User Reviews

This is insane. Hilarious story written by one of the great sitcom writers, Ben Starr.

Beautiful Thalia is cutting ties with Dobie because she has a thing for Chatsworth (Steve Franken) --and all his money! Lovesick and relentless Dobie, inspired by historical romantic tales, and the famous poem, "Why So Pale and Wan Fond Lover," by English writer Sir John Suckling, decides to go on a bold hunger strike to win back her gracious hand!

OMG. AND will it work?

There are shades of an episode of I LOVE LUCY here; Lucy goes on a hunger strike in Paris in order to keep an expensive dress, all the while Ethel is sneaking food to her. Guess what? Good old Maynard sneaks in a GIANT SALAMI to his starving bud! There's more! After pleading with Thalia to reconsider, frantic Winnie sneaks food to Dobie and insists he EAT, but not before Herb brings even MORE chow --and forces it down his throat! Dobie is stuffed!

This episode also holds the distinction of three siginificant actor debuts; Les Brown, Jr (as Frank), Marlo Thomas (as Frank's girlfriend) and Ryan O'Neal as Herm. Applause to Ben Starr for an totally off the wall script, who the following year would become series writer for MR. ED, later to co-create the FACTS OF LIFE and SILVER SPOONS.

By the way, Sir John Suckling is also famous for inventing the card game, cribbage. Good trivia question.

SEASON 1 EPISODE 17 remastered dvd box set. 5 dvds. 2020 release. Super color cover with Dobie and Maynard. In fact, all the color covers of the box sets are fantastic.

Throughout history fact and legend has man going to great lengths to win the hearts of their true love. Starting with two caveman brutally fighting against each other for their female. The musclebound Samson preforming unheralded tests of strength for precious Delilah. Onward in time to the dashing Robin Hood and his daring escapades to win the hand of Maid Marion. Sunny Spain and the adventures of the elderly dreamer Don Quixote in his chivalrous quest to save the farm girl Dulcinea at the hands of evil. Landmark love story featuring Romeo and Juliet true test of faithful love experimenting in a failed orchestrated death. We move on to poor Werther who takes his own life assuming that his Lotte has a new lover. We move on to Wuthering Heights and the ever pining Heathcliff's duration and love for Catherine. We roar on to the 1920's and the Great Gatsby who flaunts his wealth and possessions to an apathetic Daisy Buchanan. Which brings us to 1960 and a love sick Dobie Gillis (Dwayne Hickman). Dobie's problem is having Thalia Meninger (Tuesday Weld) as his steady girlfriend. Thalia would rather be seen with affluent stuffy blade Chatsworth Osborne Jr. (Steve Franken) who doubles as a broad jump expert. Dobie comes across a book of romantic poetry and is inspired by a poem entitled Why so Pale and Wan Fond Lover? Dobie has an epiphany as to win the affections of his true love Thalia by going on a hunger strike. The gang at the malt shop over hears Dobie's bold claim to the delight of the ladies which puts pressure on their boyfriends to follow suit. Dobie starts out strong with his book in hand avoiding dinner with his folks Mom and Pop Gillis played by Florida Freibus and Frank Faylen. Momma Gillis is worried about her baby boy while Pop, Herbert T. Gillis is suspicious that his love struck boy will falter and break his fast within an hour. Just to make sure Dobie doesn't eat Pop Gillis wires an elaborate alarm on the refrigerator complete with revolving lights and sirens. Beatnik friend and sidekick Maynard G. Krebs (Bob Denver) will try to sneak food through Dobie's window. What follows is an endless course of comedy! A real belly buster of an episode. FYI Marlo Thomas and Ryan O'Neal appear in this episode.