The two Kettle characters proved to be so popular among film audiences that Universal decided to do a series. Main portrayed the Ma Kettle character in nine Ma and Pa Kettle films between 1949 and 1957. Kilbride was her co-star in most of the films, but left after "Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki" (1955), the seventh in the series. Main filmed "The Kettles in the Ozarks" (1956) without Kilbride. Parker Fennelly played the Pa Kettle role opposite Main in the final film of the series, "The Kettles on Old MacDonald's Farm" (1957) Each film grossed Universal about $3 million, which helped save the troubled studio from a financial collapse. In addition to acting in the films, Main wrote some of the dialogue for her memorable character and created her costumes and make-up.