Halloween with the New Addams Family (1977) Review:

When Charles Addams' cartoon of a family who was too far into Halloween than most families were, he probably wasn't sure what a success it would be. When his creation was adapted into the 1964 show, the characters became larger than life with their unique personalities and interests. While the show itself only lasted two seasons, it made a lasting impression on several viewers. For couples, Gomez and Morticia are popular choices for costume Halloween parties. And although the look of the characters weren't an exact match to that of Charles Addams' original drawings, the look was iconic nonetheless. Amazingly several years later, most of the original cast returned for a TV movie special revolving around the season of Halloween.

Morticia & Pancho

The focus of the plot is around the holiday where the Addams will be celebrating all hallows eve. To them, it's their Christmas time. Before the end of the night, a legend by the name of Cousin Shy comes to give gifts and carve pumpkins. Meanwhile, a group of crooks lead by the boss (Parley Baer) want to infiltrate the Addams' home to steal their family fortune by luring Gomez to a lodge meeting far away. Simultaneously, Gomez (John Astin) is worried about his brother Pancho (Henry Darrow) having feelings for Morticia (Carolyn Jones). For a TV movie, it very much feels like an extended episode to the show but all in good fun. It's rather shocking considering the director, David Steinmetz, had no experience prior or after this event. Was he even directing?

Writing the script was George Tibbles, who also wrote for Dennis the Menace and Leave It to Beaver. As mentioned before the execution feels much like an extended episode and nothing more. The subplots about Gomez's brother Pancho and his advances on Morticia are bit out of place. Henry Darrow as Pancho looks very much like Gomez Addams and acts very similar, which has some comedic timing. But the point of having him being there is only because of the fake trip Gomez is going on. As for the crooks who want to break into the Addams' household, it could have very well been left out. Parley Baer, Patrick Campbell and Vito Scotti add comedic moments but they play random characters; not returning ones of such. There's even impostors who stand in as Gomez and Morticia.

In spite of all this though, this special is still watchable for the original cast themselves. Not only has time passed, but Morticia and Gomez have added children Pugsley Jr. (Ken Marquis) and Wednesday Jr. (Jennifer Surprenant). Ken Weatherwax and Lisa Loring who played the original Pugsley and Wednesday are now grown and also return to the family household. Ted Cassidy returns as the lumbering Lurch and still has his funny moments. Jackie Coogan also returns as Uncle Fester and still doesn't understand anyone outside the house. Felix Silla even has his moments as cousin It going back and forth with Gomez Addams. And of course, as if it had to be mentioned; Carolyn Jones and John Astin as the classic Addams couple still have their same comedic delivery.

"I still look better than my brother right?"

For what's on screen, the visual gags are still funny too. Filmed by Jacques R. Marquette, the cinematographer to Attack of the 50 Foot Woman (1958), the camera angles used here make use of the entire set. Thing's appearances between rooms always provides a good laugh. There's even props used that have pyrotechnics. Lastly, the music was supported by original composer Vic Mizzy, who also composed the original theme for the show. Since it was a special, the intro is a tad different but still remains as lively and memorable as the original. The cues used from transitions and other doodads all works appropriately to the situation occurring at the time.

Following the success of the show, majority of the original cast return for this Halloween themed TV movie special, and it could have been worse. While the subplots going on around the main characters don't amount to much, it's still fun seeing the same chemistry return for one more extended period of time.

Points Earned --> 6:10