Addams Family Theme Song

They're creepy and they're spooky....



Happy Halloween!

Early Sci-Fi Theme Songs

In preparation for the return of Doctor Who on BBC America this Saturday night, I thought I would post about some of my earliest memories of TV Science Fiction. I've been a fan of the genre for almost as long as I can remember, and the following were some of my earliest experiences.



Although The Addams Family ran for only two seasons, from 1964 to 1966, I still get a rush when I hear the opening bars of the theme song. With the harpsichord and the finger snaps, all things seemed possible. In many ways, I think Morticia was the first Gothic Princess, and Gomez was the first to combine the suave with the dork. The series celebrated the outsiders, with a magical, mystical quality.






The the opening bars of the theme, you knew Bewitched was on, and a good time would be had by all. The show also premiered in 1964, but ran for 8 seasons, finishing out in 1972. The show ranged from heartwarming family drama to high camp, with Paul Lynde, Dick Sargent, Alice Ghostley, and the biggest drag queen ever on TV, Agnes Moorehead. And, of course, the gorgeous Elizabeth Montgomery in the bewitching lead, as well as playing the campy cousin. Oh, what a show this was!





The Munsters also debuted in 1964, and like The Addams Family, only lasted 2 seasons. There were other similarities as well. Many thought of the Munsters as the working-class versions of the Addams family. People on this one worked for a living, despite the fact they were witches, warlocks, vampires, Frankenstein monsters, well, you get the idea. While Morticia Addams was a bit of a sexy siren, Lily Munster was a Mom, a real caretaker. And the outsider in this family was niece Marilyn, the blond beauty seen as having unfortunate looks by the Munsters.





Well, I think that Lost In Space was my first real Sci-Fi show, with the space travel, robots, and the out-of-control computers. And, of course, it had the gayest man on TV this side of Paul Lynde, Dr. Smith. (Well, except for the fact the actor playing the role was not gay) But the Robinson family traveled through space with the cool robot, Dr. Smith, and hunky Major West! I was ready to sign up!



Hope you enjoyed another trip down memory lane, I know I did! And don't forget, Doctor Who returns this Saturday night on BBC America!

Groovy Theme Songs 2

I am never sure if they were groovy or not but I do remember these shows and the theme songs that go with them. The shows ran in the late 60s and early 70s. But I will start with Mister Ed, which broadcast from 1961 to 1966. I do remember watching this one, and laughing so hard, thinking it was the funniest thing ever. A talking horse!






I also definitely remember watching Room 222. It ran from 1969 to 1974, and showed the trials and tribulations of a group of high school kids and their teachers. It was one of the first shows I remember featuring an interracial cast. It also introduced us to goofy Karen Valentine, who went on to many other shows, including Hollywood Squares.






And if you were alive between 1969 and 1974, how could anyone have missed Love American Style. It was irreverent and thought to be quite risque, although in reality, it was just kinda silly. LOL






This theme song could be identified with just the opening few bars, it is so distinctive. I also remember watching The Odd Couple, which was on from 1970 to 1975. It featured two veteran actors, Jack Klugman and Tony Randall, both who put in wonderful performances week after week.

Groovy Theme Songs

I am never sure if they were groovy or not but I do remember these shows and the theme songs that go with them. The shows ran in the late 60s and early 70s, when I was growing up. I remember watching all of these shows with the family, and laughing so heartily.



Back when the family was still living in the suburbs of Philadelphia, we watched Jerry Van Dyke in My Mother The Car. The premise of the show was completely ridiculous, yet I still remember watching it in 1965/1966 for the sole season it was on. I mean, really, his mother was reincarnated as an antique car? Hey, I was just a child, and if the family laughed, I did too!





I so clearly remember watching the show That Girl and thinking Marlo Thomas was the coolest, funniest woman alive, that it is hard to believe it went on the air 45 years ago. It premiered in 1966 and lasted until 1971, a mere five seasons. It seems like it was on so much longer than that. Yet through it all, Marlo was the coolest!





One of my favorite Saturday morning shows was the The Banana Splits! I loved them, both as the 'live' muppets, and as animated characters. It began in 1968 and lasted 2 seasons. But I was eight years old, so loved everything they did, from the slapstick to the driving their dune buggies!





I remember The Courtship of Eddie's Father as being just so damn charming. Again, I was young, and perhaps I saw it in reruns, but there is so much earnest love and happiness, it was irresistible. It premiered in 1969, and was on for just three seasons.



Hope you enjoyed walking down memory lane with me!