animation - 4/6 - Retroland

Gumby

Friends to the end, Gumby and Pokey, the clay-made cohorts of green boy and orange pony have been entertaining kids ever since Art Clokey created the malleable characters back in the early 50s, utilizing a strange new technique called 3-D Claymation. Gumby first appeared in the 1953 short, Gumbasia, and within four years was a regular on the highly-popular Howdy Doody. Following his success, the Gumbster was given a short-lived series of his own called The Gumby Show, which lasted a mere six months and was hosted by Howdy Doody’s own Bobby Nicholson and later, Pinky Lee.

Bedknobs and Broomsticks

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There are almost as many similarities between Bedknobs and Broomsticks and Mary Poppins as there are between the Kennedy and Lincoln administrations – although those of the former are certainly less coincidental. Both films incorporated animation into live-action sequences. Both had magical guardians who managed to spellbind the precocious children under their care. Both took place in London and actor David Tomlinson had a supporting role in each film. Other than that, they were completely different.

Davey and Goliath

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Saturday mornings in the 60s and 70s provided hours upon hours of kid-friendly entertainment, with every network vying for their young audience's attention. On the other hand, when Sunday rolled around, the TV often seemed like a vast wasteland by comparison. Still, there was a charming little show that offered moral guidance to the kids that didn't happen to be attending church, and thy name was Davey and Goliath. And, let's face it - after a few hours the previous morning, watching Wile E. Coyote try to destroy the Roadrunner, a little moral guidance probably couldn’t hurt.

Charlotte’s Web

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From the mind of author, E.B. White came this touching animated feature about the tale of a pig and the spider that saved him from becoming dinner, in the timeless 1973 musical classic, Charlotte’s Web. It remains one of the most beloved children's stories of all time.

Punky Brewster

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Only the most hardened heart could refuse to soften a little when faced with a little orphaned girl. Just ask Annie, just ask Pippi, just ask Heidi. Now, put a spunky and self-confident little orphan alongside a cantankerous old codger, an odd couple if there ever was one, and you have a recipe for heart-string tugging like no other. Such was the power of Punky Brewster.

Josie and the Pussycats

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Josie wasn’t always a pussycat. In the late 60’s, this future feline rocker was simply Josie, star of her own Archie comic book about the adventures of Josie and her best friend, Melody. But with the musical success of The Archies on the rise, it was determined by the creators that it might not be such a bad thing if Josie and Melody started up their own group. And so was born, Josie and the Pussycats.

Space Jam

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If there was ever a film that didn't lack in star power, it was Space Jam. Released in 1996, this live-action/animation hybrid teamed up two of the most popular pop culture icons of the day, Bugs Bunny and sports legend Michael Jordan to fight the forces of evil within the confines of a basketball court. The result delighted audiences of all ages and scored a big hit at the box office for Warner Brothers.

Lady and the Tramp

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In the illustrious catalog of feature-length Disney animation, perhaps no offering is more endearing, more charming and more beloved than this simple tale of two dogs from different sides of the tracks – whose paths cross in the timeless 1955 classic, Lady and the Tramp.

Beauty and the Beast

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Some stories are truly timeless and the classic French fairy tale, Beauty and the Beast, is certainly no exception. This version, released in 1991, carried a healthy dose of Disney magic, some stunning computer animation, and an endearing musical score - and left new audiences thoroughly enchanted with this “tale as old as time.”

The Bullwinkle Show

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It would seem that most everyone has a soft spot in their nostalgic heart for that lovable duo, Rocky and Bullwinkle. Ever since the Jay Ward characters made their debut in 1959 as Rocky and Friends, they have kept viewers of all ages thoroughly entertained. Kids particularly love the kooky characters, while older crowds notice a sophisticated humor laced with subtle wordplay lurking underneath. This “something for everyone” approach has made this animal duo and their host of friends one of the most popular cartoon series in history.