I Was a Teenage Monster

"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.