Classic Cartoons: THE BEATLES (1965-1969)

If you are about 25 years old, or older, you remember how big Saturday morning cartoons on the broadcast networks were. If you are 40 and over, this was about the only time of the week that us kids got to watch cartoons during the week.

This new feature, CLASSIC CARTOONS, will look at some of the great and goofy cartoon series the broadcast networks aired from the 50's though the 90's.  First up THE BEATLES.

THE BEATLES were the animated adventures of the Fab-Four. John, Paul George and Ringo. But, the real members of the band had nothing to do with this animated production, other than songs played in their series, from the Beatles catalog. Originally, the band didn't care for the series, but over the years, they warmed up to the series and came to enjoy watching the reruns.

The series original run aired on ABC from September 25, 1965 to September 7,1969. Exactly how many episodes were produced is not exactly clear. They range from 39 to 45 episodes. In question are the six "Season 4" episodes. However, no matter what the real total was, over half the episodes premiered in the first season. It was an instant hit, pulling in a 52 audience share, unheard of for daytime TV.

THE BEATLES animated series was the first cartoon to depict animated version of real people. Something that would catch on by the other networks and production companies real quick.

BROADCAST HISTORY: 
New episodes in ()

Season 1: ABC - Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. (26)
Season 2: ABC - Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. (7)
Season 3: ABC - Saturdays at 12 p.m. (6)
Season 4: ABC - Sundays at 9:30 a.m. (6)

About THE BEATLES:

THE BEATLES were two short stories each week, that were not much more than set ups to Beatle songs. It was the songs fans really wanted and it is what the series delivered.

The band is drawn as they were in their early "moptop-and-suit" look, simialr to how they looked in the movie  "A Hard Day's Night." Even as the band's look changed each year, the animated series kept the look consistent each year.

Each season had a different song for the opening credits sequence. In season one, it was "A Hard Days Night"/"Can't By Me Love" combo. In season two the hit song HELP! was used. The third, and final season of original episodes, featured the song "And Your Bird Can Sing," over a new opening sequence.

Since the original run, the series has been syndicated all over the world. In the late 80's MTV revived the old series and introduced it to a new generation of Beatle fans.

VOICES:

Paul Frees (John, George)
Lance Percival (Paul, Ringo)

PRODUCTION COMPANIES:

 King Features Syndicate
Artransa/Graphik
Canawest Studios
TVC London