The Ruggles
| The Ruggles | |
|---|---|
| Starring | Charles Ruggles Irene Tedrow (1949) Erin O'Brien-Moore (1950-52) Tom Bernard Margaret Kerry Judy Nugent Jimmy Hawkins |
| Country of origin |  United States |
| No. of episodes | unknown |
| Production | |
| Running time | 30 minutes (per episode) |
| Original release | |
| Network | ABC |
| Release | November 3, 1949 – June 19, 1952 |
The Ruggles was perhaps the earliest family sitcom to be shown on American television. The series, broadcast live on ABC, with a few episodes recorded on kinoscope, began November 3, 1949, and ended on June 19, 1952. The show was also one of the first to originate from Hollywood rather than New York City, where most radio programs had been produced.
Cast and changes
The star was comedian Charlie Ruggles, playing a character with the same name. His wife, Margaret Ruggles, was played in the first season by Irene Tedrow, thereafter by Erin O'Brien-Moore. The television family also had four children: college co-ed Sharon Ruggles (Margaret Kerry), high school student Chuck Ruggles (Ted Bernard), and the young twins, Donna and Donald, played by Judy Nugent and Jimmy Hawkins. Lonnie Burr played an occasional recurring character named Oliver Quimby, a know-it-all neighbor kid.
Synopsis
Charlie Ruggles was a department manager for a company. His boss, Mr. Williams, and his secretary Miss Peabody, were seldom seen, and the exact nature of the firm's business was never clearly stated. His wife Margaret kept house, while their daughter Sharon attended UCLA, though she lived at home. Son Chuck was in high school, and the twins were in elementary school.
Most shows took place in the Ruggles living room and kitchen, with just the family members in attendance. Because the shows were broadcast live, the set had to be large and elaborate. There was no audience on the set, and no laugh-track. Recorded theme music was played for entrances and exits.
Guest stars
The concept of basing sitcom episodes around a new guest star every week would not occur until I Love Lucy in 1952. When additional actors did appear on The Ruggles, they were almost never credited on-camera.