The Fascinating Tale Of Mister Ed: The Talking Horse Who Captivated America
Have you ever wondered how a zebra got cast as a horse in a beloved television show? The story of Mister Ed, the charming talking horse, is filled with unexpected twists and turns that reveal the creative ingenuity behind one of America's classic sitcoms. With a runtime that spanned five years on CBS, Mister Ed not only entertained viewers but also broke new ground in television history.
This iconic show, which first premiered in January 1961, was initially a syndicated series before being picked up by a major network. Despite the challenges faced during production, including budget constraints and an uncooperative horse, the show's creators found a unique solution that would lead to the show's success. Join me as we explore the captivating journey of Mister Ed, the horse who captured hearts, and the zebra that played a crucial role in his story.
The show's premise was straightforward yet humorous: a man named Wilbur Post, played by Alan Young, discovers that his horse, Ed, can talk. However, the reality behind the scenes was anything but simple. As production began, it became apparent that the horse originally cast in the role was not performing as expected. Faced with the possibility of canceling the project, the producers made a bold choice that would ultimately lead to the show's legacy.
Unveiling the Mystery: The Horse or the Zebra?
The truth is, while audiences believed they were watching a horse, the star of the show was actually a trained zebra named Amelia. This unique casting decision was born out of necessity when the original horse cast as Mister Ed failed to meet the demands of the role. The trainers at Jungleland, an animal park in Thousand Oaks, California, offered Amelia, a Grevy's zebra, for filming. Her ability to perform necessary actions, such as opening her mouth and stamping her feet on cue, made her an ideal candidate for the role.
Amelia's performance exceeded expectations, and her presence allowed the show to move forward successfully. She appeared in all syndicated episodes of Mister Ed, and her contributions were instrumental in the show's popularity. Interestingly, the producers opted to maintain the illusion that Ed was a horse, as they believed the premise of a talking zebra would be too absurd for audiences to accept.
Creative Solutions Behind the Scenes
To further enhance the illusion of a horse on screen, the show's creators utilized clever production techniques. The set design incorporated forced perspective to make the stable appear larger, thereby making both Mister Ed and the characters seem more imposing. This approach cleverly disguised the fact that Alan Young, the series' star, was only 5'4" tall.
Additionally, in scenes where Mister Ed needed to run, real horses were used for long shots, while Amelia remained in close-up shots. This practice led to some confusion among fans who mistakenly believed a zebra was used as a stunt double for Mister Ed. Nevertheless, the show's clever references to zebras, including episode titles like "Ed the Zebra," added an amusing layer to the ongoing joke.
Legacy of a Classic Show
The success of Mister Ed can be attributed not only to its unique premise but also to the creative decisions made by its producers. As CBS transitioned to color programming, the show's producers faced a dilemma: switching to color would reveal the truth about Ed being a zebra. To solve this, the show was moved out of prime time to a different time slot, allowing it to remain in black and white.
Mister Ed's legacy endures today, as it remains a beloved part of television history. The show's quirky premise and unforgettable characters continue to resonate with audiences, proving that sometimes, the most unexpected journeys lead to the most cherished stories.
What You Will Learn
Key Takeaways
- The story behind the casting of Amelia, the zebra, as Mister Ed highlights the creativity in television production.
- Innovative filming techniques, such as forced perspective, played a crucial role in maintaining the illusion of a talking horse.
- The show's transition to color programming was a significant challenge that the producers cleverly navigated.
- Mister Ed remains a classic example of how unexpected solutions can lead to enduring success in entertainment.
Sources
Brooks, Tim and Earle Marsh. The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows. New York: Ballantine Books, 1999. ISBN 0-345-42923-0 (p. 671).
Nalven, Nancy. The Famous Mister Ed: The Unbridled Truth About America's Favorite Talking Horse. New York: Warner Books, 1991. ISBN 0-446-39236-0.
Young, Alan and Bill Burt. Mister Ed and Me. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1995. ISBN 0-312-11852-X.
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