I have been somewhat haunted by this bizarre show for a half century. In the '50s there was no other kids' program like it, to be sure. I think lots of us were drawn to its rather twisted, surreal aspects. The little mouse (Squeaky) and the black cat that always meowed "Nice" were odd enough, but Froggy the Gremlin lived in the clock and always mocked whatever guest showed up. We '50s kids just loved the little fellow. He was so nasty and such a smart-ass. I had a bright green rubber Froggy from Woolworth's and was so fond of him. I wish I still had it. The transition after Smiling Ed died of a heart attack was rough and odd for us. Of course, we children were not told he had passed away. Just suddenly gravel-voiced character actor Andy Devine was in his place. But we knew and liked Andy as "Jingles" on the WILD BILL HICKOK show--with Tony the Tiger selling cereal. Shows usually had one key commercial that was hyped at several points, whether it was cereal or shoes--Buster Brown's. I would love to see some of the old serials of the Indian boy Rama (or was it Gunga?) who had a way with elephants. There were always savage tigers threatening the village and hordes of native "beaters" would go out into the bush making noise to drive him out. I remember once there was an evil maharajah and Rama helped two beautiful young women run away from him. It was quite the thrilling episode. The show had such a surreal quality that it still seems fresh to me. I would love to see a videotape, if one exists. The same few seconds of a wildly enthusiastic audience of kids leaping up and down and screaming with joy and approval was cut in between every major moment. Even as a kid fifty years ago I knew that was too weird.
Review of Andy's Gang
