“Sanford and Son”: Season 1 (1972) starring Redd Foxx & Demond Wilson / Z-View
Sanford and Son: Season 1 (1972)
Based on: Steptoe and Son by Ray Galton, Alan Simpson
Developed by: Bud Yorkin, Norman Lear (uncredited)
Director: Bud Yorkin (Eps. 1-4); George Tyne (Ep. 5); Coby Ruskin (Ep. 6); Bob LaHendro (Ep. 7); Peter Baldwin (Ep. 8, 11 – 13); Charles S. Dubin (Eps. 9 – 10); Bruce Bilson (Ep. 14)
Teleplay: Aaron Rubin, Ray Galton, Alan Simpson (Eps. 1 – 11, 13 – 14); Everett Greenbaum, James Fritzell, Ray Galton (Ep. 12)
Stars: Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, Hal Williams, Noam Pitlik, Lynn Hamilton, White, William Lanteau, Paulene Myers, Lillian Randolph, Stanley Bennett Clay, Leonard Stone, Judyann Elder, Dick Van Patten, James Wheaton, Peter Bonerz, Gabriel Dell, Florida Friebus and Rick Hurst.
Tagline: Redd Foxx and Demond Wilson play two guys who know the score – and how to beat the game. America, you’re in for a yock…Archie, you’re in for a shock
The Plot…
Fred Sanford (Foxx) and his son, Lamont (Wilson) are junk dealers. Fred’s wife died years ago and Lamont stays on to assist his dad with the business. Together they get into various misadventures as they attempt to get ahead.
Thoughts (beware of spoilers)…
In its first season Sanford and Son became the 6th highest rated show on television. Also in its first season, Sanford and Son earned three Primetime Emmy nominations:
- Outstanding Comedy Series
- Outstanding New Series
- Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series – Redd Foxx
One of the running gags of the series is that in each episode Fred Sanford would find a reason to clutch his chest as if having a heart attack and proclaim, “Hear that, Elizabeth? I’m coming to join you!” Sadly, Redd Foxx died of a heart attack in 1991.
Fred Sanford was supposed to be 65 years old. Redd Foxx was just 49 during filming of the first season.
Sanford and Son‘s theme music is by Quincy Jones and it is titled The Streetbeater.
Sandford and Son: Season 1 (1972) rates 5 of 5 stars.
