"It's About Time" (1966-67) was created by the late, great Sherwood Schwartz who gave us "Gilligan's Island" and "The Brady Bunch". The fantasy comedy ran for 26 episodes in the vein of his "Gilligan's Island" with this series also about travelers sent off course and stranded in a jungle setting with absurd plots. Being produced at the same time, "It's About Time" shares some of "Gilligan's" sets, props, and incident music. And it's little surprise that star Jack Mullaney at times has Gilligan-like goofy traits with sayings and actions that mimic him.
Joe E. Ross with his rough-around-the-edges looks and primitive sense of humor ("Oooo Oooo") was great casting as Gronk. Imogene Coca as Shag/Shad, however, seems a waste of her talents, although she is predictably good in any role. Mike Mazurki is another piece of great casting, and Cliff Norton also does a fine job with the boss caveman role.
I'm watching the series for the first time (as a 26-year-old) in chronological order, but understand how it can get repetitious after a few episodes. Yet, it's still startling to see the complete role reversal of having the cavemen travel to the 20th century near the end, in an attempt to save the short-lived series.
Reflecting upon the series, it had an interesting, unique premise that the writers had trouble expanding upon. If not fully mined for laughs, it at least touched upon many of the funny situations that could arise from adjusting to 1 million years of life. It was hard to think of Frank Aletter and Jack Mullaney as stars when you had the established talents of Imogene Coca and Joe E. Ross, who eventually shifted into that role. Many of the episodes were repetitive, but some were absurdly funny.
I enjoy the matte shots (albeit simplistic), conveying the viewer to the prehistoric era. Starting off, the series has some funny dialogue and situational comedy. It's silliness is part of its fun. It's family friendly, and I can see how kids would enjoy it. If you allow the absurdity to be part of the enjoyment, it can be a fun series.
I'm 26, so for me, I grew up with the shows of 90s and loved them. Then the new millennium rolled around....and what happened? What are these distasteful, offensive shows on today, and why is it viewed as acceptable? I don't know what happened to the industry, but I can tell you what happened to me- I turned to television from the classic period. They are most certainly funnier, more well-written, wholesome, and some drive home important moral lessons. My wife is 23 and also loves classic shows and films. When we have children one day, we hope to share that love with them.
