Munster, Go Home! (1966) starring Fred Gwynne, Yvonne De Carlo, Al Lewis, Terry-Thomas
Synopsis of Munster, Go Home!
In Munster, Go Home! Herman (Fred Gwynne) and Lily (Yvonne De Carlo) Munster inherit an English manor but upon arrival they discover that their English cousins are trying to scare them to leave.
Review of Munster, Go Home!
There’s a lot to like in Munster, Go Home! The cast from The Munsters TV series are all here (except for Marilyn), and they work together like cogs in a well-oiled machine. And unlike Munsters Revenge, the main plot is actually quite enjoyable. Herman has inherited an English Lordship, and they’re off to meet their English cousins.
The cousins are none too happy, however. There are crooked activities going on there, and they don’t want them interrupted. And there are a series of attempts on Herman’s life – that all fail humorously. The film ends with a climatic car race, introducing the iconic Munster mobile.
In short, Munster, Go Home! was enjoyed by our entire family, and I hope it’s enjoyed by yours as well.
Editorial review of Munster, Go Home!
Filmed in Technicolor, the vibrance of the Munsters’ spooky lifestyle is most apparent in Munsters, Go Home (1966), far superior to the cornier Munsters’ Revenge. A true ’60s relic, Munsters, Go Home begins when Herman’s deceased relative bestows him with Lord status, necessitating the Munsters’ trip to England to claim his title. There, he meets other Munsters, Lady Effigy and Freddie Munster, whose jealousy results in frightening antics that only thrill Herman, Grandpa, Lily, Eddie, and Marilyn (with Pat Priest replaced by Debbie Watson). As the plot thickens, Herman faces other threats to the family honor with his classic innocent bravado.
Cast of characters in Munster, Go Home!
Herman Munster (Fred Gwynne, Car 54 Where Are You?). The lovable, clueless head of the Munster family. After the death of his English uncle, he’s been granted the title of English Lord! With the support of his family, and despite the hostility of his European family. Which Herman is ignorant of … until the conclusion, at least.
Lily Munster (Yvonne De Carlo, Band of Angels). Lily, the loving wife of Herman. Daughter of Grandpa, mother of Eddie. A kind, sweet, lady – despite being a vampire. She experiences some of the hostility from the English townsfolk.
Grandpa (Al Lewis, The Munsters). Lily’s father, whom everyone calls Grandpa. Part vampire, part mad scientist, and Herman’s comedy partner. One of his formulas go wrong, transforming him into a wolf on the ocean voyage, making it difficult to smuggle him off the boat.
Eddie Munster (Butch Patrick, The Phantom Tollbooth). Herman and Lily’s werewolf son, who has several good moments in the film – such as asking cousin Freddie to give “wolf-wolf” a good-night kiss.
Marilyn Munster (Debbie Watson, Tammy). Replacing Pat Priest as the “homely” niece … who falls in love on the ocean voyage with:
Roger Moresby (Robert Pine, C.H.I.P.S., Empire of the Ants). The love interest, who’s been racing automobiles in America. And runs into trouble when he wants to introduce Marilyn to his family …
Squire Lester Moresby (Bernard Fox, Bewitched, The Rescuers). After a bad initial encounter with Marilyn, he has a change of heart after. Until he learns that she’s a Munster — and their families have been feuding for many years!
The English Munsters
Freddie Munster (Terry-Thomas, The Abominable Dr. Phibes). The man who would have been the next Lord Munster. And has a sizable chip on his shoulder for his American cousins. He tries to kill them … multiple times. And keeps throwing childish tantrums at every opportunity. One of my favorite performances by Terry-Thomas.
Lady Effigie Munster (Hermione Gingold, The Music Man). Freddie’s mother, who is one of the leading villains of the picture. With the help of the butler …
