Mr. Ed the Horse that Spoke

The World of Mr. Ed
by Thomas Turnquist
　
Mr. Ed, the talking horse was a very popular televison show from 1961 to 1966. Some TV
executives doubted that a talking horse would hold an audience for any extended period of time.
When TV legend George Burns backed the project, the show was produced and became a
huge hit to the pleaure to millions of viewers. It is worth noting that the talking horse began
as a heavy drinking mare in short stories by Walter Brooks.
　
　
Mr Ed's real name was Bamboo Harvester. He was a stallion and always was referred to
as a blond palomino on the show. The show opening had Wilber and Carol Post
moving to their new home in southern California. Wilber walked into the barn and found
a horse that the prior owner left behind. Mr. Ed spoke to Wilber, thus the fun starts.
Mr Ed would only talk to one person--Wilber.
　
The original cast was Alan Young as Wilber Post, Connie Hines as Carol Post, Larry Keating as
as Roger Addison, Ed Skinner as Kay Addison. New neighbors came later with Florence
MacMichael as Winnie Kirkwood and Leon Ames Colonel Kirkwood. Jack Albert did appear
for a time as Kay Addison's brother.
　
How did Mr Ed Talk? That was alway the big question. Apparently, Mr. Ed was able to talk
in two Manners. One way they got Ed's lips to move was to put a peanut butter like
mixture in his mouth. This caused him to move his lips. Sometimes he automatically
moved his lips during filming thinking he was supposed to move his lips. His lips were not tied to
any wires.
　
　
　
　
There were many special episodes but some were beyond belief. One show had Mr Ed manning
an airplane. Another episode had Mr Ed driving a panel truck using his hoofs to work the clutch.
Ed as a candidate for the space program was a classic. He also was a superb pool player!!!

Mr.Ed had a huge addiction for apples. Many apples were pilfered from his neighber Roger
Addison. Ed thought he was the best looking Stallion in California. He being a blonde
palamino, he was certain the lady horses were in awe of his great manner and charm.
　
　
　
There were several Mr. Ed items produced over the years. The most desired Mr. Ed item is a Mr Ed
pull toy with a voice box. Pull the cord and you hear M. Ed. Several Mr. Ed comic books were
printed during Mr. Ed's run as Americas prized four hoofed soul. On ebay you can find many new
and some older more vintage Mr. Ed treasures. Many images of Mr. Ed can be had on
vintage sites and stores that deal in popular culture.