50 Years of Bilko.

During 2005 The Phil Silvers Show, known universally as Sgt Bilko celebrated it's 50th anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion I've compiled some little known facts regarding the series and a brief history on the official Appreciation Society that has spearheaded and perpetuated the memory of Phil Silvers.

The Phil Silvers Show, originally titled You'll Never Get Rich ran on the CBS Television Network from 1955-1959, over four seasons and 143 episodes.

It was first screened by the BBC in 1957, and has featured regularly in their schedules ever since. It is without exception the only black and white comedy series from the 50's to have truly stood the test of time.

During it's original run the show riding high on a sea of critical and public acclaim scooped 5 Emmy awards.

Phil Silvers was a self-confessed Anglophile and adored the admiration the British public bestowed upon him.

Bilko was one of the few shows that refused to use 'canned laughter.' The laughter heard throughout the series is real.

Likewise in an era when TV shunned using black actors Phil insisted his platoon should have a mixture of multicultural faces.

The creator Nat Hiken and his writing team (including Neil Simon) have been cited as the main influence of latter-day classics Seinfeld and Frasier.

US enlistees trebled during the first run of the show. Bilko represented such fun. However the reality was somewhat different!

In 2003 Radio Times voted The Phil Silvers Show as 'the greatest situation comedy of all time' beating Fawlty Towers, Seinfeld and Frasier.

In a recent poll Sgt Bilko was voted 4th most likely candidate for the US Presidency!

Although almost forgotten in his home country Phil Silvers is still revered as a comedy god in the UK.

Famous self confessed Bilko fans past and present include: President Eisenhower, Cary Grant, Eric Morcambe, John Cleese, Robin Williams, Jason Alexander, Nathan Lane, George Cole, Desmond Lynam, Jonathan Ross, Robbie Coltrane, Mike Leigh, Maureen Lipman, Terry Venebles, and Rick Stein.

Phil Silvers influence on the world of comedy can be seen in countless other characters, from James Bolam's Likely Lad to Ronnie Barker's Fletcher to David Jason's Del Boy.

The British Phil Silvers Appreciation Society was the brainchild of Steve Everitt who caught his first Bilko episode (The Empty Store) during the early 1980's. Fellow Bilko fan Mick Clews climbed aboard as cofounder.

Steve befriended Phil Silvers early in 1983 and kept in touch until his passing in 1985.

The Society was officially launched with Phil Silvers blessing on the BBC's Pebble Mill at One programme in October 1985. Phil sneaked a surprise message for his UK fans recorded the night before.

In 1989 as a tribute to Phil the Society organised a 24 hour Bilkothon and raised over £600 for the BBC's Comic Relief charity.

Throughout the 90's the Society perpetuated Phil's memory by appearing on a number of television and radio shows including Noel's Addicts, Collector's Lot, Steve Wright's Afternoon Show and Midlands Today. Steve and Mick also managed to contact many of the surviving actors and crew who worked with Phil during that golden era.

In 1999 Steve managed to sway the decision of the Hollywood committee and the new Millennium proudly witnessed the long overdue unveiling of a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Bilko veterans Allan Melvin (Corporal Henshaw), Tige Andrews (Private Gander) along with Red Buttons, Jason Alexander and the Silvers girls all paid tribute to Phil's genius on that unforgettable day. Johnny Grant presiding master of ceremonies proudly dedicated 1st November 2000 as 'Phil Silvers day' in Hollywood.

Phil's star was placed next to his life long buddy Jack Benny.

2005 was the 50th anniversary of The Phil Silvers Show and the 20th anniversary of Phil's passing. Steve is currently working on a number of book projects and researching an ongoing documentary with Dave Alvarez who heads Primal Pictures in the US.

The Society is also looking at the possibility of launching a campaign for Phil Silvers to be considered for a special posthumous lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards.

And finally plans are in place to return Bilko to its spiritual home at the BBC ... watch this space!

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