Today is Halloween, so what better time to ponder TV’s coolest ghouls — the macabre clan

October 31, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Today is Halloween, so what better time to ponder TV’s coolest ghouls — the macabre clan known as “The Addams Family.” The comedy ran on ABC for just two seasons (1964-66) but has a left a Lurch-sized footprint on pop culture ever since. Here are five things you may not have known about the show:

v Theme song: The theme song was written and sung by Vic Mizzy, a prolific songwriter. Mizzy sang the words because the production studio, Filmways, didn’t want to pay for outside singers.

v Harpsichordist: When Lurch serenaded folks with his dulcet harpsichord playing, it was the multitalented Mizzy who was actually playing the instrument.

v Guests: Notable guest stars included Jack LaLanne, Don Rickles and “Wicked Witch” Margaret Hamilton.

vItt’s voice: Cousin Itt’s voice was provided by producer Nat Perrin. He spoke nonsense into a tape recorder and then played it back at a higher speed.

v Lending a hand: Thing, the disembodied hand/arm limb, was usually played by Ted Cassidy, who also played Lurch. When Lurch was on camera simultaneously with Thing, viewers saw associate producer Jack Voglin’s hand.

DVD RELEASES

Movies available Tuesday on DVD and through digital providers include:

“Cars 2” (G): Lightning McQueen competes in the World Grand Prix in this sequel to the animated hit. Starring the voices of Owen Wilson, Larry the Cable Guy and Michael Caine.

“Crazy, Stupid, Love” (PG-13): A family man turns to a womanizer for dating tips after his divorce. Starring Steve Carell, Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone.

“Water for Elephants” (PG-13): A young veterinarian falls for the star performer in a circus. Starring Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon and Christoph Waltz.

“How i met your mother” (8 p.m., cbs): For years, Ted (Josh Radnor) has returned to the same Halloween party where he once met a woman he recalls as the Slutty Pumpkin (Katie Holmes) and then lost her phone number. The quest continues tonight.

“will ferrell — the mark twain prize” (9 p.m., pbs): The stars come out to honor one of America’s funniest people. The 14th winner of the prestigious award is feted by, among others, Ed Asner, Jack Black, Larry King, Conan O’Brien, Maya Rudolph, and Green Day.

“rock center” (10 p.m., nbc): Brian Williams anchors this new newsmagazine with contributions from Harry Smith, Kate Snow, Meredith Vieira, Dr. Nancy Snyderman and others.

tv listings, B6

entertainment news

Model railroad open to public

AUSTINTOWN

The Youngstown Model Railroad Association will have open house days Saturday and Nov. 6, and again Nov. 12-13 and Dec. 3-4, at its headquarters at 751 N. Four Mile Run Road (at intersection with Raccoon Road).

Hours are noon to 6 p.m.

Admission is $3 (children under 12 will be admitted for free with an adult).

There are two full-size train displays.

For more information, go to ymra.org.