The Glory of Filmation
Filmation was one of the leading animation studios on television, from the 60s through the 80s. They produced a combination of shows based on licensed characters and original material, all done in-house, in the United States (though that changed by the end). Filmation was led by the triumvirate of producers Lou Scheimer & Norm Prescott, and chief director Hal Sutherland. Filmation won numerous awards for educational content and was very forward-thinking, in terms of showcasing minority characters. Voice artists included Ted Knight (Mary Tyler Moore Show, Caddyshack), Larry Storch (F-Troop), Howard Morris (Sid Cesar's shows, Andy Griffith Show), Bill Cosby, Henry Darrow (Zorro), Robert Ridgely (Beverly Hills Cop II, Boogie Nights) and Alan Oppenheimer (Six Million Dollar Man). Filmation was noted for reusing footage, as well as other money-saving tricks (like characters running in silhoutee, at a distance) and their later use of rotoscoping, to give movement to their cartoons. Let's take a look at their output.
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- StarsBud CollyerJackson BeckJack GrimesSuperman protects Metropolis and the world from a variety of threats while working at the Daily Planet as Clark Kent.Filmation launched with a very high profile property, Superman. The cartoon consisted of two Superman cartoons and a Superboy cartoon, featuring many of the characters from the comics. Superman was voiced by Bud Collier, who had been doing the character since the Fleischer shorts. Filmation would also produce a Superman cartoon segment for Sesame Street.
- StarsTed KnightPat Harrington Jr.Jane WebbBased on the Jules Verne classic novel and the 1959 film by 20th Century Fox. This Saturday morning animated series followed the adventures of Professor Lindenbrook and his party trying to get to the center of the Earth before the evil Count Saknussem They follow a trail left centuries earlier by Arne Saknussem, an ancestor of the Count's.Picking up where the Verne novel left off, the series pitted the explorers of the land inside the Earth against a villain who wants to exploit the land for his own gain.
- StarsPaul FreesVic PerrinRay OwensThe animated adventures of several DC Comics superheroes.Superman was back for more adventures and Aquaman was added to the mix, increasing the show to one hour. Aquaman was joined by his aquatic family and faced villains from the comic. Meanwhile, back-up cartoons during the Aquaman half-hour added cartoon adventures from members of the Justice League (Flash, Atom, Green Lantern, Hawkman and the group as a whole) and the Teen Titans.
- StarsMarvin MillerTed KnightJane WebbThe government employs a team of experts who are shrunken to microscopic size to infiltrate and combat otherwise impenetrable threats.Another licensed property, based on the movie with Donald Pleasance and Raquel Welch. The team consisted of 4 agents of the Combined Miniature Defense Force, who battle against foreign spies, criminals, and biological threats. The series was quite popular in its day and remains a cult favorite.
- StarsHoward MorrisDal McKennonJohn ErwinThe comedic misadventures and music of Archie Andrews and his friends.Aside from being the home to the DC Comics heroes, Filmation became known for their cartoons based on Archie Comics characters. Here, Archie and the Riverdale gang graced the tv screen every Saturday morning, with jokes, mini-adventures and music. The show launched the bubblegum-pop hit "Sugar, Sugar," with studio musicians making the recording. Howard Morris was the voice of Jughead, and would continue to voice the character for many years. The popularity of this show led to many imitations from Hanna-Barbera, including, ultimately, Scooby Doo.
- StarsBud CollyerBob HastingsJackson BeckThe animated debut of Batman & Robin brings the Dynamic Duo to animated life in Filmation's cult classic take on The Dark Knight and The Boy Wonder, defending Gotham City from The Caped Crusader's Rogues Gallery, one crook at a time.After being paired with Aquaman, it was time to match Superman up with another "big gun," Batman. The Caped Crusader had his animation debut here, along with Robin, Batgirl, and the many villains. Olan Soule and Casey Kasem first voiced the characters here, with Ted Knight and Jane Webb doing just about everyone else. The show also featured actual fights, which led to a backlash from watchdog groups, leading to network prohibitions against violence in cartoons. Like Superman, Filmation would also produce some Batman animated segments for Sesame Street.
- StarsRicky NelsonDal McKennonJane WebbA rock-and-roll band solving mysteries and catching criminals. Each episode included a musical number. Ricky Nelson was the headliner.Frank and Joe Hardy left the pages of the books and came to Saturday morning (there was a previous live-action series and the future series, with Shaun Cassidy). The cartoons consisted of two mini-mysteries, and then live action songs at the center, with additional live action segments at the opening and closing credits.
- StarsDal McKennonHoward MorrisJane WebbRiverdale students' second show - featuring Sabrina, the Teenage Witch shorts and "Archie's Fun House," a feature comprised of music and skits.Archie was back, expanded into a full hour. Also joining the Riverdale gang was Sabrina, the Teenage Witch, who had two segments of her own. A "funhouse" segment was added, mimicking the "window" joke segment of Laugh-In, as well as musical numbers.
- StarsHoward MorrisJane WebbDavid L. LanderJerry works for Mr. Blunderbuss at the Oddjob Employment Agency. Each week Mr. Blunderbuss sends Jerry out on a new job, and each week Jerry finds a new way to screw up.Based on characters from Jerry Lewis' "The Family Jewels," these cartoons featured Jerry Lewis in various situations, filled with slapstick gags and jokes. Lewis contributed material for the scripts, but the voice was provided by David Lander, who would go on to play Squiggy on "Laverne and Shirley." Tom Bosley, of Happy Days, would also provide voices, as did Howard Morris and Jane Webb
- StarsJane WebbJohn ErwinDal McKennonSabrina's involved with a band of monsters, The Groovy Ghoulies; a rock band with Dracula, the Wolfman, and Frankenstein; who scare people for their own amusement.Sabrina spun off from Archie and was joined by the Groovie Goolies. The Goolies were based on the Universal Monsters, and were featured in slapstick cartoon segments, packed with jokes. The format again was largely swiped from Laugh-In. The Goolies also had their own musical segments, including the popular theme song. This was a hugely popular show and is a favorite of this writer and such people as Alice Cooper. Both Sabrina and the Goolies would be spun off into their own cartoon shows, featuring segments from the original. The Goolies would also go on to meet the Looney Tunes characters.
- StarsDal McKennonHoward MorrisJohn ErwinArchie's Fun House is packed with crazy blackout gags, outrageous puns, wacky jokes and three jukebox songs per episode.More of the same, from Archie and the gang, with a Giant Jukebox musical segment, and more Fun House gags. There were also live kids added to the mix.
- StarsJohn ErwinHoward MorrisDal McKennonArchie and the gang present animated adaptations of popular comic strips like Smokey Stover and Dick Tracy.One of the more interesting variations on the Archie cartoons. The gang are working for a local tv station, which broadcasts cartoons, based on popular newspaper strips. Included were Dick Tracy (my favorite), Smoky Stover, Captain & the Kids, Broom Hilda, Nancy & Sluggo, and Moon Mullins.
- CreatorBill CosbyStarsBill CosbyGerald EdwardsLou ScheimerThe educational adventures of a group of Afro-American inner city kids.Filmation was already popular with its "one-two punch" of the DC Comics cartoons and Archie (not to mention the Groovy Goolies) when it added another long term hit, Fat Albert. Bill Cosby brought his comedy routines to life in this animated series, with Cos provided the live introductions and epilogues, as well as voicing several characters. The show also featured musical numbers, with the Cosby Kids playing instruments built from junk from the junkyard where they had a clubhouse. It was highly regarded by educators for presenting morality tales and extremely popular with viewers. The show would continue in slightly altered formats for years. Towards the end of its run, a new cartoon segment, The Brown Hornet, was added. It was the favorite show of Fat Albert and the gang and the cartoons would start out with the group watching the serialized show on tv. Between 1977 and 1982, three holiday specials were aired in prime time: one at Halloween, one at Christmas, and the final one for Easter. I specifically remember the Christmas special, which involves the gang helping a poor African American couple, in a parallel to the story of Mary and Joseph.
- 1972–19741h6.5 (74)TV EpisodeDirectorHal SutherlandStarsMel BlancLarry StorchHoward MorrisDaffy Duck is in Hollywood producing a movie about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.Somehow, I missed this one back in the day. Warner Brothers was no longer producing cartoons, but had licensed their characters to animation houses run by people like Chuck Jones and Friz Freleng. However, this time they licensed them to Filmation, who paired them up with the popular Groovy Goolies. Bugs Bunny, though, was not part of the deal. Filmation proceeded to make what is generally considered to be the worst depiction of the Looney Tunes characters ever created. The plot revolves around the production of a movie, starring Daffy, about King Arthur. While watching a tv interview, the Goolies see the Phantom of the Flickers, who vows to destroy every film Daffy ever made. Frankie decides he will go to Hollywood to help Daffy and the rest of the Goolies come along. The gang eventually captures the Phantom, who is revealed to be Drac's cousin, Claude Chaney, a disgruntled silent film star (whose name is inspired by Lon Chaney and Claude Rains). The film includes a segment where Claude enters the real world via a magic mirror, which is shown in live action footage, with pixilation.
- 1972–19741h5.7 (27)TV EpisodeDirectorHal SutherlandStarsBarry WilliamsMaureen McCormickChristopher KnightThe Brady kids enter a balloon race but end up accidentally landing on a mysterious island. They meet some strange people there along with a magical mynah bird named Marlon and twin pandas named Ping and Pong, and although they have a fun time with them, they must find out a way to get home.The Saturday Superstar Movie was the brainchild of ABC, designed to be a showcase for new potential cartoon series. Content was provided by several studios, including Hanna-Barbera and Filmation. This segment featured the 6 Brady children, minus the adults and voiced by the original actors. The kids end up going on an adventure, where they meet up with a magical mynah bird, Marlon, and twin pandas, Ping & Pong. The two-part pilot ended up being popular and a series followed.
- StarsEve PlumbMike LookinlandSusan OlsenThe Brady kids form a pop group and go on adventures with their newfound friends: two pandas, a shaggy dog and a magical bird.After the success of the two-part adventure on the Saturday Superstar Movie, the Brady Kids landed their own series. The actors continued to voice their characters; but, soon, several of the cast bowed out (replaced by children of the producers and others). The series also had the kids meet up with Superman, the Lone Ranger and Wonder Woman (making her animated debut). Again, the adult Bradys were never seen and the kids spent their time in a treehouse as their base.
- 1972–19741h5.8 (25)TV EpisodeDirectorHal SutherlandStarsLassieTed KnightJane WebbSomeone tries to frighten the Native American people of Thunder Mountain away and Lassie has to get to the bottom of it.Filmation produced this pilot for a series featuring Lassie, as well as a group of humans and animals who carry out rescues in the wilderness. I haven't seen this in a long time, but I believe the plot revolved around a forest fire, with the animals aiding the humans, who work for the Forestry Service.
- StarsTed KnightJane WebbKeith SutherlandThe heroic collie dog leads a team of animal friends to assist a human forest ranger search and rescue unit.After a successful debut, Lassie and her pals launched their regular series, filled with daring rescues and adventures. The show was rather corny, but was popular enough amongst young kids.
- CreatorGene RoddenberryStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe further adventures of Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise, as they explore the galaxy and defend the United Federation of Planets.Star Trek returned to network tv, albeit on Saturday Morning. The original cast was back (minus Walter Koenig), providing their voices to the characters (as well as voicing additional characters, in the cases of James Doohan, Nichelle Nicols, and Majel Barret), with episodes penned by series writers and noted sci-fi authors. Filmation captured the look of the show and was able to go further, since they were not limited by effects budgets and sets. However, they reused footage and musical cues ad nauseum. The show also featured some sequels to classic series episodes, such as the return of Harry Mudd and the Tribbles. Also, Spock got to meet his younger self, via the Guardian of Forever. Excellent series!
- StarsJonathan HarrisHoward MorrisLane ScheimerMartin and his nephew Andromeda return to Earth to cause havoc for Tim O'Hara.Filmation produced this animated series, based on the Ray Walston/Bill Bixby Show. The series added a Martian nephew of Martin's, as well as a Martian dog and featured scripts originally prepared for the live-action series. The principles did not return and Martin was voiced by Lost In Space's Jonathan Harris.
- StarsRick SpringfieldHoward MorrisLola FisherA witchy teacher and a small group of students travel to magical lands with pop star Rick Springfield.Sort of spun-off from the Brady Kids was this series, featuring a teacher with a magical blackboard that allows her to take her class to different worlds and times. They are joined by the animated version of Australian pop singer Rick Springfield. The teacher would draw a door on the blackboard, which would open to allow them to pass to their destination. Springfield voiced his character and provided music. It lasted for one series but did little to advance Springfield's career, which would wait for General Hospital and his breakthrough album, "Working Class Dog."
- DirectorHal SutherlandStarsRichard DawsonDavy JonesDal McKennonYoung Jim Hawkins, a pirate mouse named Hiccup, Dr. Livesey and Squire Trelawney hire a ship to find the legendary treasure of notorious late pirate Captain Flint. However, Flint's former crewmates plan to take over the ship.Filmation created this animated version of the RLS tale for theaters, with Davey Jones as the voice of Jim Hawkins. It was later broadcast on NBC, as an after-school special (not to be confused with The ABC After-school Special).
- StarsJane WebbJohn ErwinHoward MorrisArchie and the Riverdale gang explore and reenact important moments of American history.With Bicentennial fever ramping up, Filmation launched a new Archie series with a historical focus. The ancestors of the Riverdale gang meet up with various historical figures. The emphasis was on the historical events, rather than comedy, and the series ends up being kind of dull (but very informative). It would continue Filmation's trend of mixing educational content with its entertainment.
- DirectorHal SutherlandStarsLiza MinnelliMilton BerleMargaret HamiltonDuring another twister, Dorothy is hit on the head by a gate and once again whisked away to the Land of Oz. But this time, on her way to the Emerald City, she discovers the witch Mombi's terrible plot to conquer Oz with an army of monster green elephants that's she's brewing up. She escapes with the help of Mombi's slave Pumpkinhead, and they try to warn King Scarecrow and her other friends that Mombi is coming, but she finds that they haven't quite changed as much as she thought. So it's up to her, Pumpkinhead, and the living carousel horse Woodenhead to find a way to stop Mombi's green elephants.Filmation began work on this feature film in 1962, but didn't have enough money to finish it until 1971. It was released theatrically in 1974, but was a box office failure. It later gained an audience on tv, as a Christmas special, with live segments of Bill Cosby as the Wizard, trying to get two kids home to spend Christmas with Dorothy. The film features Liza Minelli voicing Dorothy (the part her mother played), with Mickey Rooney, Milton Berle, and Paul Lynde amongst celebrities who provided voices. The Wizard was not a character in the animated film and only appeared in the Christmas special version. A different version was created for use in other times of the year, with Milton Berle acting in live segments.
- StarsBob DenverAlan Hale Jr.Jim BackusThe further misadventures of the inept sailor, Gilligan and his fellow castaways, in an animated series.Gilligan and the castaways returned to tv, minus Ginger and Maryann; or, to be more precise, minus Tina Louise and Dawn Wells. Wells was performing in a play and was unable to participate in recording session but Louise refused to have anything to do with the series and barred the company from using her likeness. Ginger was turned into a blond and was voice by Jane Webb, who was Filmation's main female voice artist. Webb also voiced Maryann. The stories were typical of the original shows plots, while Gilligan was given a monkey sidekick and there would be moral lessons at the conclusion of each episode. It lasted for two seasons and was repeated for a third.
- DirectorHal SutherlandStarsJosh AlbeePhilip L. ClarkeCathleen CordellAn orphan named Oliver Twist meets a pickpocket on the streets of London. From there, he joins a household of boys who are trained to steal for their master.Filmation tried theatrical animation again, with this adaptation of Dickens' Oliver Twist, but success still alluded them. Like Treasure Island, it would later turn up on NBC as an after-school feature.
- CreatorC.C. BeckBill ParkerStarsMichael GrayLes TremayneJackson BostwickA young boy, able to transform into the superhero Captain Marvel, travels the country fighting evil and helping people.Filmation continued their association with DC (who would also launch a new relationship with Hanna-Barbera, with the Super Friends) and also made their first foray into live action programming (apart from host segments). Michael Gray was Billy Batson and Jackson Bostwick (and later, John Davey) was Captain Marvel. Billy travelled around with Mentor (played by General Hospital's Les Tremayne) in an RV, helping various people in trouble. There was little or no violence and no villains from the comic appeared. Billy would consult the elders who provided his power, via a device resembling a globe with lights. The elders were depicted via animation. The series lasted for three seasons and also helped launch Isis, with whom Captain Marvel shared a series of crossover episodes. Bostwick left/was fired from the series in a contract dispute, replaced by Davey, who paled in comparison (though he did a fine job).
- StarsHoward MorrisJane WebbAllan MelvinWaldo Kitty is a "fraidy cat" that dreams of being a hero.Essentially an animated take-off of The Secret Life of Walter Mittty. The cartoon featured opening and closing segments with live action versions of Walter Kitty (an orange tabby), his girlfriend, and a dog named Tyronne, who bullied Walter. Walter would imagine himself as famous characters, in the animated segments, then be inspired to outwit Tyronne at the end. The series ran afoul of James Thurber's estate, as they did not gain permission to adapt the story and the series was pulled. The animated segments were reused, without reference to Mitty and with the live segments removed, on the Groovy Goolies and Friends show.
- CreatorMarc RichardsStarsJoAnna CameronBrian CutlerJoanna PangAn archaeologist gains an amulet that allows her to transform into the superheroine goddess Isis and fight evil.Spun-off from Shazam was this series, with a heroine adapted from Egyptian mythology (much as Captain Marvel had various mythological connections). Teacher Andreas Thomas discovers the Amulet of Isis in a tomb and is transformed into the heroine, who can fly with the aid of the wind. The character was essentially a female counterpart of Captain Marvel, but wholly owned by Filmation. Ironically, DC published a short-lived Isis comic book. Joanna Cameron played the heroine and her beauty attracted an older audience than the normal Saturday morning crowd.
- CreatorMarc RichardsStarsForrest TuckerLarry StorchBob BurnsTwo guys and their pet gorilla hunt spooks.Long before Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd, and Harold Ramis fought ghosts, Larry Storch and Forrest Tucker (F-Troop) did the same, along with Bob Burns in a gorilla costume. This was another Filmation live series, filled with corny humor and slapstick. It lasted one season, but allowed Filmation to bring the series back, under the same name, as a syndicated animated series, after the success of the movie franchise.
- CreatorLen JansonChuck MenvilleStarsPhyllis DillerCharles Nelson ReillyAlfie WiseParody of kids' entertainment show where Uncle Croc, the host, despises his job and clashes with his program director, Basil Bitterbottom. He also trades banter with his sidekick, Rabbit Ears, has "Star Time" where he talks to fictional celebrities and introduces kids' cartoons.Notoriously bad series, featuring Charles Nelson Riley as the host of a kid's cartoon show. The cartoons included MUSH (a MASH parody with dogs), Wacky and Packy (a caveman and a mammoth) and Fraidy Cat. The series drew horrible ratings and worse reviews, leading to an early cancellation. Fred Silverman was so angry about the quality of the series that he never again purchased material from Filmation.
- StarsRobert RidgelyJack BannonErika ScheimerThis series is based on the adventures of Tarzan who seeks to champion the less fortunate, to right wrongs and to protect both the animals in his jungle as well as the human visitors.Filmation went to town here, bring the jungle hero to life using rotoscoping, a technique where animation is created over live footage, giving it movement. Robert Ridgely provided the voice of our hero, who protected the jungle against poachers and criminals, as well as discovering lost civilizations (which occurred frequently). The series featured Filmation's trademark repeated footage, but had bette than average writing and was a big hit. The series lasted through 3 incarnations, over 4 seasons. In it's second season, Tarzan was teamed with Batman repeats in the Batman/Tarzan Hour, then teamed with the Super 7 for it's third season, and finally with the Lone Ranger and Zorro as the Tarzan /Lone Ranger Hour and the Tarzan/Lone Ranger/Zorro Hour.
- CreatorMartin RothStarsTerry LesterJean Marie HonJosé FloresThree young scientists travel around the country in the 25th century after the world has been ravaged by pollution. In their hi-tech RV (called Ark II), they study the land and help out those in need.Filmation's next foray into live action was a sci-fi/adventure series, set in the 25th Century. The Earth has been devastated by ecological disasters, resorting to primitive life. However, a group of scientists has preserved technology, with the hope of rebuilding civilization. A team is sent out in a high tech vehicle, the Ark II. The group also has a jetpack and a 4 wheel ATV. The cast was racially diverse and included a talking chimp. Each character had an Old Testament name, in keeping with the theme of Noah's Ark. The show revolved around ecological concerns, which were very topical at the time (too bad society proved easily distracted later). Several prominant guest stars appeared, including Jonathan Harris (Lost in Space), Malachi Throne (Star Trek, Babylon 5) and a young Helen Hunt. Star Terry Lester went on to a long running role in The Young and The Restless. The Ark II vehicle is often confused with the Landmaster, from Damnation Alley (which was actually larger and built by a different shop). The show was somewhat hamstrung by prohibitions on violence, but featured intelligent scripts and plenty of educational content.
- StarsAdam WestBurt WardLennie WeinribBatman, Robin and Batgirl fight crime in Gotham City with the "help" of Batmite.After debuting (in animation) on the Batman/Superman Hour, the Caped Crusaders would next turn up at Hanna-Barbera, in The New Scooby Doo Movies and The Super Friends. Voice actors Olan Soule and Casey Kasem went with the characters to H-B. However, Filmation was able to regain/retain the rights to do a solo Batman series and produced this. Unfortunately, they weren't able to showcase the action of the previous series, which raised the ire of parental watchdog groups. Instead, the show added slapstick elements, via the introduction of Batmite (voiced rather annoyingly by producer Lou Scheimer). Since Soule and Casem were working for H-B, Filmation looke eslewhere and scored the coup of reuniting Adam West and Burt Ward. Also gone was Ted Knight, so Larry Storch took over many of the voices of the villains, though Jane Webb was back as Batgirl and catwoman. The show had moments, but the stock footage and more juvenile stories tended to drag it down a bit. It proved popular enough to stick around for a series repeat and a pairing with the later Super 7 block of cartoons.
- CreatorAllen DucovnyStarsJonathan HarrisPamelyn FerdinRic CarrottThe adventures of the students of an outer space military school.Filmation again entered the live action world and again chose sci-fi as the structure. This series revolved around a school for gifted youngsters, each with special physical or mental abilities, to help them hone their skills and use them to explore space. The leader of the school was played by Lost in Space's Jonathan Harris and the show generally mixed action with moral lessons, though with little physical violence. It was popular enough at the time to merchandise, with a line of action figures and would lead to the more action-oriented Jason of Star Command.
- StarsGeorge DiCenzoEvan C. KimDee TimberlakeA trio of teenage superheroes, representing three different racial groups, use their powers to fight against evil forces.One of Filmation's rare ventures into original characters, the show debuted as The Young Sentinels (which explains the Y design on each heroes belt). The name was changed in the wake of the success of Star Wars. The premise was that three racially diverse individuals were plucked from different time periods on Earth and pulled into space. they were then given special powers and trained in their use, in order to be sent back to Earth as its guardians. The trio was part of a larger Sentinel organization and would later meet up with a rogue Sentinel (Morpheus, who had each of the trio's abilities, making him very formidable) and a pair of Sentinels with a crisis. The trio were Hercules, a blond strongman; Mercury, and Asian possessing super-speed, and Astrea, and African woman who can change into any animal form. Astrea was the leader of the group, continuing Filmation's progressive trends. The trio is aied by a maintenance operator (MO, which was an acronym for Maintenance Operator) and a sentient computer, Sentinel One. Villains varied from the imaginative (Morpheus and a space traveler who was the Egyptian god Anubis) to the mundane. The scripts varied a bit and attempts at humor were often lame, but the series was very exciting and a personal favorite. Like most Filmation cartoons, it featured multiple examples of repeated footage, long pans across backgrounds, and silhouetted action. There was even development of a live action version, which never got beyond a screen test, but which featured Evan Kim, who voiced Mercury. Hercules would later be reused for the Freedom Force cartoons, from the Super 7.
- StarsJane WebbHoward MorrisDal McKennonArchie and Sabrina were back, this time on NBC, where Fred Silverman had taken over a lackluster line-up. Much of the Archie material consisted of repeats, while there were new Sabrina cartoons. However, the show suffered from low ratings. It was split off int two half hour shows, Archie's Bang Shang Lollapalooza Show (where the gang solved mysteries) and Superwitch, which featured Sabrina solving mysteries. neither proved successful and Archie and Sabrina came to the end of their run on Saturday morning.
- StarsMichael BellBob HoltBob DenisonAn anthology series featuring various fantasy action heroes.Tarzan returned for a third season, this time paired with the Super 7. Tarzan had new episodes and the Super 7 consisted of new cartoon sub-shows: Manta and Moray, Web Woman, Superstretch and Microwoman, The Freedom Force, and Jason of Star Command. Manta and Moray featured the adventures of two aquatic heroes, one a se dweller (Manta) and the other a human raised by dolphins. Web Woman features a human superhero who has been granted powers by an insectoid alien. Superstretch and Microwoman featured the adventures of an African-American married couple, one who can stretch and the other who can shrink size. The Freedom Force consisted of legendary heroes Hercules, Isis, Merlin, Sinbad, and Super Samurai. Sinbad was seen in only one episode, while hercules, Isis and Super Samurai tended to be the focus of most episodes. Filmation found themselves with threats of lawsuits from both DC Comics (over Superstretch and Microwoman) and Marvel Comics (over Web Woman) and soon pulled those cartoons. Jason of Star Command was a live action sci-fi segment, done in a serial format. More on this later. The Super 7 cartoons would later be recycled with Batman repeats, as Batman and the Super 7.
- StarsJune ForayJayne HamilBob HoltAn anthology of animated adaptions of various classic newspaper comic strips.Filmation went back to comic strips with this series, which featured rotating cartoon segments adapting the King Features Syndicate comic strips Alley Oop, Nancy, Broom-Hilda, Captain and the Kids, Emmy Lou, and Tumbleweeds. The show featured the characters in morality tales, rather than the more entertainment-oriented cartoons of Archie's TV Funhouse.
- CreatorArthur H. NadelStarsCraig LittlerSid HaigCharlie DellA young Space Command officer fights the evil space lord Dragos and his minions in his jurisdiction of the universe.Originally part of Tarzan and the Super 7, this segment was spun off into its own series, with new episodes added. The series was a serial (in the Super 7 incarnation), pitting the hero Jason and his cohorts against the evil Dragos. Star Command was a sister branch to Space Academy and was located in a seperate area of the same asteroid. Jonathan Harris was supposed to reprise his role but fell out with Filmation and the company instead brought in Star Trek's James Doohan as the commander of Star Command. Doohan went off to film Star Trek the Motion Picture and was replaced by John Russell (star of tv's The Lawman) as the blue-skinned Commander Stone. The series starred Craig Littler as Jason and also featured exploitation film favorites Sid Haig as Dragos and Tamara Dobson (Cleopatra Jones) as Samantha. Julie Newmar made a guest appearance as an ally/rival of Dragos. The series was relatively well done and fairly exciting, with decent model and effects work, though repeated use of stock footage.
- StarsAlan OppenheimerDiane PershingFrank WelkerFilmation secured the rights to revive the old Terry-Toons properties of Heckle & Jeckle and Mighty Mouse. A serialized run of Mighty Mouse was later combined into a feature film, The Great Space Chase, and given a theatrical matinee release, though with a disappointing box office.
- StarsRobert RidgelyAlan OppenheimerDiane PershingThe adventures of the comic strip space hero and his friends as they battle the tyranny of Ming the Merciless on the planet Mongo.Filmation hit one out of the park with their version of Flash Gordon. The series was originally conceived as a live action film, though cost would be too prohibitive; so, it was retooled as an animated film. NBC was so impressed with the finished product, they commissioned a series which was broadcast first. The first 4 episodes of the series were mostly comprised of footage from the film, with new material developed for the remaining episodes, thought sequences were reused repeatedly. Rotoscoping was used for some of Flash's movements, as well as certain scenes for other characters, as well as some model work for Ming's ships. Special effects were used for energy blasts and other effects, making the series groundbreaking. The first season was serialized over 16 episodes, adapted from the original Alex Raymond comic strips. After a writer's strike delay, the second season debuted with a comical dragon, Gremlin, and shorter stand-alone segments. Ming would again trouble Flash, as would Azura, the Witch Queen from the first season. The second season was rather juvenile and nearly universally loathed by fans of the series. The original movie would eventually be broadcast, in prime time, in 1982.
- StarsLane ScheimerFrank WelkerJoyce BulifantThe story revolves around a young boy named Sport Billy who is from the planet Olympus (a twin of Earth on the opposite side of the Sun) which is populated by athletic god-like beings. Billy himself has a magic size-changing gym bag - the Omni-Sack - which produces various tools as he needs them.Originally a European comic character, Sport Billy was adapted into cartoons by Filmation, which premiered in Germany in 1980, and then as a mid-season replacement on NBC in 1982. Billy is an athlete from the planet Olympus, a twin of Earth, with god-like beings. Billy's mission is to spread the gospel of teamwork and sportsmanship. The series was far more popular in Europe and other parts of the world than in the US, where its main sport of soccer still hadn't really caught on with a mass audience.
- StarsRobert RidgelyDiane PershingBob HoltFlash Gordon, Dale Arden and Dr. Hans Zarkov travel to the planet Mongo to fight the evil emperor Ming the Merciless.Adapted from the Alex Raymond strip, this was Filmation's original version of Flash Gordon. The story begins with the German attack on Warsaw, in 1939. Footage shows Stukas bombing the city, as State Department agent Flash Gordon searches for a friend, who whispers one word, "Mongo." Flash flies back to the US on a plane, which also carries journalist Dale Arden. Arden recognized Flash from the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Their plane is targeted by meteors and the pair are forced to bail out with the same parachute (after another passenger took one intended for Dale). They are saved by the mysterious scientist Hans Zarkov, who advises them to seek shelter in his rocket, which blasts off for Mongo, just before meteors destroy Zarkov's mountain lab. They race off to Mongo, where they are attacked by Ming's ships and captured. There they meet Thun the Lion Man, Princess Aura, and her father Ming the Merciless. Zarkov is taken away to work for Ming and Dale is taken to be Ming's bride. Flash and Thun escape with Aura and eventually find themselves the prisoners of Aura's jealous suitor, Prince Barin of Arboria. Just as they are squaring off to fight, a hunting party from King Vultan's Hawkmen captures the group. Vultan tries to force Aura to marry him, to secure power in Ming's empire, but Ming sends his ships to destroy the Sky City. Flash, Thun, and Barin escape, with the help of Vultan's people and return to Arboria, where Zarkov warns them of the continued danger to Earth. meanwhile we discover that Ming is providing advanced weaponry to the Nazis. Flash and his friends use a mole machine to drill their way under Ming's palace, to rescue Dale and prevent Mongo from destroying Earth. Flash and Ming square off in combat as Earth hangs in the balance. The film features a slightly varied cast from the later tv series, with David Opotashu as Zarkov, Vic Perrin as Ming and Barin, and Ted Cassidy as Thun. The launch from Earth and the Nazi subplot footage were not used in the tv series, though the launch sequence was later reused when Flash, Dale, and Zarkov steal a rocket from Ming's hangars an find themselves forced to land in Tropica. This is by far the best adaptation of Flash Gordon, in any medium (with the tv series a close second).
- DirectorKay WrightStarsErika ScheimerArte JohnsonMelendy BrittThe wicked queen creates an ice storm meant to get rid of the younger Snow White, but instead freezes the whole village just barely missing her. Snow White travels to the land of the Seven Friendly Giants and makes friends with them. Snow White is never safe from the wicked queen because she'll always be able to find her. Can the giants save Snow White from her vengeance, or will she end up an icicle like her parents?Filmation created this tv special as a sequel to Disney's Snow White. Snow and the prince are now the rulers of the land and have a daughter, also named Snow White. The Wicked Queen is eventually released from a block of ice, where she had been trapped and finds the magic mirror to see if she is still the fairest. She finds out about the two Snow White and attacks the kingdom in anger, freezing the land; but, missing the young Snow. A dwarf helps Snow escape, and the eventually meet up with two giants who aid them. They introduce her to 5 more giants (See where this is going?). It all ends how you would expect. I remember watching it and was less than impressed. Filmation never really did this kind of fantasy well. Action-Adventure was usually their forte.
- StarsLou ScheimerFrank WelkerLinda GaryIt is about a cat who's chasing a mouse ...Filmation brought Tom and Jerry back to tv and restored them to their antagonistic relationship (a Hanna-Barbera show had made them friends, to eliminate the violent chases). It also included other MGM cartoon characters, like Droopy, barney Bear, and Spike. The series never quite captured the flair of the theatrical cartoons but was a vast improvement over the H-B version.
- StarsWilliam ConradIvan NaranjoFrank WelkerIn the American Wild West, The Lone Ranger, with the help of his partner, Tonto, defends the rights of farmers and townspeople against outlaws and desperados.Tarzan was next paired up with the Lone Ranger, who appeared in new cartoons, with William Conrad providing the voice. The stories featured historical detail, though fantasy elements entered the stories later. Rotoscoping was again used to capture the horses galloping and other segments. Zorro was added to the mix the following year, featurinf Zorro (voiced by Henry Darrow) and his sidekick Amigo, as they battle the evil Capitan Ramon. Zorro featured animation rovided by Tokyo Movie Shinsa, in the lone instance (for their network tv productions) of Filmation outsourcing their work (though they did the storyboards). It also featured a cast or predominantly Latino actors and included Spanish lessons.
- StarsGeorge DiCenzoLinda GaryPatrick PinneyAn astronaut, stranded on a primitive planet in a distant universe, fights against the tyranny of the Overlord.Filmation had another rare original series with Blackstar, which combined elements of fantasy and sci-fi. It was inspired by the success of Ruby-Spears Thundarr the Barbarian, and featured an Earth astronaut who falls through a black hole, emerging on the world Sagar. there, he helps fight the evil Overlord. Overlord rules via the Power Star, which becomes split into the Power Sword, which Overlord commands, and the Star Sword, which Blackstar carries. Blackstar is aided by the Trobbits, a shapeshifter named Klone, Mara the Enchantress, and a dragon named Warlock. The series featured many derivative elements from Tolkien, Michael Moorcock, and Thundarr itself. It proved rather popular, though no resolution was given to the saga. George DiCenzo voiced Blackstar and had previously played Hercules on Space Sentinels and Freedom Force. He would later voice Hordak, on She-Ra.
- StarsMaylo McCaslinBarry GordonDawn JefforyThe adventures of a high school for superheroes while the Marvel Family fights evil with the power given to them by the wizard, Shazam.This show featured two main components, Hero High and Shazam! hero High had been conceived as a new Archie show, featuring their superhero incarnations (Pureheart the Powerful, Super Teen, Captain Hero, and Evil Heart). However, Archie Comics passed. So, the character designs were retooled and new characters were born. the premise is that Hero High is a school for superheroes, with the characters sharing the same personalities as the Riverdale gang. The show also feature live opening segments and musical numbers, with actors portraying the characters. Meanwhile, Shazam! featured animated adventures of Captain Marvel. Burr Middleton (grandson of Charles Middleton, who played Ming in the Flash Gordon serials)voiced the Big Red Cheese. Captain Marvel Junior, Mary Marvel, Uncle Dudley, freckles Marvel and Mr. Tawky Tawny were also along for the ride. The Marvel Family enemies were also there, including Dr Sivana and family, Mr Mind, Mr Atom, the crocodiles, Black Adam and a few others from the comics. The stories were quite good, adapting some of the comics, as well as original stories. Paul Dini, who would go on to fame on batman the Animated Series, wrote one episode.
- CreatorSherwood SchwartzStarsBob DenverAlan Hale Jr.Jim BackusThe same passengers that got shipwrecked in the tv series get space-ship-wrecked on distant planet.Filmation dusted off the Gilligan's Island models and created a new series. The premise was that the Professor created a rocket ship to get the castaways off the island, but they end up marooned on another planet. There, they encounter various aliens. Gilligan's monkey, from the first Filmation series, was redone as an alien creature. dawn Wells was able to participate this time and voiced both Maryann and Ginger, as Tina Louise again refused to play. The series would mark Filmation's last series for Saturday morning, as they focused exclusively on syndication for future projects.
- StarsJohn ErwinAlan OppenheimerLinda GaryThe most powerful man in the universe, He-Man, goes against the evil forces of Skeletor to save the planet Eternia and to protect the secrets of Castle Grayskull.Filmation's first venture into syndication was one of the most popualr cartoons of the 80s, He-Man. The series adapted the action figures into animation, creating a backstory for them. he-Man is Prince Adam, heir to the throne of the planet Eternia. With the aid of his Sword of Power and the magic of the Sorceress, Prince Adam transforms into He-Man, and his cat Cringer (a green tiger with orange stripes)becomes Battlecat . They are aided by Man-at-Arms and his daughter Teela. Together, they fight against the evil of Skeletor and his minions. Alan Oppenheimer, who voiced Ming in Flash Gordon and had been a long time cast member at Filmation, was Skeletor. The series proved popular enough for spin-offs, theatrical films and specials.
- DirectorEd FriedmanLou KachivasMarsh LamoreStarsJohn ErwinMelendy BrittAlan OppenheimerPrince Adam is sent to the world of Etheria to find his long abducted sister, Adora, and awaken her to her own destiny.This theatrical version of the debut episodes of She-Ra actually had a release before the series began broadcasting. He-Man is sent by the Sorceress to Etheria to deliver a Power Sword to a rebel leader, Adora. Through the sword, Adora learns that she is He-Man's sister and also gains the power to become She-Ra, aiding in her battle against Hordak. The film consists of the first 5 episodes of the series, which didn't exactly endear it to critics. It did modest box office, but wasn't a huge hit.
- StarsMelendy BrittGeorge DiCenzoJohn ErwinPrincess Adora raises her magic sword and becomes She-Ra, the most powerful woman in the universe, to aid her friends in defeating the Evil Horde so their planet Etheria can be free.With He-man a hit, producer Lou Scheimer thought a more girl-centric show might be just as popular, and She-Ra was launched. Mirroring He-Man, She-Ra is Princess Adora, Adam's twin sister, who was kidnapped and taken to another world. With her Sword of Protection, Adora becomes She-Ra, and leads a rebellion against the evil Hordak, who had been Skeletor's boss. There were many crossovers with He-Man and the series proved just as popular.
- DirectorBill ReedErnie SchmidtStarsJohn ErwinAlan OppenheimerLinda GaryHe-Man and She-Ra join together to stop Horde Prime from ruining Christmas for some Earth children stranded on Eternia.This tv special combined characters from both He-Man and She-Ra. In most markets, it aired only once.
- CreatorMarc RichardsStarsPat FraleyPeter CullenAlan OppenheimerA squad of supernatural investigators are Earth's only defense against an evil ghost wizard and his minions.Capitalizing on the success of the film Ghostbusters, Filmation dusted off their old live action series, Ghost Busters and redid it as an animated series. When the Columbia film was in development, they discovered that Filmation owned the trademark on the name. Columbia licensed the rights to the name for a fee plus 1% of the profits (and made sure that there were no profits, on paper). Filmation made a proposal to adapt the film into a series, but Columbia backed out of the deal. So, Filmation created their own series. The characters were the sons of the originals, working with Tracy the Gorilla.
- StarsPat FraleySusan BluErika ScheimerA Native American marshal and his friends keep the peace on the frontier planet of New Texas.This was Filmation's last series, done in conjunction with Mattell, who created the toys. The series was a fturistic western, set in space, with Bravestarr the intergalactic lawman, fighting the villain Tex Hex. The series was fairly popular and spawned a movie. A spin-off was being developed when Filmation shut down for good.
- DirectorHal SutherlandStarsEdward AsnerTom BosleyLana BeesonPinocchio and his friends, a glow worm and a marionette, search for a magic music box. However, so is the evil Scalawag and the Emperor of the Night.Filmation made this unofficial sequel to the Disney Pinocchio; but, it was a bx office failure and widely panned. Disney filed a lawsuit; but, Filmation was able to argue that the characters were in the public domain. It does have a bit of a cult following.
- DirectorTom TataranowiczStarsCharlie AdlerSusan BluPat FraleyMarshal Bravestarr and a female judge are sent to New Texas, a frontier planet under attack by the evil cattle spirit Stampede, who, with his ruthless sidekick, Tex Hex, are vying for control of the universe, one planet at a time.Theatrical film released after the tv series, which explores the background of the characters. Like most Filmation theatrical attempts, it was a box office failure.
- DirectorJohn HowleyStarsEdward AsnerIrene CaraCarol ChanningSnow White and her new friends must rescue the Prince when he is captured by the Wicked Queen's vengeful brother.Filmation's last production was made in 1988, but not released theatrically until 1993 (the IMDB date is based on a deal made in 1990 to release it theatrically, but a dispute between Filmation and the distributor delayed it for 3 years). A disastrous test screening was partially responsible for the delay. In the end, Filmation declared bankruptcy before the film ever saw a release.