The late, great George Barrows, seen here playing Herbie, the gorilla is absolutely outrageous.
10 Stars for one of the best 60s sitcom episodes ever.
Barrows began his long career in bit parts, but had incredible luck in gorilla suits. He appeared in many classic films, best known for designing the robot-man costume in the cult classic ROBOT MONSTER (1953), which is on display at the Motion Picture Museum in Hollywood.
This episode is INSANE. Jethro wants a gorilla to do chores around the mansion --because Elly's pet monkey is too small? Enter slickster Mr. Drysdale who gets some guy to pretend he's a gorilla (in a suit) and plants him outside the Clampett's home. Enter Herbie! Best scenes (and perhaps the most famous of the entire series) finds Herbie dressed up as a farmer. You have to see this laugh out loud stuff. Not to miss him attempting to steal Miss Jane's car! Granny with a whoopin' stick goes right on after him. Creative writing 101 and then some.
Series writer Buddy Atkinson wrote this gem, and if you watch closely, borrowed some "fantasy" elements from GILLIGANS ISLAND and, even, the ADDAMS FAMILY. Very interesting. The Clampetts, you have to admit, are not your ordinary family.
And I will say again, I think when the series switched to color, the episodes became even more wild to maintain a large audience. They succeeeded.
Dedicated to all us devout fans.
SEASON 5 EPISODE 6 remastered color. 4 dvd box set. Released 2018. Catch the classic family portrait on the cover, a collectors item.