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THE SCOOBY-DOO!/DYNOMUTT HOUR {aka THE SCOOBY-DOO SHOW}: WATT A SHOCKING GHOST (Season 1: Episode 4)

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 24:00 Min.

First aired by ABC-TV on October 2, 1976, the Mystery Inc. gang find their ski trip cancelled upon arriving in the deserted and frozen-over village of Winterhaven.  Its two remaining citizens warn Mystery Inc. of the electrifying ghost of Voltner, a local power company worker apparently disintegrated in an electrical explosion.  Scooby & his friends search for clues as to the real reason why Voltner’s ghost is haunting Winterhaven. 

Fred Jones: Frank Welker

Daphne Blake: Heather North

Velma Dinkley: Patricia Stevens

“Shaggy” Rogers: Casey Kasem

Scooby-Doo: Don Messick

Mayor Dudley, 10,000-Volt Ghost, & Talking Parrot: John Stephenson

Mr. Collins: Alan Oppenheimer

Note: This episode doubles as the 15th episode of The Scooby-Doo Show.  The episode’s alternate non-pun title is “Whatta a Shocking Ghost.”

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You animated series (that is – without bubblegum pop tunes narrating the chase scenes), this episode is a gem.  For any Scooby fan, “Watt a Shocking Ghost” is definitely recommended.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:               8 Stars

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THE NEW SCOOBY-DOO MOVIES: THE HAUNTED SHOWBOAT (Season 2: Episode 2)

SUMMARY:                RUNNING TIME: 43:00 Min.

First aired by CBS-TV on September 15, 1973, the episode’s animated crossover stars are Josie & The Pussycats (with the voice cast reprising their roles from their two prior animated programs).  By chance, stranded Mystery Inc. encounter Josie & The Pussycats, as they prepare for their next gig aboard an antiquated riverboat off the Mississippi coast. 

Ominously, the boat’s crew vanishes, as it appears that ghosts are on the prowl.  It’s up to the combined gangs to ferret out why somebody is sabotaging the boat’s re-launch (not to mention, the Pussycats’ upcoming concert).

Fred Jones & Other Voices: Frank Welker

Daphne Blake: Heather North

Velma Dinkley: Nicole Jaffe

“Shaggy” Rogers, Alexander “Alex” Cabot III, & Other Voices: Casey Kasem

Scooby-Doo, Sebastian the Cat, & Other Voices: Don Messick

Melody Valentine: Jackie Joseph

Alexandra Cabot: Sherry Alberoni

Valerie Brown: Barbara Pariot

Josie McCoy: Janet Waldo

Alan “Alan M.” Mayberry: Jerry Dexter

REVIEW:

This rare opportunity to witness Mystery Inc. and Josie & The Pussycats mingling could have offered some ideal kiddie fun.  Josie’s voice cast, in that regard, meshes well with the Scooby-Doo cast.  Case in point: Casey Kasem delightfully plays both sides of Shaggy & Alex’s banter while Daphne & Fred’s relationship (and tidbits of jealousy) mirrors that of Josie & Alan. 

Yet, there isn’t enough plot to stretch a double-length episode. “The Haunted Showboat,” unfortunately, is then left to suffer through multiple dull stretches.  Worse than its half-hearted mystery angle, the inconsistent animation is disappointing. Specifically, numerous animation cels are crudely devised, as if Hanna-Barbera’s animators fell far short on time and money. If anything, this episode’s charm plays off nostalgia rather than its unimpressive content. 

Of the various celebrity guest stars from The New Scooby Movies, this team-up’s comedic potential is one that the recent Scooby-Doo! Team-Up comic book series really ought to have revisited.  Considering that DC Comics & Archie Comics have collaborated before (i.e. Harley Quinn & Poison Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica), perhaps it could still happen.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    3 Stars

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THE NEW SCOOBY-DOO MOVIES: THE SECRET OF SHARK ISLAND (Season 1: Episode 8)

SUMMARY:                 RUNNING TIME: 43:00 Min.

First aired by CBS-TV on October 28, 1972, the episode’s guest stars are Sonny Bono & Cher.  Bumping into married couple Cher & Sonny Bono, the Mystery Inc. gang join them at a condemned island resort that looks absolutely nothing like the outdated travel brochure. 

Instead of a festive second honeymoon, a now-stranded Sonny & Cher join Scooby and his friends to find out what suspicious activities are going on at the rickety hotel.  Once the hotel manager and sole maid vanish, the gang splits up to search the premises for more clues as to what sinister shenanigans exist beneath the resort.  

Fred Jones: Frank Welker

Daphne Blake: Heather North

Velma Dinkley: Nicole Jaffe

“Shaggy” Rogers: Casey Kasem

Scooby-Doo, Matilda, & Matt Hildalgo: Don Messick

Cher & Sonny Bono: Themselves

Milo Meekly: John Stephenson

REVIEW:

Despite the plotting’s utterly mediocre mystery, what makes this cartoon somehow watchable is Cher’s marital ‘snark-casm’ banter and trademark putdowns of husband Sonny Bono.  Their guest chemistry with Mystery Inc. isn’t half-bad, as far as helping make nearly forty-five minutes float by.  This episode may not be one of the best-remembered New Scooby-Doo Movies, but it’s by no means one the worst episode, either.  

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    5 Stars

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THE NEW SCOOBY-DOO MOVIES: THE FRICKERT FRACAS (Season 1: Episode 4)

SUMMARY:                     RUNNING TIME: 43:00 Min.

First aired by CBS-TV on September 30, 1972, the episode’s guest star is comedian Jonathan Winters.  Out for a drive in the country, the Mystery Inc. gang come upon a stranded Jonathan Winters at a gas station.  Giving him a ride to Ma Frickert’s farm, Scooby-Doo and his friends discover that two hippie intruders are prowling the property that night. 

Worse yet, an ominous scarecrow is also up to no good.  It stands to reason that somebody is after Ma Frickert’s secret fried chicken recipe.     

Fred Jones: Frank Welker

Daphne Blake: Heather North

Velma Dinkley: Nicole Jaffe

“Shaggy” Rogers & Rock Festival Dude # 1: Casey Kasem

Scooby-Doo & Rock Festival Dude # 2: Don Messick

Jonathan Winters & Ma Frickert: Jonathan Winters

Vernon the Handyman, Simon Shakey, & Scarecrow: John Stephenson

REVIEW:

As sometimes the case with The New Scooby-Doo Movies, there’s just enough plot for a single 22-minute cartoon.  Long stretches of “The Frickert Fracas” are excessive padding (i.e. Scooby watches Winters & Shaggy trade off wacky voice impersonations while hiding in the barn). 

While Jonathan Winters is a kid-friendly choice, his animated counterpart fails to contribute anything to solving this supposed ‘mystery,’ unlike other celebrity guest stars. One might say this episode’s various plot twists are more eye-rolling silly than funny.  Hence, “The Frickert Fracas” can be a bore to watch.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   4 Stars

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MASH: NO SWEAT (Season 9, Episode 11)

SUMMARY:                  RUNNNG TIME: 25:00 Min.

Directed by Burt Metcalfe, CBS-TV first televised this mid-season episode on February 2, 1981.  It is a long and hot night at the 4077th.  To get some much-needed rest, Col. Potter reluctantly takes sleeping pills, as the camp contends with other overnight problems.  To better practice his electronics repair skills, Klinger has dissembled the 4077th’s P.A. system and is busily restoring it.  Margaret is suffering from a bad case of ‘prickly heat’ itching, which necessitates a special soothing ointment that is presently out of the company’s stock.

Grousing about his wife Peg’s newfound independence re: routine household repairs, a resentful BJ badgers Hawkeye’s ears with complaints.  In the mess tent, Father Mulcahy observes Charles spend this ultra-humid night sorting out the Winchester family’s convoluted tax paperwork.  Yet, when something is desperately needed, it’s up to whoever wants it to keep dragging a zonked-out Potter from bed for help.   

Capt. “Hawkeye” Pierce: Alan Alda                                                    

Capt. BJ Honeycutt: Mike Farrell

Col. Sherman Potter: Harry Morgan                                                   

Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan: Loretta Swit    

Major Charles Winchester: David Ogden Stiers

(Lt.) Father Francis Mulcahy: William Christopher                            

Cpl. Maxwell Klinger: Jamie Farr

Lt. Kellye Yamato, R.N.: Kellye Nakahara

Pvt. Igor Straminsky: Jeff Maxwell

REVIEW:

The premise is terrific, even if the jokes are slow on the draw.  Still, viewers are rewarded with a hilarious gag leading into the last commercial break.  Hence, “No Sweat” certainly proves re-watchable as one of MASH’s funnier episodes during its final few seasons.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                    6½ Stars

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MASH: THE NOVOCAINE MUTINY (Season 4: Episode 20)

SUMMARY:                          RUNNING TIME: 25:00 Min.

Directed by Harry Morgan, CBS-TV first aired this episode on January 27, 1976.  Captain “Hawkeye” Pierce faces a general hearing re: an imminent court martial for ‘mutiny.’  Flashbacks reveal that Col. Potter had recently been away from camp in Tokyo for scheduled R&R.  Hence, the insufferable Major Frank Burns assumes temporary command of the 4077th

As witnesses, Captain BJ Honeycutt and Cpl. “Radar” O’Reilly testify as to the increasing tensions in camp before a chaotic O.R. session pits the camp’s Chief Surgeon, Hawkeye, vs. Frank for control of the hospital.  The question becomes: which drastically different version of events will a skeptical Colonel Carmichael believe?

Capt. “Hawkeye” Pierce: Alan Alda                                                    

Capt. BJ Honeycutt: Mike Farrell

Col. Sherman Potter: Harry Morgan                                                   

Cpl. “Radar” O’Reilly: Gary Burghoff

Major Margaret “Hot Lips” Houlihan: Loretta Swit (credit only)         

Major Frank Burns: Larry Linville

(Lt.) Father Francis Mulcahy: William Christopher                            

Cpl. Maxwell Klinger: Jamie Farr

Sgt. Zelmo Zale: Johnny Haymer

Lt. Kellye Yamato, R.N.: Kellye Nakahara

Colonel Carmichael: Ned Wilson

Note: Oddly, Margaret’s absence during this episode is never explained.

REVIEW:

Reminiscent of Second 2’s “The Trial of Henry Blake,” this episode is almost as equally well-played.  Though there aren’t any hilarious surprises, “The Novocaine Mutiny” is still definitely re-watchable.  If anything, it’s a delight expanding the 4077th vs. Frank Burns saga.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      7 Stars

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NEW LOONEY TUNES: EASTER BUNNY IMPOSTER & EASTER TWEETS (Season 2: Episodes 13A-B)

SUMMARY:                         RUNNING TIME: 12:00 Min.

These Erik Knutson-directed episodes were first released in the U.S. on Boomerang’s streaming service on March 15, 2018.  First up is “Easter Bunny Imposter,” as an eagle-led Eagle Scout troop pursues Easter Yeggs’ brown Easter Rabbit in the forest.  Filling in for his old pal, Bugs Bunny leads the ultra-dense scout leader on a merry chase. 

Then, in “Easter Tweets,” with Granny having gone out bowling, Sylvester (disguised as the Easter Bunny) gets the house to himself chasing after Tweety.

Bugs Bunny & Sylvester the Cat: Jeff Bergman

Granny & Scouts: Candy Milo

Tweety: Bob Bergen

Eagle Scout: Cedric Yarbrough

Scouts: Matthew Yang King

Note: For the series itself, these two shorts are Episodes # 65A-B.

REVIEW:

At a supposed bargain price, this reviewer gave the above-named episodes a chance. Suffice to say, the dubious experience should count towards a $0.59 tax write-off (and twelve minutes viewers will never get back).  The pathetic gags fail 99% of the time; yet, a tone-deaf Warner Bros. Animation exacerbates this unforced error by repeating variations of the same failed jokes over and over. 

The sole upside reusing the same voice actors from the far superior Looney Tunes Show is a lost cause.  Specifically,  aside from bad scripting, the cheapo web-toon animation looks so crummy that these kiddie cartoons ought to have been a radio show.  Maybe then they could have been rated slightly higher.    

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                       1½ Stars

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CD's Music & Radio Shows Rock, R&B, Pop, Soul, & Metal/Symphonic WWF/WWE (Pro Wrestling)

BE A MAN (by “Macho Man” Randy Savage)

SUMMARY:                  RUNNING TIME: 45:00 Min.

In 2003, Big 3 Records released “Macho Man” Randy Savage’s only album consisting of fourteen spoken rap tunes backed by hip-hop professionals and/or heavy metal instrumentals.  Savage’s fourteen tracks are:

                                                                        Running Time:

  1. Intro                                                       0:48
  2. “I’m Back”                                              3:19
  3. “Ru Ready”                                             4:15
  4. “Hit the Floor” (featuring DJ Kool)     3:37
  5. “Let’s Get In On”                                     2:38
  6. “Remember Me”                                        4:01
  7. “Tear It Up”                                            3:21
  8. “Macho Thang” (featuring AJA)             3:00
  9. “Be a Man”                                             3:00
  10. “Get Back”                                              3:25
  11. “Feel the Madness”                                   3:20
  12. “”What’s That All About”                        3:43
  13. “Gonna Be Trouble”                                 3:37
  14. “My Perfect Friend” (featuring Primary Colorz)  3:55  

Notes: Savage co-wrote Track 9: “Be a Man.”  Curiously, neither a rendition of Savage’s signature entrance theme, “Pomp and Circumstance,” nor one of his later WCW themes is included.

REVIEW:

In one interview hyping “Be a Man,” a 51-year-old Savage had claimed this debut album would be his post-retirement answer to trendy memoirs penned by his wrestling colleagues.  Given his trademark gravelly voice (and a mastery of charismatic wrestling promos), Savage might have sought to imitate someone like John Cafferty (i.e. the singing voice of Eddie and The Cruisers), as “Macho Man”-style rock. 

Then again, if he meant to display a self-deprecating sense of humor, perhaps this project would involve some celebrity duets, i.e. how about a hilarious tag-team with Lionel Richie good-naturedly warbling “Say You, Say Me?”  Sadly, neither possibility resembles the finished product, as Savage swallowed epically bad career advice from his music industry contacts.    

There’s no mistaking that Be a Man extends Savage’s desperate (skin-tight black leather, silver chains, and an earring), mid-life crisis gimmick from his 1999 ‘Team Madness’ phase during WCW’s final years.  More so, it isn’t a coincidence that the pulsating dance instrumentals and super-loud back-up singers fail to hide Savage’s weak vocal performances.  Upon enduring Be a Man, there’s one stark realization for listeners.  Specifically, prior to his tragic passing in mid-2011, Savage should have opted for a ghostwritten memoir worthy of his legacy. 

Aside from the album’s finale: a poignant tribute to the late “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig, the vast majority of Savage’s tracks are excruciatingly awful.  Even his Track 9 dissing of Hulk Hogan falls flat, as it sounds more like a cringe-worthy publicity gimmick than any airing of personal grievances. 

Had Savage merely released a passable single (i.e. Track 11’s “Feel the Madness”) to regain pop culture relevancy, the “Macho Man” would have surely gotten off easy with a mild reprimand from the public.  Instead, he brashly goes full bore into this misguided vanity project. His subsequent humiliation becomes immortal playing Be a Man in its entirety.

For nostalgia’s sake, ‘Macho Madness’ fanatics will come away preferring a DVD/Blu-Ray reliving Savage’s exuberant, mid-80’s-to-early-90’s WWF prime.  Such vivid memories far surpass this tone-deaf dreck masquerading as contemporary hip-hop.

PACKAGING:

A fold-up insert depicts a poster-size pin-up of Savage; its flip side sports five promotional photos (one of which is a black-and-white mid-air “Macho Man” during his patented flying elbow drop).  The writing and technical credits are provided, along with Savage’s thoughtful thank-you’s.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                   2 Stars

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THREE STOOGES: “HALF-SHOT SHOOTERS” (1936)

SUMMARY:    RUNNING TIME: 19:00 Min. (Black & White)

Directed by Jack White (under the pseudonym of Preston Black), this early Three Stooges comedy for Columbia Pictures was written by Clyde Bruckman. 

In 1918, the Three Stooges are literally asleep on the job overseas as U.S. soldiers when World War I ends, mid-battle.  A round of nasty bullying from an infuriated Sgt. MacGillicuddy (Blystone) includes single black eyes for Curly & Larry, and a deliberately dislocated or broken arm for Moe.  After their subsequent discharge from the Army, the Stooges retaliate with triple-teaming as MacGillicuddy’s ‘farewell gift.’ 

Seventeen years later, now hungry, destitute, and homeless, the Stooges are haplessly suckered into re-enlisting in the Army.  Much to their chagrin, guess who their vindictive drill sergeant is?  Assigned to a coastal artillery unit, miscommunication sets up Moe, Larry, & Curly to enthusiastically commandeer an Army cannon with live ammo to commence target practice.  Even an admiral’s flagship can’t evade the Stooges’ immense stupidity.     

Moe: Moe Howard

Larry: Larry Fine

Curly: Jerry “Curly” Howard

Sgt. MacGillicuddy: Stanley Blystone

Man in Restaurant: Vernon Dent

Examining Officer: Edward LeSaint

Other Unnamed Officers: Harry Semels, Lew Davis, & Bert Young

Additional Known Cast Members: Eddie Laughton, Johnny Kascier, & Heinie Conklin

REVIEW:

“Half-Shot Shooters” is utterly defenseless in its poor taste, and, worse yet, is hard-pressed to score even a single chuckle.  Whatever dubious post-war satire screenwriter Clyde Bruckman sought is lost in a series of unfunny gags, including the climax where Stooges annihilate military property multiple times.  What isn’t spelled out but can only be presumed is a mass number of innocent casualties, given MacGillicuddy’s superiors don’t bother halting his final act of vengeance. 

It’s unfortunate that the Stooges and a capable supporting cast are squandered in such mean-spirited dreck spoofing the U.S. military.  Including co-stars Edward LeSaint and Harry Semels in hilarious reaction-heavy roles, one should instead see the Stooges’ subsequent Columbia release: “Disorder in the Court.”  Spoofing Hollywood’s murder trial melodramas, “Disorder” is a wacky comedy gem.  “Shooters,” on the other hand, qualifies as nothing short of cinematic sludge.       

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 1½ Stars

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TED HEALY & THE THREE STOOGES: “BEER AND PRETZELS” (1933)

SUMMARY:     RUNNING TIME: 20:00 Min. (Black & White)

In 1933, MGM released Beer and Pretzels, as the second of its comedy short series starring Ted Healy, the future Three Stooges (Moe Howard, Larry Fine, & Jerry “Curly” Howard), and Healy’s off-screen girlfriend, Bonnie Bonnell.  The plot is meant to loosely spoof Healy’s real-life reputation as a ‘ladies’ man.’  Jack Cummings directs The Stooges’ first two-reel comedy, with original music written by Al Goodhart & lyricist Gus Kahn. 

Ted’s incessant womanizing costs them the quartet their gig as performers at the Happy Hour variety theater. Hence, the unemployed Stooges press their leader into getting them all jobs as waiters at a swanky nightclub.  The club’s glamorous singer becomes the latest of Ted’s would-be romantic conquests. 

Mayhem ensues, as Ted and his hapless buddies harass the clientele while inviting themselves into the club’s featured entertainment.  An ironic finish awaits the gang, as Ted can’t seem to keep his promises. 

Ted: Ted Healy

Moe: Moe Howard

Larry: Larry Fine

Curly: Jerry “Curly” Howard

Nightclub Singer (Bonny Latour): Bonnie Bonnell

Singing Bartenders: The Three Ambassadors (Jack Smith, Martin Sperzel, & Al Teeter)

Theatre Manager: Ed Brophy

Nightclub Manager: Fred Malatesta

Tap Dancing Trio: Uncredited

Undercover Cop: Uncredited

Nightclub Patrons: Uncredited

REVIEW:

Great premise, lackluster execution.  Wasting the Stooges in unfunny gags, Beer and Pretzels is definitely a swing and a miss.  Despite the film’s welcome sprinkles of old Hollywood charm, what’s obvious is how superfluous a smooth-talking Healy is to the Stooges. 

Looking remarkably youthful, the Stooges merely hint at the legendary slapstick material they would unleash (without Healy) at Columbia Pictures only a few years later.  With perpetual straight man Healy setting up most of their cues here, the Stooges try their thankless best to make him look good.  Frankly, given this uninspired script, it’s all for naught.     

From start to finish, neither Healy nor the Stooges conjure up anything remotely hilarious – i.e. smacking each other with a palm to the forehead isn’t worth a chuckle.  Even a big fight scene is just that – a barroom brawl that sets up the final scene and nothing more. 

The finish saves the film’s best potential gag for last; invariably, what ought to have been an outrageous Groucho Marx-style visual twist becomes a weakly low-key cop-out.  It’s really no wonder that Beer and Pretzels utterly fails to exploit the fun opportunity it has on tap.   

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                 3 Stars

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