This week marked the 50th anniversary of the TV-series ‘Happy Days‘ first episode . The show’s depiction of car-culture in the golden era of motoring makes it idea for our weekly series, Fast Film Fridays. The show’s 2nd episode ‘The Lemon:’ aired in January 1974, and it’s an all-time favourite for its cross-generational themes of independence and freedom via the automobile.
All-American teenager Richie Cunningham needs a cool car. He’s been borrowing his dad’s DeSoto station wagon, but it has no street-cred. The Fonz ‘disses’ it, and the girls make fun of it. Ashamed to keep driving the family-mobile, Richie wants to buy a cheap old convertible. Mr. Cunningham advised his son to finish high school, graduate college, get a job, and then buy a car. No way! Richie needs a car now to pick up chicks, and enjoy the open road. No way he’s taking the bus.
Mr. C begrudging support agrees to let his son get a car, but when Richie rolls into the driveway in his ‘new’ Chevy ‘Styleline’ De Luxe convertible, it’s a hunk of junk. Grey primer instead of paint, worn-out interior, bald tires and a massive hole in the exhaust. Mr. C hides his face in shame, knowing how this story ends.
Without giving a full episode recap, it ends badly. The car breaks down while Richie is on a date with a cute blonde. He tries to push start the car while his girl is in the driver’s seat, ready to pop the clutch,. But the brakes are so bad, the car rolls into the lake!
The episode of ‘Happy Days‘ was set in the 50’s and broadcast in the 70’s, but even today in the 20’s the themes are true for any suburban kid.
The drive to grow-up and be more independent. The desire for more freedom, achieved through car ownership, which also earns them the respect and admiration of their peers. While willing to take on responsibility, the youngsters just don’t have the common sense or experience to make wise decisions, and the lemon Richie buys demonstrates this vividly. These are the lessons young gearheads learn while growing up. If you don’t believe us, just ask what happened to our 2003 Subaru WRX!
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