Normally I wouldn't tell you all about a TV comedy show that was produced over 30 years ago. But, I was working late tonight and Nick at Night was on with the old Bewitched show (2:30 AM EDST). I don't think I have seen that show since the 70's. Anyway, one of Samantha's friends accidently zapped Geo. Washington to their home in the 20th century.
Normally that would be worth a few yuks and the story would end. But I was extremely pleased with the way they handled Washington's character. He was treated with reverence by the regular characters. Then George left the house on his own to take a walk. Of course they panicked and went looking for him.
George was talking with a large crowd about the Bill of Rights and other Constitutional things. A policeman came up and told him he had to move on. George said he had a right to talk with the people. The policeman said, "not without a permit, you don't." George said, "Sir, the only permit I need is the Constitution of the United States." (To be honest, it gave me chills - and it's only a silly TV show!)
Anyway the policeman ended up arresting him. George asks Samantha, "What has happended to the rights of the people here in the 20th century?" She responds that most people now tend to want things told to them and only a few will speak out for their rights.
At the end of the show, it turns out it's a two parter. George is going to trial in part 2 tomorrow night. You can bet I'll be watching to see what George has to say to the judge. I hope he, and the screen writers, don't blow it. I'm sure the producers had what was going on with the Viet Nam War in mind, but the message is as true today as it was 30 years ago, only more so. It seems that not everything that came out of Hollywood was pure bunk. (Note the past tense.)
[This message has been edited by Mal H (edited August 18, 2000).]
Normally that would be worth a few yuks and the story would end. But I was extremely pleased with the way they handled Washington's character. He was treated with reverence by the regular characters. Then George left the house on his own to take a walk. Of course they panicked and went looking for him.
George was talking with a large crowd about the Bill of Rights and other Constitutional things. A policeman came up and told him he had to move on. George said he had a right to talk with the people. The policeman said, "not without a permit, you don't." George said, "Sir, the only permit I need is the Constitution of the United States." (To be honest, it gave me chills - and it's only a silly TV show!)
Anyway the policeman ended up arresting him. George asks Samantha, "What has happended to the rights of the people here in the 20th century?" She responds that most people now tend to want things told to them and only a few will speak out for their rights.
At the end of the show, it turns out it's a two parter. George is going to trial in part 2 tomorrow night. You can bet I'll be watching to see what George has to say to the judge. I hope he, and the screen writers, don't blow it. I'm sure the producers had what was going on with the Viet Nam War in mind, but the message is as true today as it was 30 years ago, only more so. It seems that not everything that came out of Hollywood was pure bunk. (Note the past tense.)
[This message has been edited by Mal H (edited August 18, 2000).]