Mothers in Law: Complete Series
March 7, 2010 by admin
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MPI Home Video just keeps bringing out more rarities to please their fans! They planned to release The Mothers-In-Law last year in 2009, but decided to do both seasons- which is the entire series- together in one set. They are not rushing the release of this series as they are remastering the original film into pristine condition, like they have been doing for Here’s Lucy and the Lucy specials and have stated to me that this set will be LOADED with bonus materials! After hearing all this, I can’t wait until July 27, 2010 to be able to see this darling sitcom again!
This sitcom was the complete project of Desi Arnaz after he resigned as President from Desilu Studios in 1963, which followed his divorce from Lucy. He put together this show along with the same writers from I Love Lucy- Bob Carroll Jr. and Madelyn Davis. By the time he had scripts and the cast it was ready for it’s premiere in 1967. Desi produced, directed and even guest starred in The Mothers-In-Law.
Even though the show was placed right in the middle of NBC’s top shows, Bonanza and The Wonderful World Of Disney, the shows ratings were very unimpressive. NBC wanted to cancel the show after this first dismal year, but Desi talked NBC to give them a second chance on a second season, with no pay raises for anyone in the show. NBC agreed to this and all the cast agreed with no raises except for Roger C. Carmel who played Roger Buell- Kaye Ballard’s husband. Even when Desi pleaded with him to accept his same pay for the second year of $2,000.00 a week with residuals, Roger refused. Roger’s ungratefulness to Desi Arnaz got around the studios and he had a hard time finding work for years. After this second year did even worse on the ratings, the show was cancelled.
This show was actually quite cute and had the same premise as I Love Lucy, 2 couples who quarrel, with the addition, that they meddle into their childrens lives. The young couple were cute as well played by Deborah Walley and Jerry Fogel. On the second season the couple have twins- a girl and boy to add to the storyline. Desi guest starred as Raphael Del Gado, a matador from Barcelona, Spain in both seasons and had guest stars in the first season of Rob Reiner, Larry Storch, Alan Reed (voice of Fred Flintstone), Desi Arnaz Jr. (played Tommy Del Gado), Joe Besser (3 Stooges) and on the last show of the first season The Seeds (Pushin’ Too Hard). Trying to pick the ratings up on Season 2, Desi even had more guest stars: Jeanette Nolan, Paul Lynde, Desi again guest starred with Desi Jr., John Byner, Mel Blanc, Ozzie Nelson, Alice Ghostly, Jimmy Durante, Terri Garr, Don Rickles, Marni Nixon (opera star) and Mary Jane Croft.
I personally saw the show back in the sixties and thought it was cute- probably more fifties I Love Lucy style, and perhaps that’s why it failed in the ratings in the late sixties. We were all watching Laugh In, the Smothers Brothers, Peyton Place, That Girl, Lost In Space, Man From UNCLE- the times were changing into more space, spys, mod, music and politics. I have to say, I’m really excited to have this old treasured sitcom on dvd with lots of bonus materials. It will be wonderful to enjoy this show in a different time!
The cast from Season 1 and 2 were the same with the exception of Roger C. Carmel quitting after season 1 and being replaced by Richard Deacon as Roger Buell in Season 2. I have to give a big THANK YOU MPI for bringing out more great rare shows that are pristinely cleaned up and loaded with bonus materials, that will be such a joy to see again!
The Cast:
Eve Arden……..Eve Hubbard
Herbert Rudley…Herb Hubbard
Deborah Walley…Suzie Hubbard Buell
Kaye Ballard…..Kaye Buell
Roger C. Carmel..Roger Buell (Season 1)
Richard Deacon…Roger Buell (Season 2)
Jerry Fogel……Jerry Buell
Season 1 Episodes:
1. (09-10-67) ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN, LOHENGRIN- The Hubbards and Buells can’t agree on their children’s wedding plans.
2. (09-17-67) EVERBODY GOES ON A HONEYMOON- The Hubbards and Buells ruin their children’s honeymoon when they show up at the resort.
3. (09-24-67) ALL FALL DOWN- Eve and Kaye both go skiing and end up with broken legs.
4. (10-01-67) A NIGHT TO FORGET- Eve and Kaye accidentally get locked inside a store together for a night until it opens the next day. (Desi Arnaz guest stars)
5. (10-08-67) THE NEWLYWEDS MOVE IN- Suzie and Jerry move in to the apartment above Suzie’s parents garage and Eve and Kaye promise not to bud into their lives.
6. (10-15-67) THE CAREER GIRLS- Eve and Kaye both try out for parts in a play. (Rob Reiner guest stars)
7. (10-22-67) WHO’S AFRAID OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR?- When both Herb and Roger admit they would like to have affairs with the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor, both Eve and Kaye throw them out of their houses.
8. (10-29-67) MY SON, THE ACTOR- Jerry gets help from both his parents and in-laws in getting a part in the school play.
9. (11-05-67) HOW DO YOU MOONLIGHT A MEATBALL?- To help Jerry pay off Suzie’s ring, Kaye sells her famous spaghetti and meatballs with Eve’s help on the college campus.
10. (11-12-67) I THOUGHT HE’D NEVER LEAVE- The Hubbards have a fugitive hiding out at their home. (Larry Storch guest stars)
11. (11-19-67) THE GREAT BICYCLE RACE- The Buells and Hubbards both enter a cycling race.
12. (11-26-67) THROUGH THE LURKING GLASS- The entire family put on disguises when Roger is arrested, to try and rescue him. (Alan Reed (best known for his voice of Fred Flintstone) guest stars)
13. (12-03-67) DIVORCE-MOTHER-IN-LAW STYLE- To teach their intruding mothers a lesson, Suzie and Jerry pretend they are going to divorce.
14. (12-10-67) THE NOT COLD ENOUGH WAR- When Eve is getting a new refrigerator, she makes a big mistake by giving her old refrigerator to Kaye.
15. (12-17-67) YOU CHALLENGE ME TO WHAT?- After Herb and Roger have a fight, Roger challenges Herb to a duel.
16. (12-31-67) EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE A WRITER- When Kaye and Eve decide to try and write a television script, they find out the exact story was written by another writer.
17. (01-07-68) THE KIDS MOVE OUT- Eve and Kaye’s constant meddling and interfering in their children’s lives, cause Jerry and Suzie to move.
18. (01-14-68) THE HOMBRE WHO CAME TO DINNER-PART 1- The Hubbards bullfighting friend Raphael Del Gado from Spain comes to visit and stays longer than they’d like. (Desi Arnaz guest stars)
19. (01-21-68) THE HOMBRE WHO CAME TO DINNER-PART 2- Both the Hubbards and Buells get to visit Mexico. (Desi Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. (as Tommy Del Gado) guest star)
20. (01-28-68) DON’T GIVE UP THE SLOOP- The Buells and Hubbards both won a boat in a game show and have a fight over ownership.
21. (02-04-68) I’D TELL YOU I LOVE YOU, BUT WE’RE NOT SPEAKING- When the Buells and Hubbards stop speaking to each other, Jerry and Suzie sign them up for group therapy sessions.
22. (02-11-68) HERB’S LITTLE HELPERS- When Herb’s secretary is sick, Eve takes her place.
23. (02-25-68) BYE, BYE BLACKMAILER- Roger is paid back a loan he gave by Eve using Herb’s money, without telling Herb it’s his own money.
24. (03-03-68) THE WIG STORY- When Kaye wears a blonde wig she borrowed from Eve, she thinks Roger has fallen in love with the wig.
25. (03-10-68) IT’S ONLY MONEY- When eating out at a fancy restaurant, Roger says they’ll split the bill, even though Roger and his wife Kaye ordered the more expensive dishes, making Herb wanting to get even.
26. (03-17-68) I HAVEN’T GOT A SECRET- Roger finally has his scripts considered for a television series and when he asks wife Kaye to keep mum about it, she just can’t keep a secret.
27. (03-24-68) JERRY’S NIGHT OUT WITH THE BOYS- When Suzie doesn’t want Jerry going out nights to play poker with his buddies, all 4 parents take sides in the argument.
28. (03-31-68) THE LONG, LONG WEEKEND- During a visit to their cabin in the mountains, the Buells and Hubbards get trapped in a snowstorm.
29. (04-07-68) JEALOUSY MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER- When Herb gets an unexpected visit from a former girlfriend, Eve gets very jealous.
30. (04-28-68) HOW NOT TO MANAGE A ROCK GROUP- A new rock group called The Warts catches the interest of the Hubbards and Buells, who decide they’d like to invest money into the group. (Joe Besser (3 Stooges) and The Seeds guest star-they are known for their hit- Pushin’ Too Hard)
Season 2 Episodes:
1. (09-15-68) HERE COMES THE BRIDE, AGAIN- When Kaye’s mother comes for a visit all the way from Italy, Jerry and Suzie renew their wedding vows to please Jerry’s grandmother. (Jeanette Nolan guest stars)
2. (09-22-68) THE MATCH GAME- To help Jerry keep his job at a computer dating service, the Buells and Hubbards come up with a plan. (Paul Lynde guest stars)
3. (09-29-68) A LITTLE PREGNANCY GOES A LONG WAY- Somehow, Eve and Kaye get the idea that Herb and Roger are planning to take them on a cruise to Hawaii.
4. (10-06-68) LOVE THY NEIGHBOR, IF YOU CAN’T GET HIM TO MOVE- The Buells remember how they first bought the house next to the Hubbards.
5. (10-13-68) I DIDN’T RAISE MYSELF TO BE A GRANDMOTHER- When Kaye and Eve take a good look at what they’ve done in their life, they realize they need to do more to improve themselves.
6. (10-20-68) EVEN MOTHERS-IN LAW HAVE MOTHERS-IN-LAW- Both Roger’s mother and Herb’s mother come for a visit.
7. (10-27-68) THE MATADOR MAKES A MOVIE- The Hubbards and Buells friend Raphael Del Gado is making a movie and the 2 couples will do anything to get a role in the film. (Desi Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. guest star)
8. (11-10-68) IT’S A DOG’S LIFE- Eve gives Jerry and Suzie a puppy not knowing that Kaye is also giving them a puppy as a gift. (John Byner guest stars)
9. (11-24-68) THE FIRST ANNIVERSARY IS THE HARDEST- The Hubbards and Buells hide money in one of Jerry’s jacket pockets as a surprise gift and not knowing, Suzie gives the jacket away.
10. ( 12-01-68) THE BIRTH OF EVERYTHING BUT THE BLUES- When Suzie needs extra money, she takes a babysitting job taking care of animals. (Mel Blanc guest stars)
11. (12-08-68) NOME, SCHNOME, I’D RATHER HAVE IT AT HOME- The In Laws are shocked when Jerry and Suzie want to move to Alaska.
12. (12-15-68) HAIL, HAIL, THE GANG’S STILL HERE- When Eve and Herb are tired of seeing Kaye and Roger, they try hiding- only under their bed.
13. (12-22-68) DIDN’T YOU USED TO BE OZZIE SNICK?- An unexpected visit from Kaye’s old bandleader boyfriend surprises everyone. (Ozzie Nelson guest stars)
14. (01-05-69) MAKE ROOM FOR BABY- When the Buells and Hubbards decide another room is needed for Suzie and Jerry’s apartment for the newly expected baby, they decide to add on another room and to save money, they decide to do the work themselves.
15. (01-12-69) HAVEN’T YOU HAD THAT BABY YET?- When Suzie goes into labor, Kaye and Eve misplace her on the way to the hospital.
16. (01-19-69) AND BABY MAKES FOUR- The Buells and Hubbards can’t decide what to name the new little twins. (Alice Ghostly guest stars)
17. (01-26-69) NANNY GO HOME- The new nanny won’t let Kaye and Eve constantly visit the new twins, so they scheme how to get rid of her. (Jeanette Nolan guest stars)
18. (02-02-69) DOUBLE TROUBLE IN THE NURSERY- When Jerry and Suzie need to spend a quiet weekend alone without the twins, Kaye and Eve offer to watch the babies.
19. (02-09-69) VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY IN-LAWS- When a cereal contest comes up, Eve and Kaye try to win it for the twins college fund.
20. (02-23-69) GUESS WHO’S COMING FOREVER?- When Jerry and Suzie move to a bigger home for the babies, Kaye and Eve rent out their old apartment to a black man.
21. (03-02-69) EVERY IN-LAW WANTS TO GET INTO THE ACT- When Jerry gets the flu and can’t do his nightclub act, the Hubbards and Buells want to replace him on stage. (Jimmy Durante guest stars)
22. ( 03-16-69) TWO ON THE ISLE- When 2 theatre tickets arrive in the mail, the Hubbards and Buells fight over who will get them. (Terri Garr guest stars)
23. (03-23-69) TAKE HER, HE’S MINE- Roger has a new secretary that Kaye is extremely jealous of.
24. (03-30-69) SHOW BUSINESS IS NO BUSINESS- When Don Rickles is doing a benefit show at the lodge, Eve and Kaye do their best in competing to see who will get to be his partner in the show. (Don Rickles guest stars)
25. (04-06-69) THE CHARGE OF THE WIFE BRIGADE- The wives join forces against the husbands.
26. (04-13-69) THE NOT SO GRAND OPERA- Both Eve and Kaye want the lead role in an opera production for their club. (Marni Nixon and Mary Jane Croft guest star)
Rating: 5 / 5
I am so happy they are finally releasing this long-awaited DVD of “The Mothers-in-Law.” Produced by Desi Arnaz, this show has been hidden from the airwaves for many years. Rumor has it that it had something to do with Desi Arnaz’ estate. Obviously, that has been settled and we are getting to see a rare treat once again with beautifully re-mastered prints and extras that make the purchase so much more exciting. I’d love to see Kaye Ballard’s commentary on the show since she’s about the only surviving cast member who can reflect what happened over 40 years ago. The only down side is the change of character of Roger Buell from Roger C. Carmel to Richard Deacon in season two. Deacon is not as good as Carmel in terms of his reactions to Kaye. Nevertheless, both seasons are a joy to watch, especially the pilot and “How to Moonlight a Meatball.”
Buy this one, you won’t be dissapointed.
Rating: 4 / 5