Television has had its share of successful television programs based on seemingly ridiculous concepts.
From Gilligan's Island to I Dream of Jeannie, there have been plenty of successful shows built on quirky ideas. In fact, in the '60s, there was a whole slew of television sitcoms based on ideas that in hindsight might seem bizarre: Mr. Ed, The Flying Nun, and The Munsters to name just a few.
Perhaps no show has had as quirky a concept as the 1965 series My Mother the Car.
The show starred Jerry Van Dyke as attorney David Crabtree. While shopping for a used car one day, he hears a vintage 1928 Porter calling his name in a woman's voice (Ann Sothern). It turns out the car is the reincarnated spirit of his deceased mother. Crabtree buys the car and his family (Maggie Pierce, Cindy Eilbacher, Randy Whipple) is upset with him for buying such an old, used car instead of the station wagon they envisioned. And, of course, they think he's crazy — because the car only talks to David. The show also featured Avery Schreiber as a cartoonish-ly villainous car collector named Captain Manzini.
To get an idea of just how bizarre the original show was, watch the original title credits in the video below.
After only 30 episodes and mostly critical reviews, the show is considered a major flop — TV Guide even ranked it as the #2 worst show of all time. Yet it has become an iconic part of television history as perhaps the most unusual series in television history.
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The show could have been a huge success. It was co-created by Chris Hayward and Allan Burns, who had seen previous success with The Munsters and created the character of Dudley Do-Right. Burns eventually went on to co-create beloved sitcoms like The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Rhoda, and more.
Networks knew Jerry Van Dyke was destined to be a big star. Allegedly, Van Dyke turned down the offer to play Gilligan on Gilligan's Island as well as Barney Fife on The Andy Griffith Show.
(Jerry Van Dyke as David Crabtree)
Despite its lackluster ratings and poor reviews, the network aired all 30 episodes filmed in the first season, though the final episode was preempted by a special news report. It would be years before the episode was actually broadcast in its entirety.
A DVD set of the show was released, and Hulu.com allowed free viewings online for a brief period of time. Despite its reputation as one of the worst shows in television history, user reviews on websites like IMDB defend the show and hail its comedic perfo
(Avery Schreiber as Captain Manzini)
Another cult sitcom, Arrested Development, referenced the classic series in an episode of the same name. The episode even featured the original theme song by Paul Hampton in the background of one scene.
Whether you think it's camp or a classic, this vintage television show is definitely a throwback to a different era in television.
Do you remember this show? Let us know in the comments, and please SHARE if you love nostalgic looks at the past like this one!
