SIGMUND AND THE SEA MONSTERS

When I say "rare treat", I think what I'm really getting at is that Sigmund and the Sea Monsters is weird.

I'm wondering if one generation ever understands the children's programming enjoyed by another.  So often the appeal seems limited to those who loved the show the first time around, especially when tots take one look at the beloved classic of your youth and give you a look that clearly says, "What the hell is this? Get it off."  I fear that Sigmund and the Sea Monsters will suffer this fate if today's children have any power over the remote control, but if you grew up with this 1970s Sid and Marty Kroftt creation, you are in for a rare treat.

When I say "rare treat", I think what I'm really getting at is that Sigmund and the Sea Monsters is weird.  In the premiere episode, California boys Johnny (Johnny Whitaker of Family Affair and Tom Sawyer fame) and Scott (Scott Kolden ) discover Sigmund (Billy Barty in a monster suit), a sweet, goofy sea monster who doesn't fit in with his own kind.  They take him home and hide him in their clubhouse, because, "grown ups can't go in there."  Yep, 'cause nothin' keeps the grown ups at bay like a ramshackle hut and a "KEEP OUT" sign!

In reality, hiding Sigmund in the clubhouse might have worked.  The trouble is, he keeps getting lonely and wandering around.  How can the boys hide him from the housekeeper (Mary Wickes) if he's going to meander through the living room at random?  Each episode revolves around hiding Sigmund from other people or rescuing him from the clutches of his sea monster family.  Oh, and did I mention that there's also a bunch of groovy singing as well?  What could be more normal?!

Fifteen episodes are included on the Season 1 DVD, and if you grew up with this as part of your Saturday morning itinerary, you will probably be more than happy with this blast from the past.  No matter how peculiar it may look to us now, there was a time when this show brightened the mornings of kids across America.

DVD NOTES

Extra features include commentaries with Johnny Whitaker and Scott C. Kolden, a downloadable folder of MP3's for all of Johnny's songs, and an exclusive look at the 2010 H.R. Pufnstuf American Cinematheque event in Los Angeles.