{"id":32097,"date":"2017-04-17T00:01:00","date_gmt":"2017-04-17T07:01:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cartoonresearch.com\/?p=32097"},"modified":"2017-05-02T08:04:04","modified_gmt":"2017-05-02T15:04:04","slug":"network-status-reports-1956-1964","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cartoonresearch.com\/index.php\/network-status-reports-1956-1964\/","title":{"rendered":"Network Status Reports 1956-1964"},"content":{"rendered":"

There seems to be no end to finding new information on classic cartoons – things I’ve never seen or heard of seem to pop up every day on blogs (I’m looking’ at you, Yowp<\/em>), Facebook, Instagram, etc.<\/p>\n

I have a pile of miscellaneous production clippings – reviews, press releases and raw data – that I’d like to put out there, for no other reason other than its just interesting, or its another piece in the jigsaw puzzle of animation history. I think you’ll find my new Monday Miscellaneous<\/em> posts a great way to start the week. <\/p>\n

First up from the archives at the USC Cinematic Library: Network Status Reports. These internal memos date from 1956 to 1964 – I believe these are from the files of CBS (regardless of what network the shows eventually appeared on, all three networks kept track of all pilots and competing shows in production or preparation) – any additional information on these documents or the shows discussed is welcome. <\/p>\n

UPDATE:<\/strong> Eric Costello (in the comments below) makes the case that these memos could be from the J. Walter Thompson advertising agency.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Hanna Barbera<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n

By the 1960s Hanna Barbera dominated television with many many shows on the air, network or syndicated; Saturday morning and prime time. And of course we know they developed and pitched probably three times as many shows that never made it. What did the network execs think of the Hanna Barbera product? Let’s take a look:<\/p>\n

The Flintstones<\/strong><\/p>\n

Apparently the execs at CBS weren’t very excited about The Flintstones: “…failed both in story content and its promise of pre-historic elements>’ and noted the show was a “…a take-off of “The Honeymooners”. Yabba-dabba-doo, these guys just didn’t get it. <\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n\"\"\n

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TOP CAT & THE JETSONS<\/strong><\/p>\n

In case you didn’t know: Top Cat<\/em> was co-sponsored by Kelloggs right off the bat – and The Jetsons<\/em> was replaced by Leave It To Beaver<\/em>. (click to enlarge)<\/em><\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>\n\"\"\n

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Unsold Hanna Barbera Pilots<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hanna Barbera was certainly ready to follow up on Jonny Quest<\/em> with a different, perhaps more<\/em> adult cartoon show with Danger Plus Two<\/em>. Beyond the Doug Wildey storyboard below I know nothing about this show. I know even less about 5-4-3-2-1 Pfft<\/em> – which was to star Rowan & Martin (before Laugh-In<\/em>). Was it live action or animated… or a combination? <\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\"\"<\/a>\n

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Doug Wildey, storyboard concept art for “Danger Plus Two”.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Jay Ward<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fractured Flickers (syndicated 1963)<\/strong><\/p>\n

I believe this note refers to Jay Ward’s Fractured Flickers<\/em><\/p>\n\"\"<\/a>\n