Technical Specs

Director: Earl Bellamy

Writers: Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher

Cast: Fred Gwynne, Yvonne De Carlo, Al Lewis, Pat Priest, Butch Patrick, Pat Buttram, Robert Easton, Gene Blakely, and Frank Maxwell

Composer: Jack Marshall

Air Date: 1/14/1965

Overview

After a humiliated Marilyn returns home from college for failing to meet a tuition deadline, Herman decides to pay the dean a visit. In a case of mistaken identity, Coach Roger Denman (Frank Maxwell) signs Herman up for a basketball scholarship that was intended for a hillbilly named Moose Mallory (Robert Easton). Infuriated, “Pop” Mallory (Pat Buttram) confronts Herman for his apparently treacherous act.

Though “All Star Munster” takes Herman’s stupidity to an astonishingly high level, fans of The Munsters will enjoy this episode for its clever use of yet another mix-up scenario. Likewise, those who appreciate the style of humor that was popularized with The Beverly Hillbillies should admire Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher’s narrative for obvious reasons.

Pros

Once again, a humorous situation arises from Herman’s inability to interpret and correct obvious misunderstandings before they get out of hand. While one must be willing to suspend disbelief in order to accept that a college basketball coach would mistake Frankenstein’s monster for a new recruit, the hilarity that results from this unrealistic error in judgment fully compensates for any blatant credibility issues. Also amusing is the fact that Pop and Moose Mallory remain undisturbed by the Munsters and their ghoulish ways, which gives the eponymous family yet another chance to interact with “normal” members of society without scaring off everyone in sight.

Cons

Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher’s excessive reliance on redneck humor can be just a tad irritating at times.

Analysis

Despite Herman’s astounding display of ignorance, the goofy green giant proves himself to be a man of extraordinary character when he goes out of his way to resolve Marilyn’s tuition problem, and later when he helps Moose regain that which was rightfully his all along.

Concluding Comments

A cute episode, “All Star Munster” showcases a father-and-son pair whose kookiness parallels that of Herman and the gang. For audiences who appreciate Herman’s childlike responses to real-world situations, this one is a must.

Overall Quality: 8/10

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