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Rating:  -
I remember watching syndicated episodes of this show while a kid. I had remembered it being funny but not much else.
I wanted to buy this first season so that I could remember what the excitement was about and I was glad that I did.
The show is hilarious with a fun premise. Ken Berry plays the straight-laced Captain who has no idea that Forrest Tucker and Larry Storch are actually running the fort.
Warner did a beautiful job in restoring these shows, which are in black and white. There is very very little evidence of any "pops" and "scratches" that is often prevalent in old black and white film. The sound quality is well-done as well, although mono, it still sounds fine.
I recommend purchasing this to relive the fun of the bumbling F-Troop.
Rating: -
"F Troop" is certainly one of the funniest of the "golden age of television" series. The humour is still fresh today. Indeed F Troop, being a satire of both "the western" and military life, has an extra dimension for modern audiences. Today we're stuck in a era when westerns, especially "cowboy and indian" westerns, have become both politically incorrect and unfashionable. F Troop pokes fun at the old stereotypes whilst gently celebrating them. And of course, with a new global war raging satires on the military, now rare, but once common, if only in "McHale's Navy" and "Bilko", have a topical appeal.
"F Troop - Series One" has great funny episodes, all featuring the great F Troop cast, including appearances from Edward Everett Horton, who most of us know only as a voice from the great "Fractured Fairy Tales" cartoon. Series One was shot in glorious black and white, you will have to wait for later series to get F Troop "in Color". The video and audio reproduction are excellent.
The package itself is good too. The box set comprises of three plastic packs with two DVDs per pack. The DVDs are single sided DVDs. In my experience dual sided DVDs are more prone to handling damage in everyday use, so "F Troop Series One" is a DVD collection that you will not only want to play over and over, but you can play over and over too!
Bravo!
Rating:  -
I cried tears of joy when I received this set. I was not alive when F Troop had its original television run, rather, I watched it voraciously on Nick at Nite as a kid. Have seen every episode ad nauseum and I will keep watching them.
The great thing about F Troop is that even though it is pure slapstick/farce and completely silly, it is still ten times smarter than a large majority of the sitcoms on tv today. It also has surprisingly remained relatively "undated," as few jokes are drawn from a 1960s mindset. Instead, jokes are made about historical topics (the Alamo, Gen. Custer, and the sale of Manhattan Island are favorites). And the physical comedy is sensational...all the actors are very good at pratfalls, facial expressions, dancing, etc. Ken Berry, of course, is by far the best at this type of physical comedy, but the other cast members should not be forgotten. Larry Storch can do one heck of a war dance! And I would argue that Frank de Kova's presence on scene is the most magnetic...he steals every scene he is in.
And the best thing about F Troop? None of the main characters, military or Indian, are bad guys!! I think this is really a unique aspect of the program. All the villians (who for the most part aren't really that bad anyway) are only around for their episode. All the main characters, while perhaps greedy and/or clueless, are essentially nice people. It's refreshing to find a show that does not rely on constant tension between its characters for entertainment.
A great show for adults to enjoy with the kids and grandkids. Absolutely hilarious!!!!
Rating: -
Here's a wonderful gift idea. Buy this DVD set as, (I hate to call it), "filler", between your usual movie watching. This is a great warm-up to an evening of DVD viewing or a nice night-cap to end your day. I will also add here that I've only gotten through half of this DVD set as I write this commentary.
The first few disk are very good. We get a nice setup of the coming stories and the characters are firmly established in this whimsical comedy. Actor, Ken Berry, delivers his hokey physical gags, Forrest Tucker and Larry Storch are the goofy comedic team and the supporting oddball cast quite nicely round out these zany adventures. The black and white format adds to the "old-time" feel of the western time period. It's like looking through a demented old stereoscope image from the 1800's. I'm sure there will be some who are offended by the portrayal of the Native Americans in this show. "F-Troop" could never be made today because of all the politically-correct fascists among us. But, hey, as a product of the 60's I don't think it colored me with any particular negative view of anybody. Actually it showed me how we all have a comic bent to each individual. Melody Patterson's portrayal of Wrangler Jane is an example of a spunky little scamp who hangs with the best of the boys; especially her beloved Captain of the fort, Wilton Parmenter. There, at least everybody won't be offended. :-)
Here's where I see a problem ahead. I'm just at the halfway point of the set and I'm starting to see some obvious repeats of storylines. This is uncomplicated stuff. I'm not expecting high-brow intellect, but I have to wonder if this would become annoying on long sits through episodes? Right now I'm good but as I mentioned before, I'm not watching a ton of episodes one right after another.
As a DVD buy I think it's worth the money, especially if you can get it on sale as I did. What do the future disks hold, or for that matter, season two? Hey, I don't know but it's not hard to guess. More zany adventures!!! Right?!?! I'd advise you take your time with this set and enjoy the many little gems of comedy generously dispensed in each show. Don't rush this "fine wine" of whimsy but savor each sip of this 40 year old vintage. As stated and as rated, I say it's four stars.
Rating: -
F Troop - The Complete First Season
IMHO, Season One is the better of the two offerings of the classic TV show F Troop.
During Season One, the producers really wanted to make a splash. They did it with hilarity, quality comedic writing and performances, and excellent direction.
With Season Two, it seems their necks were on the line, and, as happens to so many great shows threatened with cancellation, they went with a more formulaic aproach. They didn't take the chances they took during Season One. The switch to color seems gaudy to me, and distracts from the humor so rampant in Season One.
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