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F-Troop belongs to the ranks of television's great military slacker comedies, including Sgt. Bilko and McHale's Navy . Ken Berry was promoted from bit player to leading man with his role as clueless and clumsy ("I fall down a lot") Wilton Parmenter, who is put in charge of the frontier post Fort Courage after a display of inadvertent Civil War heroism. "He's the pigeon we always dreamed of," enthuses Sgt. O'Rourke (Forrest Tucker), who runs "O'Rourke Enterprises" with his sidekick Corporal Agarn (Larry Storch). Most episodes involve O'Rourke and Agarn's get-rich schemes that ultimately backfire. The show's great (albeit politically incorrect) comic conceit is the Hekawis, the decidedly un-bloodthirsty Indian tribe who makes tourist souvenirs, not war. "We invent peace pipe," proclaims Chief Wild Eagle (Frank DeKova), whose broken English and anachronistic vernacular (similar to Joey Bishop in Texas Across the River ) provide most of each episode's biggest--and, in these more enlightened times, guiltiest--laughs. F 's troupe also includes Melody Patterson as Wrangler Jane, who has a hankerin' for "Will" ("I told you, Jane, not in front of the men"), James Hampton as bungling bugler Dobbs, Joe Brooks as nearsighted look-out Vanderbilt, cowboy star Bob Steele as gung-ho Alamo survivor Duffy, and venerable character actor (and Rocky and Bullwinkle 's "Fractured Fairy Tales" narrator) Edward Everett Horton as Hekawi medicine man Roaring Chicken. Among the more memorable guest appearances include Zsa Zsa Gabor as a gypsy who attempts to fleece Agarn in "Play, Gypsy, Play," and Don Rickles (!) as Chief Wild Eagle's excitable, warlike son in "The Return of Bald Eagle." The episode, "Reunion for O'Rouke," contains the classic bit about how the Hekawis got their name. F-Troop debuted in 1965 and lasted but two seasons. It broke no television ground and was never nominated for an Emmy. A single-disc compilation of six episodes is also available, but Baby Boomers who remember F-Troop fondly will want to enlist for a full season. It's old school, flat-out funny. -Donald Liebenson F-Troop: The Complete First Season (DVD) As the Civil War comes to a close, an inept clerk in the army, Private Wilton Parmenter (Ken Berry - Mama's Family), is promoted after leading a charge on horseback and helping to turn the tide of battle. What no one knows, however, is that Parmenter had lost control of his horse and it was running in the wrong direction! Now a captain, Parmenter is sent to take charge of Fort Courage, a small frontier post manned by F Troop, a bumbling band of misfits who enjoy the easy life and want to keep it that way. They get along with the neighboring Hekawi Indians who are so unwarlike they claim they invented the peace pipe. The two must sometimes fake fights just to keep up appearances - but F Troop never has to fake the laughs! First released in 1965, this hilarious comedy from William T. Orr (77 Sunset Strip, Maverick) about the Wild West also stars the Emmy®-nominated Larry Storch, Forrest Tucker, Melody Patterson and more. Review: How The West Was Fun! - Though it only lasted two seasons, "F Troop" is rightfully regarded as one of the best sitcoms of the sixties, with an interesting premise, intelligent writing, and a stellar cast. Ken Berry played the klutzy Captain Wilton Parmenter, who was promoted for his on-field heroics. Forrest Tucker played the scheming Sergeant Morgan O'Rourke, in the grand tradition of Phil Silvers' scheming Sergeant Ernie Bilko. Larry Storch played Corporal Randolph Agarn to comic perfection. A gifted mimic, he also played his Mexican bandito cousin Pancho Agarnado, as well as his French-Canadian cousin Lucky Pierre, and his Russian cousin Dmitri Agarnoff, in season two. James Hampton played Private Hannibal Dobbs, a bugler who couldn't play a melody to save his life. Joe Brooks played Trooper Vanderbilt, the lookout who couldn't lookout for any obstacles in his way. Bob Steele played Trooper Duffy, an older cavalryman who insisted that he fought at the Alamo. Ivan Bell played Trooper Duddleson, the obese soldier who was asleep most of the time. The Hekawi Indians, who were peaceful partners in O'Rourke Enterprises, were led by Chief Wild Eagle, played by Frank de Kova. Don Diamond played Crazy Cat, the Chief's assistant, who will take over the tribe after Wild Eagle goes to the happy hunting ground. Last but not least was the beautiful Melody Patterson, who played "Wrangler" Jane Angelica Thrift, who continually tried to wrangle Captain Parmenter to the altar. The first season boasted great guest stars, such as Bernard Fox in "The Phantom Major," Don Rickles in "The Return Of Bald Eagle," Jack Elam in "Dirge For The Scourge," the beautiful Lee Meriwether in "O'Rourke vs O’Reilly," Henry Gibson in "Wrongo Starr and The Lady In Black," George Gobel in "Go For Broke," Zsa Zsa Gabor in "Play, Gypsy, Play," and Paul Petersen in "Johnny Eagle Eye." The comic timing of all of the main characters and various troopers is what made the show so great. This DVD set did not include any bonus features. Although not available in Blu-ray, the black-and-white images are crisp, and the audio is clear. What a shame that there was no third season for "F Troop," and that most of the actors are up in that big Fort Courage in the sky. Review: True tv classic. - A true classic tv comedy. Very funny with quirky characters. Harmless fun without the need for gratuitous anything. Too bad they only made 2 seasons…
| Customer Reviews | 4.7 out of 5 stars 1,144 Reviews |
M**G
How The West Was Fun!
Though it only lasted two seasons, "F Troop" is rightfully regarded as one of the best sitcoms of the sixties, with an interesting premise, intelligent writing, and a stellar cast. Ken Berry played the klutzy Captain Wilton Parmenter, who was promoted for his on-field heroics. Forrest Tucker played the scheming Sergeant Morgan O'Rourke, in the grand tradition of Phil Silvers' scheming Sergeant Ernie Bilko. Larry Storch played Corporal Randolph Agarn to comic perfection. A gifted mimic, he also played his Mexican bandito cousin Pancho Agarnado, as well as his French-Canadian cousin Lucky Pierre, and his Russian cousin Dmitri Agarnoff, in season two. James Hampton played Private Hannibal Dobbs, a bugler who couldn't play a melody to save his life. Joe Brooks played Trooper Vanderbilt, the lookout who couldn't lookout for any obstacles in his way. Bob Steele played Trooper Duffy, an older cavalryman who insisted that he fought at the Alamo. Ivan Bell played Trooper Duddleson, the obese soldier who was asleep most of the time. The Hekawi Indians, who were peaceful partners in O'Rourke Enterprises, were led by Chief Wild Eagle, played by Frank de Kova. Don Diamond played Crazy Cat, the Chief's assistant, who will take over the tribe after Wild Eagle goes to the happy hunting ground. Last but not least was the beautiful Melody Patterson, who played "Wrangler" Jane Angelica Thrift, who continually tried to wrangle Captain Parmenter to the altar. The first season boasted great guest stars, such as Bernard Fox in "The Phantom Major," Don Rickles in "The Return Of Bald Eagle," Jack Elam in "Dirge For The Scourge," the beautiful Lee Meriwether in "O'Rourke vs O’Reilly," Henry Gibson in "Wrongo Starr and The Lady In Black," George Gobel in "Go For Broke," Zsa Zsa Gabor in "Play, Gypsy, Play," and Paul Petersen in "Johnny Eagle Eye." The comic timing of all of the main characters and various troopers is what made the show so great. This DVD set did not include any bonus features. Although not available in Blu-ray, the black-and-white images are crisp, and the audio is clear. What a shame that there was no third season for "F Troop," and that most of the actors are up in that big Fort Courage in the sky.
J**N
True tv classic.
A true classic tv comedy. Very funny with quirky characters. Harmless fun without the need for gratuitous anything. Too bad they only made 2 seasons…
G**N
F Troop - As Funny Today As When First Broadcast
The problem with re-watching television problems one liked as a youth, is that as adults we perceive things in an entirely different way. I remember being a kid and watching F-Troop re-runs on WPIX Channel 11 out of New York City. Back in the 1970's. I have fond memories of eating dinner and laughing aloud viewing the show. In my early 50's now, I decided that I re-watch certain TV programs that I liked from years ago. The seasons were much longer back then. It took me about 3 years to watch every Addams Family episode. I started back in '09, and finished just recently. My replacement was F-Troop. Again, I have fond memories of the program. But would I enjoy it the same as I did four decades ago? The answers, yes. Even more so because as an adult I can understand the jokes better. I also have a better appreciation of all the work that was put into the half hour long comedy (not filmed before a live audience). Ken Berry's comedic timing is brilliant. Forrest Tucker plays a superior straight man to not only Berry, but Larry Storch, and the rest of a very funny cast. Oh...got to love Wrangler Jane (actress Melody Patterson). Very much the professional and only sixteen years old when filming started. Here's the main question. When viewing now, did it age well? Yes...any major network or cable channel could broadcast it now. Much of the comedy is timeless, and understood worldwide. A trip and fall routine is a trip and fall routine. The town drunk did a lot of great ones. As did Ken Berry. Lite on his feet being able to dance. Considered a triple threat; actor, singer, and dancer. The show is really a period piece. "The end of the Civil War was near..." -- no cell phone size embarrassing situations; "look how BIG that one is." The DVD: Pristine picture -- excellent audio. Plenty of episodes so you get your money's worth. The pilot will hook you for sure. Knowing a little about the Civil War and Indians in general does help, especially with getting some of the jokes. I love the running gags; watch tower falling down... Gary Brown American Corespondent for Classic Rock Radio Dot EU
O**!
They play fine. The series is fun
The discs come in plastic snap cases. They play fine. The series is fun. I like the second season better than the first season because it’s in color, most of the old western series are black and white. It’s as good as other comedies of its era like I Dream of Jeannie (1965-1970) or more recent comedies like The IT Crowd (2006-2013). But many of the older shows can’t compete with the higher definition, special effects, and exotic locations of my favorite shows. There are exceptions, like Star Trek (1966-1969), which has been remastered. Those exceptions are rare. If the above series don’t sound interesting here are a few of the series I really enjoyed watching more than once: Band of Brothers (2001), Battlestar Galactica (2004-2009), Black Sails (2014-2017), Cowboy Bebop (1998), Downton Abbey (2010-2015), Firefly (2002), Game of Thrones (2011-2019), The IT Crowd (2006-2013), Jericho (2006-2008), Lonesome Dove (1989), Lost (2004-2010), Merlin (2008-2012), Pride and Prejudice (1995), Rome (2005-2007), Spartacus: Gods of the Arena (2011), Stargate: SG-1 (1997-2007), Stargate: Atlantis (2004-2009), Star Trek (1966-1969) and Star Trek Voyager (1995-2001). I didn’t list any contemporary series I’m following that don’t have an end date yet, not conducive to binge watching from beginning to finish, or the hundreds of other fantasy and science fiction shows I’ve watched. If you like reading try some of my favorite authors: Richard Adams, Palo Bacigulupi, Suzanne Collins, Abe Evergreen, Diana Gabaldon, Hugh Howey, George Martin, Brandon Sanderson, John Scalzi, and Andy Weir.
A**I
Just what the doctor ordered for beating the "winter blahs".
I don't remember watching F TROOP much when it was aired since it was just after graduating high school. It was also the time my older brother went off to VietNam, so comedy shows about the military didn't seem like the right thing to watch. I ordered both seasons because I want classic TV programs that whole families can see and not be offended by. This series is probably the best comedy show I have in my library now. I usually buy complete series and try to alternate watching one disk of dramas or westerns and then one disk of comedies so I get a balance of entertainment. It was really hard for me to stretch out watching this series because it is absolutely pure fun and enjoyment. The scripts are nutty, the gags are corny and the acting is totally hammy. But the episodes are a feast for anyone who likes good laughs and great acting. I've enjoyed it so much I'm thinking of sending a set to my brother, the Marine Corps Veteran of Viet Nam, so he can see what he missed while he was gone. If you enjoy great comedy, especially slapstick, you can't go wrong with F TROOP. Just be sure to get BOTH SEASONS. The first is black and white but the second is in color and there is a special added program on the last disc of the second season that gives insight to the making of the series which was, unfortunately, only two seasons.
Z**G
They don't make shows like this anymore!
There were a lot of excellent television series produced in the 1960's. However, I can't think of another comedy series based in the late 1860's. F-Troop's basic premise is keeping the aloof Capt. Parmenter out of the illicit business dealings of Sergeant O'Rourke, and Corporal Agarn, who are in business with the local Indian tribe, the Hekawis. The Hekawis are perceived to be a threat to the town, hence Fort Courage and F-Troop being there. The real value is in the casting. The casting director for F-Troop is a genius (except for the fact that Melody Patterson was 16 years old at the time, hard to believe I know). Forrest Tucker as Sgt. O'Rourke, Larry Storch as Cpl. Agarn, Ken Berry as Capt. Parmenter, and Frank DeKova as Chief Wild Eagle all excel in their roles. The guest stars are also enjoyable, especially seeing them now after many have gone on to greater things. My only criticism of the show is the slapstick physical humor gets a bit old after a while, but that doesn't detract from the enjoyment of the series. Capt. Parmenter must have a perpetual inner ear issue to fall over so frequently! I rented this at the library and ordered it from Amazon after seeing the first few episodes. The first episode is very funny. If you like the first episode, you are good to go with the series. I highly recommend this series!
K**8
So funny
Just as good as I remembered
S**R
In color? Wow
I watched this series when it first came out at age 10. It brought back good memories even when the series switched to color, I did not have a color TV in my home well into my 20's after returning home to my parents home I got them a used color TV.
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