At the same time as DR. GOLDFOOT AND THE GIRL BOMBS (1966; see above), I also managed to get hold of this rare TV program which actually served to introduce the dastardly character to U.S. audiences as a sort of teaser for his first official 'vehicle'. In keeping with the times and the studio (AIP), all three Goldfoot movies feature youthful male leads then at the height of their popularity: after Frankie Avalon in DR. GOLDFOOT AND THE BIKINI MACHINE (1965), then, but before Fabian from GIRL BOMBS, here we have blond Tommy Kirk. Incidentally, while I do not recall the first film very well (despite having watched it not too long ago, which suggests that it is rather forgettable!), I have a feeling that the plot of this one is basically a condensation of it (running a half-hour rather than one-and-a-half, though it is still padded-out with dated adverts by the various sponsors!). Apart from star Vincent Price, we have two other cast members of BIKINI MACHINE: Susan Hart (in much the same part of leading Girl Robot) and Harvey Lembeck (only a "guest star" in the film proper but here given the sizable role of Goldfoot's buffoonish henchman, making up for his mistakes by flattering the boss with such magnanimous designations as "King Of Evil" and, most hilariously, "Wizard Of Rottenness"). Needless to say, given its modest origins and lack of color, the effort all feels a bit half-hearted in this case – then again, one might argue that being shorter than the others, it is easier to digest!
The Wild Weird World of Dr. Goldfoot
(1965 TV Movie)
SHINDIG!: The Wild, Weird World Of Dr. Goldfoot (Mel Ferber, 1965; TV) **
30 April 2010