DVD Review: Dennis the Menace (Season Two)

DVD Reviews, Reviews

As a kid, I was excited to discover they’d made a TV series based on Dennis the Menace. It was a favorite in the funny pages along with Snoopy. The series connected since most of the actors resembled the drawn characters. Herbert Anderson was Henry Mitchell. Gloria Henry had the fine qualities of Alice Mitchell. Jay North kinda looked like Dennis although a little bit taller than the mini-tornado in overalls. But Joseph Kearns didn’t come close to looking like Mr. Wilson. He was much more sharp and rigid than the drawings in the newspaper. It’s almost like they should have cast Gail Gordon (The Lucy Show). Except Kearns made the role his with his ability to completely expose the frustration and near homicidal rage. He also made it easy to understand why he’d tolerate the neighborhood disaster zone. His performance makes this series worth rewatching after half a century. He doesn’t look like Mr. Wilson, but feels like the unfortunate neighbor that just wanted peace and quiet in his golden years. Dennis the Menace: Season Two contains some of his finest screen suffering in the 38 episodes.

“Out of Retirement” gives the complete focus to Mr. Wilson. Turns out his old bass wants him back at the company. Wilson is intrigued by offer of ending his retirement. The only hitch is that the new position is in Pittsburgh. He’s tempted to move far away from Dennis, but is he really ready to uproot himself and Mrs. Wilson (Sylvia Field)? Dennis does his best to keep his favorite neighbor close. “Dennis and the Wedding” makes him the ring bearer for Mr. Wilson niece. That’s an RSVP for disaster. Elinor Donahue is the niece. She had just finished Father Knows Best. Mr. Wilson gets goofed into bidding in an auction on “Dennis and the Radio Set.” He’s stuck with a clunky radio that becomes a bigger problem when they find cash stuffed inside. Naturally they just can’t split the loot and go on a root beer bender. “The Stock Certificate” is a reverse tale when Dennis gets rid of a phone book where Mr. Wilson stashes his treasure. Even more treasure fever hits when Dennis swears he’s stuck gold on “The Rock Collection.”

“Henry and Togetherness” is a special episode with Mr. Wilson talking Mr. Mitchell out of playing golf and bonding with his son. The real reason for this sentiment is to keep Dennis busy with his old man. “The Christmas Horse” is the holiday special that’s ever parent’s nightmare. Who wants a horse in their small house? “Miss Cathcart’s Friend” turns out to be Mel Blanc, the Looney Tunes legend. “Dennis’ Birthday” gives us the surprise of Spring Byington. “The Going Away Gift” is the confusing present story. This time Dennis hides a gift in Mr. Wilson’s closet and Mrs. Wilson thinks it is for her. There’s a currency mix up in “Dennis and the Fishing Rod.” “Dennis’ Obligation” features him caring for chicken eggs as part of a school project. This story was recently used on The Middle. “The Soapbox Derby” puts Mr. Wilson behind the wheel. Is that legal? “Dennis’ Newspaper” has the kid start his own periodical. He does stories about his neighbors. Now Dennis would just set up a website where you can rate the neighbors.

Dennis the Menace: Season Two really shows how well Kearns and North worked off each other. Over the course of 38 episodes, they cement their roles so they don’t just mimic the funny pages. They become their own characters. Kearns goes beyond the Mr. Wilson in the newspaper. The looks given by Kearns makes Dennis the feared menace. This is better than animation.

The Episodes
“Out of Retirement,” “Dennis and the Wedding,” “Dennis and the Radio Set,” “ Dennis and the Ham-pher,” “The Stock Certificate,” “Man of the House,” “The Rock Collection,” “Henry and Togetherness,” “Paint-up, Clean-up Week,” “Dennis Learns to Whistle,” “The Raffle Ticket,” “The Christmas Horse,” “Dennis’ Allowance,” “Dennis’ Penny Collection,” “Dennis, the Campaign Manager,” “Miss Cathcart’s Friend,” “Pythias Was a Piker,” “Dennis and the Saxophone,” “Wilson Sleeps Over,” “Dennis’ Birthday,” “Dennis Goes to Camp,” “Dennis’ Tool Chest,” “The Going Away Gift,” “Dennis and the Fishing Rod,” “Dennis and the Good Example,” “Dennis’ Obligation,” “The Dog Trainer,” “Woodman, Spare That Tree,” “The Boy Wonder,” “The Soapbox Derby,” “Dennis and the Camera,” “Dennis and the Miracle Plant Food,” “Dennis’ Newspaper,” “Mr. Wilson’s Paradise,” “The Fortune Cookie,” “The Pioneers,” “Father’s Day for Mr. Wilson” and “Dennis and the Picnic.”

The video is 1.33:1 full frame. The black and white transfers look fine for their age. The details of Dennis’ overalls come out. The audio is mono. You might want to turn the volume down a notch when Dennis yells for Mr. Wilson.

No bonus features.

Dennis the Menace: Season Two overwhelms with 38 episodes. This is like getting two seasons in one boxset. Kearns shines in the role of crotchety Mr. Wilson. This is another fine collection for fans of vintage TV with a family focus.

Shout! Factory presents Dennis the Menace: Season Two Starring: Jay North, Joseph Kearns, Gloria Henry and Herbert Anderson. Boxset contents: 38 episodes on 5 DVD. Released on DVD: July 26, 2011. Available at Amazon.com.

Joe Corey is the writer and director of "Danger! Health Films" currently streaming on Night Flight and Amazon Prime. He's the author of "The Seven Secrets of Great Walmart People Greeters." This is the last how to get a job book you'll ever need. He was Associate Producer of the documentary "Moving Midway." He's worked as local crew on several reality shows including Candid Camera, American's Most Wanted, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and ESPN's Gaters. He's been featured on The Today Show and CBS's 48 Hours. Dom DeLuise once said, "Joe, you look like an axe murderer." He was in charge of research and programming at the Moving Image Archive.