I would love to purchase copies of the "Fort Baxter journal". Are any still available out there and if so how can I obtain them? I would really like the full set if possible but individual copies would be acceptable.

Got the Complete Box set for my Birthday. Phil Silvers was a Childhood hero slowly watching "The Great Man" in action again. What A Comic Talent ! Every episode a Great Memory of a Great Talent! Phil may be gone but will never be forgotten! A "Legend & a Genius"!

Thanks Mike! Couldn't hold out any longer, and ordered a copy of the Box Set today. My understanding after checking around, is that Medium Rare (UK) have simply transferred the Shou Factory (USA) print from NTSC format to PAL. So whilst (in theory anyway), Film > PAL may have been better than Film > NTSC > PAL (as it's one step closer to the original format), I'm not going to let that spoil my enjoyment after a 30+ year wait! Also, contents / bonus features are IDENTICAL. Okay, on with the fun! Get a shift on, Mr. Postman!

I am now 49 yrs old and can remember as a kid watching the Sgt Bilko show with my father rolling in laughter on the settee next to me. I recently watched six episodes again on DVD and unlike most tv shows from the time, the comedy is still fresh and not dated and I can only put that down to the great talent that Phil brought to the show - it is truly unique a relevant reflection on the past to all when the bad guys were good at heart and bloody funny as well = roll on 2015 and lets hope the BBC see sense and let another generation see these great shows

Thanks for the wonderful fan site!!

@ Charles Hodgson: I haven't screened the UK version, but I CAN vouch for the US Region 1 NTSC set - it's absolutely sublime. Got it a month early in a special offer from the publisher, and have been gobbling up episodes like popcorn ever since. I'm positive the UK set is using the same quality prints: perfect picture and sound, uncut episodes. You can't go wrong. The only ones who may have a legitimate complaint are my neighbors, who are probably sick of hearing me laughing my head off!

I've just discovered the show is being aired on forces tv in the uk and can be seen via both sky and virgin. It's timeless and quite simply the funniest TV show of all time.

Just bought the complete Sgt Bilko shows. Absolutely brilliant. Hope BBC 4 can be persuaded to show them so that a whole new generation can enjoy the show and in particular Phil Silvers performance

Just come across this website after reading about the Complete DVD Box Set, and watching 'Carry On Follow That Camel' over the weekend! Phil as Bilko was the greatest TV comedy of all time, and I've been hoping for a proper full collection for many years. Great to find out it is now out of Time-Life purgatory at last. I would certainly have signed the petition if I'd come by here sooner, sorry. I know there will be many episodes which were not broadcast by the BBC (and which I have therefore never seen), which is incredibly exciting.

I will definitely be buying this very soon in any case, but (boring bit!) could you let me know if this set does proper justice quality wise? Also, are the US/UK versions identical (except for the artwork, of course!), and if there is anything to recommend one over the other? Many thanks!

Love the website & ecstatic over the release of the complete Bilko episodes. Loved them as a kid and have been surviving on the paltry prior dvd releases. I shall savour every episode.

Great news on the DVD. Been many years since I have seen Bilko but it used to be mandatory viewing late nights on BBC2 - he's sadly absent over here in NZ.

My dad got me watching Phi Silvers when I was a kid, I'm 56 now and its as funny now as it was then........PURE CLASS

Great to meet you last week and all the very best for the future. Looking forward to the DVD Box Set !

Hi Mick and Steve,

This is a marvelous site, well done.

Nice meeting you both

Derek

Delighted to meet you and Cathy Silvers at NFT last night. I gave a talk on Bilko to a book club last April.Has anyone ever tried writing Bilko fan fiction?

entire complete series to be released
check amazon us

The greatest improviser of one line rebuttals, a vibrant personality and a good heart

One of the most talented comedy actors ever,it no surprise his shows were rerun for so long on BBC2 as I remember. Good to know that they may show some more Bilkos next year.

A wonderful memory from my childhood. Rarely missed a show.

A long time fan of The wonderful Sgt. Bilko show, I was once regaling my native New Yorker friend about some of my favorite episodes. "Musselman's Law" came up, and it was then from my friend that I learned where "Musselman's Law" got its name. According to my friend, Musselman's Applesauce was /is a staple which could be found in almost every Jewish kitchen in New York, probably including Nat Hiken's, Phil's and all of his writers.

I first started watching Sgt bilko about 40 years ago and was totaly hooked we only had three chanels back then not the 6000 we have now ......i saw you in it's a mad mad world and thought what a talent this guy has got i would be drawn into your kwick witted acting and sillyness. you have always been my alltime comedy hero I have your autobiagraphy THE MAN WHO WAS BILKO which i don't want to read as i don't want to bend the pages stupid i know .. i have all the phil silvers show (Sgt bilko) episodes and a few films.. mad mad.. carry on... you are a guy i would love to have met just to have half an hour with a true comic legend

Always loved The Phil Silvers Show. It was funny then and it's funny now.

I love his old shows and sense of humor. His old shows are still broadcast here (Portland Maine). Hope they never stop.

I came across two interesting articles on Phil within the excellent Kliph Nesteroff comedy website.

Firstly, an interview with comedian Bobby Ramsen mentions a pilot that was completed by Phil (including Ramsen) in 1951. Ramsen emphasised that "Television" was desperate to utilise Phil and searched for numerous vehicles until he was teamed with Nat Hiken. This anecdote reinforces Jack Benny's comment to Phil: "that Television will come looking for you." However, it appears to puncture the widely accepted view of Hubbell Robinson Jr "spotting" Phil as an mc at an event with government big-wigs in 1954. Any views on this would be welcome.

The second interesting fact was an interview with Ben Starr (writer on "The New Phil Silvers Show") who advised that writing for Phil was a wonderful experience and that he was one of the sweetest stars he encountered. Let's forget that Starr occasionally wrote for the Stalin of comedians, Red Buttions!

Regards as ever to Mick and Steve

Hello,

I am a die hard Phil Silvers/Bilko fan from across the pond. I have been collecting Phil memorabilia for some time now and about 15 years ago I came into a possession of what i think is a very rare piece. However I'm not sure of it's origins. Maybe someone can help?

It appears to be a brass bust of Phil as Sgt. Bilko approximately 7 inches high and 3 1/2 inches across. It is very heavy and says Phil Silvers or Bust - "The Phil Silvers Show" - Winner of 8 Emmys - Sponsored by Ronzoni.

My guess is it was given to someone at CBS...possibly by the sponsor. I also would wager that it dates back to the late 1950's. I can send photos.

I was thinking of selling it so if anyone could help please let me know.

Thanks for your comments. The busts were handed out as commemorative pieces when the show was sold into syndication, Ronzoni being one of a handful of show sponsors. If you are looking to sell then please contact us again here...

Growing up in cairo in the 1960s, english TV shows were at a premium, and those that we did get to watch were invariably dubbed into arabic. For reasons that I still have not been able to fathom, perhaps it could be that egyptian censors were totally unable to comprehend Sgt. Bilko's wickedly wonderful sense of humour, the show was broadcast in english. And that for me started a lifelong love affair with what in my humble opinion is one of the funniest TV serials to have been broadcast ever. I have lived in the UK since the early 1980s and i cant wait for the next round of repeats! i must confess though that the movie was a bit of a disappointment and did not do justice the great Sergeant. May he forever rest in peace.

Great story Anwar....so good to know the Old Sarge travels so well!!

Thanks for a great website and many happy memories. I have always loved Phil and the Bilko show. Like many others I fondly remember staying up late as a teenager to watch the BBC2 repeats.

Thanks again and Happy New Year to Phil / Bilko fans / devotees everywhere.

I have been a fan ever since I discovered the Phil Silvers show in my teens. Great to see that I'm not the only one with such a deep appreciation for the funniest show ever made! - Stephen C. of Hilton Head, South Carolina, USA

Had the great pleasure of meeting you two boys at Memorabilia recently. What a joy it was to find your display amongst a sea of the usual sci-fi and comics! Your stall was marvellous and the love and affection you obviously have for Phil was truly heartwarming. I love your website, so informative. Keep up the fantastic work!

Many, many thanks for your kind words Albert!

He was one of the all time comedy greats. For me his best role will always be Sgt Bilko

Bilko; you're still remembered fondly.

a pure classic comedy that is as sharp and witty today as when first broadcast

what a wonderful site.ive loved sgt bilko since i was a child.and could watch each episode over and over for a lifetime.god bless you phil X

Hi , Glad I have found you. Thought it has folded after no contact and Mag. Lets get 2-3-4 released.
Cheers Chris.

Hi Chris....Steve and I remember you! Glad u found us! We never really went away - just embraced the new technology! PS - Be sure to join us on Facebook!

Pure comedy genius. Sadly missed.

One of my favorite shows from yesteryear.

So thrilled to discover this fan appreciation site! So many years later my Great Uncle Phil is still being awed. He was the the original!! A forerunner to so many of the comedy sitcoms we have today. But it was clean, pure, and pardon the pun - unadulterated fun and humor. Wish the writers of today would take a page from the past for humor to actually be funny. And that cursing doesn't mean something is funny. Anyway...glad to see Phil being honored in this way!!! Thanks!!

Simply the best comedy ever!

I've been watching Bilko for well over 50 years, from the original UK airings to the DVD releases, and it's still as funny now as it was in the 50's. The site is a wonderful mine of information about most of the characters in the show, but I can't seem to find any biographic material on Fender. Is there a reason for this, or is it just that I'm looking in the wrong place?

Anyway, a great site, performing a vital function in helping to keep the memory of Bilko and his platoon alive. Long may you prosper.

Thanks for your comments Tam. Work is ongoing on Herbie's bio along with bios of other cast members and will be posted to the site shortly.

I will watch these episodes until the day I die.Head and shoulders above any past,current and [probably ]future sitcoms!! Comic genius at its best!!!

The Phil Silvers Show was without doubt the greatest TV comedy ever made - there is no debate to this fact. well written, brilliantly funny, terrific cast - just perfect. I was introduced to it in the late 70s early 80s by my grandmother, who used to let me stay up late to watch it on BBC1 when it had its regular, if sporadic, late night slot. I joined the appreciation society in 1985 as a young teenager - I believe I might have been the youngest member at the time. My love of Bilko and Phil Silvers has never wained. This website is brilliant - a fitting tribute to the man and a great testament to the excellent work Steve and Mick have done of the last quarter of a century or so.

Thanks Andy for staying the course with us. Glad to know us Bilkophiles are still championing the cause!!

The Phil Silvers Show is, to me, the funniest and most consistent show that has ever been on television.
My dad would tell me about the show and when they started playing the reruns in the '90s, I got to see just what he'd been talking about all of those years. He has since past, but I have very vivid memories of us watching the show together (often in tears).
I have since introduced the show to my kids and they love it like I do.
Thank you Phil Silvers!

Thanks for your wonderful comments Andy! Truly appreciated!

Fantastic tribute and nice to read about the supporting actors. Bring back Bilko!!

Thanks for your wonderful comments Mark. Gladaknowya!!

Thank you for keeping Phil's work and memory alive! He was one of the few truly great comedians of the 20th century and his talent deserves to be preserved, promoted and spread all over the world!

We couldn't agree with you more Fernando. Many thanks for visiting the site!

Wonderful television...never ages but improves with age.

Just found your excellent website. I first saw Bilko in the very early 1980's on the BBC. I have loved the series ever since. Phil Silvers was incredible. Ernie Bilko was the greatest comedy character ever seen on television. I have been watching Comic Relief this evening and whilst it undoubtedly promotes a worthy cause the standard of wit and humour is sadly lacking. Who would have believed that a black and white comedy from the 1950's would surpass its modern counterparts nearly sixty years later. Many thanks to Phil Silvers, Nat Hiken and all the Bilko gang. The laughter continues!

even though the last episode was filmed before i was born to me it is the best show ever

What a great site, a wonderful tribute to Phil Silvers ... It will take some time to see everything here

the phil silvers show is still the best thing around. great show

I watched Bilko as a young boy and again when the shows were repeated on BBC some years later. I watch them again now (those released on DVD) plus some I video taped many years ago and they still give me great pleasure. To maintain the standard of the scripts throughout was a fantastic achievement. One of the few evergreen comedies that never fails to hit the mark.

I've been a huge fan of Phil Silvers and the outstanding Sgt Bilko comedy. Phil has to be the best male comedian in a sitcom and Lucille Ball the best comedienne of The Lucy Show. Phil was also fantastic in Carry on Follow that Camel as Sgt Knocker and in the brilliant 'Its a mad mad mad mad world'. He was great too in his recurring role in Happy Days. A true comic genius with great timing.