The episodes themselves – 24 of them are included here – usually come with a clear moral message. Drummond, riffing with Willis or delivering his famous, ‘Whatchoo talkin’ ‘bout?’ catchphrase, he genuinely does ring out the laughs. The show’s creators knew they were on to something when they cast him and quite rightly give him centre stage at every opportunity.
Just ten years old when this series was filmed, his comic timing and physicality is astonishing. After some initial teething problems, the new family quickly find their feet and Arnold and Willis adapt to their newfound wealth.Ĭoleman’s performances are what you’ll want to buy this series for, as he really is captivating to watch. Also in the house are daughter Kimberly (Plato) and housekeeper Mrs. While Coleman stands head and shoulders above the rest- not literally, obviously – Bridges and Plato certainly had their part to play in making the show the success it was.ĭiff’rent Strokes was the tale of two African-American boys, Willis (Bridges) and Arnold (Coleman) who came from Harlem to live in Manhattan with rich millionaire Phillip Drummond (played by Conrad Bain, a face you’ll recognise instantly) after their mother, and Drummond’s housekeeper, died. Bright-eyed and clearly full of enthusiasm, the real thing that stands out is the talent on display. These problems become all the more poignant when re-watching the first series of Diff’rent Strokes again. Her career pretty much ended after the show and, having been in trouble with the law on a few occasions and appearing in Playboy magazine, her life sadly came to an end when she took a drugs overdose in 1999. While Todd Bridges had drug problems and Coleman was arrested on assault charges, it was Dana Plato’s story that saddens the most. Secondly, for the trouble those child actors found themselves in long after the show came to an end.
Firstly, for the introduction of a remarkable bunch of child actors, in particular the outstanding Gary Coleman.
Running for eight years with a stonking great 141 episodes to its credit, Diff’rent Strokes will always be largely remembered for two things.
0 kommentar(er)
