I am too young to remember the comic strip on which this series was based, but I can't help but feel cartoonist Ted Key must have been pleased with the characterizations on the television show.
My personal favorite, and I feel the true anchor of the show, was Don DeFore as Mr. Baxter, Hazel's employer (for the first 4 seasons). He leant a true level of professionalism and realism to his portrayal. What I particularly liked about him is the way he handled Hazel's outspoken and somewhat bossy but well-intentioned personality. He would get convincingly exasperated with her, while still maintaining his sense of humor and appreciation of her. He and the lovely Whitney Blake made a wonderful couple and little Bobby Buntrock was an adorable child as their son, who was sweet and polite yet refreshingly honest.
My favorite side characters were the Baxters' next-door neighbors, the Johnsons. Portrayed by the charming actors Donald Foster and Norma Varden, their hilarious naïveté and ineptness at taking care of themselves always left me in stitches, but of course Hazel always came to their rescue.
And then there was Hazel. No one else could have played her with such gusto, enthusiasm and likability. She was truly one of the kind.
Finally, the show had a level of patriotism and faith that was natural and not preachy. For example, one of the Thanksgiving episodes in which Mr. Baxter asked Hazel to eat with them and their guests and to say grace. Also, the episode where the Johnsons served as hosts in their home to be a local election polling place (and sent out engraved invitations) was a hoot.
Well done all. Rest in peace and God bless.
My personal favorite, and I feel the true anchor of the show, was Don DeFore as Mr. Baxter, Hazel's employer (for the first 4 seasons). He leant a true level of professionalism and realism to his portrayal. What I particularly liked about him is the way he handled Hazel's outspoken and somewhat bossy but well-intentioned personality. He would get convincingly exasperated with her, while still maintaining his sense of humor and appreciation of her. He and the lovely Whitney Blake made a wonderful couple and little Bobby Buntrock was an adorable child as their son, who was sweet and polite yet refreshingly honest.
My favorite side characters were the Baxters' next-door neighbors, the Johnsons. Portrayed by the charming actors Donald Foster and Norma Varden, their hilarious naïveté and ineptness at taking care of themselves always left me in stitches, but of course Hazel always came to their rescue.
And then there was Hazel. No one else could have played her with such gusto, enthusiasm and likability. She was truly one of the kind.
Finally, the show had a level of patriotism and faith that was natural and not preachy. For example, one of the Thanksgiving episodes in which Mr. Baxter asked Hazel to eat with them and their guests and to say grace. Also, the episode where the Johnsons served as hosts in their home to be a local election polling place (and sent out engraved invitations) was a hoot.
Well done all. Rest in peace and God bless.