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The Beverly Hillbillies is known for taking its beloved characters and putting them in situations where their rural upbringing clashes hilariously with city life. Episode 35 of Season 1, titled “Elly Becomes a Secretary,” is no exception. In this episode, Elly May Clampett ventures into the corporate world, and the result is nothing short of side-splitting.
Let’s dive into the episode and explore the humor, character interactions, and why this installment has become a fan favorite over the years.
The Clampetts in Beverly Hills: A Fish Out of Water
From the beginning, The Beverly Hillbillies revolved around the comedic tension between the Clampetts’ backwoods lifestyle and the sophisticated world of Beverly Hills. Jed, Granny, Jethro, and Elly May are constantly facing situations that are foreign to them, and their responses are always filled with charm, wit, and confusion. Episode 35 brings this dynamic into the professional world, where Elly May becomes a secretary.
Elly May’s Introduction to the Corporate World
In S1E35, the premise is simple but ripe for comedy. Elly May Clampett, the sweet, animal-loving daughter of Jed, takes on the role of a secretary for Mr. Drysdale. While Elly May is more accustomed to wrangling critters than office work, she’s eager to prove herself in this new environment. However, her lack of experience in the business world quickly leads to some laugh-out-loud moments.
The Clash of Cultures: Elly vs. Office Life
Elly May’s naivety is part of her charm, but it also serves as a comedic device in this episode. The professional, fast-paced office life is a stark contrast to the simple, slow-paced life on the Clampett farm. The result is a series of misunderstandings, mishaps, and delightful moments of confusion as Elly tries to figure out the duties of a secretary.
Elly’s Unique Approach to Secretarial Work
Elly May’s approach to being a secretary is, unsurprisingly, unconventional. In her first few minutes on the job, she tries to apply her animal-handling skills to her office tasks. From typing on the typewriter as if she’s wrangling a stubborn horse to using the telephone like it’s some kind of farm tool, every task becomes a hilarious struggle.
Mr. Drysdale’s Plan Backfires
Mr. Drysdale, ever the scheming banker, thought bringing Elly May into the office would be a good way to win favor with the Clampetts. Little did he know that her untrained, well-meaning efforts would turn the office upside down. His patience is tested as Elly May innocently disrupts the daily routine, leaving him scrambling to maintain order.
Miss Jane Hathaway: The Real Secretary and Elly’s Mentor
Miss Jane Hathaway, Mr. Drysdale’s loyal and highly competent secretary, plays a key role in this episode. Jane tries her best to mentor Elly, offering her guidance and attempting to teach her the ins and outs of office work. However, despite Jane’s best efforts, Elly’s natural tendencies continue to lead her astray. The dynamic between the seasoned professional Jane and the wide-eyed Elly is comedic gold.
Elly’s Fashion Choices: A Country Girl in a Corporate World
Another humorous element in this episode is Elly’s wardrobe. She arrives at the office dressed in her country attire—complete with her trademark pigtails—completely out of place in the polished, professional setting. While Jane tries to help her fit in, Elly’s refusal to conform to corporate fashion makes for some great visual gags.
Elly’s Love for Animals Causes Office Chaos
Elly May’s well-known love for animals adds another layer of chaos to her secretarial role. At one point, she attempts to bring some of her “pets” into the office, much to the horror of her coworkers. Whether it’s raccoons rummaging through files or a squirrel wreaking havoc on the desks, Elly’s animal friends become a source of never-ending confusion and mayhem.
Jed’s Proud But Perplexed Support of Elly
As always, Jed Clampett remains proud of his daughter’s efforts, even if he doesn’t fully understand the office environment himself. He sees Elly’s new job as a great opportunity but can’t help but be confused by the complexities of modern business. His interactions with Mr. Drysdale, as he checks in on Elly’s progress, provide even more humor as both men try to navigate this odd situation.
Granny’s Reaction: Old-School Wisdom Meets Modern Jobs
Granny, with her traditional mindset, is bewildered by the idea of Elly working as a secretary. In her mind, secretarial work is unnecessary and far too complicated. Her sarcastic remarks and skepticism about office jobs bring even more humor to the episode, especially when she offers her “old-school” advice to Elly, which inevitably leads to more confusion.
Jethro’s Ambition Sparks Jealousy
Jethro, always envious of Elly May’s successes, decides that if she can be a secretary, then he could become the president of a company! His wild ambitions and lack of understanding of how the corporate ladder works provide a hilarious subplot as he begins making his own plans for corporate domination.
The Office Workers’ Reactions to Elly
The reactions of the other office employees to Elly’s antics are another source of comedy. They are baffled by her unusual methods, unsure whether to laugh or cry as they watch their office turn into a scene of rural chaos. Their attempts to stay professional while Elly continues to shake things up is a great example of how The Beverly Hillbillies mixes situational humor with character-based comedy.
Elly’s Kindness Wins the Day
Despite all the mishaps and confusion, one thing remains clear: Elly May’s pure heart and kindness shine through. Even though she isn’t cut out for office work, her sincerity and willingness to help endear her to the office staff. By the end of the episode, even the flustered Mr. Drysdale can’t stay mad at her for long.
The Message Behind the Comedy
While The Beverly Hillbillies is always lighthearted and fun, there’s often a deeper message behind the humor. In this episode, the show gently reminds us that sometimes, people from different worlds can offer fresh perspectives—even if they seem out of place. Elly May’s innocent approach to secretarial work, though comical, also highlights the value of staying true to oneself in unfamiliar environments.
Why This Episode Resonates with Fans
“Elly Becomes a Secretary” is an episode that perfectly captures the essence of The Beverly Hillbillies. It showcases the Clampetts’ charming innocence in a world that’s too complex for its own good. Fans love watching Elly May attempt something completely foreign to her, knowing that her good nature will win the day, even if it doesn’t go according to plan.
The Clampetts and Beverly Hills: A Timeless Contrast
The clash between the Clampetts’ rural roots and the glitzy, urban world of Beverly Hills is what drives much of the humor in the show. This episode highlights that contrast in a new setting—the corporate office—and it’s a formula that continues to resonate with audiences decades after it originally aired.
The Legacy of Elly May’s Secretary Episode
This episode is more than just a comedy—it’s a piece of television history. It captures the charm of The Beverly Hillbillies and the enduring appeal of its characters. Fans continue to revisit it for its lighthearted humor, and new viewers find themselves laughing along with Elly’s misadventures in the office.
How “Elly Becomes a Secretary” Stacks Up Against Other Episodes
While every episode of The Beverly Hillbillies has its unique charm, this one stands out due to the unexpected setting and Elly’s fish-out-of-water experience. It’s a memorable episode because it showcases Elly’s sweetness and naivety, while also pushing her out of her comfort zone. Fans of the show often rank it among the top episodes because of its relatable humor and lovable characters.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch Episode for All Fans
In conclusion, The Beverly Hillbillies S1E35: Elly Becomes a Secretary is a classic episode that highlights everything fans love about the show—charm, humor, and unforgettable character moments. Watching Elly May tackle a secretarial job with her unique, country-girl style is both heartwarming and hilarious.
