Imagine being locked into a TV schedule where the only time you could see your favourite cartoons on TV was on Saturday mornings. These TV ‘toons were also packed with commercials for sugary cereals, none were vetted by educators and child care specialists and many had jokes that sailed right over your head.
It was awesome.
I’ll be bringing those days back on a giant theatre screen this Saturday starting at 1 pm at the Westdale theatre in Hamilton. Everything will be projected in 16mm from rare prints from my own personal collection. Parents and grandparents can see cartoons they enjoyed as a child; kids today can discover what made their parents and grandparents the wacky rebels they are today.
Back in the 1960s and ’70s, Hanna-Barbera dominated Saturday morning TV. You’ll see examples of their work, including The Flintstones and Quick Draw McGraw. In the early ’60s, in Canada, Rankin-Bass, the folks behind the holiday special stop-motion animated favourite, Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, got into Saturday morning with Tales of The Wizard of Oz and The New Adventures of Pinocchio. Those two 1961 efforts gave work to the exceptional Canadian voice talents who made Rudolph shine bright for so many years.
Dudley Do-Right was a spoof on Sgt. Preston of The Mounties and each episode made at least one joke about Canada. Jay Ward Productions, who also made Rocky & Bullwinkle, were behind these cartoons.
You’ll also see Rocket Robin Hood, Roger Ramjet, Diver Dan, The Mighty Hercules, Popeye and a few other susprises. Plus vintage commercials!
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This latest installment of the TV on Film Party at The Westdale will also include a round of trivia. Come prepared to test your knowledge of TV ‘toons. RetroFestive, Canada’s Pop super store located on-line and in Oakville, Ont., have generously donated Christmas-themed prizes for Saturday’s event. Stop by their store at 1100 Invicta Drive in Oakville after Saturday’s screening and you may see their special guest this Saturday — a Taylor Swift look-a-like performer! And we don’t mean Rip Taylor Swift.
For tickets and information follow this link to thewestdale.ca. The vintage neighbourhood cinema, located near McMaster University, dates back to 1935 and features great popcorn. Plus: the snack bar is licenced. Hope to see you there!
