Down and Out in Beverly Hills (Fox 1987, Hector Elizondo, Anita Morris)

Sitcom Down and Out in Beverly Hills focused Dave Whiteman and his family living in the lap of luxury in Beverly Hills. They appear to have it all but have their lives shaken up when they take in Jerry Baskin, a middle aged tramp, (Baskin had chosen the Whiteman’s pool to commit suicide in but was rescued by Dave).

Baskin also managed to teach the Whiteman’s a few things about life. Based on the 1985 film of the same name which itself was based on a 1932 French original called Boudu Saved From Drowning.

production details
USA / Fox – Touchstone – Gil Grant Productions – Chapman Productions / 13×30 minute episodes / 1987

Devisor: Howard Gewirtz / Writers: Al Aidekman, Robert Bruce, Howard Gewirtz, Terry Hart, Robert Keats, Rich Reinhart, Martin Weiss / Camera: Richard Hissong / Music: David Frank / Costume: Emily Williams / Executive Producers: Howard Gewirtz, Richard Rosenstock

cast
HECTOR ELIZONDO as Dave Whiteman
ANITA MORRIS as Barbara Whiteman
TIM THOMERSON as Jerry Baskin
EVAN RICHARDS as Max Whiteman
EILEEN SEELEY as Jenny Whiteman
APRIL ORTIZ as Carmen, the Maid

Head of film reviews at The Viewers Guide with an erudite, insightful, slightly sardonic, deep appreciation for classic cinema. Has a habit of quoting obscure lines from old films in everyday conversation. He keeps a meticulously organized film logbook. He's a bit of a tea snob.