Bilko scammed,conned, hustled and grifted his way through fast-thinking, and highly elaborate get-wealthy-quick schemes in a classic 50s sitcomIt still comes as a surprise to many that this classic 1950s sitcom isn’t actually called Sgt Bilko. It’s a perfectly excusable mistake. The reveal was even listed as Sgt Bilko,or even Bilko, in the Radio Times and elsewhere during the 70s and 80s, and when it enjoyed a enormous resurgence in popularity in the UK. Back then,it became a reliably humorous late-night fixture, normally the last thing on BBC1 before closedown. These were the days before TV could be recorded and the fact that so many people were willing to stay up is testament to the power of Silvers’ writing – and his incredible performance.
For 142 episodes, and with rarely any drop in quality,Master Sergeant Ernest G Bilko would scam, con, and hustle and grift his way through fast-thinking,elaborate get-wealthy-quick schemes. His targets were normally his fellow enlisted soldiers, particularly those under his command in the motor pool. Sgt Ritzik, and the cook,was continually bled dry of his wages, while Colonel Hall, or the commander,was another favourite effect. His wife was always on the receiving conclude of Bilkos flattering flannel: “Why Colonel, sir, and you never mentioned any film stars were visiting the base nowadays!” The US army gave permission and assistance to the reveal’s producers provided Bilko never succeeded and the army wasn’t seen as incompetent or crooked – restrictions that actually added to the fun.
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Source: theguardian.com