DIFF'RENT STROKES {DIFFERENT STROKES}: THE BAR MITZVAH BOY (TV)
Summary
One in this series of comedies about the family life of wealthy white industrialist Philip Drummond and his adopted African-American sons, Arnold and Willis. In this episode, Arnold decides to convert to Judaism. When the diminutive adoptee chafes after Maggie makes him go to church on Sunday, Drummond encourages him to explore religion on his own. The next weekend, Arnold attends a friend's bar mitzvah. Likening the solemn ceremony to a "Jewish Academy Awards," and pleased with his complimentary "yamaha," he decides to convert, much to Drummond's consternation. Drummond invites the wisecracking Rabbi Morris over to sound out Arnold about his newfound "faith." Terrified by the prospect of Hebrew school and Jewish dietary obligations, Arnold begins to question his devotion to the god of Abraham. A visit to his childhood minister in Harlem convinces the impressionable Arnold to forego his opportunity to celebrate "Harmonica." Commercials deleted. (This program is closed-captioned.)
Cataloging of this program was made possible by The Hearst Corporation, 1998.
Details
- NETWORK: NBC
- DATE: March 17, 1984 8:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 0:24:51
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T85:0665
- GENRE: Comedy
- SUBJECT HEADING: Comedy; Judaism; African-American Collection - Comedy
- SERIES RUN: NBC - TV series, 1978-1985; ABC - 1985-1986
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Howard Leeds … Executive Producer
- Blake Hunter … Executive Producer
- Martin Cohan … Producer, Writer
- Linda Day … Director
- Bernie Kukoff … Created by
- Jeff Harris … Created by
- Gloria Loring … Theme Music by, Theme song "Diff'rent Strokes" by
- Alan Thicke … Theme Music by, Theme song "Diff'rent Strokes" by
- Al Burton … Theme Music by, Theme song "Diff'rent Strokes" by
- Conrad Bain … Cast, Philip Drummond
- Gary Coleman … Cast, Arnold Jackson
- Todd Brides … Cast, Willis Jackson
- Mary Jo Catlett … Cast, Pearl Gallagher
- Dana Plato … Cast, Kimberly Drummond
- Dixie Carter … Cast, Maggie
- Shavar Ross … Cast, Dudley
- Danny Cooksey … Cast, Sam
- John Hancock … Cast, the Rev. Thomas
- Steven Mond … Cast, Robbie
- Robbie Preston Williams … Cast, Lady of Song
- Leona Baxter … Cast, Lady of Song
- Margaret Jenkins … Cast, Lady of Song
- Jozella Reed … Cast, Lady of Song
- Cynthia Wakefield … Cast, Lady of Song
- Milton Berle … Cast, Rabbi Morris