Anton Leader was the right guy to direct this INSANE episode. The TARZAN tv show was among his many credits. Although Denny Miller did not appear in the tv series, he was the first natural blonde Tarzan of the movies (1959). Later he co-starred in WAGON TRAIN.
Miller was a fun guy, with a terrific personality, and perfectly cast here as a hunk surfer who rides to the island (via mini surf board?) on a tsunami wave following an earthquake? Simply Outrageous. On a historical note, this was, perhaps, the first time in a sitcom that tsunamis (mentioned by the professor) were ever discussed.
The opening scene with Miller (as Duke) surfing to the beach is classic. He had to be on a motorized board or was towed in, but the effects are way cool. Duke naturally becomes a hero of sorts for love starved Ginger and Maryanne, and a lifeline to the outside world when the gang eventually sends him back to civilization? But does it all work out?
I agree with the last reviewer, this has to be the most sexually charged episode of the series. Hands down. And yes, catch the goofy scene where Mr. And Mrs. Howell actually think Duke is a royal duke. Priceless.
In real life, Denny Miller (who stood 6 foot 4) was actually discovered walking on Sunset Boulevard by a talent agent who got him an immediate screen test. Of course with those measurements, how could you lose? Denny Miller is the whole show here.
Beautifully written by Charles Tannen, who was also an actor. Tannen wrote five episodes for the show, including writing for Jim backus' short-lived tv show in the early 60s. Perhaps the best script of the first season.
SEASON 1 EPISODE 21 remastered color CBS dvd box set. 6 dvds. Released 2004.