprising because, of course, in England my plays are so widely known but here they've probably had less exposure than they have in London. But nonetheless they've had wonderful people supporting them. There's so many people to thank it's just impossible.

"I probably want to thank, most of all, Phil Silvers - the wonderful Sergeant Bilko, who actually did my first Broadway show (How The Other Half Loves in 1971 at the Royale Theatre) and he was directed by the wonderful man Gene Saks, who became a lifelong friend."

During his acceptance speech, Sir Alan also thanked Lynne Meadow of the Manhattan Theatre Club, and Elysabeth Kleinhans and Peter Tear of 59E59 Theatres for supporting his plays in New York. Despite having stepped down as artistic director of the Stephen Joseph Theatre, Sir Alan shows no signs of reducing his workload.

He is about to go into rehearsals for the revival of his 1994 comedy thriller, Communicating Doors, which shows from August. After that he will go straight into rehearsals for the September world premiere of Life of Riley. With plans already under way for a 75th play in 2011, retirement seems to be the one word that isn't in Sir Alan's vocabulary.

(Courtesy Scarborough Evening News)

THE PHIL SILVERS SHOW ARRIVES DVD!

Season One of The Phil Silvers Show received its official launch in the United States today, 27th July, 2010.

The following article comes from writer Rich Heldenfels:

OBITUARY: JOHN STRAUSS - (1921 - 2011)

John Strauss, a composer and sound editor whose work includes theme songs from early TV shows and the film and soundtrack for Oscar best picture winner Amadeus, has died. He was 90.

Strauss passed away Monday night at a nursing home in West Los Angeles after a long battle with Parkinson's disease, said his son, Larry Strauss.

In a career that spanned nearly 50 years, Strauss won an Emmy Award for sound editing (1977's The Amazing Howard Hughes) and a Grammy for best classical album of 1984 (Milos Forman's Amadeus).

Along with producing the soundtrack album for the eight-time Oscar winner, Strauss served as the film's music coordinator and is briefly seen onscreen as a conductor. He also wrote the brief composition that the Count shows to Mozart, who mocks the effort. Strauss coordinated the music for three other Forman films: Hair (1979), Ragtime (1981) and Valmont (1989), for which he also composed part of the score.

However, Strauss' most widely recognizable composition is probably the theme from Car 54, Where Are You?, the 1961-63 NBC series that starred Joe. E. Ross and Fred Gwynne. He also scored The Phil Silvers Show and the Elaine May film Mikey and Nicky (1976) and served as music editor on NBC series L.A. Law.

The New York native worked as sound editor on early Woody Allen films Take the Money and Run (1969), Bananas (1971) and Every Thing You Always Wanted to Know About Sex ... (1972). He did the original Heartbreak Kid and Slaughterhouse-Five, both in 1972, and was music supervisor on The Blues Brothers (1980), Impromptu (1991) and The Pirates of Penzance (1983). His theater credits include a song from the 1960s Broadway musical Pickwick.

Strauss was married to actress Charlotte Rae, for whom he wrote arrangements for her 1955 album Songs I Taught My Mother and with whom he collaborated on cabaret shows. They divorced in 1975. Strauss then became life partners with artist Lionel Friedman, who died in 2003.

Strauss served in France and North Africa during World War II, studied under Paul Hindemith at the Yale School of Music and taught briefly at New York's High School of Performing Arts. He composed two ballets for the Joffrey Ballet, and his opera, The Accused, was performed by soprano Patricia Neway and televised on the NBC Opera series of the 1950s.

In addition to Rae, with whom he remained friends, and Larry, Strauss is survived by his daughter-in-law Eleanor and grandchildren Carly, Nora and Sean.

Courtesy of Mike Barnes, The Hollywood Reporter

STACKED SUSIE SAYS HELLO....

I recently had the great pleasure of making contact with actress Julie Newmar. Julie has enjoyed a lengthy career as a dancer, actress, singer  and writer. Her most famous role being that of the deliciously purrfect Catwoman in the hugely successful Batman television series from the 1960's. 

One of Julie's first television appearances was in a 1957 episode of The Phil Silvers Show called The Big Scandal, in which she played the voluptuous maid known as Stacked Susie.

She remembers fondly her appearance on the show and working with Phil. "My background was in musical theatre. It was my first love and my training ground." said Julie. "Very early in my career, I appeared on The Phil Silvers Show. People forget that Phil was in  Top Banana on Broadway. He was the best at that type of performing. It's physically very demanding and it really trains you for television comedy."

"I adored working with Phil Silvers, fresh from my first Broadway show. I knew nothing at all about comedy and he was so generous to me, teaching me so much".

PHIL SILVERS -MAY 11, 1911 - 2011

Wednesday May 11th, 2011 will mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of our the greatest comic actor of the 20th century.....Phil Silvers.

Phil's legacy to the world is the joyous laughter he has brought (and will continue to do so) into the lives of millions of people the world over. Countless films, television shows, including the landmark The Phil Silvers Show, along with 5 smash-hit Broadway musicals more than bear testament to a man who was considered by critics, the public and his fellow comedians as one of the true greats.

Today his legacy lives on not only the incredible body of work he left behind but also in the hearts and minds of all those who remember him, along with the numerous web-sites, internet media sites, books and  magazines that continue to revere him.

In order to mark this momentous occasion we will be hosting a live 2 hour webchat on Wednesday May 11, 2011 between the hours of 8.00pm and 10.00pm BST (British Summer Time). Hopefully this will allow fellow Phil-fans from various parts of the world to take part in this momentous occasion. You will be able to chat to fans the world over in real-time about Phil Silvers....if u don't wish to chat you can simply leave a message about Phil. The event is taking place with the blessing of Phil's family, some of whom will be taking part in the event.

If you wish to take part in this momentous celebration of the life and work of Phil Silvers you simply need to contact me at the address below asap:

micheal.clews@btinternet.com

Dan Frazer - November 20, 1921 – December 16, 2011

Dan Frazer, best known for his role as Captain Frank McNeil on 1970s TV crime series Kojak, has died aged 90. His daughter, Susanna, said the actor died of cardiac arrest at his Manhattan home on Friday.

He began his career in the 1950s playing character roles in various TV series. His first major break came when he appeared in The Phil Silvers Show and went on to feature in 8 episodes including Bilko's Tax Trouble and Guinea Pig Bilko, between 1956 and 1959. 

He played Captain McNeil during all five seasons of the Telly Savalas cop show, which ran from 1973 to 1978 and had roles in The Andy Griffith Show, The Untouchables, McHale's Navy and My Favourite Martian.

He made his big-screen debut in the 1963 Sidney Poitier film Lilies of the Field and appeared in two early Woody Allen comedies, Take the Money and Run and Bananas. He reprised his role as Captain McNeil in the 1983 TV film Kojak: The Belarus File.

In recent years he had guest roles in the Law and Order franchise and appeared in The Pack with Mad Men's Elisabeth Moss, which screened at a number of film festivals earlier this year.

Once again the Christmas season is upon us! We'd sincerely like to thank Phil-fans everywhere for their support during 2011 . Sadly this year saw the passing of the following Bilko personnel: Composer John Strauss, writer Leonard Stern and actor Dan Frazer. Our thoughts are with their families at this time. May 11, 2011 saw the 100th anniversary of Phil's birth and several of our members took part in the Phil Silvers on-line web-chat along with Phil's daughter Cathy. The year also saw the 43rd anniversary of the passing of Nat Hiken.

We approach 2012 with the hope that CBS will finally agree to release the remaining 3 seasons of The Phil Silvers Show onto DVD. We've now had over 73,000 hits on the website, our Facebook group membership continues to flourish and our YouTube channel has now received over 450,000 hits, once again proving that Phil's legacy lives on.

Thank you from Steve, myself and Phil's family we wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Steve & Mick

BREAKING NEWS! UNPRODUCED BILKO SPECIAL  

News just in courtesy of Jonathan M Smith and Kliph Nesteroff. After the demise of The Phil Silvers Show in 1959 it seems Phil was given the opportunity to reprise the role of Ernie Bilko  for an early 60's musical special. Sadly he turned the project down, one presumes to concentrate on his Broadway career and although the actual dates are sketchy Phil was more than likely fully immersed in headlining Do Re Mi. Over to Jonathan with all the info!

Hi Steve and Mick. Just saw an interview with Milton Delugg, who was everywhere on TV in the 50s. He mentions he and Bob Hilliard wrote a Bilko musical. Here is the page and section (about a third down):

http://classicshowbiz.blogspot.com/

Kliph Nesteroff: Two other actors I have listed as being on Seven at Eleven, two great comic talents, Herbie Faye - and Sid Gould.

Milton Delugg: Herbie Faye and Sid Gould. They were both very good. They were not quite strong enough to have their own shows and both funny.

Kliph Nesteroff: Herbie Faye you eventually saw all the time on The Phil Silvers Show - Sgt Bilko.

Milton Delugg: Yeah. That's right. You know, Bob Hilliard and I... Bob was a lyric writer. We wrote a show, a musical, called Bilko.

Kliph Nesteroff: Oh, really?

Milton Delugg: Yeah, but Phil Silvers didn't want to do it. He said he had five or six years of playing that soldier character on television and he was looking for a new kind of part.

Kliph Nesteroff: Wow, I had no idea.

Milton Delugg: Early sixties.

Kliph Nesteroff: You just had the idea or you went ahead and wrote the production?

Milton Delugg: We wrote it and there were some pretty good songs in it. Bobby was a remarkable lyric writer. Very good. Nothing ever happened with any of it. Once Phil turned it down, you're not going to get someone else to play that part.

Kliph Nesteroff: Phil Silvers was great in Top Banana.

Milton Delugg: Oh, he was wonderful. Was there a show called High Button Shoes? I think so. It was a musical - not on TV. Jules Stein, Sammy Cahn... and there was a hit song in it.

Kliph Nesteroff: Phil Silvers was a powerhouse. He could steal any scene.

Milton Delugg: And he did (laughs)."