Dennis the Menace (1959–1963) User Reviews (20)

Innocent little sitcom.

[OllieSuave-007 · 7/10 · 27 November 2016]

This is a comedy show based on the comic strip, where a naive and inquisitive boy named Dennis Mitchell, dressed in overalls and carrying a slingshot in his pocket, tries to befriend everybody and help out with stuff, but always ends up in mischief or in a sea of misadventures - particular driving his neighbor, retired business machine salesman George Wilson, crazy.

It's a black and white show from the early 1950s to 1960s - probably a little dated today, but overall it's a funny little classic show that is full of that childhood innocence and some slapstick comedy. I used to watch it when I was a kid - a nice little show to pass the time. It's not the funniest or greatest sitcom I've seen, but its innocence and good old fashion comedy and dialog make it a family favorite.

Grade B-

Overlooked Gem of Early TV Sitcoms

[FlushingCaps · 8/10 · 22 March 2010]

This series was one of TV's best sitcoms of the early days of TV, and it has unfortunately been ignored in most of the tribute shows over the years. Having recently watched some episodes taped some years ago on TV Land--back when TV Land had many shows worth watching, which hasn't been the case for some time--I like this series more than I used to. UPDATE: I have now been through most episodes this year. I laugh heartily at almost every episode. Far funnier than I remembered. I have also seen how Mrs. Wilson added more to the series than I remembered. She was excellent in her role, and that was tough because Joseph Kearns was the person most responsible for making this series so wonderful.

What I like, in particular, is how Dennis is a good kid who tries to help people, Mr. Wilson and others, but has accidents and has other things go wrong. Frequently, he accidentally destroys something while trying to be very careful. Maybe I like this show because that type of thing happens to me--spilling and breaking things often when I am trying hardest to be careful.

Many reviewers speak of what a great actor Joseph Kearns was. One of the series' chief strengths was how likable this fussbudget was, and how he didn't ALWAYS hate Dennis being around, as he understood that he was a good boy overall, and said so often. He also recognized that quite often Dennis would straighten things out, sometimes getting him out of a fix that was his own doing. One example is an early episode where if not for Dennis, Wilson would have given money to a phony, instead of the man who really had owned the old radio George bought at an auction.

Plots were fairly simple, believable, but mostly lots of laughs. Just as Wilson could never stay mad at Dennis, Dennis never quit trying to do everything he could for his "best friend." I think Dennis on TV was far more likable than in the comic books, where he just seemed to run rampant with little parental supervision. TV Dennis had much better parents, who did teach him things. Part of this is because the TV boy was supposed to be a couple of years, or more, older than the perennial four-year-old of the cartoons.

Jay North was a marvelous child actor, and the other kids around him, while not as good, played characters more realistic than many other TV children. It is most sad that Jay's life wasn't always the best, but that doesn't detract from his wonderful work on one of the dozen funniest TV series of all-time! (One man's opinion.)

A Fun-Spirited Series With A Worthy Child Star

[atlasmb · 7/10 · 31 July 2018]

Starring Jay North as Dennis, this comedy series dealt with the daily adventures of a young boy. Dennis is a whirling dervish of enthusiasm. He is not a bad kid, just the personification of boyishness. He likes slingshots, baseball, frogs, camping, toy guns, etc.

Most of the episodes concern Dennis' interactions with his next door neighbor, Mr. Wilson (Joseph Kearns), his antagonist. While Dennis genuinely likes Mr. Wilson, Mr. Wilson is ambivalent about the young boy's charms. Wilson is the perfect foil, being someone who likes order and quiet. His hobbies include gardening and bird watching. And he loves public recognition. Dennis' very nature threatens the orderliness of Wilson's world.

This series might be seen as a one joke comedy, but no more so than "Bewitched" was a one trick series. North is a fine child actor who really embodies the Dennis character. Despite the naïve carelessness of Dennis, the episodes often resulted in Dennis saving the day or somehow aiding Mr. Wilson.

After the death of Kearns in the middle of season three, the show's formula altered slightly. Those who think Kearn's acting was over the top might prefer Gale Gordon, who stepped in for the remainder of the series.

Put Dennis the Menace on DVD

[jpangle · 13 January 2006]

Dennis the Menace was my favorite show growing up. I used to run from the school bus to my house to see it coming on. I would really like to have it on DVD. I hope it will be made available in the near future. Even though Dennis got into plenty of trouble, it was good, wholesome, clean viewing. I know plenty of children today(along with adults like me) would enjoy seeing it now. There was never any disrespect shown to adults in this program. It was always intriguing wondering what Dennis was going to get into in each episode. Everything always worked out in the end and it was just refreshing to watch something that was so entertaining. I would really enjoy seeing this show again. It is the kind of program that you can watch and laugh and forget about how hard the day may have been. Hopefully it will be made available soon.

A good TV series about an energetic kid

[morrowman2 · 9/10 · 14 January 2004]

It was a great TV show! I watch it every chance I get. When I first discovered the show about 12 years ago on Nickelodeon, I thought it was very funny and very unique, A bright boy with a lot of energy who is always wanting to help people out, especially his next door neighbor Mr. Wilson who Dennis drove crazy and quite often got him in trouble. I just could never figure out why his parents didn't punish Dennis more often for some of the trouble he got into. Never the

less, The TV show was funny up until the end of the 3rd season

when Joseph Kearns who played the 1st Mr. Wilson passed away. Joseph Kearns was the best, he played his role as Mr. Wilson

with a real inspiration. Gale Gordon, Who played Mr. Wilson towards the end of the 3rd season and all of the 4th season was good, but he just was not the character that Joseph Kearns was. Another thing you could tell is that Herbert Anderson (Henry Mitchell) got along with and worked better with Joseph Kearns then he did with Gale Gordon. I think it's quite obvious that Herbert Anderson liked working with Joseph Kearns a lot better then he did with Gale Gordon, it comes clear throughout the last season.

I remember the show

[Jay09101951 · 7/10 · 13 November 2006]

I was about the same age as Jay North and I remember vividly watching the 1st show in fall 1959 with my older brother on our table-top RCA-Victor black and white TV. It was on CBS TV (chan 2 in New York City where we grew up). I remember always feeling bad for "GOOD OLD MR Wilson" but I always thought the guy who played the owner of the grocery named Mr Quigley was a sour-puss. One of my favorite ones was the one when Mr Wilson accidentally gave Dennis a very rare coin and Dennis spent it. Of course, Mrs. Wilson was ready to give Mr. Wilson some of his "Nerve Medicine". A good,fun show that we loved. It was followed by other Sunday comedy shows on CBS including "My Favorite Martian" and "Mr Ed".

A must-see CBS hit!

[Catherine_Grace_Zeh · 9/10 · 19 July 2006]

"DENNIS THE MENACE," in my opinion, is a must-see CBS hit! Despite the fact that I've never seen every episode, I still enjoyed it. It's hard to say which one is my favorite. Also, I really loved the theme song. If you ask me, even though I liked everyone, it would have been nice if everyone had stayed on the show throughout its entire run. Everyone always gave a good performance, the production design was spectacular, the costumes were well-designed, and the writing was always very strong. In conclusion, if some network ever brings it back on the air, I strongly recommend you catch it just in case it goes off the air for good.

Such a sweet child

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 15 October 2019]

Until it was obvious that Jay North was entering puberty the Dennis The Menace Show ran for four years. After that some of Dennis's antics might have put him in juvenile court;

The only child of the adult Mitchells Herbert Anderson and Gloria Henry, Hank Ketcham's cartoon urchin was played by Jay North who had the right peroxide blond look for the part as Ketcham drew him.

Of course the favorite foil of Dennis was neighbor Joseph Kearns who struck the right note of curmudgeonlyness. There was also Mrs. Wilson who would have been the perfect grandmother if the Wilsons had grandkids, played by Sylvia Field.

This half hour show set in suburban ideal town USA and it had like Mayberry a host of familiar character players who might pop up in recurring roles. When Wilson wasn't around, Dennis menaced the others.

Kearns died during the run so he was replaced by Gale Gordon as brother John Wilson. Another glaring look and slow burn master.

Poor Jay North, his life was truly spoiled by the show. Still he was a television icon for a while.

A Classic Masterpiece

[wlanzet · 10/10 · 25 June 2020]

Born in 1955 I remember watching "Dennis the Menace" in prime time along with "Lassie," and others shows that were a mainstay of our family Sunday evening viewing. I just discovered the entire series is now available on the ROKU app.

This TV classic is a underrated masterpiece! Jay North was brilliant as Dennis and I regret the experience was painful for him. Glad to hear Jay has come to terms with his performance and his experience as he gave great joy to his audience.

Dennis must be the smartest kid on TV! All the schemes he devised is unparalleled by any other kid character. The chemistry between Jay North and Joseph Kearns (Mr. Wilson) worked beautifully. Kearns was equally as brilliant playing the good-hearted curmudgeon who lived next door. Lets face it -- Dennis loved Mr. Wilson and, although he rarely admitted it, Mr. Wilson loved Dennis.

The best part of childhood are the friends we had growing up. Tommy Anderson (played by Billy Booth) exemplified the "best friend" every kid had (or wanted to have).

The only negative comment pertains to Dennis' parents. They seem clueless on how to handle an incredibly intelligent and energetic son

Not sure how well this classic translates to today's audience, but this is one of the best sitcom's from the early days of television.

Dennis was meant for animation.

[coreycitn63 · 7/10 · 28 December 2021]

Dennis The Menace was a sweet show but when Jay North got older Dennis antics became less cute. Also the tragic death of Joseph Kearns as Mr. Wilson also killed the show. Gale Gordon was the wrong fit to replace Kearns. Jay North had a horrible mother who saw him as a meal ticket.

Parenting Never Looked More Awful Than This To Me

[strong-122-478885 · 3/10 · 25 September 2017]

Attention!!!

If you are someone who is seriously thinking about finding yourself a mate and actually having children - Then, believe me - This truly dreadful TV series should successfully demolish any starry-eyed idealism that you may have about parenting.

I mean - Let's face it - (As cynical as this may sound) - Dennis Mitchell (the ultimate annoying brat) really did epitomize (in a nutshell) what children are all about.

'Cause you may blindly believe that your offspring are gonna be the absolute darlings of the rugrat set. But, in reality - They (with all of their inevitable demands and defiance) will be a literal ball & chain around your neck for 20 years, or more.

This still holds up with lots of laughs.

[jimludwig · 8/10 · 3 May 2019]

My wife and I watch this together and we both enjoy it. It has lots of good fun in every episode.

Yep. Dennis's Annoying Cowlick Has Got To Go, Like, Pronto!

[StrictlyConfidential · 3/10 · 8 August 2020]

Unfortunately - This is what happens when you take a single-panelled, one-note-joke comic strip and attempt to flesh it out into a half-hour, laugh-a-minute, TV sitcom (circa 1960).

And, unless your overall expectations for enjoyable and inspired escapist entertainment is on the low side - Then - This TV series is gonna quickly become painfully predictable at its every twist and turn (along its well-worn path).

And, as far as the Dennis Mitchell character goes - I don't think that Jay North was at all suited for the part. No way. To me - Dennis really needed to be a much more rough, scruffy, and ornery suburbanized brat to live up to the title of being a "menace".

And, finally - Speaking about North's (obviously) bleached blond hair - Not only was it always combed way too neatly for that of a 9-year-old mischief-maker - But that blasted cowlick of his was so carefully positioned at the back of his head that I wished that someone would've come along and torn it right out of his skull.... (Egads! I'm such a meanie)

One of my earliest memories

[rday-9 · 10 January 2006]

Since I was born in 1955, Dennis was one of the first shows I can recall, along with Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best. I even had a few Dennis-themed toys. Whereas Beaver got into trouble for being kind of stupid, Dennis got into it with a kind of sly naiveté -- I always thought he really knew what he was doing. HellOOO Mr. Wilson!! I also used to compare my older sister to Margaret who always wanted Dennis to play dolls with her but she wasn't mean-spirited like Judy Hensler on Leave it to Beaver. I understand Margaret became a doctor as an adult. I was always sad to hear about Jay North's problems being in the entertainment industry. I also remember joining the U.S. Navy hoping to catch a glance of North since I'd heard he was a sailor too. Brings back a lot of memories.

Theodore Mooney

[myronlearn · 9/10 · 10 July 2019]

The name of the police chief, an ongoing character, was Sgt Theodore Mooney. Ironically, this was the same name that Gale Gordon, who played Mr Wilson in the fourth and final season, had in 'The Lucy Show'.

Often Contrived but Almost Always Funny

[jeffy-3 · 25 July 2002]

I was thrilled when I saw TVLand was running this old sitcom this summer and have been taping episodes daily. They give me a good laugh and I am thankful they are only showing the early episodes featuring Joseph Kearns as Good Ole Mr. Wilson. To me he is the second funniest sitcom actor/character ever (next to Carroll O'Connor's Archie Bunker). His anguished cries of "Great Scott" or "Fiddle Faddle" and his easy-to-stroke ego are hilarious. In my opinion, it's one of the most underrated performances in sitcom history.

Hi Mr. Wilson!

[macpherr · 19 September 1999]

Every time we heard this line we knew that trouble was coming. Jay North, Dennis Mitchell (The Miracle of the Hills) the cute kid who wore coveralls and carried a sling shot in his back pocket was walking chaos. He was well intended and did not mean to do anything wrong. He was so innocent, but he caused a thousand of dollars in losses for the entire neighborhood, especially for the Wilsons, his next door neighbors. George Wilson, Joseph Kearns (Anatomy of a Murder) and Martha Wilson, Sylvia Fields (Stewed, Fried and Boiled) were the empty nesters next door. The Mitchell's neighbors lived in perfect harmony, and in perfect little houses, things always got messy ultimately because of Dennis. Everybody laughed a lot watching the show, at least, I did. Henry Mitchell, Herbert Anderson (Rascal), and Alice Mitchell, Gloria Henry (Keeper of the Bees), were a nice couple but had the terror kid. I loved the series! There are "Dennises" everywhere I go. That series led me to watch the new Dennis the Menace with Walter Matthau as Mr. Wilson. My husband and I rolled with laughter watching it.

The original from the golden age of the late 50's

[raysond · 5 June 2002]

Even when I was a young child,I wasn't that much crazy about the program until years later. The last time this series was on was back in the mid-1980's on cable's Nickelodeon children's network plus was seen in some local TV stations late at night or early Sunday mornings and most recently on Nickelodeon's sister station TV Land. Anyways,this little boy got on people's last nerves and for good reason since it was based on Hank Ketchum's classic comic strip of the same title that produced an astounding 146 episodes,all in black and white and ran in prime-time on CBS-TV from October 4, 1959 until July 7, 1963 and was produced by Harry Ackerman for Screen Gems/Columbia Pictures Television.

Hard-headed and all mischievous annoying brat Dennis Mitchell(played by Jay North)was always getting into trouble and getting into all kinds of mischief,especially annoying his next door neighbor Mr. Wilson. He was a cute kid who wore overralls and carried a sling shot in his back pocket was a walking chaos including those who were in the path of his way. The only problem I have with Dennis is this...His parents were always the nice couple,but I wish there were times when Mr. Mitchell gave Dennis a GOOD spanking! How could a kid like that could start mischief but was never whipped? In the real world he could have gotten it good cause no parent if their right state of mind would let him get away with that. Great show,but execptionally hilarious. However,I can remember,there were two actors who played Mr. Wilson on the show....(1)Joesph Kearns(Anatomy Of A Murder)played Wilson during the 1959-61 season,and then the changing of the guard(2)Gale Gordon played him during the 1961-63 season(long before his long collabration with Lucille Ball).

Never fond of this...

[Douglas_Holmes · 26 April 2002]

Even when I was a very young child (when this series was still in production,) I wasn't that crazy about this program. I grant that Jay North's Dennis was intended to get on people's nerves, but I don't think that was the intent with regard to the viewers; his shrill delivery always pained me and I couldn't figure out how a kid like that never got whipped.

Admittedly, most of the problems he caused were unintentional; nevertheless, any normal parents would have sat him down and explained that there's such a thing as trying too hard.

A Timeless Classic for All Ages!

[sonuta · 21 October 2023]

As an ardent fan of classic television, I can't help but shower endless praise on the iconic TV series, "Dennis the Menace" from 1959. This show, which has stood the test of time, continues to captivate hearts with its timeless charm and heartwarming humor.

From the moment the cheerful and mischievous Dennis Mitchell graced our screens, we were all in for an unforgettable ride. The titular character, played brilliantly by the young Jay North, is the epitome of childhood innocence and curiosity. His antics, often driven by the best of intentions but leading to hilarious mishaps, serve as a delightful reminder of the simpler joys of youth.

What truly sets "Dennis the Menace" apart is its ability to strike a chord with viewers of all ages. While children can relate to Dennis's playful spirit and insatiable curiosity, adults can reminisce about their own childhood adventures. The warm and endearing relationships between Dennis, his parents, Henry and Alice Mitchell, his best buddy, Mr. Wilson, and his loyal dog, Ruff, exemplify the value of family, friendship, and community.

The show's humor is a masterclass in situational comedy, and Jay North's impeccable timing and expressive face bring every scene to life. The interplay between Dennis and his perpetually exasperated neighbor, Mr. Wilson, portrayed with unmatched skill by Joseph Kearns (and later by Gale Gordon), is nothing short of comedic genius. Their relationship is the heart of the show, providing endless laughter and touching moments.

The creators of "Dennis the Menace" expertly balanced laughter with life lessons, instilling values like kindness, empathy, and the importance of looking out for one another. In a world that's often too busy, "Dennis the Menace" serves as a beautiful reminder to slow down, cherish the simple joys, and embrace the quirks that make us who we are.

The timeless quality of this show is a testament to its enduring appeal. "Dennis the Menace" has not only transcended generations but has also maintained its place in the annals of television history. Whether you're introducing your kids to this gem or reliving your own childhood through it, this series promises endless enjoyment.

In conclusion, "Dennis the Menace" (1959) is a heartwarming, delightful, and ageless classic that will continue to bring joy and laughter to audiences for generations to come. Its innocence, humor, and life lessons make it a true masterpiece that deserves a special place in the hearts of viewers everywhere. Don't miss the chance to experience the sheer magic of this television treasure - it's a nostalgic journey you'll never want to end!