The classic tv favorite "Green Acres" began production in 1965. The show, which took place in Hooterville, home of Petticoat Junction (1963-1970), was part of a series of "rural" series from CBS in the 1960's. (Other "rural" series include Petticoat Junction, The Andy Griffith Show, The Beverly Hillbillies, and Gomer Pyle) Green Acres was a favorite in the top twenty some seasons. In 1971, after 170 episodes had been produced, CBS decided to change it's image. This meant the cancelation of many classic favorites. Many shows were cancelled in 1971. Along with Green Acres were The Beverly Hillbillies, Hogan's Heroes, and The Ed Sullivan Show.

Nick at Nite brought back this classic in 1989. Some Green Acres marathons were featured, but the show left Nick at Nite's lineup in 1992, after only three years. When Nick at Nite launched it's new network, TV Land in 1996, Green Acres was one of the first shows chosen for it's line-up. Since it's debut on TV Land, it has been a very high rated show.

Characters and Actors

Oliver Wendall Douglas: Oliver Wendall Douglas was born to a well-off family. He spent his first couple of days on a farm in central New York, where was was born unsuspectingly while his father and expectant mother were on a trip. Oliver claims his roots are in farming because of this.  Oliver was in World War II. During this time, he met his wife, Lisa, in Hungary. They married after the war. Despite his wishes, Oliver went to law school at Harvard. He worked as an associate at a law firm, but couldn't take his mind off farming. He was a very successful lawyer, and grew crops in his desk during his spare time. One day, Oliver decided he was ready to move to a farm. They moved into "the old Haney Place" in Hooterville... much to the delight of Oliver, but to the dismay of Lisa. The people of Hooterville are glad to have Oliver and Lisa as neighbors, but think "she's ok, but he's a little weird."

Eddie Albert: Eddie Albert was born on April 22, 1908 in Rock Island Illinois. He went to the University of Minnesota. He later became a radio DJ. Eddie Albert made his screen debut in "Brother Rat" with Ronald Reagan. In the early 1950's he had a radio show titled "The Honeymooners". (This radio program is not related to "The Honeymooners" starring Jackie Gleason.) One of Eddie Albert's much remembered roles was that of Harold Hill, "The Music Man", which Eddie Albert played in 1966. In 1965, however, Eddie began what is probably his best known role, Oliver Douglas on Green Acres. He stayed with the series until it ended in 1971. In 1975, he began another series, "Switch", which lasted three seasons. Eddie Albert returned to his role as Oliver Douglas in "Return to Green Acres", in 1991. Recently, Eddie Albert appeared in an ad for the "Plant a Tree" campaign.

Visit Eddie Albert's homepage here!

Lisa Douglas: Lisa Douglas was originally from Hungary. She met her husband, Oliver which he had to parachute down to safety in World War II. The two fell in love and married after the war, not to the liking of her father. Lisa adored city life. She was very happily married to Oliver in New York City, and she enjoyed the luxury of it all. But one day, Oliver announced they were to move to a far in Hooterville. ("Hootersville" as Lisa would say...) Lisa's first reaction to the farm: "ahhhhhhh!" Lisa agreed to stay six months, but after the sixth month had past, Lisa decided to stay.

Eva Gabor: What Gabor is more well-known? Is it Eva Gabor, or is it Zsa Zsa Gabor? To the Green Acres world, it's definitely Eva. Eva Gabor was the youngest of the three Gabor Children.. Magda Gabor was born in 1919, Zsa Zsa Gabor was born in 1920, and Eva Gabor was born in 1921. Eva was the first sister to come to the United States. She made several films in the 1950's, including Strike a Match, A Shot in the Dark, and Affairs of Anatol. She also made a few appearances on Broadway before showing up on Green Acres in 1965. She stayed with the show until 1971. In 1983, Eva re-untied with Eddie Albert on the Broadway production of You Can't Take it With You. She can also be identified as the voice of Bianca in Disney's The Rescuers (1977), and The Rescuers Down Under (1990). In both these films, her co-mouse was played by Bob Newhart. She was also the voice of the regal Duchess the cat in Disney's The Aristocats in 1970. She returned to Green Acres in "Return to Green Acres" in 1991. Sadly, she died at age 74 in 1995.

Supporting Actors/Actresses

Pat Buttram as Mr. Haney: Mr. Haney is always trying to sell some of his junk to Mr. Douglas. Pat Buttram was born in 1917. His great character voice was used in many films and TV Shows. He died in 1994.

Frank Cady as Sam Drucker: One of the more "normal" civilians of Hooterville is Sam Drucker, owner of Drucker's General Store. He also puts out "The Hooterville World Guardian. Frank Cady was born in 1915. While on Green Acres, he was also in the hit show, "Petticoat Junction". Click here to find out more about Frank Cady.

Alvy Moore as Hank Kimball: Hank Kimball in the.. the.. no, that's his cousin... he's the.. oh yes.. the Hooterville County Agent. Mr. Kimball, though very friendly, is also very forgetful. Alvy Moore was born in 1925. He died in May of 1997.

Barbara Pepper as Doris Ziffel #1: The most well-known Mrs. Ziffel was played by Barbara Pepper. She was the only cast member not to complete the entire run of Green Acres. She played Doris Ziffel until 1969. She died of health problems in 1969.

Fran Ryan as Doris Ziffel #2: When Barbara Pepper had to leave the series, Fran Ryan stepped in as Doris Ziffel from 1969-1971.

Hank Patterson as Fred Ziffel: Fred Ziffel was a neighbor of the Douglass and father to Arnold, the pig. Hank Patterson was born in 1889. He was very hard of hearing during the series. He died of a stroke at age 86 in 1975.

Tom Lester as Eb Dawson: Eb Dawson kind of came with the Douglas farm. He worked for Mr. Douglas as his handyman, and elopes (without a wife) during the series. Tom Lester was born in 1938.

Sid Melton as Alf Monroe: Alf Monroe is half of "Alf and Ralph", the hooterville carpenters.

Mary Grace Canfield as Ralph Monroe: Ralph is Alf's bro..sister. She's the other half of  Alf and Ralph Carpentry. Mary Crace Canfield also played Gladys Kravitz's sister for some episodes on "Bewitched"

Memorable Episodes

Episode 1 "Oliver Buys a Farm" The premier episode tells the story of how a successful lawyer, Oliver Douglas, gives up being a lawyer, the luxury of a New York City apartment, and financial security for a farm in rural Hooterville.

Episode 26 "The Ballad of Molly Turgis" Don't mention You Know Who! Whenever someone mentions the name Molly Turgis, something bad happens to them. Molly Turgis was an ugly girl who lived in Hooterville. She had no friends, and now that she's dead, she haunts Hooterville to get revenge. Lisa talks to Molly and fixes her up with make-up.. as long as she promises not to terrorize Hooterville any longer.

Episode 46 "Never Trust a Little Old Lady" Oliver is confused by all of the different weather forecasts in Hooterville. Some people believe in a station that shows a little lady coming out of a house with an umbrella if it is to rain. Some believe in a singing weatherman. Oliver doesn't trust any of them, and goes against their forecasts and plants his crops. No one expects what really happens, though, and for once, Lisa's hotcakes come in helpful.

Episode 55 "The Beverly Hillbillies" Hooterville puts on a production of The Beverly Hillbillies, with Mr. Kimball as Jed, Lisa as Granny, and Eb as Jethro. Unfortunately, Eb hurts his leg, so Oliver has to step in as Jethro.

Episode 58 "Getting Even With Haney" Mr. Douglas and the people of Hooterville finally get back at Haney when one of his products ruin the Ziffel's house. Mr. Douglas helps the Ziffels sue Mr. Haney.

Episode 91 "A Star Named Arnold is Born, Part I" When Arnold the pig steps in for Columbo, Newt Kiley's dog in the Hooterville production of "Who", he's an instant star. Lisa calls a Hungarian Hollywood producer friend of hers and gets Arnold an audition. Oliver, Lisa, Eb, and Arnold are bound for Hollywood.

Episode 92 "A Star Named Arnold is Born, Part II" In Hollywood, Arnold is a smash! He backs out of his success when he talks to a horse (who resembles Mister Ed). The horse is out of work because of Arnold, and Arnold feels horrible, so decides to return home.

Episode 100 "Old Mail Day" Oliver is outraged when he finds out Mr. Drucker does not deliver mail very quickly. He makes Mr. Drucker go from house to house delivering mail. Soon, he quits, and Hooterville is worse off.

Episode 139 "The Case of the Hooterville Refund Fraud" The Internal Revenue comes to Hooterville after Oliver encourages the farmers to write in for their tax refunds. The other farmers don't quite understand, and end up putting the government into debt.

Episode 145 "The City Kids" Six city kids come to visit the Douglas farm, but one decides to stay a little longer..

Episode 150 "The Great Mayoralty Campaign" Both Oliver and Lisa decide to run for mayor of Hooterville, without each other knowing.

Episode 162 "Star Witness" Eb is kidnapped by two bank robbers. Arnold is the witness to the incident and with the help of Mr. Douglas, gets Eb back and nabs the robbers. Guest Star: Al Lewis

Episode 170 "The Ex-Secretary" In the final episode, Oliver asks his dimwitted ex-secretary for help finding the jeweler in New York that can fix an watch of his. Guest Star: Emmeline Henry

When to Catch Green Acres

Green Acres can be seen at the following times on Nick at Nite's TV Land:
(all times eastern)

Return to The Unofficial Nick at Nite/TV Land Spotlight of the Month.