When we first got cable in the early 1980's, I watched a lot of MTV and Nickelodeon. There was something about both channels that kept kids glued to the set for hours at a time. My favorites on Nick included You Can't Do That on Television, Mr. Wizard's World, and Danger Mouse. I've blogged about the first two shows before, today I'm focusing on the animated masterpiece about a secret agent rodent. Danger Mouse originated in England before making his way to the airwaves in the USA in 1984. He spoke with a British accent and wore a patch over one eye. He was Mighty Mouse meets James Bond. Danger Mouse was always up to something as we worked to save the world from villainous schemers like Baron Silas Greenback, Nero, and Leatherhead. But like any good superhero, DM had a bumbling sidekick. A chubby hamster named Penfold usually found himself in some sort of jam, and Danger Mouse would have to save him. His expression "Oh crumbs!" is burned in my memory.
Poster mouse for secret agents
So is the theme song to Danger Mouse. I can still hear it playing on the little TV in our kitchen as I would tune in and watch. I was only 11 back then, but fondly remember the show and its cast of many characters, all animals, many not traditionally used in the world of animation. Up until then, I don't remember any shows with a hamster, chinchilla, or caterpillar as primary characters. I watched Danger Mouse for years, but for some reason the cartoon never really caught on with my other friends. I didn't realize how popular the show actually was with worldwide viewers until reading up on it online. In fact, a British TV station named it the third greatest kids' TV show behind The Muppet Show and The Simpsons. That's pretty impressive.
I've written about Hulk Hogan's Rock N Wrestling Cartoon before, but the recent passing of actor James Avery has inspired me to write again. Avery is best known for his role as "Uncle Phil" on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and the voice of Shredder on the animated Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles series. A little known fact, Avery was the voice of the Junkyard Dog on WWF inspired cartoon.
Hogan & Friends
I thought Avery did a pretty good job of sounding like JYD. I've included an episode featuring the Dog at the end of this blog. Sadly now, both of these talents are gone. May they both rest in peace.
The cartoon aired two seasons on CBS and featured Hogan, who was voiced by Everybody Loves Raymond's Brad Garrett. Other superstars besides Hogan and JYD included Andre the Giant, Hillbilly Jim, Roddy Piper, Iron Sheik, Moolah, and Wendi Richter. I don't know why the real wrestlers didn't provide the voices for their animated alter egos, but there were live action skits in between the cartoons.
I was in 7th grade when the show finally debuted. I was outgrowing cartoons, but I was sure to get up each Saturday morning in 1985 and 86 and watch. I picked up a copy with a couple of episodes on VHS years ago. Watching those cartoons bring back great memories, even though they're cheesy as you can imagine.
I'm looking forward to the soon-to-be released animated Scooby Doo film with WWE talent. I believe it's the first animated endeavour the company has embarked on since Hulk Hogan's Rock N Wrestling was cancelled nearly 30 years ago.
Growing up, one of my favorite cartoons to watch was Casper the Friendly Ghost. Sure, it was hokey, but it was good wholesome fun for kids. The cartoon carried a valuable message: don't judge a book by its cover.
We've always been taught that ghosts are scary. Casper tried to break that stereotype. He did good deeds everyday. Casper helped lost puppies find their way home. He stood up for kids who were being bullied. He was exactly what we needed in as a role model.
The Ghostly Trio did everything in their power to undermine the efforts of the heroic Casper. As the threesome tried to put the fright in folks with their antics, Casper did everything he could to thwart their efforts. He enlisted the help of friends, including Wendy the Good Witch.
Movie Casper
In the mid 90's, Hollywood came up with a film version of Casper. I'm not going to lie, I never saw it, so I can't comment on how it was, but I believe there have been several direct to video sequels made, so I'd imagine there was some success.
None-the-less, 80 years later (he started off in the comics) Casper can still be find on cable channels spreading his lessons of kindness, love, and friendship. You can't go wrong with that.
Even at age 40, I still look forward to watching "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" every year on TV. It's been a tradition in my family since I was a kid. The Halloween special has aired each October since 1966, almost seven years before I was born (for the record).
I'm going to make the assumption that you've seen The Great Pumpkin at least once in your life, so I'm not going to go into the details of what happens in this 30 minute animated classic. The takeaway has remained the same, if there's something you believe in, keep on believing, no matter how silly it seems to others. At least, that's what I've always gathered from Linus and his desire to catch a glimpse of the mysterious and elusive Great Pumpkin.
I got a rock
While keeping the faith is one piece of this cartoon, it's filled with plenty of great laughs too. I love the lovable loser, Charlie Brown in this special. As he and the rest of the Peanuts gang prepare to go trick or treating, Charlie ends up with a sheet filled with holes. Then while his buddies are getting popcorn balls, candy, and other sweet treats, Charlie Brown proclaims, "I got a rock." House after house, that's all he ends up with, a collection of rocks.
Girl vs. Dog
There's also the Halloween party where his head is used as a model for jack-o-lanterns and Lucy and Snoopy struggle over an apple during the bobbing contest. Speaking of Snoopy, he gets into the spirit of Halloween by dressing as the World War I flying ace, the Red Baron. It's a nice tribute to veterans.
Keeping the faith
All three story lines are woven together to make this a memorable part of my childhood and something I'm glad I've been able to share (and continue to share) with my kids. Linus may never get to see that Great Pumpkin, but I love his optimism and spirit of the holiday. I think the world needs more of that today.
In 1985, wrestling was at a fever pitch, thanks in large part to Vince McMahon. I know some blame him for the demise of the territories, but I think without his vision and marketing abilities; wrestling would not be where it is today. Wrestlemania and the Rock 'n Wrestling prior to it showed the main stream that wrestling was not to be taken lightly. Hulk Hogan, Roddy Piper, and Andre the Giant were becoming household names.
In the fall of 85, riding the wave of success of Wrestlemania and Saturday Night's Main Event, the WWF launched a 30 minute animated series on CBS. Hulk Hogan's Rock 'N Wrestling Connection debuted on September 14, 1985. I was 12 years old at the time and starting to outgrow cartoons, but my love of wrestling had me tuning in each Saturday morning.
I do remember being taken aback learning that the WWF Superstars were not supplying the voices of their animated counterparts. But it made sense to use actors, as in those days the WWF travel schedule was hectic and the company didn't have all the connections and hookups that it has today.
Hogan, Albano, and Ritcher
The show of course featured Hulk Hogan (who was voiced by "Everybody Loves Raymond" star Brad Garrett.) His baby face buddies including Hillbilly Jim, Jimmy Snuka, Tito Santana, the Junkyard Dog (voiced by James Avery who was Uncle Phil on "The Fresh Prince of Bell Air"), Wendi Richter, and Captain Lou Albano. Piper lead a cavalcade of heels including Big John Studd, Nikolai Volkoff, Iron Sheik, Mr. Fuji, and the Fabulous Moolah (looking at the picture at the top of the blog, it appears that Moolah wasn't originally going to be on the show as there's a drawing of Mad Maxine, who was managed by Moolah briefly) Mean Gene Okerlund was also a part of the show. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm almost certain that Bobby Heenan was animated on one episode.
There was always some kind of confrontation or challenge between Hogan's crew and Piper's posse. The babies would always end up "winning" if you will, teaching kids that being a bad guy isn't all it's cracked up to be.
There were live action vignettes that aired in between the roughly 15 minute long cartoons as well. Those featured the real life superstars on the show.
Hot Rod in his hot rod
The show only lasted two seasons, but with titles like "Captain Lou's Crash Diet", "Robin Hulk and His Merry Wrestlers", and "Big Top Boobs" (I'm not making that one up) how can you go wrong? I would love for the WWE to either release these on DVD (I do have a VHS copy of a couple) or once the network finally gets off the ground include the shows somehow. It would also be interesting to see them attempt something like this again in the future. I know the upcoming Scooby Doo animated movie will include some WWE talent, so I can't wait to see that.
