15 behind-the-scenes photos from Green Acres that prove making the show was a wild time

Even off camera, Arnold the pig stole the spotlight.

The Everett Collection

The classic sitcom Green Acres is one of those shows that could only be made in the late 1960s but is also timeless in its inane genius. The ridiculous tone and fantastical elements weren’t that out of the ordinary during the time of I Dream of Jeannie and Lost in Space, but the meta, fourth-wall-breaking gags give it the feel of something that could be made today.

If the episodes are anything to go by, the antics off-camera must have been wild. The amount of hilarious actors, wacky situations and animal costars surely made for a crazy filming experience.

Here are 15 rarely seen behind-the-scenes photos from the set of Green Acres, courtesy of the Everett Collection. Not surprisingly, Arnold the pig steals the show!

Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor act out the recurring telephone pole gag in this promotional shot.

Oliver was meant to be a farmer, he has a literal green thumb!

Arnold soaks up the spotlight.

Just two TV stars dressed in their finery.

Arnold goes over a script with the director.

All the biggest names have their own chairs.

Arnold reading his fan mail.

A candid shot of Eva and Eleanor.

Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor talk in between takes.

Eva and Arnold perform a scene together.

This shot of Arnold and his trainer gives a peak at the set from the actors' point of view.

Just another day on the set of Green Acres.

Arnold getting ready for his closeup (we imagine).

Talent is moving! Arnold leaves the studio.

The worlds of The Beverly Hillbillies and Green Acres crossed over off-camera as well. Here, actors from both shows dance at a cast party.

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16 Comments

BuckeyeBeth 28 months ago
I just came here from the newer article of why Eddie Albert decided to take the role of Oliver Wendell Douglas. This is exactly the kind of thing I was looking for. Behind-the-scenes photographs that showed exactly what happens on a TV set. Having to squint from all theses lights would’ve given me a headache as an actor. I also see in two different shots the Teleprompter with the actors lines to help them remember. At least I think they were called teleprompters back then. Maybe they went by a different name? If anyone knows what they were called or the brand name of this one please feel free to jump in and tell me 😄. This is also the first time I’ve ever seen a photograph of Richard Bare. And check out those crazy striped pants! I’ve always referred to those as 1970s Brady Bunch pants because that’s where I always saw them growing up on Brady Bunch reruns.

Thank you so much for this opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes action!
Snickers 43 months ago
Loved Green Acres Lisa Oliver Mr. Haney Mr. Kimball and of course Arnold and Eb. Whoops almost forgot Mr. Drucker!
malenecozart 45 months ago
Love to see Lisa’s latest fashions
Tuckerpete 45 months ago
I see a teleprompter in several shots. I wonder who couldn't remember their lines?
jeopardyhead Tuckerpete 45 months ago
According to the book The Hooterville Handbook (I think the author's name is Stephen Cox), Eddie Albert relied on the teleprompter the most. That makes sense considering some of the convoluted dialogue he had. Second was Alvy Moore.
UTZAAKE 45 months ago
Reminds me of a university accounting midterm exam question that I mangled which mentioned Arnold Ziffel. After reviewing the answer, the professor, who looked and sounded like TCM's Ben Mankiewicz, asked the class if anyone knew who Arnold Ziffel was. Every student was too embarrassed to admit knowing this. My grade was so abysmal that I was in no mood to admit it myself.
Deleted 46 months ago
This comment has been removed.
TomLawrence 28 months ago
That’s what he gets for hanging out with a known dealer like Mr. Haney.
justjeff 46 months ago
Eva was always so glamorous... but did you get a load of those striped pants on director Richard L. Bare???? PUH-leeze! Better he should have gone "Bare"...

...and how many "Arnold" shots could MeTV come up with? That's sure "bringing home the bacon" for Getty Images or whatever repository they'd licensed those from!
Snickers justjeff 43 months ago
Would have been nice to see pictures of the other cast members as well.
Moverfan 46 months ago
I just have one question...well, two...about the picture of Mr. Albert and young Mr. Ziffle. Arnold dear, is that a cricket bat you have and what are you planning to do with it?
TomLawrence Moverfan 28 months ago
Hey, it was Hollyweird.
Andybandit 46 months ago
I love Green aces. It is funny how Lisa wears those dresses, and Oliver wears suits on the farm.
Pacificsun Andybandit 46 months ago
MeTV wrote an interesting article once on Eva Gabor and her coutour (clothes). You might enjoy it at this link below:
https://www.metv.com/stories/eva-gabor-had-a-secret-source-of-all-those-couture-clothes-on-green-acres
Snickers Andybandit 43 months ago
One of my favorite shows but I wish they would have shown the other cast members. They all made the show as funny as it was.
Dillon45 46 months ago
Green Acres was a comedy for the ages. The jokes and gags still work today. Tom Lester, who portrayed EB, was a fellow Mississippian and I interviewed him once for a small weekly newspaper. One of the nicest and most gracious gentleman I've ever had the pleasure of meeting...
Pacificsun Dillon45 46 months ago
Nice comment, thank you!
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