When TV Puppets Were Considered Risque

Most young cartoon buffs just learning about animated cartoon history know the name Bob Clampett as belonging to the late cartoon genius who worked on and created many of the beloved Warner Brothers cartoons and some of their key characters. Cartoon fans consider the Warner Brothers school of cartoons the “anti-Disney”: with the focus on laughs versus being cute. Clampett had an incredible bio.

But he also had a TV LIFE. In the 60s, he had a TV animated cartoon show on ABC. It was called Beany and Cecil.

But that been actually based on a legendary puppet show he created (and largely wrote) the TV’s earliest days. And here is an INCREDIBLE CLIP of a special skit done with the characters.

It shows you puppet material considered risque at the time (1950) — and it is more PG than G.

But just listen to the incredible voicing. Note the comedy writing (filled with satirical references to 1950s culture) and especially watch the incredible puppet manipulation. In fact, when you watch it, it has the feel and comedy content of — a Warner Brothers cartoon.

And here’s the intro to the 1960s cartoon version of the same show: