Amos N Andy - Sapphire Disappears (1951)

After Sapphire and her Mama go missing, the Kingfish fears the worst.
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Posted for historical purposes. I do not own the rights.
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[@RonGreeneComedian]

I’m a white man born in south GA in 1949. After I became an adult and discovered why the show was taken off the air so soon, I was infuriated. What the NAACP and the white liberals did not realize was the show caused little white children like me to ask my mother, “Mama, are there really colored lawyers, doctors and judges?” Mom assured me there were indeed Black professionals, especially in Atlanta which was 250 miles north. As far as I knew, we did not have Black professionals in the small segregated South Georgia towns of the 1950s. I would have never known or had opportunity to know, since going from South Georgia to Atlanta was like going to New York City or some other foreign destination! The point I’m making is, rather than making me think all Black people were buffoons as the Kingfish was, I was amazed to learn there were black professionals. After I became an adult, my mom had already prepared me, through watching Amos and Andy, that there were professionals of every color, not just white. If using the word “colored” is offensive to you, then you are of the same frame of mind the NAACP and the white liberals were of the 1950s. I was simply the terms that as a six year old boy, I heard used.

[@audreyfreeman4208]

The Amos and Andy show made me realize that black people were successful and living good in New York, Manhattan and Bronx. I was very young and did not know that they were there and not just down south. Thank you. The Amos and Andy show❤❤❤❤❤

[@aarondigby5054]

​@@audreyfreeman4208research the Harlem Renaissance. It gets glossed over in public school history curriculum

[@sgt.duke.mc_50]

Amos and Andy is the standard by which all sitcoms should be judged. I cannot watch these reruns today without getting an out loud laugh or more. No "I Love Lucy" "Our Miss Brooks" "Love That Bob" "The Honeymooners" (which I think is overrated) etc. etc. comedy has ever induced as many a hearty laugh as "Amos and Andy" has from me. Thanks for bringing the comedy back to life. 👍

[@jtoo6060]

Kingfish picks up the razor and says “the old walrus must have a mustache we didn’t knowed about 😂

[@brilliantdiva5068]

Amos N Andy was timeless and it’s infuriating when individuals attempted to discredit these amazingly talented actors. Time has VINDICATED THIS SUPERB CAST.

[@isaacbrooks453]

My sentiments exactly.These people were and most likely the best comics that have ever graced the screen.The sad part is that they are barely remembered.Shame on all os,black and whites.Talent that was staring us stright in the face and someone had to make the show a race issue,i am a sad white man,if that matters to anyone.

[@aarondigby5054]

​@@isaacbrooks453I remember watching it with my great grandmother in the early to mid sixties, it was the hottest show on TV. The boulies(uppity negro)naacp gave it a typecast personna at the height of the civil rights movement. The worst tragedy in cinematic TV history

[@DanFreeman723]

80s teen here. I used to hear my Mom & Grand Dad talk about this show. I dismissed it...until I started watching one episode. Now I'm binging on this show. Thanx for securing & providing this important piece of Americana. #Dope

[@glenndoleberry8418]

Sapphire should have wondered why her mom was single before she took ANY advice 🤦‍♂️ 🙄

[@dougferguson3728]

Amos and Andy was no different than Andy Griffin, Beverly Hillbillies, The Honeymooner's or Green Arces. Just different circumstances and locations. The supporting cast always showed professional black people policeman,business men,merchants ect. You didn't get that any place else at the time Just couldn't be accepted as the great comedy it was and remains. Thanks and RIP guys.

[@larrycooper7261]

I loved this show when it was on TV and I'm delighted to find it on YT. It brings back wonderful memories!

[@shirleymartin217]

I feel like you feel about this hilarious series. I was about five years old when myself and my family enjoyed these shows. My family were one the few people on our street who had a TV, so every Friday night our living room was filled with neighbors and laughter!

[@shirleymartin217]

I just found Amos N Andy on KZbin, and I have been laughing myself into happy tears! At 75 years old, these series are just as funny to me now as they were when I was five years old. Just plain ole funny!

[@dontmatternow4428]

Yeah do you remember how lunch meat was sweet, and how bologna, use to taste, and those hot links, and cookies 2 for a penny and RC colas. Yeah God has allowed me to live a long time? I thank God for those memories, the good and bad.

[@larrycooper7261]

@@dontmatternow4428 RC Cola....my all-time favorite!

[@anthonylawson8185]

@@shirleymartin217htcszGoogjle

[@usermikes]

These guy were great..

[@tommypickles1587]

Gone back to bed, ain't nobody down here.....TOO FUNNY😂😂😂. I LOVE THIS SHOW

[@carltriangolo1384]

II remember this in Mu youth.It was definitely the funniest sitcom ever conceived.I love it then and I love it now.I mean all the actors were wonderful.Who could ever forget Tim Moore as the Kingfish and Spencer Williams Jr.as Andy

[@patricebrown777]

I didn't realize African Americans had sitcoms in that time in the U.S. This was breakthrough. I respect our ancestors, so much. Formidable people.

[@Tom531Cat]

I knew we had somethings, thanks to Turner Classic Movies and other channels, but I didn’t know about this group.

[@rondecambio7375]

No,You didn't know because You weren't intellectually curious ,today You young people let others put words in your mouths,and the sad part Is the Word putters don't know what their talking about.

[@isaacbrooks453]

Johnny Lee,one of the vest comedic actors back in the day.Along with all the rest of the cast

[@aislinnkeilah7361]

One of the greatest series of that era. Anyone who did not appreciate the clever writing, fine production and exceptional acting talent must have an issue with themselves. Such clean comedy - no profanity, gutter porn or violence. Truly classic performances.

[@aarondigby5054]

All Star cast, they're hilarious.

[@tarharqataseti9261]

This film is still relevant today

[@tedcarter8074]

Celebrity crush, Sapphire is so beautiful.

[@jamesgrayson4196]

Great i remember my Grandmother watching the show and just laughing her heart up it is good to watch now & laughing just GREAT we need it God Bless

[@Code3forever]

Back in the 80s some video company had all episodes for sale on VHS cassettes. I bought the entire series for 250 dollars. The copies were fair but I loved this series as a child growing up watching it on CBS. I never tired watching the reruns into the middle 60s when they took it off of the air. These actors were talented and brought the characters to life. Yes, the kingfish and Andy were silly but the other actors portrayed professionals and always in a positive light. The NAACP screwed it up for these fine actors and possibly other shows with a Black cast. The Late and great Hattie McDaniel said it best when she told the NAACP it is better to play the role of a maid for 700 dollars a week than be one for 40. They shot themselves in the foot over this because America loved the show just like I Love Lucy.

[@kathleenjorgensen3087]

Could have gotten 3 anyway.

[@bruceaustin3417]

The episode of Kingfish goes to work is hilarious. Amos and Andy is as funny as Ralph Kramden of the Honeymooners.

[@natewatl9423]

On the contrary, I have to say that The Honeymooners was full of bitterness in a way that humor just cannot survive. Amos & Andy is more sincere, at least in my humble opinion.

[@euniceagnew1172]

My grandmother and mother used to be rolling laughing at Amos and Andy now I see why. I love this show, good clean comedy. Excellent actors! They were all funny.😂😂😅

[@IshiAndNomyJackson]

After watching the episodes,I actually enjoy the series. If the people that were against it back then saw what was out now, their heads would spin!

[@BaseballPlayer0]

No one was against it back then

[@Timureithi]

@@BaseballPlayer0 The NAACP took it off the ait

[@BaseballPlayer0]

@@Timureithi Crybabies

[@scottlarson1548]

@@Timureithi Yes, the NAACP complained that the main characters were a crooked lazy swindler, a child-like docile fool, and a corrupt lawyer. I guess they thought Amos was OK.

[@jwb4503]

The comedy in this wonderful old show still makes me laugh!

[@KIEV7385]

Fabulous Actors, who bought their comedy from the "Chitlin Circuit" to TV....Amazingly, The radio show had several of the TV Actors on before and after the TV version was canceled...Also, the Radio Version stayed on until the early 1960's .....

[@ralphalvarez3200]

I grew up watching this and enjoyed it just as much The Life of Riley, I Married Joan, and I Love Lucy. They all had whacky character and story lines. Today’s sitcoms are just crap.

[@SaturdayMorno86]

What sitcoms?

[@SandyzSerious]

I loved this show when i was a little girl. This is REAL talent unlike some of the unmoral shows that are produced today.

[@renialatrice]

Yall really get a kick out off being annoying. Things change

[@SandyzSerious]

@@renialatrice For the worse sometimes.

[@renialatrice]

@@SandyzSerious oh no we arent. Allowing black face on tv

[@BaseballPlayer0]

@@renialatrice Today's entertainment is trash

[@kathleenjorgensen3087]

I was 2 years old. But I got to see them when I was in the bald fourth grade they were.

[@Tom531Cat]

I do appreciate this because I did not know about this sitcom. It definitely matters to know a funny show did exist and open doors at the time. I think the only thing alarming to me is how often that skit has been recycled. Hollywood hasn’t had a good idea for a long time from what I can see. Again thank you, we see more so we can make our OWN opinion on things and not GROUP THINK.

[@richardmccrimmon5266]

I no and saw this n real life

[@elysilk4538]

I miss these wonderful and hilarious old shows. I haven't laughed so hard in a very long time. Current sitcoms are light-hearted enough, but are not really funny.. They are More SIT and less COM. Thank you reelblack!

[@MichaelGoldenberg]

I watched this show as a kid. I thought it was brilliant. Tim Moore (the Kingfish) was a truly inspired actor and the rest of the cast was splendid. When I was at a summer camp in my teens (c. 1964-67), I remember that there was a discussion about this show. The NAACP criticized it and white liberals were coming out against it. I found it hard to fathom how people didn't appreciate the humor or the fact that the show portrayed a black community in which there were black professionals, black police detectives, black businesspeople, etc. Yes, most of the main characters were less than exemplary, but I saw them as comic figures who have been featured in a wide range of eras and circumstances. Many of Shakespeare's comedic characters were hardly meant to be paragons of virtue, but neither were they meant to be taken entirely seriously. At any rate, I disagreed with the anti-Amos and Andy faction back then and always have. I thought the characters were funny because they WERE funny, not because they were black. There were brief and occasional appearances by white actors in the series (e.g., the lumber supply man in this episode), but nothing was made of the fact. I wonder if that's another reason why I liked the show: it seemed very comfortable with itself and the community in which it took place. What's interesting is that it turns out that the show was truly loved by a lot of black people when it originally aired and that some very scholarly and insightful black people have written in support of the show. Consider the following from Henry Louis Gates: “The performance of those great black actors … transformed racist stereotypes into authentic black humor,” Gates wrote. “The dilemma of ‘Amos ‘n’ Andy,’ however, was that these were the only images of blacks that Americans could see on TV.” Not quite true. There was another show on around the same time period (as a young child, I didn't grasp the concepts of reruns or syndication, so I can't be sure if the original runs of these shows were concurrent. I was watching them on morning television in the summer or when I was home from school). The other show was BEULAH. It, too, started on radio, but unlike AMOS & ANDY on the radio had a black cast headed by the brilliant Hattie McDaniel. The TV show had Ethel Waters as Beulah the first season and then Louise Beavers for part of season two and all of the third and final season. The main character was played for six episodes in that second season by McDaniel. I got to see all three of them as well as another GONE WITH THE WIND actress Butterfly McQueen as a major character, Oriole (later replaced by Ruby Dandridge). Dooley Wilson, who played Sam in CASABLANCA, had a role for part of one season. There are a few episodes on KZbin from all the seasons, I believe. For some reason, though, the show wasn't targeted for the sort of criticism that was leveled at AMOS & ANDY. I don't remember the show nearly as well, but I do remember liking it, too. It's unfortunate that more people don't realize that there were some top-flight black actors doing great comedy in the early years of television. I hope that political correctness won't be allowed to "cleanse" these shows from history.

[@rexd8516]

I think you may have misinterpreted the last sentence of the quote from gates. Only as in "only type" not only show. Vastly changes the critique.

[@MichaelGoldenberg]

@@rexd8516 Perhaps, but I'm not sure that if so it undermines the positive aspects of his commentary. I don't disagree that there should have been a wider and more diverse representation of black people and other non-whites in American entertainment long before television. I recall being repeatedly amazed by James Baldwin's and Malcolm X's appearances on tv in the following decade. I'd like to hear a conversation about these shows and others among the likes of Gates, Cornel West, etc.

[@rexd8516]

@@MichaelGoldenberg I see, I think I primarily object to the minstrelsy happening in the show. I understand it was intended "comedy"...the thing about comedy is inevitably one group or another is impacted negatively. We all know how pervasive images and representation colors collective opinions. As far as the conversations they have and are happening in academic journals all over the United States. Websites like JSTOR or Project Muse for a small example. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.

[@KIEV7385]

Amazingly after the TV show was Cancelled ...The Radio Show Continued until the early 1960's....Many of the TV Actors had been on the Radio show before and after the TV Version...

[@maldijaili6799]

@@KIEV7385 Hello, and the TV show continued in syndication until the mid 1960s.

[@aperson2943]

*I understand why some Black people are hard on this show and similar acts from back then, but I feel it's disrespectful. I actually watched these shows in full context. It's actually funny. Some of it still holds up. Without this show you wouldn't have Sanford and Son, Martin, Fresh Prince, on and on and on. These people endured the worst so we don't have to, and all we do nowadays is complain and play the victim. I'm sorry, but I'm not trying to listen to anyone doesn't matter the color complaining about oppression in 2021 America. You haven't seen real oppression. You haven't seen real racism. Get over yourself*

[@spiffyduds3677]

Wonderful actors, story line and beautiful clean comedy. I agree with Mr. Person, this show made a difference and helped black comedians and actors get noticed. I don’t find the show offensive at all.

[@happyraccoon4791]

When A and A were declared not politically correct in c.1965, I didn't see them again until 2007 when I found youtube. It was on my screen the first day. It was Kingfisher trying to con Andy into buying his up state property.

[@jjmars9160]

When you compare this show with today's garbage like Atlanta Housewives' and Love and Hip Hop, it's easy to see which is 10x more disgusting and disrespectful to black people.

[@williamroberts8470]

I think there is some cinematic black history here. If I were black I would be offended of tge way blacks are portrayed today in Hollywood.

[@aperson2943]

A lot of good points here in the replies. Thanks for that. When you look at the garbage on tv today, and don't get me started on social media, you can't seriously say this is a worse representation of Black folk. Gone are the days of Lauryn Hill. Now it's about W.A.P. Gone are the days rappers came together to make songs like self destruction. Now there is a subgenre called "Dead ops" What's that? It's literally rappers calling out the actual names of murder victims. Other Black men and boys. Is the music cautionary? Hell No! They are bragging about it. All the older generation can do is say, "Don't hate on this generation" Fool, we are not "hating" on them. We are trying to steer them in a better direction. The Black people they put before us in the media are gatekeepers. They keep the madness going as if it's normal. Shows like the Breakfast Club, and the garbage on networks like VH1 and so on. I really hope one day we can take a look at what we do to ourselves and not blame White people for every damn thing. At some point we have to talk about personal responsibility.

[@jamestyler7697]

18:11 - Brer Rabbit and Brer Bear reunited

[@MrTrackman100]

If A &A reruns were put on TV now, like Seinfeld, etc., would audiences go for them? Love to try!

[@rebeccatucker7218]

Good ol' memories !!

[@alexciocca4451]

Love mama’s hats by Edith Head

[@DFWNites]

Amos, Andy, and the Kingfish are easily confused, but no more so than the Bundy Family on Married...With Children. And every episode I've seen has a background cast of completely competent black professionals, which I think might be subliminally more important.

[@dwall3329]

Classic comedy that can never be matched; one of a kind.

[@Vizenzo187]

Hilarious! These gentlemen where ahead of their time!

[@dontmatternow4428]

And forgotten?

[@davidmcdowell1035]

Redd Foxx's Fred Sanford character adopted Kingfish's signature "You big dummy" line.

[@ShawnC.T.]

My "sacrocrackerjack", 😀😃😄😂🤣💀...

[@NewbeYAHtheVFG]

I really enjoyed this. Thank you

[@audreyfreeman4208]

George kingfish Stevens and his gang. They were all great comedians❤😂🎉❤

[@anthonystroman8407]

This is real comedy not that artificial craps you get today that's full of cursing.

[@ronnie5129]

The Best TV Show next to Sanford & Son, Hands Down, Cousin Figel

[@jaymillymills]

We were short sighted...

[@commroybless]

1951 Amos and Andy show

[@user-db6qt1xc6i]

If this episode does not convince all people that blacks are just as good as whites.I love everyone of the people who acted in this show and i am a white southerner.There ought to be a big memorial out there in hollywood just for all these folks.

[@gailholmes9099]

This is my first time seeing this show. I thought it was funny.

[@rudy9304]

i loved amos"N"Andy

[@ShawnC.T.]

I still see commercials geared towards attracting Blacks today that are less dignified. This show is/was of its time, it's as simple as that, nothing to be ashamed of. As a race of people, we should evolve past it, but it can't be forgotten either...

[@dontmatternow4428]

Well that's why I try to read Gods word everyday? You can't forget those days even with the troubles?

[@soliloqueoneLG]

See these are funny. But when they first started out was a different concept. Guess the later shows cleaned up it’s act.

[@hawkmaster381]

That police card at 19:16 with Calhoun's photo on it! 🤣😂🤣

[@Astinsan]

I think it is a great show.. You can ssy it’s racist all you want but I don’t see racism here. I see people that enjoy their job putting on a show that people will be entertained with even if it’s not true to life which most people do not want to see on TV for entertainment

[@kathleenjorgensen3087]

You can get the whole collection on DVD for $80 and they are great someone paid $250 or that was a a rip off

[@kathleenjorgensen3087]

Was this from Godzilla?

[@bloqk16]

The police sergeant at 18:25 looks like the same actor, Amos Reese, that played a police lieutenant in another episode.

[@kiasky1]

Can you upload the movie A Man Called Adam?

[@reelblack]

It was just released on blu ray by Kino Classics. Support!

[@kiasky1]

@@reelblack Thank you

[@isaacbrooks453]

I would like to know what was the thing kingfish pulled out of the man's drawer that made kingfish say it was a man that lived there.Doe anyone out there know what it was?

[@maldijaili6799]

Hello Isaac, Yes, I see The Kingfish pulled out from the dresser drawer a man's sock. Hope this helps. Martha

[@jrussellcase]

Be careful....I'd bet my next check this is on the next "woke cancel" list.

[@dannwan8537]

I think they have a whole pile of shows films to go through first!

[@LisaWhitehorn]

@Russ C Why? This show is funny.

[@jrussellcase]

@@LisaWhitehorn I agree, it's very funny. But it's also the exact kind of content the cancel culture folks will come after, they'll claim it proports a negative stereotype of black Americans...they'll say the same thing about Rochester from "The Jack Benny Show". They won't stop and consider what a life-changing thing it was that Amos N Andy, despite how American life was for blacks back then, particularly in Hollywood, defied all odds, beat back the haters, and got their own network show.

[@BaseballPlayer0]

@@LisaWhitehorn Bc woketopia wants to ruin everything

[@rexlex1736]

You're probably right.

[@nerdbamarich2063]

🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@jahlaune]

Funny show I’ve never heard anyone actually talk like this tho. A little stereotypical but still funny like vaudeville or something

[@curtiswilson8402]

Keep in mind, the radio show it was based on had 2 (or a few more) actors doing 15+ voices....

[@williamroberts8470]

Hilarious

[@WaterfallVee]

What Sapphire did in this episode was childish.

[@ericmoore7863]

How are you doing today my name is Eric

[@oohweeoohwee9222]

Sapphires mother is evil

[@WaterfallVee]

How?

[@oohweeoohwee9222]

@@WaterfallVee shes always putting schemes in sapphires head.

[@marciagasparvieira9593]

UAUUIUUU SHOWWW TOPPP

[@AHMEDALI-hd7xm]

The medicines that calmed the Children of the Sun.......

[@timsimmons7734]

For every season , there is a reason. Yesterday had it's place , so does tomorrow. Today is what counts , make good use of it.

[@AHMEDALI-hd7xm]

@@timsimmons7734 In-deed Reflection

[@aarondigby5054]

@14:41 my "sacro cracka jack" must've, omg, rflmao.

[@jorgegonzalez-larramendi5491]

no friends like these anymore... ps vulcan saphire a knockout ! : )

[@user-su9dd1fw9g]

You can enjoy this comedy just listening to it. Most white shows can not compare.

[@john_carter8243]

black folk must HOLD THIS L for protesting against this show!!!

[@aarondigby5054]

@23:15 the old lady's "circumference" is 60, omg rflmao

[@barrymurphy1337]

I really don't like the term, but this show is a 'guilty pleasure'. I love Kingfisher & Andy and this show genuinely makes me laugh out loud but I would never bring it up in conversation or reccomend it, due to the shows problematic origins and being confused of being an awful racist for enjoying it. Its understandable but a shame for the cast who were all so talented, they should be better remembered.

[@lindafox3619]

I love this show and these people. I didnt think , this was a black show or that these were black actors. All l knew then and now is l loved them all. I am white and all l resent are all the "woke haters " they can all go to hell and let the rest of us enjoy what and who we want ! Get over yourselves and knock off the racist garbage !

[@phylis3917]

Out from the woods? 😅😅

[@phylis3917]

All well done.

[@AHMEDALI-hd7xm]

Tulsa, Wilmington, Rosewood..... Imagine..... Re-membering the Plasma Godship.Ase' Family....

[@sandramayfield2255]

Lol

[@jimrogers8890]

It's almost like they want us to berase this. And i'm just sick of it

[@williamoxendine6121]

😂

[@ncamp6496]

The fluffy confirmation roughly share because brick intrestingly murder an a neat liver. tearful, vengeful politician

[@ncamp6496]

The dynamic roof lately irritate because coal utrastructurally plant regarding a frightened frightening full fumbling functional cupcake. smelly, tired juice

[@jamiefrechie7078]

The smoggy river aerobically poke because bull arguably fill by a old castanet. ambitious, cut robert

[@BradsTrashIsTyronesTreasure91]

🤦🏿‍♀️

[@williamstarkey3032]

No thank you.

[@mgjohnson8]

The show is very much racist. Despite it being amusing. "Sapphire". Research the name. Kingfish avoiding work? This is stereotypical.

[@hawkmaster381]

Nope. You sound like the racist to me.

[@franklatona2667]

Okay that's enough Amos and Andy I was NOT a big fan. Send me something ELSE.