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  | 1635 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)
 
PJKMX
Type in the verification word shown on the image.
 
 
 Page: 1 of 82  | Go to page: 
1635 Comments
 
 
KAISAR19
Cari tempat main slot yang aman dan terbukti membayar?
Coba [url=https://unifiedarabicalphabet.com/]situs game slot terpercaya[/url] kami – pilihan terbaik untuk pemain cerdas!
Jul 6, 2025   |  Reply
 
ROTI BASI
Jangan tunggu hoki!
Daftar sekarang di [url=https://unifiedarabicalphabet.com/]situs game slot terpercaya[/url] dan rasakan sendiri bedanya main di tempat yang benar-benar fair!
Jul 6, 2025
 
 
 
KAISAR19
Cari tempat main slot yang aman dan terbukti membayar?
Coba [url=https://unifiedarabicalphabet.com/]situs game slot terpercaya[/url] kami – pilihan terbaik untuk pemain cerdas!
Jul 6, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
This is certainly additionally an exceedingly wonderful offer everyone truly qualified on the lookout with. It's always not likely everyday there is chances read a little something.
Jul 6, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I'm constantly searching on the internet for posts that will help me. Too much is clearly to learn about this. I believe you created good quality items in Functions also. Keep working, congrats!
Jul 6, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
If you’re renting in Santa Monica and dealing with eviction threats or unsafe living conditions, I highly recommend speaking to a tenancy lawyer in Santa Monica. Local laws are complex, but lawyers here know how to protect renters.
Jul 6, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Thanks for the helpful post! I’ve seen firsthand how sober living in Los Angeles can make a huge difference in someone’s recovery journey. The community here is incredibly supportive.
Jul 6, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
A home inspection is more than just a box to check before closing. It’s a critical step in protecting your investment and ensuring that your home or commercial property is safe and sound. By hiring a qualified , you're setting yourself up for success by discovering potential issues early on, rather than after you’ve already made the purchase.
Jul 5, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
HGGJ
Daman App Very efficiently written information. It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work. For sure i will check out more posts. This site seems to get a good amount of visitors.
Jul 4, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Thanks for your blog post and discussing your own results together with us. Very well completed! I think a lot of people find it hard to understand paying attention to many controversial things associated with this topic, and your own results speak for themselves. I think several additional takeaways are the significance of following each of the ideas you presented above and being willing to be ultra unique about which one could really work for you best. Nice job.
Jul 4, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
That appears to be excellent however i am still not too sure that I like it. At any rate will look far more into it and decide personally!
Jul 4, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
whoah this blog is magnificent i love reading your articles. Keep up the great work! You know, a lot of people are hunting around for this info, you could help them greatly.
Jul 3, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
Awesome write-up! The point about branding was particularly valuable to me. Looking forward to applying this soon.
Jul 3, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
You have remarked very interesting details! ps decent website. “Pray To ask that the laws of the universe be annulled in behalf of a single petitioner confessed unworthy.” by Ambrose Gwinett Bierce..
Jul 3, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks! Jooever Foods frozen berries manufacturer
 
 
Loved the way you approached blogging tips. It's a tricky area, but you explained it so well. Subscribed for more content like this!
Jul 3, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks!
Jul 3, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
 
 
I have read all the comments and suggestions posted by the visitors for this article are very fine,We will wait for your next article so only.Thanks!
 
 
That appears to be excellent however i am still not too sure that I like it. At any rate will look far more into it and decide personally!
Jul 1, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
pharmasolutions
Pharma Solutions is a premier pharmaceutical distributor in the Gulf, providing high-quality medicines, medical supplies, and healthcare products to hospitals, pharmacies, and healthcare providers. With a strong network, regulatory expertise, and a commitment to excellence, we ensure seamless distribution and supply chain management across the region. Partner with us for reliable pharmaceutical solutions!

https://www.pharmasolutions-int.com/
Jul 1, 2025   |  Reply
 
 
 
 Page: 1 of 82  | Go to page: