DAVID BIANCULLI

Founder / Editor

ERIC GOULD

Associate Editor

LINDA DONOVAN

Assistant Editor

Contributors

ALEX STRACHAN

MIKE HUGHES

KIM AKASS

MONIQUE NAZARETH

ROGER CATLIN

GARY EDGERTON

TOM BRINKMOELLER

GERALD JORDAN

NOEL HOLSTON

 
 
 
 
 
1947: NBC Introduces Howdy Doody on 'Puppet Playhouse Presents'
December 27, 2012  | By David Bianculli  | 1405 comments
 
In all of TV history, there are two programs whose massive initial samplings were at least party attributable to major, wintery snowstorms. Roots, in 1977, was one; Puppet Playhouse Presents, thirty years earlier, was the other.

The night it premiered, two days after Christmas, so much snow fell in Manhattan that Broadway went dark that night, and vaudeville and movie palaces closed their doors. Up and down NBC's northeastern corridor of stations, the weather wasn't much better — so when Puppet Playhouse was unveiled that afternoon at five, giving house-bound kids something to watch before dinner, the response was immediate and amazing.

So, in retrospect, was the approving tone of the Variety review it generated, reflecting more relief than apprehension at the new medium's potentially mesmerizing effect on young viewers. "In the middle-class home, there is perhaps nothing as welcome to the mother as something that will keep the small fry intently absorbed and out of potential mischief," Variety wrote. "The program can almost be guaranteed to pin down the squirmiest of the brood."

In 1949, that still-snowballing show would be retitled The Howdy Doody Show, reflecting the popularity of its main marionette. (The year before, as a phenomenally successful publicity stunt, Howdy had run for president, campaigning as "the only candidate completely made of wood.")

"Buffalo" Bob Smith was the creator and host of the show, and therefore the man most responsible for the unforgettable elements in the pioneering children's program. One of his best ideas was to get a bunch of little kids into the studio to serve as a live audience — then and forever known as the Peanut Gallery.

Other Howdy Doody highlights included Clarabell the silent clown (played over the run of the series by three different actors, including future Captain Kangaroo Bob Keeshan), squirting seltzer and honking horns as the Peanut Gallery squealed with delight. And Buffalo Bob's opening line — "Say, kids! What time is it?" — to which the Gallery, and all the young viewers at home, would respond by screaming, "It's Howdy Doody time!" And the theme song, and the beautiful Princess Summerfall Winterspring (played by Judy Tyler, who went on to star opposite Elvis Presley in Jailhouse Rock), and the enthusiastic cry of "Kowabunga!" by Bill LeCornec's Chief Thunderthud, and the no-strings-attached character of Gumby, who was spun off into his own series, and a lot, lot more.

In 1960, after thirteen years on the air, NBC cut Howdy's strings, but Smith and company went out with a poignant parting jesture that ranks among TV's finest finales. All during that last show, Smith had promised that Clarabell, then played by Lew Anderson, would have a special surprise — and the program concluded with a closeup of the formerly silent clown, who had uttered not a word in the history of Howdy Doody. Fighting back tears, in a choked whisper, Anderson's Clarabell looked right into the camera and said, "Good-bye, kids." The show, like the series, was over — and there wasn't a dry eye in Doodyville.

—Excerpted from Dictionary of Teleliteracy: Television's 500 Biggest Hits, Misses and Events


 
 
 
 
 
Leave a Comment: (No HTML, 1000 chars max)
 
 Name (required)
 
 Email (required) (will not be published)
 
JTRSN
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 71  | Go to page: 
1405 Comments
 
 
If you are looking to enhance the packaging of your eggs, Poultry Cartons offers Egg Cartons and Bulk Egg Cartons for Sale egg cartons
Apr 29, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Interesting topic for a blog. I have been searching the Internet for fun and came upon your website. Fabulous post. Thanks a ton for sharing your knowledge! It is great to see that some people still put in an effort into managing their websites. I'll be sure to check back again real soon.
Apr 29, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing.
Apr 29, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Most companies don’t have the tools to clean stackable units, but SafeAir is fully equipped and capable of doing the job right.
Apr 29, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Astoria, Queens, is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood, and moving within this borough presents unique challenges. Thankfully, Experia Moving’s movers astoria queens are here to make your relocation seamless. Whether you’re moving into a charming brownstone, a co-op apartment, or a new office space, the expert movers at Experia Moving ensure a stress-free transition.
Apr 29, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post.
Apr 29, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Meta Portal Kuwait offers a smarter, more natural way to connect with loved ones through AI-powered video calling and intuitive smart features. meta ke
Apr 28, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
SafeAir is trusted by homeowners and businesses across the region for reliable service.
Apr 28, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I went over this website and I believe you have a lot of wonderful information, saved to my bookmarks
Apr 28, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post.
Apr 28, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I was surfing net and fortunately came across this site and found very interesting stuff here. Its really fun to read. I enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information.
Apr 28, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Silver Investment UK provides an excellent opportunity to diversify your portfolio, protect your wealth, and prepare for uncertain economic times. With silver's long-term potential, many investors turn to silver as a safe store of value, particularly during times of economic uncertainty or inflation. Learn more about how silver can fit into your investment strategy by visiting our website.
Apr 28, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I recently found many useful information in your website especially this blog page. Among the lots of comments on your articles. Thanks for sharing.
Apr 28, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Good artcile, but it would be better if in future you can share more about this subject. Keep posting.
Apr 27, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Barnum Law is your go-to criminal defense law firm in Boise, Idaho for comprehensive and reliable legal services. Our experienced criminal defense lawyer in Boise Idaho are skilled in handling a wide range of criminal charges, including drug offenses. Whether you need a criminal defense attorney in Boise, Idaho or specific legal counsel for drug charges, we are here to support you every step of the way. Discover us and explore more about how our expert team can help protect your rights. For more information, click here to visit us today.
 
 
Thank you very much for this useful article. I like it.
Apr 27, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
In the ever-evolving world of online trading, finding a platform that combines speed, reliability, and user-centric features is paramount. Broker 10 stands out as a leading choice for traders seeking an intuitive and efficient trading experience. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, Broker 10 offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to enhance your trading journey.?
Apr 27, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Experience top-notch sports betting, casino bet, and live casino games at Sokabet Tanzania. With Altenar, gal sport betting, EveryMatrix, and BetSolutions, enjoy a variety of betting options. Click here to join and start winning today!?
Apr 27, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Thanks for the nice blog. It was very useful for me. I'm happy I found this blog. Thank you for sharing with us,I too always learn something new from your post.
Apr 27, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I was looking at some of your posts on this website and I conceive this web site is really instructive! Keep putting up.. sadiqhussa12
Apr 27, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 71  | Go to page: