Ep 1. Spur Line to Shady Rest

Petticoat Junction is a classic American sitcom that first aired in 1963. The show follows the lives of the Bradley family, who own and run the Shady Rest Hotel in Hooterville, a fictional town in the rural South. Season 1 Episode 1 is titled "Spur Line to Shady Rest" and marks the beginning of the Bradley family's journey.

The episode opens with an aerial view of Hooterville, showcasing its picturesque countryside and tranquil surroundings. The camera then takes us to the Shady Rest Hotel, which is run by the indomitable Kate Bradley (Bea Benaderet). Kate is a widowed mother of three daughters, Billie Jo (Jeannine Riley), Bobbie Jo (Pat Woodell), and Betty Jo (Linda Henning). Kate is a strong-willed and fiercely independent woman who has managed to keep the hotel running despite its dilapidated state and lack of modern amenities.

The Bradley family picks up the morning newspaper and reads an article about a new spur line being built that will run directly through Hooterville, connecting it to the main railway station. The news is met with great excitement as everyone in the town hopes that the new railway line will bring progress, prosperity, and tourists to Hooterville. Kate, however, is skeptical about the news. She does not think that the new railway line will make any difference to the hotel's fortunes as the Shady Rest is located miles away from the main station.

Kate's doubts are soon quelled as the local train station master, Floyd Smoot (Rufe Davis), brings her the news that the railway company has decided to build a halt station right next to the Shady Rest. Kate is delighted at the news and sees it as a golden opportunity to boost the hotel's business. With the help of her three daughters and Uncle Joe Carson (Edgar Buchanan), a lovable rogue who lives in the hotel's back room and is always on the lookout for a quick buck, Kate sets out to spruce up the Shady Rest and transform it into a holiday destination that will attract tourists from all over.

Kate's plans hit a snag when Homer Bedloe (Charles Lane), a snooty and officious representative of the C&FW Railroad Company, arrives in Hooterville to supervise the construction of the new railway line. Homer is appalled by the Shady Rest's state of disrepair and takes an instant dislike to the Bradley family. He tells them that the hotel will have to close down as it is not fit to receive guests. Kate is not one to be cowed down easily and comes up with a plan to convince Homer of the Shady Rest's potential as a tourist destination.

The plan involves disguising the hotel as a luxury resort and inviting Homer and his boss, Mr. Newton (Frank Cady), to stay there incognito. Kate and her daughters set to work and turn the Shady Rest into a veritable oasis in the middle of nowhere. They install a swimming pool, a putting green, and even an elevator. Uncle Joe comes up with a scheme to add some extra chic to the resort by stealing a chandelier from the local general store.

Homer and Mr. Newton arrive at the hotel and are amazed by the transformation. They are beyond pleased with the hotel's new image and congratulate Kate on her vision and hard work. Homer is so impressed that he even agrees to let the Shady Rest keep its spur line station, much to everyone's delight.

The episode ends with the Bradley family celebrating their victory and looking forward to the future of the Shady Rest Hotel. They clink glasses and sing a song that will become the show's theme song, "Come ride the little train that is rolling down the tracks to the junction." The family has come a long way from their initial doubts, and now they're looking at a bright future ahead.

In conclusion, Petticoat Junction season 1 episode 1, "Spur Line to Shady Rest," sets the stage for the show's enduring legacy. It introduces the quirky characters, picturesque setting, and laid-back pace that would become the hallmarks of the series. The episode is a light-hearted and breezy romp that sets the tone for the show's blend of comedy, drama, and heart. It's an enjoyable half-hour of television that will leave viewers feeling warm and fuzzy.