Smothers Brothers To Video

The Smothers Brothers have been involved, whether in the starring or producing aspect, in several variety series over the span of 1967-1989. None of these series listed below have been released to video in full forms--only snippets for documentary or special broadcast purposes:

"The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" (1967-1969; 1970; 1975; 1988-1989)
"Summer Brothers Smothers Show" (1968) [Smothers-produced]
"Tom Smothers Organic Primetime Space Ride" (1971)
"Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" (1969-1972) [Smothers-produced]

The explanation most commonly given for the lack of release is the issue of clearances. That may be true: some artists and estates may not be willing to give permission for the use of some of the footage recorded on any of these series, and networks may be stubborn to the idea that classics are not wanted. A possible solution to the issue could be to release what is currently available for sale, then add in as time goes along. A good evidence that this solution is viable is the release of Saturday Night Live to video; while no full singular episode (aside from specials, as in the anniversary editions) have been released, much of the series is available for sale [in the form "best of (year or regular's/guest's name)" and the previously mentioned specials]. It can be done.

An attempt to show off the 1967-1969 Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour in nearly full was done on E! Entertainment Television in the middle-90s. Garnered plenty of attention and curiosity, and could have been a first opportunity to release the series,...but for whatever reason, never came to sale. "The Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour" did see some airplay in the early 2000s,...but yet again no sale. Their pre-Comedy Hour sitcom, The Smothers Brothers Show (1965-66), is at least showing some sign of being available on video. While it too is currently unavailable, Amazon.com is checking for potential interest.

Tom and Dick are considered legends in comedy and TV. It would be a shame to see their most easily visible work lost. It's time see some change in the status of Smothers on video...and we'll part with some of ours at the registers.