@@therealmciver3761 Rubbish. You missed out, Fawlty Towers, Dad's Army, The Royle Family, The League of Gentlemen, Porridge, Blackadder. The list goes on.
We used to go around in high school saying that outloud imitating him when some one would do something hardly worth it.."I dropped my pencil..." someone would put their hand over their heart and go "It's the Big One Elizabeth, I'm comin;'home honey...I doppred my pencil, it's over..." Someone else would say "Lamont, you dummy, pick up the pencil..." etc etc. A very popular show in the 1970's
@thomastimlin1724 drove our mother crazy, three boys doing heart attacks and hollering her name, which was in fact Elisabeth. The old man got a kick out of it.
One of my favorite exchanges was Esther said, "You cant get me down because i have the spirit of Christmas!" To which Fred replies, "And the face of Halloween"
The wonderful LaWanda Page, a good friend of Redd Foxx and sharp-witted comedienne, played Aunt Esther as a perfect foil. She was Foxx's first and only choice to play Esther, knowing the two could perform this kind of back-and-forth perfectly. Those of us who remember Sanford and Son fondly couldn't imagine the show with Esther.
The other show with similar banter is Married with Children. Al Bundy was always quick with snapping people in two especially his wife and the neighbour.
If I'm not mistaken they are in Watts, California but Fred is from St Louis. Fred and Lamont ran a junk yard, and they lived there as well. Funny fact, my last name is Sanford and my Grand Fathers name was Fred Sanford. I remember so many prank calls when I stayed with them, people calling and wanting to talk to Aunt Esther or Lamont.
4:05 "They Do Not Like Each Other" Interesting Fact for you, Britt: While Fred and Esther didn't like each other, Redd Foxx, who played Fred, and Lawanda Page, who played Esther, were actually the best of friends in real-life
LaWanda Page, and Redd Fox had been friends from childhood,my reading indicates they had fun with the exchange of barbs-speaking of fisheads- one of Esther's names for Fred was "Fish eyed old fool "- that was a great show.
this is a top 5 sitcom of all time, I grew up on this, "all in the family" "Barney Miller" "taxi" "three's company" "dukes of hazard" "m.a.s.h." and "love boat"
Loved Sanford & Son. Fred was chronically cranky but every time he’d get upset and say, “I’m coming Elizabeth!” “It’s the big one!”, I would die laughing. 😂😂😂 Also, I used to listen to his comedy albums. The man was absolutely filthy but hilarious.
Elizabeth is Fred’s wife. She is deceased. Esther is Elizabeth’s sister. The ongoing feud between Esther and Fred is because her and Elizabeth’s family never approved of Fred and Elizabeth’s marriage because they didn’t like Fred and his ways. So, now they’re going at each other and it’s Fred that is mostly on the offensive.
That was probably part of it too, the Bible thumper thing, and that was another thing, Elizabeth married him, and not another Christian person. She’s religious, and is really enthusiastic about it, and was probably trying to convert him, or at least to get him to change his ways. Fred isn’t that way, and probably gets annoyed with her constantly bringing it up, but feels an obligation to her as she’s the sister in law.
I would highly recommend you take it upon yourself to watch this show. This was when TV actually had GOOD shows on and those shows had great writers and characters.
This show was the Americanized version of a popular British show called Steptoe and Son. The old man and his son living together, the old man is junk dealer and etc. In the British version his son used to call him a dirty old man all the time. now, flashback to the Beatles first movie, a A Hard Days Night in 1964. The actor that portrayed Steptoe was Wilfrid Bramble. He was hired to play Paul McCartney's grandfather in the Beatles movie. Everyone in the movie kept calling him a "Clean Old Man." In America, we didn't get the joke for decades... Redd Foxx was a top notch comedian. His show lasted 5 or 6 years. Dean Martin, singer who had his own show and did specials where they would roast [make fun ] of a celebrity, often invited any African American comedians and stars on the show, including LaWanda Page who plays Aunt Esther. Martin apparently liked all these fellow actors onthe same NBS network, and comedians and knew they would bring something great to the table. Also on Dean's was Nipsey Russell [a regular...Martin obvioulsy worked with him a lot in Las Vegas], sports figures like Mohammed Ali, comedians like Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, many others. I miss these days. Lawanda Page was a comedian, dancer, actress and could hold her own very well.. Born in 1920, passed away 2022, same age and death year my dad.
For me personally, this was one of the greatest shows ever. I grew up to this show in the 70s. Comedy was great back then. Sanford and son, the Jefferson and All in the Family were great TV shows. Not a single one of those shows would make it today and that’s sad
And, crazy as it seems he bit the big one on a comdey routine in front of a live audience died right there in front of everyone. Instant death from a massive heart attack. RIP BUD!!
I grew up watching this it is funny as all get out I have a dvd set of all the episodes watch it often Fred and Eshter at each other is part of what makes it so funny
I remember having to adjust the rabbit ear antenna to clear up the picture for this show when I was a kid for my Dad.... and him yelling "no the other way ya big dummy" and laughing together.
Redd Foxx (Fred) insisted that LaWanda Page (Aunt Esther) be cast in the role or he would pull the entire show. She had been a stand-up comedian, but had little acting experience. This show was brilliant! I love it!
I grew up watching this show. One of my favorites. If you want to see more Redd Foxx (the dad) check out the movie Harlem Nights. That movie also stars Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor.
I’m just now starting to watch this and I had to jump in the comments.. Quincy Jones wrote the theme song to this show. It’s cool and kinda funky. And yes this is kinda like All in the Family. I grew up watching both shows, so I couldn’t wait to watch this reaction. And you’re right. They don’t write shows like this anymore.
their arguments were the 70's versions of the dozens cutting each other down. as much as they seem to hate each other they are family and deep down they do care about each other. you know what they say family can push your buttons better than anyone else because they installed them.
It's more about Esther being the hated Sister in law that tried to come between Fred and his wife/her sister all the time, until she passed away. Fred doesn't like her and she knows it, but she is that one person who insists on coming around anyway, even though she knows she's not welcome.
Some of these people were life long friends of Redd Fox. In the late 60's I lived in Vegas. Was at the Sands Hotel in the casino and Redd Fox came in with 4 beautiful woman and his body guards. He was dressed to the nines. That man had real style.
Loved your reaction. I remember this program fondly from when it was first aired. I have read that Redd Foxx and LaWanda Page were childhood friends and it was Foxx that pitched hard for her to be cast as "Aunt Esther." Their comedic chemistry was peerless. Page had been a stand-up comedian for decades and was known for her "blue" act, something Foxx was famous for as well. If you can find any of Redd Foxx's old stand-up, it's worth watching. He was an original.
The problem with current comedy is that there is so much "Big Brother" censoring everything that it gets watered down to the point that nobody cares... it's just flat. If you can find Britt reacting/reviewing or just digging up the good stuff and keeping us amused, we'll be fine. I love it. Thanks Britt!!!
they live in Watts , Watts is a neighborhood in southern Los Angeles, California. It is located within the South Los Angeles region, bordering the cities of Lynwood, Huntington Park and South Gate to the east and southeast, respectively, and the unincorporated community of Willowbrook to the south
I just realized when you said this show reminded you of another show and I think I got it. Married with Children. AL talks to his wife like Fred talks to his sister in law. Same flow and everything. I think this was funnier though.
Redd Foxx wanted LaWanda Page to play the part of Aunt Esther but the producers didn't want her and he wasn't going to do the show with her so he worked with her to help her read her parts for the show. They were really close friends.
In 2019, Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel produced a live episode of All in the Family and The Jeffersons before a studio audience. Woody Harrelson played Archie Bunker and Jamie Foxx played George Jefferson. Some of the other characters were played by Kerry Washington Will Ferrell, Wanda Sykes, Marisa Tormei, Sean Hayes, Jackee Harry and others. It was very good.
Did you know this show is a remake of a British show called "Steptoe and Son", which is about a crude old British junk dealer and his son? You should check it out and compare.
It is hilarious watching you get what Sanford and Son is about 😂😂 about to watch your part 2&3.. Truly appreciate your personality, demeanor + smart perspective young Sis ✌🏿
That is one of the funniest shows that was ever on TV!! All of the Cast were amazing!!! They could come up with fresh new insults every week and I would laugh until I hurt every week!!!! I could not wait for it come on every week!!!! I wish you could do a deep dive into watching it sometime. one of the Greatest of all time!
One of the top 5 greatest sitcoms ever
For me Top 3
Don't you mean Steptoe & Son? Also, what about Dad's Army?
The Jeffersons
Sanford n Son
Everybody Loves Raymond
Married with Children
Friends
I like Steptoe and Son but hate Dads Army.
@@therealmciver3761 Rubbish. You missed out, Fawlty Towers, Dad's Army, The Royle Family, The League of Gentlemen, Porridge, Blackadder. The list goes on.
Elizabeth (Fred's wife) passed away. Fred talks to her when he fakes heart attacks. It's the big one Elizabeth.
We used to go around in high school saying that outloud imitating him when some one would do something hardly worth it.."I dropped my pencil..." someone would put their hand over their heart and go "It's the Big One Elizabeth, I'm comin;'home honey...I doppred my pencil, it's over..." Someone else would say "Lamont, you dummy, pick up the pencil..." etc etc. A very popular show in the 1970's
Always loved when he did "the big one".
@thomastimlin1724 drove our mother crazy, three boys doing heart attacks and hollering her name, which was in fact Elisabeth. The old man got a kick out of it.
Esther was vying for the title of "Mrs Watts Business Wife".
@@ctmtuberThat's absolutely hilarious. 😂
My favorite Fred joke: "Esther, you should stick your face in some dough and make gorilla cookies". 😂🤣
My favorite is when Esther said she has inner beauty. And Fred tells her than you should put your liver where your face is🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@kzfive hahaha 😂
One of my favorite exchanges was Esther said, "You cant get me down because i have the spirit of Christmas!" To which Fred replies, "And the face of Halloween"
The wonderful LaWanda Page, a good friend of Redd Foxx and sharp-witted comedienne, played Aunt Esther as a perfect foil. She was Foxx's first and only choice to play Esther, knowing the two could perform this kind of back-and-forth perfectly. Those of us who remember Sanford and Son fondly couldn't imagine the show with Esther.
And, correct me if I’m wrong, I believe Redd refused to do the show without her.
Red Foxx knew LaWanda Page when he was a standup and LaWanda Page was a dancer. I forget if she used to dance with a snake or fire. I
Redd Foxx would squint his eyes to keep him from laughing at LaWanda Page during filming. It was the only way he could get through scenes with her.
@@johnrogan9729there is a great interview with Lawanda Paige talking about how it went down. Redd and Lawanda had been childhood friends.
Wanda Page was quite a renowned singer.
As you can imagine, Esther disapproved of her sister marrying Fred. They've been adversaries ever since.
Woody wears the pants in the family.... and Esther tells him which pants to wear. LOL
The other show with similar banter is Married with Children. Al Bundy was always quick with snapping people in two especially his wife and the neighbour.
It's not a junkyard; it's An Empire😊
One day, it will all be Lamont's.
😅😅😅😅
Not sure which show you can't remember Britt, but for me, this back and forth with the zingers reminds me of Married with Children.
Yeah I thought she might of been thinking about Al and Marcy too.
Or maybe The Jeffersons🤷🏾♀️
If I'm not mistaken they are in Watts, California but Fred is from St Louis. Fred and Lamont ran a junk yard, and they lived there as well. Funny fact, my last name is Sanford and my Grand Fathers name was Fred Sanford. I remember so many prank calls when I stayed with them, people calling and wanting to talk to Aunt Esther or Lamont.
Red Foxx one of the original goats and bluest comedians stand up. He came before Richard Pryor, and Eddie Murphy. He was the greatest.
LaWanda Page (Aunt Ester) cussed like a sailor too on stage.
I agree!
Just wait until you meet Fred's "friends" Grady and Bubba. I always love the way Lamont tries to keep Fred acting proper.
and Lamont's friend Rollo
Grady was always awesome.
The two cops. The white dude was hilariously stupid. 😂😂😂
4:05
"They Do Not Like Each Other"
Interesting Fact for you, Britt:
While Fred and Esther didn't like each other, Redd Foxx, who played Fred, and Lawanda Page, who played Esther, were actually the best of friends in real-life
Interesting fact, Dick York and Agnes Moorehead from Bewitched were friends in real life also.
@@glenerickson358 I didn't realize that
That's often the way it goes with these onscreen rivalries.
LaWanda Page, and Redd Fox had been friends from childhood,my reading indicates they had fun with the exchange of barbs-speaking of fisheads- one of Esther's names for Fred was "Fish eyed old fool "- that was a great show.
Martin (Martin vs Pam) and Living Single (Max vs Kyle) were the 90’s shows that had this back forth dynamic.
I watched this show every week as a kid in the 70s! I always loved when Aunt Esther and Fred would bicker. She always got him good!
this is a top 5 sitcom of all time, I grew up on this, "all in the family" "Barney Miller" "taxi" "three's company" "dukes of hazard" "m.a.s.h." and "love boat"
Aunt Esther was an accomplished comic in her own right
Loved Sanford & Son. Fred was chronically cranky but every time he’d get upset and say, “I’m coming Elizabeth!” “It’s the big one!”, I would die laughing. 😂😂😂 Also, I used to listen to his comedy albums. The man was absolutely filthy but hilarious.
5:08 Martin is the show you're probably thinking about because Martin and Pam relationship had this exact same dynamic to it.
My favorite slam of hers on Fred was, "you old fish-eyed fool!"
Elizabeth is Fred’s wife. She is deceased. Esther is Elizabeth’s sister. The ongoing feud between Esther and Fred is because her and Elizabeth’s family never approved of Fred and Elizabeth’s marriage because they didn’t like Fred and his ways. So, now they’re going at each other and it’s Fred that is mostly on the offensive.
Yes! Thank you for answering Britt's question.
That was probably part of it too, the Bible thumper thing, and that was another thing, Elizabeth married him, and not another Christian person. She’s religious, and is really enthusiastic about it, and was probably trying to convert him, or at least to get him to change his ways. Fred isn’t that way, and probably gets annoyed with her constantly bringing it up, but feels an obligation to her as she’s the sister in law.
They were very good friends. Both comedians and highly intelligent. ❤
I would highly recommend you take it upon yourself to watch this show. This was when TV actually had GOOD shows on and those shows had great writers and characters.
70’s tv was fantastic. All races watched all the shows. We were all in on the jokes and we all shared laughs talking about the shows .
This show was the Americanized version of a popular British show called Steptoe and Son. The old man and his son living together, the old man is junk dealer and etc. In the British version his son used to call him a dirty old man all the time. now, flashback to the Beatles first movie, a A Hard Days Night in 1964. The actor that portrayed Steptoe was Wilfrid Bramble. He was hired to play Paul McCartney's grandfather in the Beatles movie. Everyone in the movie kept calling him a "Clean Old Man." In America, we didn't get the joke for decades... Redd Foxx was a top notch comedian. His show lasted 5 or 6 years. Dean Martin, singer who had his own show and did specials where they would roast [make fun ] of a celebrity, often invited any African American comedians and stars on the show, including LaWanda Page who plays Aunt Esther. Martin apparently liked all these fellow actors onthe same NBS network, and comedians and knew they would bring something great to the table. Also on Dean's was Nipsey Russell [a regular...Martin obvioulsy worked with him a lot in Las Vegas], sports figures like Mohammed Ali, comedians like Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor, many others. I miss these days. Lawanda Page was a comedian, dancer, actress and could hold her own very well.. Born in 1920, passed away 2022, same age and death year my dad.
For me personally, this was one of the greatest shows ever. I grew up to this show in the 70s. Comedy was great back then. Sanford and son, the Jefferson and All in the Family were great TV shows. Not a single one of those shows would make it today and that’s sad
These old classics would certainly make it today. It's just that those in control would never produce it.
@@billbennett9537also don't have the comedic talents to pull those off tho like the original did
And, crazy as it seems he bit the big one on a comdey routine in front of a live audience died right there in front of everyone. Instant death from a massive heart attack. RIP BUD!!
This was an American remake of the classic British sitcom: Steptoe and Son.
I grew up watching this it is funny as all get out I have a dvd set of all the episodes watch it often Fred and Eshter at each other is part of what makes it so funny
Fred was hilarious 😂 SO WAS Aunt Ester 🤣
Fred’s not awful.. he’s AWESOME!! 😂
You have a great smile, laugh and personality. Oh, and wit.
I remember having to adjust the rabbit ear antenna to clear up the picture for this show when I was a kid for my Dad.... and him yelling "no the other way ya big dummy" and laughing together.
Greatest rivalry ever
One of the greatest shows ever!! I Love Fred and his fights with Ester.
One of the funniest shows ever!! 😂😂😂
My favorite show of all time!
She said she was going to enter “Mrs. Watts Business Wife” contest. Watts was black part of South Los Angeles.
"you ole heathen, you"
Back in her youth, LaWanda Page was an exotic dancer. She sustained burns when a fire act went wrong.
Redd Foxx is being restrained here due to it being a TV show.
You should check out some of his stand up routines.
This was one of my favorite shows growing up. Love Lamont, Grady, Aunt Esther. I still say "I'm coming to ya Elizabeth!"
Best theme song ever!!!
It was by Quincy Jones.
I'd put it in the top five, maybe even two. Hawaii Five-O number one. The title of the Sanford and Son theme is The Streetbeater
Growing up this show and the Jeffersons was my favorite.
Loved this show and so did my Grandpa. He would just laugh and laugh at Fred and Esther
My favorite Fredism: "Elizabeth was pure as the driven snow, and you're looking at the only driver she ever had!"
Many people don't accept the old school bantering. The world is SOFT these days and don't understand it in a comedic way of getting points across.
Aunt Ester's real name was LaWanda Page she was a very famous dancer, singer,actress, and comedian in her own right.
Also she was a fire eater. They were the best of friends, LaWanda and Redd. I saw Redd Foxx's show in Las Vegas he one original blue comic.
Redd Foxx (Fred) insisted that LaWanda Page (Aunt Esther) be cast in the role or he would pull the entire show. She had been a stand-up comedian, but had little acting experience. This show was brilliant! I love it!
Brings me way back. This show was "must see TV" in the 70's. For all of America.
I grew up watching this show.
One of my favorites.
If you want to see more Redd Foxx (the dad) check out the movie Harlem Nights.
That movie also stars Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor.
I’m just now starting to watch this and I had to jump in the comments.. Quincy Jones wrote the theme song to this show. It’s cool and kinda funky. And yes this is kinda like All in the Family. I grew up watching both shows, so I couldn’t wait to watch this reaction. And you’re right. They don’t write shows like this anymore.
Comedians like Gary Chandling and Richard Pryor wrote for this show.
And Jay Leno wrote some of the shows for Good Times.
They don't make shows like this anymore because they would be canceled before the pilot episode could be filmed...This was def one of the best shows!!
their arguments were the 70's versions of the dozens cutting each other down. as much as they seem to hate each other they are family and deep down they do care about each other. you know what they say family can push your buttons better than anyone else because they installed them.
One of my favorite shows.
Finally! This is awesome! I knew you would love this!
I grew up on this show. i can hear the theme song in my head now.
This show was awesome for everyone to watch
Red Foxx was one of the funniest comics of all time. His albums were pretty raunchy as well.
11:55
"Is His Kinda Lou Rawls?"
You're thinking of Louie Armstrong, Britt
Yup.
It's more about Esther being the hated Sister in law that tried to come between Fred and his wife/her sister all the time, until she passed away. Fred doesn't like her and she knows it, but she is that one person who insists on coming around anyway, even though she knows she's not welcome.
Loved watching this in the 70s!!!
Some of these people were life long friends of Redd Fox. In the late 60's I lived in Vegas. Was at the Sands Hotel in the casino and Redd Fox came in with 4 beautiful woman and his body guards. He was dressed to the nines. That man had real style.
Fred was brutal to all the characters on his show 💯
WE LOVE FRED G. SANFORD ❣️
Loved your reaction. I remember this program fondly from when it was first aired. I have read that Redd Foxx and LaWanda Page were childhood friends and it was Foxx that pitched hard for her to be cast as "Aunt Esther." Their comedic chemistry was peerless. Page had been a stand-up comedian for decades and was known for her "blue" act, something Foxx was famous for as well. If you can find any of Redd Foxx's old stand-up, it's worth watching. He was an original.
The problem with current comedy is that there is so much "Big Brother" censoring everything that it gets watered down to the point that nobody cares... it's just flat. If you can find Britt reacting/reviewing or just digging up the good stuff and keeping us amused, we'll be fine. I love it. Thanks Britt!!!
10:38 I could be wrong but it sounds like are describing Al Bundy from Married with Children
It was a funny shows
😮
Aunt Easter was hilarious
Watching this on syndication as a child with my father
Some of my best childhood memories
50 year old dude here I grew up on this I loved me some Redd Foxx dude was brilliant..
The Jeffersons.. George and Florence back and forth arguements where classic!! ❤️😂❤️😂
they live in Watts , Watts is a neighborhood in southern Los Angeles, California. It is located within the South Los Angeles region, bordering the cities of Lynwood, Huntington Park and South Gate to the east and southeast, respectively, and the unincorporated community of Willowbrook to the south
My all time favorite show. Redd Foxx was hilarious
I just realized when you said this show reminded you of another show and I think I got it. Married with Children. AL talks to his wife like Fred talks to his sister in law. Same flow and everything. I think this was funnier though.
5:10 Are you thinking of "Married With Children"? Insult humor was the essence of that show. o
Sanford and Son was the best show of that time! I loved watching it and Murder She Wrote back in the day with my grandma. 🙏🏽
I haven't seen S&S in so long. I'm looking forward to this.
Redd Foxx wanted LaWanda Page to play the part of Aunt Esther but the producers didn't want her and he wasn't going to do the show with her so he worked with her to help her read her parts for the show. They were really close friends.
There are so many off the chain comments between Fred and Aunt Esther.....you do not even have enough time to hear them all
😂🤣😅
One of my favorite shows when I was young. I still walk around saying "It's the big one Elizabeth."
1:57
"Is This His Sister?"
Actually, Britt, Esther, is Fred's sister-in-law
Funny thing is Fred and Esther were very good friends in real life
In 2019, Norman Lear and Jimmy Kimmel produced a live episode of All in the Family and The Jeffersons before a studio audience. Woody Harrelson played Archie Bunker and Jamie Foxx played George Jefferson. Some of the other characters were played by Kerry Washington Will Ferrell, Wanda Sykes, Marisa Tormei, Sean Hayes, Jackee Harry and others. It was very good.
There will never be a better sitcom than Sanford & Son
Did you know this show is a remake of a British show called "Steptoe and Son", which is about a crude old British junk dealer and his son?
You should check it out and compare.
Good old days my favorite though is all in the family best show ever
Married With Children had a grumpy lead, so did All in the Family, as well as the Jeffersons.
Please do Fred Goes to Traffic Court- one of the funniest scenes in tv history
ruclips.net/video/U1ssxUxyaG0/видео.htmlsi=-C-3o6qbf1mv1GlD
It is hilarious watching you get what Sanford and Son is about 😂😂 about to watch your part 2&3.. Truly appreciate your personality, demeanor + smart perspective young Sis ✌🏿
This was the show I (and many others) looked forward to every week. Always funny.
2:31
"Elizabeth Is The Mom, Where Is She?"
Elizabeth is deceased
That is one of the funniest shows that was ever on TV!! All of the Cast were amazing!!! They could come up with fresh new insults every week and I would laugh until I hurt every week!!!! I could not wait for it come on every week!!!! I wish you could do a deep dive into watching it sometime. one of the Greatest of all time!
I grew up with this. Love! The theme is a banger - written by Quincy Jones!
We all have an Aunt Ester - Thank GOD for our Uncle Fred's.
You gotta meet Lamont’s friends 😂
I'm 55. My parents loved this show. I have fond memories of watching it with them. Love it!
Freds wife died if you watch other episodes you will see him having a heart attack and praying and telling Elisibeth he is coming to join her..lol.