What do the "stars" say about Branson?

Junior · November 06, 2011, 07:53:58 PM

I had to start this topic because I'm somewhat miffed, and yet very much humored by some things I've read in books by some of the "stars" who have played or done business in Branson:

"...a local mountain family decided to put on a show for these campers and built a little place where they could sing and play. It was a
homespun building, more of a barn than a theater, but it was a big success." (Andy Williams describing the Presley family and their theater.)

"At about the same time Silver Dollar City started up in an old silver mine. At first people just paid to go down into the old mine, and when they came out again, they'd by a lemonaide or a T-shirt from the concession stand by the entrance, but over time it expanded until it became a turn-of-the-century theme park..." (Andy Williams again)

"Theaters also began springing up. A country singer, Roy Clarke, was one of the first to open his own small auditorium..." (Williams again)

So, uh, calling the Presley Theater a barn...SDC starting with tours "in an old silver mine..." Spelling Roy Clark's name incorrectly. Should we be hacked off, or just laugh it off?

Here is Hee Haw TV Show Producer John Aylesworth describing his first trip through Branson:

"...on either side of the road, the brush had been cleared to accomodate row upon row of huge barnlike structures..." (Describing the Branson Theaters in the fall of 1979)

More Aylesworth, describing how an accountant was dispatched to Branson to scout the town for a possible theater to showcase Hee Haw TV stars: "...an accountant in a business suit and carrying a briefcase was dispatched to the wilds of Missouri on a one man safari...he nit picked saying the town didn't even have a decent hotel, forcing him to stay at a smelly fish camp...he actually attended one of the shows and was shocked by its crude vulgarity...He felt it would harm the Hee Haw image even being in the same vicinity as such low-life operations..."

Bottom line is the Hee Haw TV Show did operate a theater in Branson 1981-1983...I worked there almost it's entire run!

In 1979, Branson had plenty of Best Westerns, A Holiday Inn, Ramada Inn, and other very nice chain hotels/motels...not the Ritz, but just fine places to stay. Saying the brush had been cleared from both sides of the road to accomodate huge barnlike structures is a bit snobbish, too, but the thing that makes me laugh my butt off is the comment that building a theater in Branson would "harm the Hee Haw image!"

The comments were taken from autobiographies the two wrote. How about it? Have you ever seen comments in print from any of the "stars" who've played Branson that in some way made it appear as if Branson was nothing but a hick town full of hillbillies where culture did not exist? I've seen others, but just didn't dig up quotes to put on this thread.

MissinTheGreenTrams · November 06, 2011, 08:14:40 PM

These comments dont hurt my feelings! I am proud of my "herritage" and am thrilled to call this area home. It is going to take a lot more than name calling and mud slinging to make me feel bad about myself. I would rather spend time in a "barn" being amused by good wholesome comedy and people than trade it in for skyscrapper snobs. If you look down on branson with a long nose, you clearly either havent been or dont get the point.

eagle1 · November 06, 2011, 09:55:32 PM

There have been quite a few "stars" in Branson over the years, wonder what Wayne Newton would say today about Branson and his time here. Kenny Rogers well that didn't last long. Then what about the Oak Ridge Boys? If only the Grand Palace were open and running I bet we would get at least some bigger names coming in for a show or two like in the past. I know Boxcar Willie loved it here for sure! It does make you wonder though.....good question!

Times have sure changed from back then.

Injun Joe · November 06, 2011, 09:57:47 PM

I met Kenny Price of Hee Haw fame in Rockaway Beach 20 or so years ago and he was pretty excited about the go karts and the "strip" that was there, as was I. He was buying tickets and I got to see Lulu Roman driving a go kart which was pretty funny as her kart was moving quite a bit slower than the others. Not only was Kenny excited, but he was very friendly. I also met Tom Jones in line for Fire in the Hole during a visit in 1994, and he too mentioned that he didn't realize how much they had "here" (meaning SDC, I took it). I didn't realize it was Tom Jones (I didn't even know who Tom Jones was), but my wife at the time identified him. He was also very friendly. Looking back, I just can't be sure it was even Tom Jones. Not that I can't belive my then wife, but I would think Tom Jones would have a hard time visiting SDC on a crowded day as just an ordinary visitor. It was probably just an impersonator. It was definitely Kenny Price and Lulu Roman in Rockaway though. Not exactly Frank Sinatra but there ya go.

Here's a skit from the sketch comedy show, "Mr. Show" that starred David Cross and Bob Odenkirk that appeared on HBO back in the late 90's. They seem to suggest Branson is at least a nice regional destination for seniors to visit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ES7ChMpqiM

Ozark Outlaw · November 06, 2011, 10:07:15 PM

Comments are just comments. Andy Williams must have not felt too poorly about the Branson area as he has been there for twenty years, or so.

As far as the out of town producer, and accountant, I really cannot put any credibility in their comments. Just take a drive down Highway 76, and you will see how their comments simply fall to pieces. Branson is the city it is today because of the love people put into it.

sanddunerider · November 06, 2011, 10:54:09 PM

AND i heard today that this is the last year for andy williams..... probably

How-doFolks · November 07, 2011, 01:44:19 AM

Interesting stuff, could you imagine being in those times back then?

Junior · November 07, 2011, 05:48:14 AM

Injun Joe: You would have probably seen Kenny Price and Lulu Roman at Rockaway during that period that Hee Haw Theater existed at Branson, 81-83. Most of the Hee Haw "stars" and their families spent time around the area just relaxing...like you said, riding go karts and so on. Some liked to get out on the lake, George Lindsey liked to eat at the old Ma Craig's Restaurant that sat across the street from what was the Hi De Ho Motel. Grady Nutt and his wife would go to Mr. B's Ice Cream Shop in downtown Branson after every show. I remember going to a staff birthday party attended by Buck Trent, a staff engagement part attended by Cotton Ivy, and a cruise on the Lake Queen for Hee Haw employees that Lulu went on, too. The Hee Haw stars were not too far removed from just being ordinary folks, they made about $50,000 a year from doing a whole season of the TV show, and had to go on the road to support their families each year between tapings of the TV show. Most wound up making somewhere between $150,000 and $200,000 per year, from what I remember. Pretty good money for the times, but not superstar celebrity money. Back then, both my parents were in healthcare management, and total combined income back then would have been about $65,000 annually, so contrast that with what the "stars" made. Frankly, even appearing at the Hee Haw Theater in Branson back then they could not have been making more than $500 to about a thousands bucks per show. Chump change in show business. It would have taken me about a little over three weeks to make that $500 bucks at SDC back then! (I averaged about $150 per week playing Junior Dugan!)

rubedugans · November 07, 2011, 08:28:11 AM

Bart Simpson once said of Branson, Missouri, that "My dad says it's like Vegas – if
it were run by Ned Flanders"

Ozark Outlaw · November 07, 2011, 11:28:51 AM

Quote from: rubedugans on November 07, 2011, 08:28:11 AM
Bart Simpson once said of Branson, Missouri, that "My dad says it's like Vegas – if
it were run by Ned Flanders"

Ha! That's so true, it's funny.

King of the Hill did an episode in Branson. I thought it complimented the city well - for a cartoon.

rubedugans · November 07, 2011, 12:29:06 PM

The Simpson's episode not so much... (compiled from various sources)
Plot:
Grampa steals Marge's car and "kidnaps" Bart, taking him on the road to Branson, Missouri to win back his love- Zelda. When realizing that Grandpa and Bart are heading to Branson, Homer, Marge, Lisa, and Maggie, take a bus there. However they end up not in Branson, Missouri, but Bronson, Missouri. (Where every male in town looks and talks like Charles Bronson) Ray Jay Johnson, Mr. T, Charo, Yakov Smirnoff, Charlie Callas, Bonnie Franklin and Adrian Zmed are the stars of the show in Branson they go to see.

The song "Ode to Branson," which is performed by several "washed-up" acts was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music And Lyrics.

"Remember the stars, you loved yesterday?
Where did they go? Did they all pass away?
Was it drugs or a car crush,
or a face lift gone wrong?
No they're right here in Branson
and they're singing, this song!
My name is Charo, I shake my maracas.
Remember me foo, I was BA Barachas.
We're the performers you thought were dead,
like Bonnie Franklin and Adrienne Zmed.
Branson's the place we can always be found.
They took NICK at Night and made it a town.
You can call me Ray or you can call me Jay.
Just don't call me washed up, I do three shows a day.
Charlie Callas doesn't sleep in the ground.
Yes I'm still alive an I'm making me sound.
(vup hi vup hala voop voop.)
So sit back, relax, and watch our review!
In Soviet Union, review watches you! "

tiffanylynnt · November 07, 2011, 03:23:17 PM

I was watching The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson and he was interviewing Lewis Black. They mention Branson.

It starts around 9:10
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1kph3ERPQk

Avalanche04 · November 07, 2011, 05:27:35 PM

well all i can say about big executive's and producers like. and let me apologize right now but i categorize them right there with strippers car sales man and insurance salesman. the all want your money!! that is why i love sdc they donate so much money too differant charities in the area and its all about family there. now branson is real close too being too big and have lost that mom and pop atmosphere and when they do we will stay somewhere else and just go too sdc.

rubedugans · November 07, 2011, 05:45:04 PM

Presley's was on "The Soup" (a clip show that plays internet and television clips and makes jokes about them) on E Network 2 different times in the past season.
The bits were clips from the show showcasing Cecil.

rubedugans · November 07, 2011, 06:05:36 PM

ALSO....Branson was featured in another Simpson's episode "Bart on the Road" where he makes a fake drivers license, and ends up in Branson MO at the Andy William's Theater on the way to Knoxville Tennessee.
http://www.watchcartoononline.com/the-simpsons-season-7-episode-20-bart-on-the-road
(The Branson clip begins @ 12:10)