"I Was a Teenage Monster" delightfully spoofs Frankenstein, as John Hoyt's mad scientist puts on a Transylvanian accent, and hunchbacked assistant Byron Foulger ('I live to grovel!') gets to indulge in the kind of mischief that Dwight Frye could appreciate. As the Monster, Richard Kiel was perfectly cast, decked out in groovy clothes, Roger McGuinn shades, and Beatle wig (Mike: "he looks like a long haired, near sighted Monster with a guitar!") After the scientist transmits the musical abilities of The Monkees into his creation, Peter wonders if they can regain their talent: "we don't have any to spare!" (this was one of the episodes showing Tork's belt buckle on the side, so as not to scratch his guitar). Appearing unbilled as Dr. Mendoza's beautiful daughter (waiting for the sequel!) is Bonnie Dewberry, who later turns up in "Monkees in Texas." The lone track this time is "Your Auntie Grizelda," composed by Jack Keller and Diane Hilderbrand, recorded Oct 14 1966, which featured Peter Tork's very first lead vocal (issued on the second LP). Broadcast no. 18 (Jan 16 1967), "I Was a Teenage Monster" was 21st in production, filmed Nov 1-3 1966.
3 Reviews
Self-Parody
survivorofakuze11 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This isn't my favorite sort of Monkees episode, (I like the more romantic types), but this is sorta interesting.
It's a little hard to explain, but basically, this is a self-parody. The Monkees had this sorta image, or maybe reputation, as this sorta cookie- cutter imitation band formed by corporate bigwigs and such. There's at least some substance to this, since they were formed by producers for the sake of a TV series, and the band members were initially 'casted'; they didn't come together organically, naturally, you might say.
So, what happens in this episode? A mad scientist decides to create a musician! Like Frankenstein, he will create a sort of artificial artistic life! Give him the "Beatles haircut" (if you say so, it actually looks little like a mop-top), Lennon/McGuinn style granny glasses, some fab clothes, and a guitar, and voila!-- "He looks like a long-haired, near-sighted monster with a guitar." Also keep in mind, that especially back in the day when it was pretty new, rock music was considered primitive and all that. So, it's kinda making fun of itself, having fun, I guess, with these ideas that it's all just no good dirty rotten jungle music. Created by mad scientists, and/or corporate bigwigs.
So, that's the basic idea of this episode. I don't really care for it, but I think I've given you enough so that you can analyze and read more into it if you want to.
(7/10)
It's a little hard to explain, but basically, this is a self-parody. The Monkees had this sorta image, or maybe reputation, as this sorta cookie- cutter imitation band formed by corporate bigwigs and such. There's at least some substance to this, since they were formed by producers for the sake of a TV series, and the band members were initially 'casted'; they didn't come together organically, naturally, you might say.
So, what happens in this episode? A mad scientist decides to create a musician! Like Frankenstein, he will create a sort of artificial artistic life! Give him the "Beatles haircut" (if you say so, it actually looks little like a mop-top), Lennon/McGuinn style granny glasses, some fab clothes, and a guitar, and voila!-- "He looks like a long-haired, near-sighted monster with a guitar." Also keep in mind, that especially back in the day when it was pretty new, rock music was considered primitive and all that. So, it's kinda making fun of itself, having fun, I guess, with these ideas that it's all just no good dirty rotten jungle music. Created by mad scientists, and/or corporate bigwigs.
So, that's the basic idea of this episode. I don't really care for it, but I think I've given you enough so that you can analyze and read more into it if you want to.
(7/10)
WHY WE LOVE THE MONKEES SO MUCH
tcchelsey21 August 2023
You know there had to be a mad scientist story somewhere along the way, right? The gang turn up in the spooky castle of Dr. Mendoza, fittingly played by John Hoyt (best remembered as the scientist in ATTACK OF THE PUPPET PEOPLE). Yes, there is a monster, and who better than 7 foot Richard Kiel, perhaps the best James Bond henchman of them all.
Kiel is dressed in a Beatle wig, fitted with groovy shades, a guitar and is positioned to become the next rock sensation -- that is if the crazy doc can scientifically transport all the guys talents into him? Not a bad idea, if you're nuts.
The laboratory ain't bad, replete with individual metal headsets ready for transmission. A must see. Kiel is a standout, and a scene stealer, as can be expected. He even dances a few steps, but the best of it is the episodic chase around the lab. The guys facial expressions are absolutely priceless, especially Micky -- and what is that stuff he's drinking?? Also look for veteran character actor Byron Foulger as the hunchback assistant, and with some funny lines.
Series director James Frawley's voice is used as the mirror's voice. Credit this hilarious script once again to Dee Caruso, the first man of classic tv comedy. Recommended. SEASON 1 EPISODE 18 remastered dvd box set.
Kiel is dressed in a Beatle wig, fitted with groovy shades, a guitar and is positioned to become the next rock sensation -- that is if the crazy doc can scientifically transport all the guys talents into him? Not a bad idea, if you're nuts.
The laboratory ain't bad, replete with individual metal headsets ready for transmission. A must see. Kiel is a standout, and a scene stealer, as can be expected. He even dances a few steps, but the best of it is the episodic chase around the lab. The guys facial expressions are absolutely priceless, especially Micky -- and what is that stuff he's drinking?? Also look for veteran character actor Byron Foulger as the hunchback assistant, and with some funny lines.
Series director James Frawley's voice is used as the mirror's voice. Credit this hilarious script once again to Dee Caruso, the first man of classic tv comedy. Recommended. SEASON 1 EPISODE 18 remastered dvd box set.
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