Atomic Robot: Remember The Addams Family's Spooky Charm?

Remember The Addams Family's Spooky Charm? | Retro Saturday Morning

Written By Ken Hulsey

It's truly exciting to dive into the intricacies of the human mind! Over the past two weeks, I’ve been on a joyful journey researching early 1970s cartoons for my Retro Saturday Morning feature, and it’s been like a treasure hunt as I rediscover a plethora of shows that filled my childhood with laughter and good times. What’s most captivating? The astonishing speed at which our minds can reignite memories and emotions from long ago, simply triggered by a familiar image or tune.

Take, for instance, the animated gem Emergency +4 I explored recently, or this week’s highlight, The Addams Family. Honestly, I had nearly forgotten about it until I stumbled upon the Saturday morning programming list from 1974. Just one tiny image from the show brought flooding back memories of my days in Vernon, Texas, where I can vividly picture the TV setup, my favorite chair, and the cozy den where I enjoyed my cartoon adventures. It’s amazing how these simple recollections can bring such warmth and nostalgia.

The Addams Family: an Evilution Hardcover - $33.99 @ Amazon.com - Order Here

Back in 1974, television networks were brimming with animated adaptations of popular live-action shows. You had a cartoon version of classics like I Dream of Jeannie, Gilligan’s Island, The Partridge Family, and Star Trek—plus the aforementioned Emergency +4 and The Addams Family. It makes you wonder if network executives were a bit cautious, wanting that built-in audience before taking creative risks. But amidst those familiar faces, there was also an abundance of originality and imagination, with exceptional shows like Land of the Lost, Hong Kong Phooey, and Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids lighting up our screens.

Speaking of The Addams Family, this animated sitcom is a delightful adaptation of Charles Addams’ iconic cartoons, brought to life by Hanna-Barbera Productions in 1973. The original live-action series' beloved Uncle Fester and Lurch, portrayed by Jackie Coogan and Ted Cassidy, respectively, returned to lend their voices. An interesting twist is the inclusion of an 11-year-old Jodie Foster, who lent her voice talents to the character of Pugsley Addams.

While the show’s theme music took a new direction—sans lyrics and the famous finger-snapping—it still echoed the essence of the original with a hint of the four-note score we all know and love. The Addams Family themselves are a wonderfully quirky bunch—husband and wife Gomez and Morticia, their children Wednesday and Pugsley, and an extended family that includes Grandmama, Uncle Fester, Thing, Cousin Itt, and their ever-loyal butler Lurch. This is a family that embraces their eerie interests and supernatural talents with open arms—though the origins of their powers remain a delightful mystery throughout the series!

In this animated escapade, the Addams clan embarks on a whimsical cross-country road trip, journeying across the United States in their Victorian-style Creepy Camper, a charming nod to their iconic mansion. Wherever they go, their unique quirks lead to delightful mayhem, as they navigate through odd situations, trust the untrustworthy, and unwittingly become part of wild schemes—all the while keeping their distinctive spirit intact!

The Addams Family made their animated debut in a crossover episode of Hanna-Barbera's The New Scooby-Doo Movies, titled "Scooby-Doo Meets the Addams Family" (or “Wednesday is Missing”). It’s merely a taste of the enchanting world these characters inhabit, and I can't help but feel excited about the memories and stories this legacy continues to inspire. And I can’t wait to explore more!

Check Out: