User Reviews

Uncle Joe really screws things up, and it's a misunderstanding episode combined with how the show began: The hotel in threat of being shut down, this time because a famous hotel critic (in a way, taking the place of the railroad exec villain) has been lured from Joe's brochure promising more than the place can offer. The last few episodes, the girls have been on the backburner but no matter, the two leading stars are fantastic. it's tough to imagine that, before this show ends, neither are on board. Either way, this episode has more running around than ever. Along with everything else, this was a great physical comedy show.

The Shady Rest Hotel becomes a flurry of hyperactivity and not simply because travel critic Gladys Stroud (Elvia Allman) is finally coming to evaluate Kate Bradley's hotel during "A Night at the Hooterville Hilton." That's stressful enough, but the reason why, after four years of refusing Kate's invitation, the exacting, unforgiving columnist for "The Centerville Sun Express" is visiting this year is the breathless brochure she received that touts the Shady Rest's swimming pool, golf course, tennis courts, ice-skating rink and bowling alley--all luxuries conspicuously lacking at the modest rural inn where at least fly swatters are free upon request.

Naturally, Uncle Joe Carson is to blame for this, but as scripted by first-timer Bill Manhoff from a story by Ed James and Seaman Jacobs, with a few stories already under their "Petticoat Junction" belts, he is all set to atone for his sin. Seems that in order to impress a loan officer at the bank, Uncle Joe had a few brochures printed up that envisioned his high-end hostelry of the future, but the printer inadvertently sent one to Stroud, who just had to come for a look-see this time. Still, Joe's atonement and two bits might get him a slice of Kate's delicious blueberry pie but it won't deter the harsh critic who is already dressing down hapless taxi driver Willie Trankis (Billy Benedict) when Joe tries to cut her off at the pass (or at least at the Hooterville train station).

That leaves him, Kate, and her three daughters to concoct all kinds of desperate inventiveness to distract Gladys during her overnight stay, the kind of wackiness-ensues hijinks endemic to 1960s escapist situation comedies, but, as smoothly staged by director Jean Yarborough, it's enjoyable physical comedy coupled with juicy witticisms and terrific interplay between Bea Benaderet and Edgar Buchanan. When Joe, nervously whittling when he breaks the bad news to Kate, is told by her to put the knife away, he glances at it, then remarks, "You ain't the type," to which Kate replies, "I know--but don't put temptation in my path."

Not to be slighted is Allman, tall, imperious, and convincing, who grows increasingly exasperated--and suspicious--at the elaborate charades being staged at this Podunk Potemkin Village to deceive her into believing the luxurious recreations really exist. It's no surprise that industry veteran Allman would eventually return as recurring character Selma Plout to be Kate's nemesis. (Allman also had a recurring role on the series' city cousin "The Beverly Hillbillies.")

And in case you thought the three young lovelies playing Kate's daughters have been pushed aside, get a load of curvaceous Pat Woodell, her Bobbie Jo clad in a form-fitting one-piece bathing suit, getting drenched from head to toe to show that she had just got out of the "swimming pool." Better get some of that ice from the "skating rink" if you need to cool off after seeing that.

Not that this entertaining episode needs to resort to a little T&A, but it doesn't hurt. "A Night at the Hooterville Hilton" might not be listed in the Michelin Guide, but it's sure worth the visit.