The title of this episode, the premiere of a two season Saturday morning kiddie show, was obviously titled as a nod to "The Man who Came to Dinner", the Broadway play and later the movie that introduced audiences to the fabulous Mary Wickes. The popular character comic had a lengthy career, and even young audiences will recognize her from the "Sister Act" movies and the many classic TV shows and movies popular with all generations. She's Zelda, the stern on the surface but lovable deep down housekeeper, taking care of the two boys who bring Sigmund home after his two evil uncle's throw him out of the lagoon cave where they live.
I love the set of the boys clubhouse and the beachfront property that they live on, left with Zelda, obviously a soundstage, but quite imaginative. Johnny Whitaker takes over where Jack Wild left off with "H. R. Pufnstuf", and is great. Love the introduction of all the monsters, particularly the matriarch of the family with her barking lobster and the aging monster family patriarch, complete with top hat. The episode focuses on the efforts of the boys to high segment and Zelda and her date, the local sheriff, as well as the uncles who desperately need Sigmund back. The writers know how to add subtle hints that the adults will pick up, references to other popular cultural phenomenon. Quite silly in many ways, but for us boomers who watched it when we were kids, quite nostalgic.
I love the set of the boys clubhouse and the beachfront property that they live on, left with Zelda, obviously a soundstage, but quite imaginative. Johnny Whitaker takes over where Jack Wild left off with "H. R. Pufnstuf", and is great. Love the introduction of all the monsters, particularly the matriarch of the family with her barking lobster and the aging monster family patriarch, complete with top hat. The episode focuses on the efforts of the boys to high segment and Zelda and her date, the local sheriff, as well as the uncles who desperately need Sigmund back. The writers know how to add subtle hints that the adults will pick up, references to other popular cultural phenomenon. Quite silly in many ways, but for us boomers who watched it when we were kids, quite nostalgic.