The Phil Silvers Show
Overview
The Phil Silvers Show, initially known as You'll Never Get Rich, captivated audiences on CBS from 1955 to 1959, amassing 142 episodes and a special in 1959. Centered around Master Sergeant Ernest G. Bilko, played by Phil Silvers, the sitcom gained acclaim for its clever writing and humor. Created primarily by Nat Hiken, it earned three consecutive Emmy Awards for Best Comedy Series. Often referred to as Sergeant Bilko or simply Bilko in reruns, the show elevated Silvers from a supporting comic to a household name, while Hiken emerged as a celebrated creative force in television.
Episodes
-
1
New Recruits
While playing poker, another sergeant pulls a fast one and wipes out Bilko's entire bankroll. Desperate for cash, Bilko searches for a way to replenis...
-
2
The Empty Store
Bilko remains short on cash and is struggling to re-enter the high-stakes poker game. After the three sergeants score another victory against a new re...
-
3
The WAC
When a sergeant position becomes available that includes a jeep, Bilko eagerly submits his application. However, he is surprised to learn that the job...
-
4
The Horse
Bilko misplaces the platoon’s welfare funds on a horse, only to discover that the animal has a slight leg injury. With the last of the platoon's mon...
-
5
AWOL
When Pvt. Steve Nagy goes absent without leave, Bilko is tasked with bringing him back. However, his mission takes an unexpected turn as he becomes en...
-
6
The Boxer
Bilko finds out that Claude Dillingham from his platoon is a boxing champion, so he decides to sign him up for the interplatoon championship. However,...
-
7
The Hoodlum
Following multiple transfers, a young tough guy joins the motor pool platoon, and it falls to Bilko to teach him a lesson. At the same time, Bilko is ...
-
8
Mardi Gras
When the platoon approaches the local socialite, Miss Joy Landers, to be their Mardi Gras queen, she bursts into laughter and declines their offer out...
-
9
The Eating Contest
During a food competition among the platoons, Bilko places his bets on a newcomer known as 'The Stomach.' However, he soon discovers that the only tim...
-
10
The Centennial
Bilko sets up a pageant to commemorate the centennial of Camp Baxter, but upon looking deeper, he discovers that the portrayal of the camp is far from...
-
11
Bivouac
As the time for maneuvers approaches, the Colonel becomes curious about the illness Bilko claims to have to avoid the arduous task of marching through...
-
12
The Singing Contest
Bilko learns about a singing competition in Miami and, eager to escape the frigid temperatures, decides to enter the platoon. However, after hearing t...
-
13
The Twitch
Colonel Hall instructs Bilko to organize a lecture on music. Initially, nobody shows any interest in attending. However, the situation changes when th...
-
14
The Reunion
Bilko reconnects with his former army pals, anticipating that they’ll need financial assistance due to their struggles. To his surprise, he discover...
-
15
The Rich Kid
Bilko comes up with a plan to purchase the neighborhood bar and grill, but he finds himself short on funds. His luck changes when he discovers that on...
-
16
Hollywood
Hollywood is set to create a movie about the 'Battle of Kabuchi' and brings in Bilko as the technical advisor. However, just a few days in, he begins ...
-
17
The Investigation
A Congressional committee arrives at Fort Baxter to look into issues of extravagance and mismanagement. However, Bilko has different plans in mind; he...
-
18
Kids In the Trailer
While watching over a fellow platoon member's baby, Bilko begins to panic when he realizes he’s unable to change the infant’s diaper.
-
19
The Revolutionary War
Bilko receives a diary from his aunt that reveals his great uncle Joshua served on George Washington's staff. Inspired, he decides to apply for an off...
-
20
The Transfer
Facing challenges from the Colonel, Bilko opts to play a trick by requesting a transfer. However, the Colonel sees through the ruse and sends Bilko pa...
-
21
The Rest Cure
Amidst a sweltering heat wave, Bilko learns that the army has a retreat in the Rockies. The challenge, however, lies in convincing both the doctors an...
-
22
Dinner at Sowici's
Believing that Joan is attempting to ensnare him into marriage, Bilko invites her out to dinner at Sgt. Sowici's, hoping to show her the downsides of ...
-
23
Army Memoirs
After Sergeants Pendleton, Grover, and Sowici demote Bilko to private, he cleverly retaliates by pretending to author a book about his experiences in ...
-
24
Miss America
Bilko requests photos of the platoon members' girlfriends, and Pvt. Honnagar presents a stunning picture of a girl from years past. The others assume ...
-
25
The Court Martial
Zippo the ape finds himself mistakenly enlisted in the army, creating a tricky situation for everyone involved. To resolve the chaos and keep the army...
-
26
Furlough in New York
Bilko and Joan Hogan both head to New York, but their paths keep crossing without actually meeting. When they finally reunite at Fort Baxter, they dis...
-
27
The Big Uranium Strike
Bilko believes there are significant uranium reserves buried beneath Fort Baxter, but first, he needs to find a way to eliminate the Colonel from the ...
-
28
Bilko and the Beast
When a tough new drill sergeant dubbed 'The Beast' arrives at Fort Baxter, Bilko and his platoon devise a clever plan to eliminate his oppressive pres...
-
29
The Physical Check Up
Bilko attempts to dodge a grueling 20-mile hike, but the Colonel surprises him by excusing him from the trek. Bilko is taken aback, wondering if the C...
-
30
The Recruiting Sergeant
Bilko receives a hot tip from a jockey about a promising horse, leading him to convince the Colonel to join him on a recruitment mission to Topeka. Hi...
-
31
Hair
Bilko's barber regularly uses his head as a test subject in his quest to develop a baldness remedy. Aware of this unusual situation, the other three s...
-
32
The Con Men
After Doberman unexpectedly receives $500 from an insurance payout, he quickly loses it to three con artists in a poker game. Bilko steps in to retrie...
-
33
War Games
Bilko receives a request to serve as the best man at a friend's wedding, but the timing clashes with a military war game between the army and the nati...
-
34
Bilko on Wall Street
Believing his buddy has made it big on Wall Street, Bilko decides to pay him a visit. However, upon realizing that his friend is merely a clerk, Bilko...
-
1
Platoon in the Movies
The platoon is selected to create a movie demonstrating the proper usage of the spark plug.
-
2
It's For The Birds
Bilko searches for a specialist to join him on the 64,000 Dollar quiz show. He selects Pvt. Honnegar, who has a deep knowledge of wildlife. Despite ex...
-
3
Bilko Goes To College
After a local gangster disrespects the military, Bilko wagers a staggering 1000-to-1 that Schmill College can defeat Notre Dame in a football match. S...
-
4
The Girl From Italy
Rocco's brother is determined not to wed a girl who has been introduced from Italy. In response, Bilko devises a plan to spark jealousy in him, hoping...
-
5
The Face On The Recruiting Poster
Bilko is eager to help a dashing young recruit catch Hollywood's eye by featuring him on the latest army recruiting poster. However, before that can h...
-
6
Bilko's War Against Culture
When two special service officers arrive to give a lecture to the platoon, the men make a pact with Bilko, vowing to skip the sessions until they get ...
-
7
The Song Of The Motor Pool
Bilko is on the hunt for a catchy tune for the motor pool to adopt. While in the barracks, he catches Paparelli belting out a song in the shower, thin...
-
8
Bilko's Engagement
Following a mix-up at the jewelry store, Bilko discovers that Joan has received an engagement ring, leading her to believe they are getting married. B...
-
9
A Mess Sergeant Can't Win
Tired of constantly being outsmarted by Bilko, Mess Sgt. Ritzik decides to leave the army, having stashed away $400 to start his own snack bar. In res...
-
10
Doberman's Sister
At Fort Baxter, it's family day, and the entire platoon has brought their sisters along. While everyone has secured a date, Doberman is left without o...
-
11
Where There's A Will
One of the platoon members finds himself shortchanged in his uncle's will, receiving nothing but a parrot. In response, Bilko concocts a story claimin...
-
12
Bilko's Tax Trouble
Due to a mix-up, Bilko finds himself summoned by the tax authorities to justify his income.
-
13
Mink Incorporated
After Bilko squanders $100 from the platoon's welfare fund on a horse bet, he scrambles to recover the lost cash by launching a mink farm. Unfortunate...
-
14
Sergeant Bilko Presents Ed Sullivan
When TV host Ed Sullivan sets out to produce a special called 'A Salute to the Army,' Bilko is initially overlooked by the talent scout. However, when...
-
15
Bilko Gets Some Sleep
Struggling with insomnia, Bilko seeks guidance from the camp psychiatrist. During their conversation, the psychiatrist suggests that he should focus o...
-
16
The Blue Blood Of The Bilko's
A sergeant stationed at Fort Baxter finds himself uninvited to his son's wedding to a wealthy heiress, as the couple only wants military officers in a...
-
17
Love That Guardhouse
After scoring $1500 in Las Vegas, Ritzik is eager to challenge Bilko to a poker game. However, the Colonel decides to lock him in the guardhouse to ke...
-
18
Sergeant Bilko Presents Bing Crosby
Bilko organizes a showcase featuring Bing Crosby, but when Bing unexpectedly doesn't arrive, Bilko scrambles to find a doppelgänger to take his place...
-
19
Bilko Goes To Monte Carlo
Bilko devises a surefire strategy to beat the roulette tables, and soon the entire camp pools their money together to finance his trip to Monte Carlo ...
-
20
Bilko Enters Politics
When the mayor rejects the proposal for a new serviceman's center, Bilko persuades Doberman to enter the race for mayor. As it seems Doberman is on tr...
-
21
Bilko's Television Idea
When television star Buddy Bickford arrives in Fort Baxter to gather material for a new show, Bilko seizes the opportunity to pitch his own TV concept...
-
22
The Son Of Bilko
A new prankster arrives in the platoon, quickly ruffling everyone’s feathers with his antics. His constant teasing and jokes push the limits of pati...
-
23
Rock 'n' Roll Rookie
Elvin Pelvin, a popular singer, arrives in the platoon and Bilko immediately spots a chance to cash in. However, he struggles to persuade Elvin to per...
-
24
Bilko's Black Magic
After being stranded in the jungle for years, Pvt. Mendleson finally gets his hands on $7,000 in back pay, only to lose it to Grover and Ritzik during...
-
25
Bilko Goes South
Amid a chilly stretch of weather, the platoon is under the impression that they're off to compete in a singing contest in Florida. However, their plan...
-
26
Bilko Goes Around The World
After viewing "Around the World in 80 Days," Bilko reaches out to producer Mike Todd with an idea. He proposes that to promote the film, Todd should a...
-
27
The Mess Hall Mess
Bilko dines at a French eatery and stumbles upon a vintage recipe that he believes will secure a victory in a contest aimed at discovering an innovati...
-
28
The Secret Life Of Sergeant Bilko
An investigative journalist sets out to uncover proof that U.S. soldiers are leaking sensitive defense information. Bilko catches wind of the situatio...
-
29
Radio Station B.I.L.K.O.
With the local radio station set to shut down, Bilko spots an opportunity to cash in by leveraging army equipment.
-
30
Bilko the Marriage Broker
When Lieutenant Wallace arrives to take charge of Bilko's platoon, he puts them through grueling drills all day. In an attempt to get him to lighten u...
-
31
Bilko Acres
Bilko gets the idea that the camp is expanding, so he decides to invest in a nearby swamp, anticipating a big profit. However, he soon discovers that ...
-
32
The Big Scandal
Bilko attempts to hypnotize Ritzik, but instead, it's Doberman who becomes entranced. Under the spell, he confesses his love to the Colonel's wife, mu...
-
33
Bilko's Perfect Day
For a change, Bilko experiences an entire day of good fortune, enjoying everything from warm showers in the morning to successfully choosing all the w...
-
34
The Colonel Breaks Par
Bilko is eager to have the Colonel out of the camp to run his schemes freely. To achieve this, he convinces the Colonel to participate in a golf tourn...
-
35
Show Segments
-
36
His Highness Doberman
Doberman is in a relationship with the daughter of a wealthy millionaire from Roseville. However, when her parents discover that he is merely a soldie...
-
1
Bilko's Merry Widow
-
2
Bilko's Boy's Town
With the army out on exercises, the Colonel instructs Bilko to remain at the camp. Seizing the opportunity of an empty Fort Baxter, Bilko decides to s...
-
3
Hillbilly Whiz
After the platoon suffers yet another defeat in baseball, Bilko becomes frantic to recruit fresh talent. His luck changes when a new recruit from the ...
-
4
Bilko's Valentine
After Bilko neglects to remember Valentine’s Day, Joan Hogan decides to leave the army. Once he realizes his mistake, Bilko rushes after her, determ...
-
5
The Big Man Hunt
Two men, hired by a soldier searching for the person who saved his life during the war, arrive looking for Bilko. Misunderstanding their intentions, B...
-
6
Bilko's Double Life
As Bilko's financial troubles begin to overwhelm him, he heads to New York. However, during his time there, he's wrongly identified as a wealthy milli...
-
7
Sergeant Bilko Presents
Struggling to secure funding for Pt Hugo Lockman's production of 'Sharecropper's Summer', Bilko convinces the army to host a playwriting contest.
-
8
Bilko Talks in His Sleep
Sgt. Grover and Ritzik catch Bilko mumbling in his sleep, inadvertently revealing all his secret betting strategies. Once Bilko becomes aware of their...
-
9
Cherokee Ernie
Bilko takes leave alongside Cpl. Charlie Whiteagle, a Cherokee Indian, to Tulsa for a poker match. However, things take a turn when they stumble upon ...
-
10
Bilko Buys A Club
Bilko discovers that a new recruit in the platoon is a merchant banker and seizes the opportunity to persuade him to invest in a club he plans to esta...
-
11
Lieutenant Bilko
Bilko contemplates leaving the army but discovers that he was actually promoted to Lieutenant during the war. A mix-up has kept him in the rank of Lie...
-
12
Bilko At Bay
In their quest to reach New York while keeping costs down, Bilko and the corporals decide to make pit stops at the homes of their fellow platoon membe...
-
13
Bilko F.O.B. Detroit
Bilko and his platoon head to Detroit to pick up the new trucks. Although the Colonel instructs him to return within two days, Bilko has different ide...
-
14
Bilko and the Flying saucers
To secure a date with a young singer in Washington, Bilko concocts a story for the Colonel, claiming he witnessed a U.F.O. He insists that he needs to...
-
15
Bilko and the Colonel's Secretary
When the Colonel's secretary is reassigned, Bilko ensures that the new WAC is the perfect fit, but this move separates her from her fiancé. Once she ...
-
16
Doberman the Crooner
Bilko stumbles upon the fact that Doberman has an incredible singing talent, but only when he’s under the weather. Seizing the opportunity, Bilko en...
-
17
Bilko Presents Kay Kendall
Movie star Kay Kendall arrives in Roseville to promote her latest film, and Bilko seizes the opportunity to get her on a show he’s producing. Eager ...
-
18
Bilko's Cousin
Upon learning that another Bilko is on the way, the Colonel fears the worst, praying he isn't related to Ernie. The prospect of two Bilkos at the camp...
-
19
Bilko's Pigeons
After a directive arrives from Washington prohibiting the use of pigeons, Bilko finds his income source has vanished.
-
20
Cyrano De Bilko
Bilko steps in to assist a member of his platoon who is too bashful to ask a local girl, Natalie, out on a date. However, things take a turn when it b...
-
21
The Colonel's Reunion
The Colonel is determined to crack down on gambling, prompting Bilko to suggest that he attend a class reunion to get him out of the camp. Just when B...
-
22
Bilko Saves Ritzik's Marriage
After Sgt. Ritzik loses track of time playing poker with Bilko, his wife decides she's had enough and walks out on him. Now, Ernie must step in to fin...
-
23
Bilko The Art Lover
In New York, Bilko visits an old friend who is trying to make it as an artist. Tensions arise between the friend and his father, leading to a fallout....
-
24
Bilko The Genius
Due to a mix-up with test scores, Bilko learns that he’s been classified as a genius and is invited to attend a special program for other high achie...
-
25
Bilko the Male Model
Bilko finds himself in a bit of trouble when a photo surfaces showing him enjoying a night out at a club while he was supposed to be elsewhere. Howeve...
-
26
The Colonel's Inheritance
After the Colonel receives a $5000 inheritance, Bilko seizes the opportunity to invest the money in the stock market. However, he quickly loses it all...
-
27
Bilko's Honeymoon
Paparelli is thrilled to win a contest for a trip to Florida, but his excitement quickly fades when he discovers it's meant for newlyweds. Undeterred,...
-
28
Bilko's Chinese Restaurant
Upon discovering that the father of one of the new recruits launched a chain of Chinese restaurants with minimal investment, he chooses to dive into t...
-
29
Operation Love
The women of Fort Baxter's WACs have had enough of their boyfriends spending time gambling with Bilko rather than taking them out. Frustrated with the...
-
30
Bilko's TV Pilot
A new cowboy arrives in the platoon, sparking an idea in Bilko to create a television show featuring him.
-
31
Bilko Retires From Gambling
Colonel Hall enlists the help of a skilled card player to take down Bilko in a game. After suffering a defeat, Hall becomes so frustrated that he deci...
-
32
Bilko's Vacation
Bilko schemes to arrange a complimentary vacation at Dimmeldorf lodge and manages to persuade both his platoon and the Colonel to join him. However, o...
-
33
Bilko's Insurance Company
After witnessing a car crash close to the camp, Bilko gets inspired to launch his own insurance company.
-
34
Bilko's Prize Poodle
Doberman forms a bond with a poodle, leading Bilko to spot an opportunity to win $10,000 at an upcoming dog show.
-
35
Bilko's School Days
Bilko discovers that a new training camp is set to open at Fort Baxter, and just when he thinks he’s stumbled upon a fresh opportunity for income, h...
-
36
Joan's Big Romance
Frustrated with Bilko's constant delays, Joan Hogan decides to head to Chicago on her own. During her train journey, she encounters a charming, afflue...
-
37
Papa Bilko
During his time in the war, Bilko forms a close friendship with a French family. Years later, the daughter reaches out to reconnect with her beloved "...
-
1
Gold Fever
Bilko stumbles upon an ancient map leading to a hidden gold mine located near Grove City, sparking his curiosity. Eager to uncover the treasure, he se...
-
2
Bilko's Vampire
As Ritzik shifts his focus from poker to horror movies, Bilko becomes concerned and makes an effort to frighten him away from this new obsession.
-
3
Bilko's De Luxe Tours
Facing difficulties reaching town, Bilko decides to dive into the transportation game. He becomes a member of the PTA and manages to secure one of the...
-
4
Bilko the Potato Sack King
Bilko jumps at the chance to leave the army for a job paying $20,000 at a company that produces potato sacks. However, it doesn’t take long for him ...
-
5
Bilko v's Covington
Bilko finds himself outmatched by Sgt. Covington, prompting him to spread a rumor about a lucrative opportunity in Japan. However, his scheme takes an...
-
6
Bilko Joins the Navy
News of an exclusive gambling game for sailors reaches Bilko, prompting him, Paparelli, and Zimmerman to enlist in the navy for a chance to join in. H...
-
7
Bilko's Big Woman Hunt
Cpl Henshaw finds romance and inadvertently jeopardizes Bilko's business. Soon after, Bilko experiences a similar predicament when he becomes stuck in...
-
8
Bilko and the Crosby's
Bilko imagines how different life would be if he were the father of the Crosby Sons instead of Bing. As he envisions this alternate reality, he consid...
-
9
Bilko's Allergy
Bilko discovers he has developed an allergy to playing cards, which keeps him from joining in on the poker games.
-
10
Bilko and the Chaplin
Chaplin and Bilko team up to take down a shady real estate agent determined to shut down a boys' home in favor of building a parking lot. They devise ...
-
11
Bilko Presents the McGuire Sisters
-
12
Bilko's Secret Mission
After Ritzik accidentally gets zapped with electricity, he discovers that he has become magnetic. Unbeknownst to him, this newfound ability allows him...
-
13
Bilko's Giveaway
In Hollywood and broke, Bilko joins forces with a young prodigy to snag huge prizes on a television game show. However, despite their efforts, cash re...
-
14
Bilko and the Medium
Upon learning that the Ritzik family has won $500, Bilko sees an opportunity and attempts to persuade them to lend him the money so he can start a poo...
-
15
Bilko's Bopster
With the arrival of jazz drummer Skinny Sanders in the platoon, Bilko envisions creating a band and hitting the road for a European tour.
-
16
Bilko's Hollywood Romance
The agent of a famous movie star believes that a romantic relationship with a soldier could boost her public image. Bilko is selected for the role, bu...
-
17
Bilko's Grand Hotel
Bilko decides to launch a pizza stand, but things go awry when it catches fire while Paparelli and Zimmerman are running it. Undeterred, he attempts t...
-
18
Bilko's Credit Card
Bilko enrolls the camp in his credit card program, and the guys are excited about the prospect. However, when it’s time to pay their bills, the camp...
-
19
Viva Bilko
While enjoying a vacation in Mexico, Bilko and three members of his platoon find themselves in a tricky situation when bandits steal their clothes. Th...
-
20
The Colonel's Promotion
After Colonel Hall's anticipated promotion falls through, he travels to Washington, where he finds himself on the golf course with President Eisenhowe...
-
21
Bilko's Sharpshooter
Bilko stumbles upon a talented WAC sharpshooter and eagerly begins to market her as the next Annie Oakley. However, things take a turn when she develo...
-
22
Bilko's Formula Seven
After Applejack gets unintentionally blended with crankcase oil, Bilko realizes they've stumbled upon a groundbreaking anti-wrinkle formula. Excited b...
-
23
Bilko's Ape Man
Bilko is eager to help Pvt. Forbes kickstart his acting career by enrolling him in a Mister Universe competition.
-
24
Warrant Officer Paparelli
Bilko successfully helps Paparelli climb the ranks, but soon realizes that the promotion has transformed him into an unbearable tyrant. Faced with the...
-
25
Bilko's Godson
After being chosen as the godfather of a friend's son from the military, Bilko sets his sights on securing a spot for the young boy at Stanford Univer...
-
26
Guinea Pig Bilko
Bilko takes a tranquilizer that diminishes his urge to gamble, much to the dismay of the Colonel. Unhappy with this unexpected transformation, the Col...
-
27
Bilko the Butler
While working as a waiter, Bilko catches wind of a promising stock tip and quickly calls Cpl Henshaw to put their money into it. However, just before ...
-
28
Ritzik Goes Civilian
Sgt. Ritzik departs from military life and opens a roadside diner. However, it doesn't take long for him to realize he's been taken advantage of finan...
-
29
Bilko's Small Car
After the police confiscate the Colonel's sports car, Bilko cleverly transforms a jeep and secures an order for ten more from a nearby car dealer.
-
30
Doberman Missing Heir
Lord and Lady Rockford believe they have found their long-lost son and heir in Doberman, leading to a whirlwind of excitement and hope. However, their...
-
31
Bilko's Casino
Bilko stumbles upon a vintage document indicating that the Grove City USO is not subject to California's gambling regulations. Seizing the opportunity...
-
32
The Colonel's Second Honeymoon
While the Colonel is off enjoying a second honeymoon, Bilko and Zimmerman discover that they are both guests at the same hotel after Zimmerman wins a ...
-
33
Bilko in Outer Space
Sgt. Ritzik and Grover score a $600 jackpot but are filled with dread at the thought of Bilko getting his hands on it. To safeguard their winnings, th...
-
34
The Bilko Boycott
Frustrated by Bilko's continuous exploitation of the platoon, Cpl Henshaw decides to establish a Gamblers Anonymous group. As Bilko finds his cash flo...
-
35
Weekend Colonel
After Colonel Hall sets up surveillance cameras to crack down on gambling, Bilko discovers a lookalike of the Colonel. This doppelgänger then instruc...
-
36
DELETE
