Movies - TV
The Real Reason The Howells Had So Many Clothes On Gilligan's Island
By SANDY SCHAEFER
In "Gilligan's Island," Wall Street tycoon Thurston Howell III (Jim Backus) and his wife Eunice (Natalie Schafer) seem to have an extensive wardrobe even on a deserted island.
According to Sherwood Schwartz, the creator of the show, the reason behind that goes beyond practical considerations and serves as a symbolic commentary on wealth and privilege.
He explained, "The answer to that question is philosophic... It was my way of saying rich people manage somehow to have the best of everything, no matter what the circumstances."
Schwartz made this narrative choice to emphasize the disparity between the Howells and the other characters, thus adding a layer of social critique to the show's comedic premise.