It can only mean one thing when Mike Brady has a big surprise. Yep, a fantastic family vacation. Brady style. Alice is included of course.
So, where did the Brady Bunch vacation in their 5th and final season? Cincinnati of course! Since Mike Brady was working on a design for Kings Island amusement park, his firm thought it would be a swell idea to send his whole family along with him at company expense. We should all work for such a generous company!
Was anyone watching this at the park on any of the days the show was filming? If so, please share your memories.
Watching the crowds in this show is always interesting to me. Obviously, the park was operating while filming took place. Looking at the people in the background it appears they were roped off. And they are watching the Brady's!!! Not good. How to fix? Offer those in the park the opportunity to be extras. Not sure if they got paid. Not sure if they were selected in the park. These first time actors were directed to create cross traffic in front and behind of the Bradys to help camouflage the staring crowds. The funny thing is, whatever the direction they were given, they look like the most unhappy and bored people. No excitement, no smiles, no laughter.
Fun fact: According to Susan Olsen, a three episode trip to India was scripted, but Paramount Television, who was always looking to save money, decided to produce the Kings Island show instead.
Technical note: The Brady Bunch was filmed for television's 4:3 aspect ratio. MeTV broadcasts in today's modern 16:9 aspect ratio. I have not figured out what TV stations like MeTV, who are broadcasting 4:3 shows in a 16:9 space are doing. Although the aspect ratio is wider than 4:3, it still does not fill the 16:9 raster. Do they blow up or stretch the picture? One clue may be in the main title. The nine squares have been changed to 3 squares and 6 rectangles.