In the era of black-and-white television in the mid-1960s, one family stood out from the rest – The Munsters. Their spooky exterior, paired with their heartwarming, almost endearing personalities, created a captivating juxtaposition that left audiences glued to their TV screens. Here, we dive into some behind-the-scenes tidbits from the making of this iconic television series.
The Munsters: A Television Oddity
The Munsters, a lovable yet unusual family, consisted of the Frankenstein-esque father Herman Munster (Fred Gwynne), his vampire wife Lily (Yvonne De Carlo), their werewolf son Eddie (Butch Patrick), Lily’s vampire father Grandpa (Al Lewis), and the conventionally attractive niece Marilyn (Pat Priest), who was considered the odd one out in the family for her normalcy.
Amid the comical and at times, absurd, daily happenings of this eerie family, the series held a mirror up to the traditional sitcom families, subtly poking fun at the ‘perfect’ family trope.
A Peek Behind the Curtain
Shooting such a unique show was no small feat, and the following behind-the-scenes photos give us a glimpse into the camaraderie and fun that was part of the Munsters’ production.
Fred Gwynne embraced the silliness of the premise wholeheartedly. Off-camera photos capture Gwynne in full Herman Munster makeup, laughing it up between scenes and even taking a lunch break in his Frankensteinian prosthetics. These candid moments showcase the spirit of fun and dedication that made the series such a hit.
Likewise, Yvonne De Carlo, a seasoned actress and gorgeous Hollywood starlet, threw herself into the role of Lily Munster. Photos of De Carlo shows her laughing on set with castmates, fully decked out in her vampiric costume, and at other times, undergoing the intricate process of makeup application.
The Spooky Yet Cozy Munster Mansion
One can’t speak about The Munsters without mentioning the iconic Munster mansion. The house, located at 1313 Mockingbird Lane, was as much a character in the show as the Munsters themselves. The production team filled it with gothic-style furniture, spider-webbed corners, and suitably spooky décor. Despite its scary appearance, it exuded a sense of charm and coziness, reflecting the Munsters’ own peculiar yet lovable nature.
Behind-the-scenes photos offer a fascinating glimpse into the filming of this beloved set, where off-camera crew can be seen adjusting lighting, positioning cameras, and ensuring every cobweb was in its rightful place.
‘The Munsters’ ran for only two seasons from 1964-1966, but the impact it had was immeasurable. Through their uniquely twisted lens, they were able to convey a message of acceptance and love, that it’s okay to be different. Behind the scenes, it was the camaraderie, humor, and dedication of the cast and crew that made ‘The Munsters’ such an enduring classic.
