It's difficult to watch this '60s artifact (a TV pilot not shown until 1973) that was almost a recipe for disaster. Other than the sprightly musical score by jazz great Oliver Nelson, it has few redeeming features.
First mystery is why Leslie Stevens, noted for his classic horror/sci-fi series "The Outer Limits", would turn to such a stupid comedy spoof project. The casting of the three leads boggles the mind: two talk-show hosts plus an ultra-obscure UK actor with zero talent, hamstrings the movie. And they are saddled with silly roles and dialogue on the level (but without the humor) of The Three Stooges.
Ida Lupino is campy up to a point as the evil madwoman at the heart of the mystery, but I couldn't help wondering if she was just filling in for an obvious first choice for the role, Joan Crawford. Best casting perhaps is the three beautiful starlets playing her daughters, collectively embodying, along with Francine York in a small role, the pulchritude of the '60s. A number of talented comedians like Terry-Thomas and Don Knotts pop up, but clearly the prospects of watching this level of junk on a weekly basis nipped any potential series in the bud.
