Sigmund and the Sea Monsters
By Joyce Slaton,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Vintage Krofft is cheesy but lighthearted.
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What's the Story?
SIGMUND AND THE SEA MONSTERS is a groovy 1970s-era show from Sid and Marty Krofft, the same brother team that produced shows like H.R. Pufnstuf and The Bugaloos. Sigmund is a sea monster who refuses to frighten people. When he meets human boys Johnny (Johnny Whitaker) and Scott (Scott Kolden) on the beach, they take him home, hide him from his sea monster family, and have adventures.
Is It Any Good?
Like the Krofft brothers' other shows, this show is amateurly acted and cheaply produced, with extremely unconvincing rubber costumes that may be a deal-breaker for modern kids. On the other hand, they may enjoy spotting such bloopers as stuck eyeballs and actor clothing sticking out from beneath the awful costumes.
Plotlines are classic kid-show stuff, silly and predictable, with a notable amount of scariness and tension as Sigmund is repeatedly stalked, chased, and captured. But the cheerful attitude of the kids and the light-hearted adventures might fascinate kids who have never seen anything like it. Nostalgic parents might want to watch, too, and sing along to the corny theme song, "Friends."
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how television shows have changed since Mom and Dad were kids. How do the sets and costumes compare to today's shows? Do you think there are more positive female characters in today's shows compared to the Sid and Marty Krofft days?
What are the show's messages about family and friendship? How should family members treat each other? Is it okay for family members to disagree? To live their lives in different ways?
Does it scare you when Burp and Slurp find Sigmund? What music, dialogue, or other techniques does the director use to frighten you?
TV Details
- Premiere date: September 8, 1973
- Cast: Johnny Whitaker , Rip Taylor , Scott Kolden
- Network: NBC
- Genre: Comedy
- Topics: Adventures , Ocean Creatures
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: February 25, 2022
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