Product Details

• Actors: Robert Conrad, Ross Martin, Dick Cangey, Whitey Hughes, Red West
• Writers: Ed Adamson, Michael Garrison
• Format: Black & White, Closed-captioned, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: 20th Century Fox
• VHS Release Date: May 18, 1999
• Run Time: 52 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6305364303
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #326,424 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This is a landmark episode in the genre-bending TV series that crossed Old West action with James Bond espionage. Secret service agent James West (Robert Conrad) meets his elusive nemesis, the diabolical and diminutive Dr. Miguelito Loveless (Michael Dunn), who has invented a powerful explosive "that can bring the nation to its knees." He does not trust his invention to the government, which wants it for "peaceful purposes." "An explosion like that in the hands of politicians and generals?" he not unreasonably asks. "What kind of peace can you expect from the likes of them? They're vermin." Loveless is a great character: urbane, witty, and brilliant. Among his inventions that give West and his partner, Artemus Gordon (Ross Martin), a good chuckle are nascent versions of radio, television, and penicillin. He steals the show. Also a hoot is West's custom-equipped stagecoach, which like 007's Astin Martin comes complete with an ejector seat. As in every episode, West is irresistible to women, prompting one curious exchange. "Why don't you find me amusing?" a frontier babe asks. "Because you're 80 percent water," West replies. I don't quite get that, but at my first chance I'm working it into a conversation. --Donald Liebenson

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The First Night of Dr. Loveless, October 22, 1999

By 

Thomas Rucki (Paris, France) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Wild Wild West, Vol. 2 [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is the first episode with "strange little sensitive man" Dr. Miguelito Loveless, produced by Fred Freiberger. It is a very important episode because you learn a lot of Dr. Loveless' aristocratic background and motivations and you'll see his colourful assistants : "Moonraker" Richard Kiel as mute giant Voltaire and Phoebe Dorin as female singer and harpsichord player Antoinette. This is James West at his best with the gagdets (watch closely the weapon filled carriage), the beautiful women (Leslie Parrish and many others) and the action. There is an excellent score composed and conducted by Robert Drasnin; listen carefully Dr. Loveless' theme music. Like in James Bond's films, you have a Miss Moneypenny type of character whose name is Miss Piecemeal. She is Governor of California's secretary and a natural-born traitress. She will reappear in "The Night of the Torture Chamber". My advice is not to miss this great episode. This is a real reference in terms of stylish entertainment.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars When the "West" Was Fun, January 5, 2000

By 

Scott T. Rivers (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Wild Wild West, Vol. 2 [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Last year's big-screen version of "The Wild Wild West" was a misguided (and miscast) revival of a classic TV series. The early "WWW" episodes only enhance the film's weaknesses. "The Night the Wizard Shook the Earth" marks the debut of Michael Dunn's inimitable Dr. Loveless - the most enduring adversary of James West (Robert Conrad). All the action-espionage elements are evident in this 1965 episode, along with the sardonic, childlike charm of Dunn's characterization. One only wishes that Artemus Gordon had an opportunity to display a few of his famous disguises (Ross Martin's talents are wasted in this particular episode). Nevertheless, "Wizard" remains a fine example of what "The Wild Wild West" was all about.