You have to admit, it was a terrific idea on the part of producer Sherwood Schwartz to fly the Bradys out to Hawaii, this for a special three part opener for the 4th season. I also think the fourth season ruled because the kids were growing up fast, facing lots of new situations. Everything clicks, and no matter how may times you see these episodes, it's a ton of fun.
Mike is assigned to work on some architectural plans in Hawaii -- so EVERYBODY makes it a mini vacation and that's when the campy and weird stuff starts. Bobby picks up a mini tiki, spreading really bad vibes to everybody who wears it.
Keeping that in mind, enter Vincent Price. He starts sneaking around the place in the second episode,
playing a frustrated archaeologist who apparently lives in a cave and is waiting for his next big find? A show stopper, yes, a bit hammy, yes, but we can't get enough of him. Price actually did other comedy episodes, working with Lucille Ball and Carol Burnett. However, this is his most memorable tv sitcom appearance.
Adventure and mystery, and you can tell the cast is having a blast putting this all together. It shows.
Prior to this episode, Price starred as the ABOMINABLE DR. PHIBES, a dark comedy about revenge. Look for Philipino actor Patrick Adiarte as David, sort of Greg, Peter and Bobby's host on the island. Patrick began his career as a child actor and appeared on several tv shows in the 70s, including HAWAII FIVE O.
Really cool stuff, and brings back lots of memories for all of us kids of the 70s, then and now. The scenery is absolutely beautiful, and you only wish it could have lasted a bit longer. Memorable salute to the fallen at Pearl Harbor also, and what a wonderful thing to do, marking the 32nd Anniversary.
SEASON 4, EPISODES 1 thru 3 remastered color ABC/ Paramount dvd box set. Released 2013. Collectors Edition.
