Hey Kids!

In the early 1950's network television aired predominately during evening hours leaving local affiliates a lot of time to fill.  So, it wasn't long before puppeteers, clowns and other assorted entertainers convinced TV program executives to give them a morning or afternoon slot.  Chief Halftown played Philadelphia, Captain Penny, Cleveland and it was Happy's Party in Pittsburgh. Kids programs were inexpensive to produce and provided local stations goodwill, personality and additional revenue. 

  

In Cincinnati, Uncle Al ruled the kidos weekday mornings.  Al Lewis premiered in 1950 with his trademark bow tie and accordion.  He quickly became a hit with the small fry and their mothers. Tickets to his show were a hot commodity. He was so popular that CBS considered him as host for a network kids show to premiere in the fall of 1955. However, it wasn't meant to be as WCPO-TV, the local ABC affiliate, wouldn't release Al from his contract.

CBS ultimately selected Bob Keechan to host their new program.  His resume included playing the popular Clarabell the Clown on the Howdy Doody Show.  In October of 1955 Keechan premiered nationally on the CBS network as Captain Kangaroo.

Amazingly, the Captain hopped through four decades, all the way to 1984. Do you remember Mr. Greenjeans? Mr. Bunny Rabbit?  I do.   But it was Uncle Al who had the last laugh.  Uncle ended his 35 year play in Cincinnati in 1985.

Three other ground breaking kid's shows premiered in 1955. The Mickey Mouse Club with its troupe of Merry Mouseketeers launched on the ABC network, Wonderama originated on WNEW-TV, New York City and Sam and Friends, a live action puppet show debuted on WRC-TV in Washington, DC.  Created by Jim and Jane Henson, Sam and Friends featured a cast of characters that included a lizard named Kermit. Over time the lizard evolved and eventually became the most famous frog in the world. 



The Mousketeers

Sam and Friends

Most kids shows in the 50's weren't shy on advertising. Sure they had to make money, but some programs ended up as a string of sponsor endorsements and commercials.   However, they were effective and sold everything from Keds to Kool-Aid.  Sales of cookies, candy and cereal soared.  And breakfast would never be the same after the introduction of Sugar Pops (1951), Frosted Flakes (1952), Sugar Smacks (1953), Tricks (1954) and Coco Puffs (1956).  

Advertisments in the 50's were sometimes funny, creepy or down right annoying as seen by the videos below. 

  

About Pinky Lee:
Pinky Lee was a slapstick entertainer who's style was straight out of the burlesque era.  He was easily recognized by his trademark lisp, his high-energy antics and his signature costume, a loud plaid suit coat and baggy checkered pants.  In 1954 NBC unleashed Pinky with a weekday afternoon children's program that preceded the popular 'Howdy Doody Show.'  He opened each show with his trademark theme song, "Yoo Hoo, It's Me!"  Pinky was ultimately undone by his  energetic schtick when he collapsed on camera due to a weakened condition caused by an infection.  His audience cheered when he fell, believing it was part of his act.  Out of commission for quite a while, Pinky eventually recovered, but in 1956 his show was cancelled.