[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QK_8QW8LO-c]
This show ran for five seasons starting in 1961. The first season ran with a montage of photos and a similar theme song. It wasn't until the second season that the opening that became one of the more memorable parts of the show was shot and added. It's iconic in the TV world to be honest, and as much as I like the theme, it's the visual aspect that made it the legend it is.
There are three different versions of the opening: one where Dick front flips over the ottoman, one where he only trips slightly, and one where he side steps it completely but then stumbles over his own feet. You can watch them all in one video below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPsofhzu9f0]
Like many iconic and memorable moments in the entertainment industry, this one was a last minute decision. It wasn't even until the first take was finished that the idea for having an alternate opening was suggested. You can listen to John Rich, one of the shows directors, explain how it was created, though, he only mentions two intros, and there are three.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pkeMg6E3TTk]
The theme was revamped to fit Dick's fall/side step after the video was shot. It was Dick's slapstick and physical comedy that made the show, and the intro to his weekly gags was no different. There is also a version of the song with lyrics that were written by Dick's co-star, Morey Amsterdam. You can hear it below, being performed by Dick Van Dyke.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WMkLiW5TDCI]
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