Bring Me the Head of Dobie Gillis

This film reminded me what made the series so connectible, unique and charming - the "time-outs" where Dobie was being totally frank and honest while speaking to us personally in the park where a copy of Rodin's "The Thinker" holds court.

Quite a bit of subtle humor designed to float over the censors heads and the head-knocking between sweet and decent Dobie and the townspeople's turning on him for the chance for a big check is too close to reality to be considered entertaining. This film illustrates the vast chasm of America's naiveté of then compared to our youth knowing too much too soon now.

Connie Stevens' was perfect here (and still looked awesome). Bob Denver seemed to be less than attentive, bless his soul, but he managed to recreate Maynard Krebbs as a beatnik who ended up a wealthy capitalist while still having no real clue. Too bad they couldn't get Warren Beatty in on this (in 1988 he still thought he was above his roots). All in all a nice return project worth seeing.

The plot of this film was lifted directly from Friedrich Durenmatt's play, Der Besuch die Alten Dame (The Visit of the Old Lady). It was an indictment of capitalism by Durenmatt, a radical Swiss socialist. Ironic that someone chose this as the plot device in an obvious attempt to cash in on America's preoccupation with its youth.

I found a recording of this on an old VHS tape and surprised myself by watching the whole thing. It suffers from the same problems most reunion shows have. A story that can be stretched into a long feature never feels quite right for characters you would normally deal with for a half hour. And, the problem of dealing with replacement actors who just aren't quite right, even if they aren't "bad", per se. Maynard having Gilligan hair also bugged me more than it should have, probably! :D

Repeating the old Dobie/Zelda unrequited love comedy dynamic with their son Georgie and Chatsworth's daughter Chatsie feels a little forced. The big difference being that, while Chatsie is ever-present and pushy, she's also absolutely ADORABLE! I mean, she's played by Princess Leia's half-sister, c'mon! This in contrast to Zelda, whom I believe Maynard once described as a "spooky-lookin' chick"!

Still, as reunion shows go, it's one of the better ones, mainly due to the returning actors, and Dwayne Hickman in particular. If you loved the original, you'll probably be okay with it. If not, I probably we wouldn't bother.

Unlike most sit-com reunions which are overly sentimental and sappy, 'Bring Me the Head of Dobie Gillis' is a somewhat less dark interpretation of Durenmatt's thesis that money can buy anything. And while in the end Dobie is left alive, the thesis is also alive and well at the end of the movie. The attempt is bold and audacious, not completely successful, and enthralling. Even Connie Stevens acquits herself with grace. The old sit-com relationships are also revisited with considerable irony for those familiar with the original show. I recommend this film to anyone with an interest in 20th century theatre (particulary if they also enjoy Dobie Gillis). It's thought- provoking, audacious, and outrageously funny.

I know nothing about Dobie Gillis. Never saw the show, and I didn't know Denver was famous before Gilligans island. I was up with my friend late one night and I change the channel to Shotime where this was playing. I think I must have started watching about 30 minutes in, and this is one of the most bizarre movies I have ever seen. In fact it was much better the first time when I had no idea what was going on.

This is one of the greatest WTF movies I have ever seen. Why was it made? What is up with these insane stereotypes? Who was this movie made for? What year is this supposed to be? Is this supposed to be funny? Intentionally? Did someone slip me the brown acid on the hill when I wasn't looking? Etc. Just scene after scene of jaw-dropping stupidity. The girl-shy jock has to be one of the greatest, most pathetic characters I've ever seen.

I'm giving it a 6 of ten for serious camp value. Rent it. Skip the first couple of scenes (trust me on this, if you know the plot, its not as good). This is just one of those movies that makes you question reality. Highly recommended for fans of bad cinema.