Original Air Date: March 1, 1964
Starring: Ray Walston, Bill Bixby
Also Starring: Orangey
Directed by: Oscar Rudolph
Synopsis: Uncle Martin (Ray Walston) thinks he has found a way to get home when he hears about a rocket project heading to Mars.
Cinema Cat: During the course of the show the man in charge of the rocket project loses his lucky rabbit’s foot and Uncle Martin and Tim (Bill Bixby) go back to the restaurant where they had been eating to find it. They are told by the waiter (Vito Scotti) that it might be in the trash and so they go into the kitchen. As Tim looks around an orange tabby cat is seen sitting on a barrel behind him.
Not finding it, they begin to leave but the cat meows. Uncle Martin turns and addresses the cat and finds out the animal’s name is Herbie.
A conversation ensues in which Herbie says he knows where the rabbit’s foot is but wants a bribe to tell.
Uncle Martin asks the waiter if he could sautée the cat’s liver and add some mushrooms, a dash of Burgundy, and some sour cream. The waiter is confused but happy to comply when Uncle Martin pays him (with ten dollars from Tim!) The cat then reveals the rabbit’s foot, which he has been sitting on, chewed to pieces.
The cat playing Herbie appear to be at least two different members of the team of cats known as Orangey. The vocalizations of the cat are quite unique and don’t appear to be canned cat sounds.
Final Mewsings: Cats may be cats but they’re not stupid cats!
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