It’s only right that the first post on this blog should be my favorite show ever. For me, this show feels like a relaxing, rainy Sunday. Quiet, warm and comfortable on the couch.

The Ghost & Mrs. Muir

Premiered: September 21, 1968    Last Aired: September 17, 1970

50 episodes. Half of the needed 100 for syndication and neverending reruns.
The pilot episode sets up the premise of the series:

The Cast

Carolyn Muir, played by Hope Lange(1933-2003) was far from a slapstick comedic character. She was a subtle, stylish, mother of two who moved away from the big city and memories to a quiet seaside town. She was rewarded with a cast of colorful characters, hijinks and borderline mayhem. Hope Lange later co-starred on the New Dick Van Dyke show.

Captain Daniel Gregg, played by Edward Mulhare (1923-1997) is a stern, seafaring Naval man that enjoys his brooding privacy.  He is not happy that his nephew and heir to Gull Cottage has rented out his home. He uses his ghostly powers to intimidate his skittish nephew at any chance he gets. The captain not only warms up to the family but (like the movie), winds up falling in love with Mrs. Muir. Mulhare is also remembered for his other recurring role as Devon Miles in Knight Rider.

Claymore Gregg, played by the hilarious and quirky Charles Nelson Reilly (1931-2007), also known as simply CNR, ia the captain’s nephew. He not only gets no respect from his dead uncle, but is intimidated at every pass. Reilly brings the comedy to the show with his unusual and slapstick, scaredy-cat humor. Reilly is probably best known for his long stint on Match Game where sparring with Brett Somers made us laugh and made the show last.

Housekeeper, nanny and general mother to the home and family, Martha Grant was played by Reta Shaw(1912-1982). Reta Shaw brought with her to the show… well, Reta Shaw. The tough, raspy voiced lady from the Tab Hunter Show, the Ann Southern Show, the Cara Williams Show and more. You can find Reta Shaw everywhere, including Mary Poppins, Escape To(and From) Witch Mountain, Pollyanna and dozens of TV shows she guested on making each a special episode. My favorite recurring role, though would have to be as Aunt Hagatha in Bewitched.

Awards:

Nominated 1969 Golden Globe: Best TV Star – Female: Hope Lange

Nominated 1969 Emmy: Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series: Edward Mulhare 

Nominated 1969 Emmy: Outstanding Comedy Series

Won: 1969 Emmy: Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series: Hope Lange

Nominated: 1970 Emmy: Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in Comedy: Charles Nelson Reilly

Won: 1970 Emmy: Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Comedy Series: Hope Lange

I’m not sure why the show was canceled with those awards, but it remains a rare treat to see when it does play.

Hope Lange’s son Christopher has a tribute site for her that’s worth checking out at hopelange.com

TV.com has a complete list of episodes and plots. Chrck it out HERE/

Here’s the opening clip from the pilot episode featuring Charles Nelson Reilly telling the captain he’s rented out the house. The clip also features the fantastic theme song.