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The Beverly Hillbillies: Season 04
Running Time: 30 min.

After 106 black-and-white episodes, The Beverly Hillbillies switched to color for the start of its fourth season in the fall of 1965. Evidently the transition to color was heartily approved of by the series' fans: having finished season three at 12th place in the ratings, The Beverly Hillbillies shot up to 7th place for season four. The season opener represents a rare foray into location-shooting for the normally studio-bound series, as millionaire hillbilly Jed Clampett (Buddy Ebsen) heads to the port of Los Angeles, where he mistakes a Navy destroyer for a yacht purchased by his banker Milburn Drysdale (Raymond Bailey). While this episode is a one-shot, some of the subsequent fourth-season episodes are incorporated into the various story arcs for which the series was famous: for example, a plotline in which Drysdale organizes a Beverly Hills "Possum Day" parade to placate Granny (Irene Ryan) is spread over two weeks, as is another arc wherein the Clampetts purchase a race horse. More so than in previous years, season four of The Beverly Hillbillies is heavily reliant upon guest stars. Louis Nye returns in the role of Sonny Drysdale, who launches yet another ill-fated attempt to woo and win Jed's daughter Elly May (Donna Douglas). Likewise back for another guest turn are Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs, the bluegrass musicians who are normally heard performing the series' theme song. Also making guest appearances this season are Julie Newmar, Wally Cox, Martha Hyer, Sebastian Cabot, John Carradine, and in yet another extended story arc, venerable character comedian Charles Ruggles as Mr. Farquahr, Milburn Drysdale's playboy father-in-law. Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

The Beverly Hillbillies: Season 04 Cast and Crew:

Buddy Ebsen - (Jed Clampett)

Irene Ryan - (Granny)

Donna Douglas - (Elly May Clampett)

Max Baer, Jr. - (Jethro Bodine)

Raymond Bailey - (Milburn Drysdale)

Nancy Kulp - (Jane Hathaway)

Production Credits:
Paul Henning (Executive Producer)
Al Simon (Producer)


The Beverly Hillbillies: Season 04 Episodes:
The Beverly Hillbillies: The Big Chicken

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