Toon Titans: Remembering the original “Marvel Super Heroes” TV Cartoons

By Michael Lyons

Low-budgets, questionable effects, catchy theme songs.

Three things one would never associate with today’s Marvel Universe of films.  But, when the Marvel heroes first leapt from comic book pages to the screen, on TV, they did so with shoestring animation and opening theme songs that still act as ear worms for an entire generation.

With “Black Panther,” the latest entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe that’s currently tearing up the box office and a decade of Marvel blockbusters that started with “Iron Man” in 2008, it’s the perfect time to re-visit Marvel’s humble, small screen beginnings.

“The Marvel Super Heroes” animated series debuted on TV in syndication in September of 1966, as a series of five minute segments, where each focused on a different Super Hero: Captain America, Hulk, Iron Man, Sub-Mariner and Thor.

TV stations showing the cartoons could show them individually, or together as a half hour show.  “The Marvel Super Heroes” would bring the characters to life, for the first time, in a medium outside of comic books.  However...to say that the segments were animated would be stretching things...”animated” is more appropriate.

In a creative approach that helped preserve the look of a comic book, the creators of the show used a process in which images from the comics were photocopied and then small moving elements within each (mouth moves, eye blinks, hand or arm movements, background effects) were added.  It was limited animation in every sense of the word, but audiences were able to literally watch a comic book on TV.

Additionally, Stan Lee himself was directly involved with the stories, creating another direct bridge from page to screen.

Then, there were those theme songs:

“When Captain America throws his mighty shield,

All those who chose to appose his shield must yield!”

“Tony Stark makes you feel,

He’s a cool exec with a heart of steel”

“Cross the Rainbow Bridge of Asgard,

Where the booming heavens roar,

You’ll behold in breathless wonder,

The God of Thunder, Mighty Thor!”

In a brilliant act of synergy, Marvel comics announced the series in action-packed full page ads in their comic books, featuring the Heroes jumping out of a TV set!

Through the years, “The Marvel Super Heroes” appeared and disappeared off and on of local syndicated stations, where they were relegated to “filler” during post-school afternoons.

While the show was released to home video during the days of VHS, an official DVD has yet to be seen.  Of course, they can be found on You Tube and other forgotten video sources on the internet.

While “The Marvel Super Heroes” does definitely pale in comparison to the smorgasbord of Marvel choices we have today, it’s innocent ‘60’s-comic-book-kitsch is extremely comforting.  They are definitely worth seeking out for fans who have never seen, or haven’t seen in a while.

After watching them, however, just be prepared to hum the theme songs for the next couple of days.

Sources:

Wikipedia

You Tube

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Anniversary Alert! Simian Celebration: The 50th Anniversary of “Planet of the Apes.”

By Michael Lyons

That scene where we first see the apes.

That scene with the line that begins, “Take your stinkin’ paws off me...”

That ending.  That.  Ending.

So much of the original 1968’s “Planet of the Apes” is iconic, filled with scenes that have now become part of film history.  Almost a decade before “Star Wars” legitimized science fiction and forty years before the word “franchise” was a thing in Hollywood, “Planet of the Apes” was a game changer that revolutionized a genre and movies overall with ripple effects that are still felt today.

It is so hard to believe that a half-century has passed since “Apes” first debuted.  With the film hitting this milestone this month, it’s the perfect time to look back at this most revolutionary film.

Based on a book by author Pierre Boulle (“Bridge on the River Kwai”), “Planet of the Apes,” tells the story of an astronaut named Taylor (Charlton Heston) whose spacecraft crash lands on a planet inhabited by apes who have evolved into beings with human-like speech, abilities and traits, including having their own government, philosophies and caste system.

Taylor then enlists assistance from two Chimpanzees Cornelius and Zira (Roddy McDowall and Kim Hunter) to help him escape, from this bizarre planet...or is it ?!?

Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner (who would go on to win the Best Director Oscar for 1970’s “Patton”), “Planet of the Apes” is crafted with a finesse that alternates between quiet tension and impeccably paced action sequences (the scene in which Taylor first encounters the Ape soldiers as they beat through a corn field is still chilling).

With a screenplay by none other than Rod Serling, who brings his innate ability to comment on society and humanity so prevalent in his classic TV creation “The Twilight Zone,” “Planet of the Apes” works not only as a compelling science fiction adventure, but also as a chilling warning about the missteps that sadly, are still prevalent in the world.

Then, there are the apes themselves, brought to life through groundbreaking latex makeup created by effects artist John Chambers.  Watching the movements of the actors today may seem quaint in our world of motion capture, but the practical effects actually add an element of realism and leaves room for amazing performances (Roddy McDowall’s subtle reactions are still wonderful to watch).

“Planet of the Apes” debuted on February 8, 1968 and went on to be a blockbuster of its time, spawning four sequels, a TV series, a Saturday morning cartoon and a slew of merchandise (oh, to still have the Mego action figures whose price tags now match a 401K contribution).

Over thirty years after its debut, Tim Burton remade “Planet of the Apes” in a unfairly maligned film and over the past eight years, reboots/prequels (ironically using motion capture in every extent) have brought the films back to the forefront.

The impact that the original “Planet of the Apes” has had on film, pop culture and storytelling can, in no way, be underestimated.  Five decades have done nothing to diminish the film’s underlying messages of a world that needs to come closer together if we ever plan on peace in our time.

Traits not just of a great science fiction film, but simply a great film, period.

And, that ending.  That. Ending.

Sources: Wikipedia

IMDb

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All Heart: “A Special Valentine with The Family Circus”

By Michael Lyons

One drawing, just a few words, tremendous heart, life’s simple pleasures.  With that, the comic strip “The Family Circus” has found its way into everyone’s hearts since first appearing in daily newspapers in 1960.

Cartoonist Bil Keane took the simple, everyday, ‘round the house or neighborhood adventures of parents Bil and Thelma (not often referred to by name) and their children Billy, Dolly, Jeffy and PJ as the centerpiece for some very universal, warm-hearted humor.

On the heels of the success of The Peanuts Holiday specials, the ‘70’s saw a number a number of comic strip characters make the leap from the newsprint page to the TV screen and “The Family Circus” was no different.

Their first animated special, “A Special Valentine with The Family Circus,” debuted on February 10, 1978 on NBC and turns 40 this year.  With Valentine’s Day approaching next week and this particular special now eclipsed by more popular characters and holidays, this anniversary seems the perfect time to re-visit this family.

The opening of the special actual pays homage to the fact that “Family Circus” comes from newspapers, by opening on the comic pages, all shown in black and white, except for “The Family Circus” color panel.  Zooming in on this color panel, “A Special Valentine” begins to tell its story that’s as simple and cozy as the comic strip itself.

In it, all the kids are creating valentines to give to their parents, when toddler PJ reveals his to be no more than scribbles, his brothers and sister laugh, hurting PJ’s feelings.  When the older siblings feel bad, they attempt to create a valentine on PJ’s behalf that will be truly special.  However, their dog Barfy gets involved with disastrous results.  But never fear, when the kids all present their parents with valentines, there is a happy ending that truly speaks to what constitutes a gift that comes from the heart.

The threadbare plot of the special reflects the day-to-day focuses of “The Family Circus” comic strip and the characters look at home in the animated (albeit limited) world.  With its slower pace and story, the special may not thrill everyone, but fans of the comic strip and students of television animation will appreciate this 30 minute flashback to a time when prime time animation truly was special.

And, while it may not have the re-watchability of Charlie Brown or Garfield (one viewing may satisfy your curiosity), there’s no denying that “A Special Valentine with The Family Circus” is, indeed, all heart.

Sources: Wikipedia

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“Super” 70’s: “Bowl”-ed Over by Football Themed Episodes from classic ‘70’s Sitcoms.

By Michael Lyons

Looking to get in the right Super Bowl frame of mind and don’t have time to invest in the movies “Any Given Sunday,” “The Longest Yard,” “Brian’s Song” or even “Gus” (ya know, the live-action Disney epic about the football kicking mule)?  You may want to consider some of these episodes of classic ‘70’s sitcoms that celebrate the sport of football, in their own unique way.

“The Odd Couple”: “Big Mouth” (Originally aired September 22, 1972)

With Oscar Madison a Sportswriter for the fictional New York Herald newspaper, there were a number of episodes that centered around football, but this one is not only hysterical, it sets up a fictional rivalry between Oscar (Jack Klugman) and guest star, sportscaster Howard Cosell, that would carry over to another episode in a later season.

In the episode, photographer Felix (Tony Randall) has been given the assignment of photographing Cosell for a magazine ad.  When Oscar finds out, it ignites an ongoing feud between him and Cosell, who was known for his loud, large personality.

When Oscar accidentally prints a ridiculing column about Cosell, the sportscaster gets even but inviting Oscar, at the last minute, into the booth during a “Monday Night Football” game.  When Oscar freezes in front of the microphone, Felix (known for his lack of athletic knowledge) grabs the mic, with hilarious results.

With “Monday Night Football” and Cosell both at the height of their popularity at this time, coupled with the fact that it aired on ABC, along with “The Odd Couple,” this could almost be considered an early example of a “crossover” episode, or, at the very least, ingenious marketing synergy.

Most of all, like all episodes of “The Odd Couple,” it’s extremely funny, with the humor generated from the character’s clashing personas and Cosell fitting in perfectly stuck in the middle.

“The Brady Bunch”:  “The Subject Was Noses” (Originally aired February 9, 1973).

Known to fans everywhere as the “Oh my nose!” Episode, Marcia accidentally takes a football to the face while Bobby and Peter play a game of catch in the backyard.  For Marcia (Maureen McCormick) this is nothing short of tragedy, as her nose bruises and swells, just as she is about to go out on a date with her high school’s football star, Doug.

However, Marcia broke a date with nice guy Charley to go out with Doug and she soon learns a humbling lesson about beauty being skin deep.  Filled with the standard “Brady Bunch” perspective of life’s small trials and tribulations, this episode has become very well known among fans (mostly for the slow motion and multiple replays of the football colliding with Marcia’s face during a funny “dream sequence”).

There have been other football themed episodes of “The Brady Bunch”- one guest starring Joe Namath and another where Greg kidnaps a rival football team’s mascot - but this particular episode wins...by a nose.

“Happy Days”:  “Football Frolics” (Originally aired January 20, 1976)

While gathered around the ol’ black and white TV in 50’s Milwaukee, Richie Cunningham (Ron Howard) and the gang watch The Bears win and become obsessed with getting tickets to the next big game.

When they realize they can’t afford the price for the tickets, Richie, along with Potsie and Ralph, (Anson Williams and Donny Most) hatch a plan to open a day camp in their house, (“Camp Cunningham”) charging parents to watch their kids.  Little do the three teens know how difficult it is to corral a group of out of control, hyperactive children.

The easy charm and humor of this series is in full display here, along with the rare appearance of spinoff friends Laverne and Shirley (Penny Marshall and Cindy Williams).

What’s most fun is how it provides a glimpse into fandom during the early, innocent days of football on TV, before the sport became the behemoth of broadcasting it is today.

“Where’s Huddles?” (1970)

Here’s not just one episode, but an entire football-themed series.  Never heard of this Hanna Barbera animated sitcom?  Don’t worry, you’re not alone.  This rarity from the far reaches of the HB vault ran for just ten episodes.

In the mold of “The Flintstones” and “The Jetsons,” “Where’s Huddles?” followed a family, but not from the Stone Age or the future, this family was contemporary, as the show followed the misadventures of the title character Ed Huddles, quarterback for the fictional Rhinos football Team.

Also on the show, Ed’s best friend Bubba McCoy, center for the Rhinos and their fellow teammate Freight Train.  Rounding out the cast was Ed’s wife Marge, their daughter Pom Pom, Coach Maddog, Claude Pertwee, their officious neighbor and the Huddles’ dog Fumbles (a Mutley-like clone who always wore a helmet and cleats).  In fact, the Huddles were SO into football that their house was designed to look like a stadium and their front yard like a football field.

Like “The Flintstones” and “The Jetsons,” “Where’s Huddles?” also ran in prime time.  While not one of the Studio’s shining moments, “Where’s Huddles?” is still extremely “Hanna-Barbara-y,” from its music, to limited animation and voices: Mel Blanc is Bubba, Jean (Wilma Flintstone) Vander Pyl is Marge and none other than Paul Lynde himself is Claude Pertwee.  This, like many of Hanna Barbera’s offerings, doesn’t make it high art, but it does make shows like “Where Huddles?” a comforting reminder of a TV time gone by.

While the Super Bowl will take center stage on most TVs, remember that each of these football-themed shows are only about 30 minutes, which would leave plenty of time to get your game face on or, more importantly, watch one of the many million-dollar commercials while dunking another Buffalo wing in ranch dressing!

Sources: IMDb

Wikipedia

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