Product Details

• Actors: Eve Arden, Kaye Ballard, Herb Rudley, Roger C. Carmel, Richard Deacon
• Format: Box set, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 8
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: MPI HOME VIDEO
• DVD Release Date: July 27, 2010
• Run Time: 1620 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (61 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B003JHXS5A
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,509 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "The Mothers-in-Law: The Complete Series" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

It's a funny family feud from Desi Arnaz and the writers of I Love Lucy
Set in the swinging late 1960s, THE MOTHERS-IN-LAW centers on the laugh-filled misadventures of longtime neighbors in suburban Los Angeles who become related to each other when their children suddenly get married.

Legendary actress Eve Arden (Our Miss Brooks, Grease) stars as Eve Hubbard, the sophisticated wife of straight-laced lawyer Herbert Hubbard (Herb Rudley). Veteran comedienne Kaye Ballard plays Kaye Buell, the outspoken wife of bombastic television writer Roger Buell (Roger C. Carmel and Richard Deacon). To the dismay of their hapless husbands, the strong-willed mothers are determined to meddle in the lives of  newlyweds Jerry (Jerry Fogel) and Suzie Hubbard (Deborah Walley).

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

142 of 145 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Mothers-In-Law Wonderfully Remastered And Complete!, April 29, 2010

By 

Tante Maren "Maren" (Ohio, United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Mothers-in-Law: The Complete Series (DVD)

MPI Home Video just keeps bringing out more rarities to please their fans! They planned to release The Mothers-In-Law last year in 2009, but decided to do both seasons- which is the entire series- together in one set. They are not rushing the release of this series as they are remastering the original film into pristine condition, like they have been doing for Here's Lucy and the Lucy specials and have stated to me that this set will be LOADED with bonus materials! After hearing all this, I can't wait until July 27, 2010 to be able to see this darling sitcom again!

This sitcom was the complete project of Desi Arnaz after he resigned as President from Desilu Studios in 1963, which followed his divorce from Lucy. He put together this show along with the same writers from I Love Lucy- Bob Carroll Jr. and Madelyn Davis. By the time he had scripts and the cast it was ready for it's premiere in 1967. Desi produced, directed and even guest starred in The Mothers-In-Law.

Even though the show was placed right in the middle of NBC's top shows, Bonanza and The Wonderful World Of Disney, the shows ratings were very unimpressive. NBC wanted to cancel the show after this first dismal year, but Desi talked NBC to give them a second chance on a second season, with no pay raises for anyone in the show. NBC agreed to this and all the cast agreed with no raises except for Roger C. Carmel who played Roger Buell- Kaye Ballard's husband. Even when Desi pleaded with him to accept his same pay for the second year of $2,000.00 a week with residuals, Roger refused. Roger's ungratefulness to Desi Arnaz got around the studios and he had a hard time finding work for years. After this second year did even worse on the ratings, the show was cancelled.

This show was actually quite cute and had the same premise as I Love Lucy, 2 couples who quarrel, with the addition, that they meddle into their childrens lives. The young couple were cute as well played by Deborah Walley and Jerry Fogel. On the second season the couple have twins- a girl and boy to add to the storyline. Desi guest starred as Raphael Del Gado, a matador from Barcelona, Spain in both seasons and had guest stars in the first season of Rob Reiner, Larry Storch, Alan Reed (voice of Fred Flintstone), Desi Arnaz Jr. (played Tommy), Joe Besser (3 Stooges) and on the last show of the first season The Seeds (Pushin' Too Hard). Trying to pick the ratings up on Season 2, Desi even had more guest stars: Jeanette Nolan, Paul Lynde, Desi again guest starred with Desi Jr., John Byner, Mel Blanc, Ozzie Nelson, Alice Ghostly, Jimmy Durante, Terri Garr, Don Rickles, Marni Nixon (opera star- she did all of Audrey Hepburn's singing in My Fair Lady) and Mary Jane Croft.

I personally saw the show back in the sixties and thought it was cute- probably more fifties I Love Lucy style, and perhaps that's why it failed in the ratings in the late sixties. We were all watching Laugh In, the Smothers Brothers, Peyton Place, That Girl, Lost In Space, Man From UNCLE- the times were changing into more space, spys, mod, music and politics. I have to say, I'm really excited to have this old treasured sitcom on dvd with lots of bonus materials. It will be wonderful to enjoy this show in a different time!

The cast from Season 1 and 2 were the same with the exception of Roger C. Carmel quitting after season 1 and being replaced by Richard Deacon as Roger Buell in Season 2. I have to give a big THANK YOU MPI for bringing out more great rare shows that are pristinely cleaned up and loaded with bonus materials, that will be such a joy to see again!

THE CAST:

Eve Arden........Eve Hubbard

Herbert Rudley...Herb Hubbard

Deborah Walley...Suzie Hubbard Buell

Kaye Ballard.....Kaye Buell

Roger C. Carmel..Roger Buell (Season 1)

Richard Deacon...Roger Buell (Season 2)

Jerry Fogel......Jerry Buell

SHORT CAST BIOS:

EVE ARDEN: 1908-1990,at age 82 died of cancer and heart disease; survived by 4 children from second husband. Best known as high school teacher in OUR MISS BROOKS and as Rydell High School principal in GREASE and GREASE 2.

HERBERT RUDLEY: 1910-2006,at age 96 died of natural causes. Best known as Herb Hubbard in MIL and as psychiatrist, Dr. Twombey in The Beverly Hillbillies.

DEBORAH WALLEY: 1943-2001, at age 57 died from throat cancer; survived by 3 sons. Best known as her role as Gidget and other sixties beach movies.

KAYE BALLARD: 1925-present, never married yet and breast cancer survivor. Best known as Kaye Buell in MIL and as Italian restaurant owner and landlord to Doris Day in The Doris Day Show.

ROGER C. CARMEL: 1932-1986, at age 54 died from congestive heart failure. Best known as the flamboyant criminal Harry Mudd on Star Trek.

RICHARD DEACON: 1921-1984, at age 63 died from heart disease. Best known as Mel Cooley on the Dick Van Dyke Show, also was a gourmet chef with several cookbooks.

JERRY FOGEL: 1936-present. Best known as Jerry Buell in MIL and as Bill Donahue in White Shadow, but I know him best as the director's assistant Ernie when they are shooting a commercial in the very first episode of THAT GIRL.

Season 1 Episodes:

1. (09-10-67) ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN, LOHENGRIN- The Hubbards and Buells can't agree on their children's wedding plans.

2. (09-17-67) EVERBODY GOES ON A HONEYMOON- The Hubbards and Buells almost ruin their children's honeymoon when they show up at the resort.

3. (09-24-67) ALL FALL DOWN- Kaye goes skiing and both Kaye and Eve end up with broken legs.

4. (10-01-67) A NIGHT TO FORGET- Eve and Kaye accidentally get locked inside a store together for a night until it opens the next day. (Desi Arnaz guest stars)

5. (10-08-67) THE NEWLYWEDS MOVE IN- Suzie and Jerry move in to the apartment in Suzie's parents garage and Eve and Kaye promise not to bud into their lives.

6. (10-15-67) THE CAREER GIRLS- Eve and Kaye both try out for parts in a show. (Rob Reiner guest stars)

7. (10-22-67) WHO'S AFRAID OF ELIZABETH TAYLOR?- When both Herb and Roger admit they would like to have dinner with the beautiful Elizabeth Taylor, both Eve and Kaye throw them out of their houses.

8. (10-29-67) MY SON, THE ACTOR- Jerry gets help from both his parents and in-laws in getting a part in the school play.

9. (11-05-67) HOW DO YOU MOONLIGHT A MEATBALL?- To help Jerry pay off Suzie's ring, Kaye sells her famous spaghetti and meatballs with Eve's help on the college campus.

10. (11-12-67) I THOUGHT HE'D NEVER LEAVE- The Hubbards have a fugitive hiding out at their home. (Larry Storch guest stars)

11. (11-19-67) THE GREAT BICYCLE RACE- The Buells and Hubbards both enter a cycling race.

12. (11-26-67) THROUGH THE LURKING GLASS- The entire family show up in costumes when Roger is arrested, to try and rescue him. (Alan Reed (best known for his voice of Fred Flintstone) guest stars)

13. (12-03-67) DIVORCE-MOTHER-IN-LAW STYLE- To teach their intruding mothers a lesson, Suzie and Jerry pretend they are going to divorce.

14. (12-10-67) THE NOT COLD ENOUGH WAR- When Eve is getting a new refrigerator, she makes a big mistake by giving her old refrigerator to Kaye.

15. (12-17-67) YOU CHALLENGE ME TO WHAT?- After Herb and Roger have a fight, Roger challenges Herb to a duel.

16. (12-31-67) EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE A WRITER- When Kaye and Eve decide to try and write a television script, they find out that the exact story was probably written by another writer.

17. (01-07-68) THE KIDS MOVE OUT- Eve and Kaye's constant meddling and interfering in their children's lives, cause Jerry and Suzie to move.

18. (01-14-68) THE HOMBRE WHO CAME TO DINNER-PART 1- The Hubbards bullfighting friend Raphael Del Gado from Spain comes to visit and stays longer than they'd like. (Desi Arnaz guest stars)

19. (01-21-68) THE HOMBRE WHO CAME TO DINNER-PART 2- Both the Hubbards and Buells get to visit Mexico. (Desi Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr. (as Tommy) guest star)

20. (01-28-68) DON'T GIVE UP THE SLOOP- The Buells and Hubbards both won a boat in a game show and have a fight over ownership.

21. (02-04-68) I'D TELL YOU I LOVE YOU, BUT WE'RE NOT SPEAKING- When the Buells and Hubbards stop speaking to each other, Jerry and Suzie sign them up for group therapy sessions.

22. (02-11-68) HERB'S LITTLE HELPERS- When Herb's secretary is sick, Eve takes her place.

23. (02-25-68) BYE, BYE BLACKMAILER- Roger pays back a loan, by Eve lending Kaye Herb's money, without telling Herb it's his own money he's getting back.

24. (03-03-68) THE WIG STORY- When Kaye wears a blonde wig she borrowed from Eve, she thinks Roger has fallen in love with the wig.

25. (03-10-68) IT'S ONLY MONEY- When eating out at a fancy restaurant, Roger says they'll split the bill, even though Roger and his wife Kaye ordered the more expensive dishes, making Herb want to get even.

26. (03-17-68) I HAVEN'T GOT A SECRET- Roger finally has his scripts considered for a television series and when he asks wife Kaye to keep mum about it, she just can't keep a secret.

27. (03-24-68) JERRY'S NIGHT OUT WITH THE BOYS- When Suzie doesn't want Jerry spending a night to play poker every week with his buddies, all 4 parents take sides in the argument.

28. (03-31-68) THE LONG, LONG WEEKEND- During a visit to their cabin in the mountains, the Buells and Hubbards get trapped in a snowstorm.

29. (04-07-68) JEALOUSY MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDER- When Herb gets an unexpected visit from a former girlfriend,... Read more ›

55 of 58 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Wait is finally over!, May 6, 2010

By 

Paul J. Bruni (West Paterson ,NJ) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Mothers-in-Law: The Complete Series (DVD)

I just received "The Mothers-in-Law" DVD and it's everything a classic TV lover, like myself, would want. Bonus features, commentary from Kaye Ballard, behind-the-scenes footage, vintage cast commercials, sponser plugs, WOW! Not to mention that the episodes were re-mastered in all their wonderful 1960's glory. It's funny to see some of the colors vividly especially the Hubbard's orange couch in season one. The price for this DVD set is well worth the money. considering you get all 56 episodes in one box set.

I think one of the highlights is that Kaye sings the lyrics to the crazy theme song which I never knew existed. It's hystercial just like the music itself. Also, the pilot with a different "Susie" played by Kay Cole (who was she, anyway?) instead of Deborah Walley is an interesting sight to behold. Never, ever seen and the opening and closing credits are also different, but amusing. Kaye does point out that she was very sad to see Roger C. Carmel leave after the first season and that Richard Deacon could not fill his shoes as well but there are still wonderfully funny episodes in the second season. I have to tell you, this is a must for any die-hard fans of "The Mothers-in-Law" who only remember the cut syndicated episodes during the 1970's. MPI, THANK YOU and KAYE !

33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars MOTHER Lode!!!, July 28, 2010

By 

Tee (LA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Mothers-in-Law: The Complete Series (DVD)

THE MOTHERS-IN-LAW: THE COMPLETE SERIES is everything a classic TV fan ever dreamed a DVD set could be. DVD producer Don Wingate and DVD executive producer Jim Pierson have done a sensational job!!! Loaded with bonus features, excellent print quality, attractive packaging, and bargain priced!! This folks is how it should be done and the proof is in the sales, on it's second day of release THE MOTHERS-IN-LAW was in the top 40 selling DVDS of any kind on Amazon.com - as it was on day one! When I wrote this there was not another television show older than the last decade in the Top 100 - heck, there's not anything else in the Top 100 made before 1990 beyond two Disney animated classics and TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD, all of them in the back of the chart!! This unassuming little show from almost a half century ago is holding it's own in sales against today's hottest TV shows and multi-million budget dollar movies! That a sitcom seldom seen in the last 40 years could rack up such high sales numbers is astonishing and is vivid proof of the market potential for classic television on DVD.

This show and it's through the roof sales on DVD are tributes to the talents of two extraordinary comediennes, the late Eve Arden and the great Kaye Ballard (Eve's great too, of course!!) Watching these two pros ring solid laughs out of their material is a joy to behold. Eve Arden, for years Lucille Ball's main rival for the queen of tv comedy hasn't been too well represented on DVD in the past but this series set is a perfect tribute to this legendary actress.

If you love Lucy and Ethel, you'll love THE MOTHERS-IN-LAW. If you love Laverne and Shirley, you'll love THE MOTHERS-IN-LAW. If you love The Golden Girls, you'll love THE MOTHERS-IN-LAW - heck if you just love great comediennes and high-spirited comedy you will love THE MOTHERS-IN-LAW!! Thank you Eve and Kaye for the wonderful memories and the enduring laughs.