THE HUCKLEBERRY HOUND SHOW!

On this day in 1958, The Huckleberry Hound Show premiered in syndication! It's what put Hanna Barbera on the map creating characters we all know and love like Yogi Bear, Hokey Wolf, Pixie & Dixie & Mr. Jinx, and of course Huckleberry Hound lasting 3 seasons ending in 1961. 

I remember the excitement and anticipation at the news of  The Huckleberry Hound Show premiering back in 1958. I was 7 years old when I first saw the inimitable Huck Hound coming out of the circus door after the Kellogg's rooster knocked.  The cartoons were quite different from all the others I had seen up until then, when the regular cartoon TV fare consisted of full animation cartoons from the 20s, 30s, and 40s. To me, the look, design, stories, music and overall atmosphere was something else and I became hooked watching every cartoon show churned out by the Hanna-Barbera animation factory.  Up until Jonny Quest started the downhill fall into formulaic, unfunny shows and non descript characters, that is.

Ah, but the Huckleberry Hound Show was something else! My childhood was so much happier with this

old hound and his pals coming at my screen every week! Delightful memories I will always treasure!

With Wee Willie.

The complete Season One of The Huckleberry Hound Show was released on a DVD set several years ago but the Second and Third Seasons are yet to see the light of day! Why? Big mystery that probably has to do with copyright holders and, um, like that type of things, yuh know.

SIX MONTHS IN ANOTHER TOWN

I moved into a new town six months ago and I still feel very much out of place. No familiar faces anywhere and none of my friends live nearby. Anyway, I guess I'll get used to it as the weeks drag by and I finish settling in, but in the meantime, I'll have to get used to this rather uncomfortable feeling!

Future Shock!

 

You can celebrate ST. PATRICK'S DAY even if you're not Irish!

And of course there are many ways to remember St. Patrick's holiday which must include watching some great classic Irish-themed cartoons!
These two are my perennial favorites!

1951 - WEARING OF THE GRIN. Written by Michael Maltese and directed by Chuck Jones. The expressions on Porky's face make this, one of the funniest entries in the Merrie Melodies library!

 

https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4831na

1958 - DROOPY LEPRECHAUN - MGM-Hanna-Barbera Productions. Directed by Michael Lah.  Droopy's last theatrical cartoon is memorable for Spike, the Irish dog who's obsessed with catching a leprechaun! 

Opening scenes from DROOPY LEPRECHAUN:

Anyway, Happy St. Patrick's Day!

THE FLINTSTONE SOLUTION!

The recent gas shortage in Mexico has everybody worried but I finally came up with the perfect solution to beat the ever so scarce fuel!

Thank you, Fred and Barney!

The 1964/1965 New York World's Fair!

Ever since I saw this special souvenir issue of THE FLINTSTONES AT THE NEW YORK WORLD'S FAIR, more than 50 years ago, I've always wanted to visit the location.
The 1964/1965 New York World's Fair held over 140 pavilions, 110 restaurants, for 80 nations (hosted by 37), 24 US states, and over 45 corporations to build exhibits or attractions at Flushing Meadows Park in Queens, NY. The immense fair covered 646 acres on half the park, with numerous pools or fountains, and an amusement park with rides near the lake.
Finally, this past Summer, my dream came true and I walked around the big signature Earth Globe.
The site is no longer anything like it was back when the Fair opened. No dinosaurs or amusement park rides nor any pavilions and no sign of the Flintstones anywhere!
 Today the grounds are occupied by the Arthur Ashe Stadium, site of the U.S. Open. 
But the iconic globe is still there and it was just as exciting to be there simply trying to imagine what the fair had been like.