On this day, sixty years ago, the fourth season of The Flintstones premiered on ABC. Though no viewer would have known it at the time, this season would prove to be a major chapter in the show's evolution. It was the season that introduced Bamm-Bamm to the show's cast. It was the last season where Bea Benaderet voiced Betty Rubble. But most importantly, it was the season where the show really started to become more kid-oriented. Admittedly, that shift had already begun in the previous season and would be pushed even further in the fifth, but the fourth season was where it became more apparent.
That's not to say the fourth season was without its merits, however. Plenty of episodes in this season have become classics, such as the premiere episode, "Ann-Margrock Presents", and Bamm-Bamm's debut, "Little Bamm-Bamm." If you're curious, I think my personal favorite episode of the season has to be "Ten Little Flintstones", an episode so strange and absurd in its concept that I can't help but love it.
Whether you love the season or hate it, it's undeniable that the season had a big impact on the show's future, and the Flintstones franchise as a whole. To celebrate the occasion, here's an article from The Tennessean Sun discussing the fourth season from November 17, 1963, two months after the season premiered. It is notable for being one of the few pieces I could find that interviews the entire cast of The Flintstones. The interviews are sadly a bit on the short side, but it's a great piece nonetheless. And, as an added bonus, I threw in a photo of the entire cast at work! You may have seen it before, but it's a lovely photo that I couldn't help but share with this article.
Flintstones Enter Their Fourth Year
WITH THE hayseed growing amongst the "diachronda" in Beverly Hills, the German army surrendering all over again for a new generation, and doctors flashing their scalpels and libidos into millions of living rooms, Hanna-Barbera's "The Flintstones" will enter its fourth year on television.
(The Flintstones) has proven a smash not only in America but throughout the world as well. It is currently playing in over 42 countries.
One of the little-known aspects of the show is the marked effect it has had on its real-life stars, Alan Reed, Bea Benaderet, Mel Blanc, and Jean Vander Pyl.
"I just completed a trip to various parts of the country," states Alan Reed, the burley voice of Fred Flintstone, "and because people recognized my voice and realized it was Fred, I really had some wonderfully warm experiences."
"In all the years I was doing radio, my voice was never as familiar to the public as it is now with the 'Flintstones.' It's a good feeling that you are that close to the public."
Bea Benaderet, the voice of Betty Rubble, says, "There's no doubt that being the voice of Betty Rubble has brought added excitement to my life.
"All my friends, both professional and non-professional, feel very personally and unusually interested in the fact that I am doing the part.
"I am very proud to be doing the series," she said.
Fred Flintstone's ever-loving spouse, Wilma, portrayed by Jean Vander Pyl, has this to say:
"I think the most gratifying reaction I get to doing the voice of Wilma Flintstone is the delightful prestige that goes along with it. As opposed to doing most other shows, this is not only unique but virtually unheard of. It's a real joy. It doesn't matter about all the other characters I've done throughout the years."
Rounding out the cast, the versatile Mel Blanc, who essays Barney Rubble on the show, stated:
"Being the voice of Barney Rubble in the Flintstones has been one of the most fun things I have ever done. Mostly because of the reactions I get from my fans and from the public in general. They love Barney and consequently, they love me. That's nice.
"I have yet to talk to anyone who is not familiar with the series, and that's mighty unusual these days for television, now that people are getting a little more choose.
"I had this exciting popularity driven home to me when I was in the hospital after my automobile accident.
"The mail I got was fantastic, and most of it came from those who were sorry to know that Barney Rubble had been injured.
"I found that Barney had a good many friends, and that's a gratifying reaction to an actor who never appears on the screen. Let's face it. The 'Flintstones' are practically a national institution."
No comments:
Post a Comment