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When TV programmers needed content for their time slots, they often turned to older programs they could revamp. Such was the story of Paul Terry’s Terrytoons, cartoons of the silent film era that featured characters such as farmer Al Falfa, Ignatz Mouse, and Kiko the Kangaroo. Once talkies became popular in the late 1920’s these shows went out of style, only to be brought back for TV.

 

The characters’ first TV broadcast was in 1953 on CBS’s series Barker Bill's Cartoon Show. The producers added new titles and sound effects, and renamed Al Falfa Farmer Gray. The episodes themselves were classic animation where the animals would play tricks on Farmer Al. Storylines featured a cow going on a rampage fueled by too much drink, and a puppy getting into trouble with pipes.

 

The show went off the air, but reappeared in a syndicated packaged called Farmer Al Falfa And His Terrytoon Pals. This also included other Terrytoons shorts such as “Aesop’s Fables,” some of which featured Farmer Al.

 

This classic series is still popular, appearing on video compilations and featured in Pee-Wee's Playhouse. Good animation never gets old.