Dennis the Menace (TV series) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dennis the Menace |
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CBS promotional title card for Dennis the Menace
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| Genre | Sitcom |
| Created by | Based on the comic strip by Hank Ketcham |
| Starring | Jay North Herbert Anderson Gloria Henry Jeannie Russell Joseph Kearns Gale Gordon Sylvia Field Sara Seegar |
| Theme music composer | William Loose John Seely |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 4 |
| No. of episodes | 146 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Executive producer(s) | Harry Ackerman |
| Producer(s) | James Fonda (1959–61) Winston O'Keefe (1961–63) |
| Running time | 25 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Dariell Productions Screen Gems Hank Ketcham Enterprises |
| Distributor | Screen Gems (1965–1966) Sony Pictures Television |
| Release | |
| Original network | CBS |
| Picture format | Black-and-white |
| Audio format | Monaural |
| Original release | October 4, 1959 – July 7, 1963 |
Dennis the Menace was a popular sitcom (a funny show about everyday life) that aired on CBS. It was based on the famous comic strip by Hank Ketcham. The show ran for four seasons, from 1959 to 1963.
The series starred Jay North as Dennis Mitchell, a well-meaning but often clumsy boy. Herbert Anderson played his dad, Henry, and Gloria Henry was his mom, Alice. Dennis's friends included Tommy Anderson, played by Billy Booth, and Margaret Wade, played by Jeannie Russell.
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About Dennis the Menace
The show followed the adventures of Dennis Mitchell, a happy and energetic boy. He always tried to help others, but his efforts usually led to funny disasters. Most of his mishaps involved his next-door neighbor, Mr. George Wilson.
Meet the Characters
Dennis Mitchell was known for his unique look. He almost always wore a striped T-shirt and bib overalls. He also had a slingshot in his back pocket and a big blond cowlick. Viewers sometimes complained about the slingshot, so it was eventually removed.
Margaret Wade, Dennis's friend, also had a distinct look. She often wore ringlets, eyeglasses, and shiny patent leather shoes. Margaret often wanted to "play house" with Dennis. She would even give him a penny or two if he promised to play with her. If he said no, she might playfully hit him with one of her rag dolls.
The Wilson Family
Joseph Kearns played Dennis's neighbor, George Wilson. Mr. Wilson was a retired man who enjoyed quiet hobbies. He loved gardening, collecting coins, fixing things around the house, and watching birds. Many episodes showed Dennis accidentally messing up Mr. Wilson's peaceful activities. Mr. Wilson also had a small dog named Fremont.
Sadly, Joseph Kearns, the actor who played George Wilson, passed away while the show was still being made. The show explained this by saying Mr. Wilson and his wife, Martha, were taking a long trip. Gale Gordon then joined the cast as John Wilson, George's brother. John moved into their house to take care of it.
Other familiar faces from 1950s TV often appeared in the show. These included Maud Prickett, Irene Tedrow, and Mary Wickes. Even a young Ron Howard appeared in several episodes as Dennis's friend Stewart. At the same time, Ron Howard was also playing Opie Taylor on The Andy Griffith Show.
Why the Show Ended
Dennis the Menace finished its run in 1963. By then, Jay North was 11 years old. He was getting too old to convincingly play the part of a younger Dennis.
Images for kids
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The cast of Dennis the Menace; (clockwise from front center) Jay North, Herbert Anderson, Gloria Henry, Sylvia Field, and Joseph Kearns, 1960
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Jay North as Dennis and Jeannie Russell as Margaret Wade, 1963: In this final fourth season, Dennis no longer wears his trademark overalls.
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Jay North as Dennis and Gale Gordon as John Wilson, 1962
