Technical Specs

Director: Joseph Pevney

Writers: George Tibbles, Joe Connelly, and Bob Mosher

Cast: Fred Gwynne, Yvonne De Carlo, Al Lewis, Pat Priest, Butch Patrick, Eddie Hanley, Lenore Shanewise, Alma Murphy, Jan Arvan, Bella Bruck, Charles Seel, Nydia Westman, Joey Scott, and Bert Freed

Composer: Jack Marshall

Air Date: 3/25/1965

Overview

Herman is promoted to a managerial position by his boss at the parlor, thus requiring the Munsters to relocate to Buffalo. Grandpa, Lily, and Marilyn seem delighted over the news; however, Eddie does not share in his family’s excitement given that the move would require him to leave home during the middle of a great baseball season. Ever sensitive to the needs of his son, Herman decides to turn down the job offer without realizing that Grandpa has already sold the house to a demolition company.

By highlighting Herman’s selfless qualities as a father, “Munsters on the Move” will appeal to viewers who enjoy this series for its exceptional family values. Also noteworthy is the fact that Grandpa’s careless attitude results in another goofy mix-up, with a humorous outcome.

Pros

When the Munsters put their house on the market, many amusing shenanigans ensue. A particularly hilarious (albeit politically incorrect) scene features a band of gypsies who attempt to take advantage of the Munster family, only to mistake Herman, Lily, and Grandpa for rival gypsies who intend to spook fellow thieves by wearing “Halloween make-ups.” This sequence is followed by another gag involving two crooked old ladies, both of whom learn a valuable lesson regarding the dangers of trespassing when Spot blows open the staircase and shoots fire out of his nostrils. Herman’s “reasonable” solution to canceling the contract will likewise entertain those who enjoy awful special effects combined with classic misunderstanding tropes (Herman thinks that the demolition workers agreed to let him keep the house because of his polite approach, unaware of the fact that he had been twirling a wrecking ball with his bare hands while confronting them).

Cons

A finale in which Grandpa, Eddie, Marilyn, and Lily reenact the French Revolution is quite ridiculous, even by The Munsters’ usual standards.

Analysis

As indicated earlier, Herman proves himself to be an exemplary father figure when he turns down a lucrative opportunity for Eddie’s sake. While more reciprocation from Eddie would have been a nice touch, writers Joe Connelly and Bob Mosher should nonetheless be commended for crafting such wonderful family dynamics around a decidedly kooky set of characters.

Concluding Comments

A clever, if occasionally silly, episode, “Munsters on the Move” exemplifies the outstanding moral characteristics upon which The Munsters was based. Additionally, the reactions of potential house buyers upon sighting the Munsters/Spot for the first time will surely amuse diehard fans of this show.

Overall Quality: 8/10

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