My children (one 12, the other 15) got heavily into watching old episodes of Columbo. One of the things they noticed was the incredible amount of smoking and drinking that went on in those shows.
I was a huge Columbo fan when I was a teenager, back in the first half of the '70s. I didn't even notice it back than, but in virtually every scene, some or all of the characters were smoking cigarettes, and of course the Lieutenant always had his trademark cheap cigar.
Not only that, but the characters were often drinking (particularly the villian), and even if they weren't, there would be a sideboard or cabinet full of liquor bottles and glasses in the frame. Perhaps it was a product-placement thing, but you couldn't see any labels (although you could sometimes identify characteristic bottle shapes).
The producers seemed to think that having whisky (and ice and glasses) at the ready at all times was an indicator of wealth and success.
Part of the "good life" as defined in the post-war era.
-— The producers seemed to think that having whisky (and ice and glasses) at the ready at all times was an indicator of wealth and success.-—
It was! I remember the sixties, early 70’s secular dream well. White shoes and belt. Polyester ensemble. Steak and potato restaurant meals. Whiskey and cigarettes. A Caddy and a country club membership.
Did I miss anything?
As far as being materially satisfied, it’s a pretty good list, aside from the polyester, vinyl, and ciggys.
I’d like to go back.
BTW, I’ve gone through the Columbo series with my teenage daughters. They loved it. I enjoyed the same anachronisms.
Did you see the pilot from ‘68? A classic, particularly Columbo’s talk with the values-free behavioral psychologist. We’ve reaped the whirlwind.
I love Columbo, as do my children and grandchildren. Yes there was a lot of smoking and drinking going on in those days both off and on TV. But did your children notice that there was very little nudity, couples were one man, one woman, children’s mother was a female, their father a male, there was an absence of vulgar language and off TV the actors and actresses looked pretty much like they did on TV?
A fav of my son’s when he was young was Groucho Marx and What’s My Line. I loved Amos and Andy when I was young and I really wish they would bring Archie Bunker and Sanford & Son back.
I don’t recall telling my children that they couldn’t watch something on TV but I have a whole lot of channels blocked on my current program listing which my grandsons are not permitted to watch. Even I don’t watch them!
I remember, especially in detective shows, the characters always walked over to the liquor bottles on their credenzas and poured themselves a drink - with ice from their ice buckets - just like EVERYONE did at home and in their offices in real life! LOL! It’s one touch that gives Mad Men the authenticity of a 60’s drama. And the secretaries smoking at their desks.