Technical Specs

Director: Joseph Pevney

Writers: Richard Conway, Joe Connelly, and Bob Mosher

Cast: Fred Gwynne, Yvonne De Carlo, Al Lewis, Pat Priest, Butch Patrick, Alex Gerry, Kelton Garwood, Zalman King, Frank Killmond, Sue Winton, Tom Curtis, Larry Tamblyn, Gary Lane, Tony Valentino, and Dick Dodd

Composer: Jack Marshall

Air Date: 3/18/1965

Overview

After the Standells (Larry Tamblyn, Gary Lane, Tony Valentino, and Dick Dodd) complain about the obnoxious fans at the hotel where they last stayed, rock manager Pops Murdock (Alex Gerry) decides to rent the band a nice, quiet mansion under the address of 1313 Mockingbird Lane, thus requiring the Munster family to temporarily relocate. Offended by the fresh, clean atmosphere of their hotel room, the Munsters cut their vacation short and return to a house filled with beatniks, rock stars, and other oddballs with whom they can relate.

Despite its heavy reliance on a now dated premise, “Far Out Munsters” will appeal to those who once identified with the cultural trends of mid-1960s America. Younger viewers may likewise be amused by the fact that Herman, Lily, and Grandpa are visibly disturbed by the “noisy” music produced by a soft rock band over fifty years ago.

Pros

Upon returning home prematurely, the Munsters establish a common bond with their equally kooky guests. This humorous concept lays the groundwork for a number of memorable sequences to follow, the most notable of which centers on Herman’s clumsy attempt to deliver poetry in a similar fashion to a beatnik. Also worth mentioning is Lily’s musical number, which provided Yvonne De Carlo with an opportunity to showcase her beautiful singing voice.

Cons

None.

Analysis

Once again, series contributors Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher gave the Munsters a means of interacting with “normal” members of society, this time by introducing the eponymous family to a gathering of people whose kooky habits parallel their own. Naturally, the beatniks in this episode are neither repulsed nor frightened by their hosts, a reaction which makes sense when considering the (supposedly) tolerant attitudes that defined this group of individuals. The Munsters, on the other hand, are initially reluctant to accept the wild ways of their youthful guests; however, even a more conservative outlook on life cannot prevent Herman and the gang from having a howling good time after warming up to the trends and musical styles that rocked the 1960s.

Concluding Comments

A fun, nostalgic episode, “Far Out Munsters” will satisfy fans of all ages. Also, those who enjoy The Munsters for its subtle but clever social commentary should view this entry for reasons outlined earlier.

Overall Quality: 10/10

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