"The Copper Caper" (final 1971 copyright) was the episode that introduced Hal Williams as Officer Smith, better known by his nickname 'Smitty,' along with first regular partner Officer Swanhauser (Noam Pitlik, first of six), better known as 'Swanny.' A black cop paired with a white one made for a perfect match, 'Swanny' the ultra serious, by-the-book policeman whose literate pontifications need to be translated into slang by the street savvy 'Smitty' (after six appearances, Noam Pitlik would be replaced by the far more lighthearted Officer 'Hoppy' Hopkins, played by Howard T. Platt). Leonard Stone (first of two) plays Otto, offering the Sanfords 200 pounds of copper at 10 cents a pound. Lamont is anxious to double their investment, while Fred is convinced it's a scam. When Officers 'Smitty' and 'Swanny' show up, they're convinced that an arrest for receiving stolen goods is about to happen. Even worse, they realize that their own home has been victimized by the copper snatcher!
2 Reviews
This episode and "I'm 65 Today" are my all-time favorites!
dd-660567 June 2020
I love this classic episode from Sanford & Son as my #1 favorite for this show followed by, "I'm 65 Today". They were others most-certainly but by far my favorite is this one. There's something about the very first season of Sanford & Son that is extra special. The writing, directing and acting was all superb! They really want all out for it and did a wonderful job. It's just quenticential must-see entertainment for me!
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