This American television sitcom was based on the book by the same name written by Mark Toby, and the 1963 movie starring Glenn Ford. Bill Bixby (The Incredible Hulk) portrays successful magazine editor Tom Corbett, who has unexpectedly become widowed by his wife's recent death, leaving him to single-handedly raise his young energetic six-year-old son, Eddie (Brandon Cruz, Bad News Bears). Creator-producer James Komack plays Tom's partner and art director as Eddie's "Uncle" Norm. Tina Rickles (Kristina Holland, Wait Till Your Father Gets Home) plays Tom's secretary, and the Corbett's housekeeper Mrs. Livingston (Miyoshi Umeki, The Flower Drum Song) lends stability and sage advice to the family.
Each episode is always introduced with Eddie and his father enjoying each other's company and spending quality time, together with Corbett answering questions posed by Eddie. The title song "Best Friend" was written and performed by Harry Nilsson and was the background for these intro segments. The writing focuses on Tom's influence on his son's life and some problems that this could cause with Eddie's perspective.
Actor-director Bixby was known for his roles in My Favorite Martian, The Courtship of Eddie's Father, The Magician, and for his iconic role as scientist Dr. David Banner in The Incredible Hulk. Comedy creator James Komack was responsible for this series, as well as being known for TV sitcoms Welcome Back, Kotter and Chico and the Man. The Courtship of Eddie's Father: The Complete Third Season features two episodes with the comedy team of Anne Meara and Jerry Stiller, while Rat Packer Sammy Davis Jr., Sally Struthers, Carol Lawrence and Pat Harrington Jr. are just a few of the other actors appearing in this season.
Bixby's and Komack's direction intentions clashed, and unfortunately for their viewers, they decided to end the series. However, it has been mentioned that other episodes were filmed but never released. I know fans would definitely be willing to add to their series should these episodes be uncovered and offered to the public. The Warner Archive Collection has released all three seasons on DVD as part of their manufacture on demand (MOD) program and can be purchased from WBshop.com at the link below. I find The Courtship of Eddie's Father: The Complete Third Season very entertaining. I thought the show was great family fun, and feel very fortunate that Warner Bros. released all available episodes.
Bill Bixby was a beloved actor and a great role model for fathers and their sons. This complete series touches on questions on morality and social interaction with great sensitivity and delicacy. Bill Bixby brought the best of family entertainment and The Courtship of Eddie's Father was a positive light-hearted roadmap for concerned parents. This series will enrich your family DVD library and bring countless hours of laughter and joy.
