The Tycoon is an American sitcom television series that was broadcast by ABC. It starred Walter Brennan as a cantankerous tycoon and Van Williams as his young assistant. The series was broadcast Tuesday nights at 9:00 to 9:30 p.m., and lasted from September 15, 1964 until September 7, 1965.
Van Williams was signed to the series to provide the romantic interest, and he took the part to learn comedy.TV Actor Van Williams, Lancaster New Era (Lancaster, PA), January 28, 1965, page 27 Walter Brennan claimed the character he played in The Tycoon had more in common with himself then any other character he had played.Thompson, Ruth E., Walter Brennan Real Nice, Real Tycoon, The Sentinel (Carlisle, PA), January 2, 1965, page 11
Synopsis Walter Andrews was a self-made millionaire who stayed too busy to retire. The eccentric tycoon had his own way of conducting business as the chairman of the board of Thunder Corporation. His unusual business practices often caused problems for those who worked with him, especially his assistant, and private pilot, Pat Burns. Andrews shared his home with his granddaughter Martha and his housekeeper Una.
Cast Walter Brennan as Walter Andrews, the Tycoon Van Williams as Pat Burns, Andrews' young assistant and pilot Jerome Cowan as Herbert Wilson, company president Janet Lake as Betty Franklin, Andrews' personal secretary Pat McNulty as Martha Keane, Andrews' granddaughter Monty Margetts as Una Fields, Andrews' housekeeper
Production The Tycoon was produced by Charles Isaacs, and the executive producer was Danny Thomas. Sheldon Leonard was one of the directors. Walter Brennan had recently starred in a popular sitcom (The Real McCoys), and his new series was scheduled between two successful Tuesday night shows, McHale's Navy and Peyton Place, but The Tycoon failed to receive the ratings necessary to be renewed for a second season.Leszczak, Bob, Single Season Sitcoms, 1948-1979, page 191, McFarland, Inc., 2012
Episodes
References
External links 1964 TV promo for The Tycoon