Come with me, let me take you back to a favorite television show of mine – Fantasy Island. Anyone watching prime time television from 1977 to 1984, has got to remember this series.
Ricardo Montalbán played “Mr. Roarke” the enigmatic overseer of a mysterious island somewhere in the Pacific Ocean (they never really said “where” exactly). People from all walks of life could come and live out their fantasies, albeit for a price.
Known for his white suit and cultured demeanor. He was initially accompanied by an energetic sidekick Tattoo, played by Herve’ Villechaize.
Tattoo would run up the main bell tower to ring the bell and shout “The plane! The plane!” to announce the arrival of a new set of guests at the beginning of each episode. This became an unlikely catchphrase because of Villechaize’s spirited delivery and French accent (he actually pronounced it, “De plane! De plane!.”)
As each visitor exited the plane, Roarke would describe to Tattoo the nature of their fantasy, usually with a cryptic comment suggesting the person’s fantasy will not turn out as they expected. Roarke would then welcome his guests saying: “My dear guests, I am Mr. Roarke, your host. Welcome to Fantasy Island”…
Mr. Roarke had a strong moral code, but he was always merciful. He usually tried to teach his guests important life lessons through the medium of their fantasies, frequently in a manner that exposed the errors of their ways. He always made it quite clear he was powerless to stop a fantasy once it began and guests would have to play them out to their conclusion.
I always liked that show!
Similar to my revision of Hansel and Gretel, somebody “eventually” comes along and tries to rewrite the classics. Television series are no exception:
When you come to visit, you can expect to be greeted by Doodle Dad and Harley…
“My dear guests, I am Doodle Dad, your host. Welcome to Doodleville”…
So similar it’s scary huh?
Thanks for reading. I’m pretty sure I’m gonna get “spoken to” about this one…
This post is part of the BlogPaws Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop. Take a look at other Blog Hop posts by clicking below!
August 13, 2014
Have you taught Harley to say de plane, de plane? He and doodle dad sure make the white suit look sassy!
August 13, 2014
If only I could Sheila – I would certainly try to audition on the next season of AGT – BOL
August 13, 2014
hehe, how silly!!! Thanks for sharing!
August 13, 2014
You’re welcome! I’m happy “my dog likes!” Thanks for stopping by!
August 13, 2014
I was wondering where you were going with this opening! Hahahaha I am laughing. That is a great photo!!! Doodle Dad as Mr. Roarke and Harley as Tattoo. That is fabulous!
August 13, 2014
Hey Dash & Lilly – I was afraid I might have some readers that didn’t remember/know the show – that’s the reason for the intro. Glad you liked it, glad I made you laugh too!
August 13, 2014
Looks fab!
August 13, 2014
Thanks Talent Hounds!
August 13, 2014
Doodle Dad is looking sharp in that suit! … And Harley is a pretty handsome man too! You are a lucky Doodle Mom. 🙂
August 13, 2014
Amanda – I feel lucky everyday 🙂 He’s a neat guy, and Harley is such a Doodle Bug…
August 13, 2014
That is classic! Da plane, da plane! BOL! Great shot!!
August 13, 2014
Talk about a catchy phrase going viral!!!!
August 13, 2014
I looooooved Fantasy Island when I was a kid. I had such a crush on Ricardo Montalban.
I’ll try hard not to crush on Mr. Doodle Dog. I don’t want to get in trouble here.
But he does look quite nice in that white suit. 😉
August 13, 2014
Pam, you are too funny. I’m already in trouble once Doodle Dad sees what I posted BOL 🙂 Mr. Roarke was kinda dashing though….
August 13, 2014
How perfect! Mom says they watched that show every Friday night at 9pm and loved it. Very cute idea!
August 13, 2014
Thanks Emma, it seems to have been a favorite of many!
August 13, 2014
OMD! I had no idea where you were going with then, and then I laughed my rear off.
That was hysterical and adorable at the same time.
Wags (and purrs) from Life with Dogs and Cats
August 13, 2014
So glad you liked it Susan. I had a blast writing it. Come back again 🙂
August 13, 2014
🙂 LOVE the hat. Golden Woofs
August 14, 2014
He is truly a hat kind of guy Sugar!
August 14, 2014
They match quite nicely!
August 14, 2014
That’s what I thought too – however, Doodle Dad didn’t think so… BOL
August 14, 2014
hahaha! thatès great!
I was born in 85, so I never did watch this, but have heard tons about it though!
ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!
August 14, 2014
Jenna, for the era in which it aired, most people born a little earlier than you tuned in like people now tune into “reality television” It was a popular show for about 10 years.
August 14, 2014
I like your version better! Harley is much cuter than Tattoo 🙂 I bet he does a good job of making your fantasies come true too – as long as it involves fun doodle things.
August 14, 2014
I agree Robin, Harley to me is much cuter than Tattoo 🙂 and thanks to Harley I am living my fantasy, every day….
August 14, 2014
Haha! That is too funny! I actually don’t think I’ve ever seen that TV show before, but I wasn’t born until 1984 anyways =X Still, I’ve watched a lot of old shows. My dad is always watching some classic on TV. Now I might have to watch it.
August 14, 2014
Ann, if you ask your dad about the show and then show him the blog post, he will crack up.
August 14, 2014
Great photo! I don’t think I have ever watched Fantasy Island.
August 14, 2014
Hey Mark, it was definitely “the show” during it’s time, but come to think of it – unlike other shows, this one didn’t get a whole of “re-run” play. Oh well.. But I’m happy you like the photo. Take care 🙂
August 14, 2014
Great imitation…..I love it!! I don’t think I ever missed that show, at least for the first few years it was on anyway.
August 14, 2014
I can remember Jan, before DVR’s and such, everything came to a complete stop when that show came on…. Ahhhh the simple way of living 🙂
August 14, 2014
Haha! Love it! (And love your last line.) We used to watch that show all the time! I think I’d rather visit your version though than see Mr. Roarke & Tatoo!
August 14, 2014
Jackie, if I can ever get him to pose in that suit again with Harley I would write an entire episode!
August 16, 2014
We think Doodle Dad and Harley make the perfect updated version of the Fantasy Island hosts.
August 19, 2014
Why thank you Jan – Surprisingly, he laughed at himself, so it was worth posting! Thanks for stopping by…
August 28, 2014
I’m STILL laughing!! 🙂
August 28, 2014
Please don’t bring this up to your father LOL – It took almost three days before he would speak to me again 🙂