Gidge will turn 16 soon and comes the question; what about transportation? It's a tough question to answer until, one fine day, she spots the absolutely most awesome car of her dreams at the beach --a green hearse, complete with stripes? To tell y'all the truth, the car is pretty cool. It also costs $300, according to surfer King Mannix, played by Richard Sinatra. That would be about 2900 dollars in todays world.
Gidge and King have to work out some minor details, like money! Calling her dad for help and fatherly advice, Gidge explains she could put money aside from her allowance and work a side gig until... until... the car is fully paid for. Professor Lawrence is skeptical, but he gives her the green light and Gidge works and works and works ---until King sells the car to someone who has ALL the money.
What a fink!
This is a great episode, and also with some lessons learned about high finance, business and meeting people at the beach! There's a classic scene as Gidge joins the "all male" school garage under the watchful eye of her surprised teacher, played by character actor Herb Ellis. Ellis was everywhere in tv, especially known for DRAGNET.
By the way, Richard Sinatra is the cousin of singer Frank Sinatra, and appeared in two of his films, OCEANS ELEVEN and ROBIN HOOD AND THE 7 HOODS. The bikini blonde dancing away on the beach is noneother than Joy Harmon, who was actually discovered by Grouch Marx and appeared for years in many tv shows. She later started a popular cake bakery in Burbank.
10 Stars.
The title is lifted from Shakespeare; a horse instead of a hearse. Well written by John Mcgreevey, behind MY THREE SONS and FAMILY AFFAIR.
IF you have a keen eye, the famous green hearse appeared in many other episodes at the beach.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 6 remastered color Columbia dvd box set. 4 dvd set. Released 2006. Collectors Edition.