SUMMARY: RUNNING TIME: 15 Min.
Filmed as a test reel by Universal Studios to shop around prospective TV networks, this partial 1964 episode was the first Munsters TV pilot. It was finally released for public viewing in 2004 in time for its 40th Anniversary.
Phoebe Munster: Joan Marshall
Grandpa Dracula: Al Lewis
Marilyn Munster: Beverley Owen
Edward “Eddie” Munster: Nate Derman
Herman Munster: Fred Gwynne
Jack: Edward Mallory
REVIEW:
Watching this rare, unaired pilot with my wife, she succinctly described it as “dull.” True enough – and there’s more to it. The campy Munster charm is sadly absent in a number of ways. Here’s a rundown.
Note: This episode was subsequently re-filmed in black-and-white for the first season with Yvonne De Carlo and Butch Patrick.
- Color. Seeing this episode in color proves something of a letdown. While the gothic Munster mansion comes to life, the same effect, ironically, doesn’t do the cast any favors. It merely spells out their elaborate costumes.
Nonetheless, Universal Studios chose to film the TV series in black-and-white to save a few bucks. Such practical thinking also conveniently lifts the vibe of Universal’s old-school monster movies. Make no mistake, the cheapo gimmick works — letting a viewer’s imagination fill in the necessary colors on the TV series adds to the fun.
2. The Scripting. The premise is standard-issue Munsters, but the half-hearted script doesn’t pitch the regular cast anything funny to do. Launching a favorite TV series gag, only guest star Edward Mallory (he would replay this scene for the remake, too) scores a chuckle with his sped-up back-pedaling upon meeting Uncle Herman on the family doorstep.
3. The Make-Up. It’s mixed results – even skipping Beverley Owen altogether (as she appears the same as she would in the first season). Joan Marshall’s vampire make-up is terrific, but, yes, she closely resembles her rival: Carolyn Jones’ Morticia Addams. Nate Derman’s werewolf look is meant to be cute, but it resembles what one might expect for a middle school Halloween play.
The pale bluish-green hue for Al Lewis is unremarkable, as his TV series ‘Grandpa’ exudes a more appealingly cartoony look. Impressively, Fred Gwynne has the pilot’s best make-up, but this asset backfires. Despite closely replicating Boris Karloff’s classic 1930’s Frankenstein look, Gwynne’s severe appearance would likely confuse kids: are they watching Karloff’s Frankenstein … or not? Tweaking Gwynne’s make-up and bulking him up to convey family man ‘Herman’ as a lovable buffoon is justifiable.
4. Acting & Chemistry. Here’s the biggie. The top-billed Marshall’s dour performance is competent enough, but it lacks the necessary charm. Comparatively, Yvonne De Carlo would infuse her ‘Lily Munster’ with the ideal blend of ‘vamp-and-camp,’ so to speak, for a wacky family sitcom. De Carlo grasped the show’s satirical premise for laughs; Marshall, at least, as directed, did not. As for Owen, it’s just a walk-through of her TV series role.
Derman plays ‘Eddie’ as a bratty young werewolf, but, reflective of his age, his amateurish play-acting is grade school-caliber. The difference between Derman and Butch Patrick’s ‘Eddie’ is that Patrick played the role like a real-world kid – this subtle dose of reality goes a long way. Given nothing amusing to do, Al Lewis’s ‘Grandpa Dracula’ is awkwardly restrained, unlike his hammy TV series incarnation.
Lastly, there’s Gwynne. His Herman/Frankenstein’s Monster is played straight-up as a semi-befuddled, suburban dad. He’s isn’t a goofy lunkhead yet, so Gwynne’s basic sight gag goes only so far. Case in point: his opening scene isn’t LOL hilarious like it ought to be. Further, Gwynne’s chemistry with Marshall is only serviceable. The fresh on-screen magic he later generates with the TV cast: De Carlo, Lewis, etc. is non-existent. This perception is confirmed watching “My Fair Munster” (Season 1: Episode 2) — with De Carlo. Gwynne & De Carlo’s teamwork is a hoot to watch by comparison.
If anything, viewers would have likely rejected Gwynne’s best-known role, had this weak rendition of The Munsters gone into production as is. The TV series wasn’t meant to score acting Emmys, but its heart was in the right place re: all-ages entertainment value. This “My Fair Munster” plays like the early draft it is – the concept has some potential, but the execution isn’t close to there yet.
BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING: 2½ Stars
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