^ You know, bklyn6, "The Flintstones" originally was a primetime show, right? Which means it was aimed at adults (as an animated version of "The Honeymooners").
Which is cool. Because the adult sense of humor that shaped that show's satires of class politics, show business, the Battle of the Sexes, Freemasonry, etc., meant that we as kids watching "The Flintstones" on the daily had some damn sophisticated entertainment. (Sans the tobacco advertising, thankfully.)
Also, that bit of music you hear at the end of that clip is the original "Flintstones" theme song... before the "yabba-dabba-do time" version we're all familiar with.
Here is a full version of the original opening theme.
When I think of primetime cartoons I think of stuff like "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy." I had no idea that the Flintstones were originally primetime. And I'd never seen it before in B&W, but I knew there was a "Honeymooners" connection.
Fred never threatened to send Wilma to the moon did he? :p
I remember watching the very first episode of the Flintstones. It must have been 1959 or 1960? And yes, it was during prime time and it was a real sensation at the time.
One thing that was especially controversial was Wilma's pregnancy. Who had ever heard of such a thing, a visibly pregnant cartoon character?
I don't really remember the ". . . adult sense of humor that shaped that show's satires of class politics, show business, the Battle of the Sexes, Freemasonry, etc." but then it's literally been more than 40 years since I've seen an episode all the way through.
The Flintstones paved the way for other shows like The Jetsons, Top Cat, etc., none of which matched its success. And as the years went by it was dumbed down to appeal more to the kid demographic.
That was awesome. A cartoon and cigarettes. If it hadda been Betty and Wilma smoking while Barney and Fred worked it woulda been perfect.
ReplyDeleteThat was awesome. A cartoon and cigarettes.
ReplyDeleteAwesome... but EVIL, Kellybelle. Totally evil!
What about the children?
ReplyDeleteThis looks like it would've aired during primetime. And it's 1:20 long!
^ You know, bklyn6, "The Flintstones" originally was a primetime show, right? Which means it was aimed at adults (as an animated version of "The Honeymooners").
ReplyDeleteWhich is cool. Because the adult sense of humor that shaped that show's satires of class politics, show business, the Battle of the Sexes, Freemasonry, etc., meant that we as kids watching "The Flintstones" on the daily had some damn sophisticated entertainment. (Sans the tobacco advertising, thankfully.)
Also, that bit of music you hear at the end of that clip is the original "Flintstones" theme song... before the "yabba-dabba-do time" version we're all familiar with.
ReplyDeleteHere is a full version of the original opening theme.
When I think of primetime cartoons I think of stuff like "The Simpsons" and "Family Guy." I had no idea that the Flintstones were originally primetime. And I'd never seen it before in B&W, but I knew there was a "Honeymooners" connection.
ReplyDeleteFred never threatened to send Wilma to the moon did he? :p
I remember watching the very first episode of the Flintstones. It must have been 1959 or 1960? And yes, it was during prime time and it was a real sensation at the time.
ReplyDeleteOne thing that was especially controversial was Wilma's pregnancy. Who had ever heard of such a thing, a visibly pregnant cartoon character?
I don't really remember the ". . . adult sense of humor that shaped that show's satires of class politics, show business, the Battle of the Sexes, Freemasonry, etc." but then it's literally been more than 40 years since I've seen an episode all the way through.
The Flintstones paved the way for other shows like The Jetsons, Top Cat, etc., none of which matched its success. And as the years went by it was dumbed down to appeal more to the kid demographic.
A friend once said, "If you don't want people to smoke, stop making it looks so cool."
ReplyDeleteI know we are supposed to hate cigarettes, but this is why I love people that smoke.
I am a non-smoker seeking a smoker.