September 30, 1960…’The Flintstones’ Debuts On ABC
September 30, 1960…’The Flintstones’ Debuts On ABC
This short clip is what was used to sell the ‘The Flagstones’ to ABC and it’s sponsors. Before it came to air, the name had to be changed for legal reasons as Flagstone was a trademarked name.
This pilot was essentially a demo reel of what the show would look like. Note the grease pencil marks on the film, that depicts scenes from the pilot that would later be used in “The Swimming Pool” episode. It was shown to potential sponsors in the spring of 1960 with Miles Laboratories and R.J. Reynolds buying in as sponsors on the strength of this presentation. Daws Butler did both Fred and Barney’s voices; Jean Vander Pyl was Wilma and she continued as in that part in the series and June Foray was the voice of Betty.
In the series, Alan Reed was the voice of Fred, Mel Blanc was the voice of Barney, Jean Vander Pyl was Wilma and Bea Benaderet was Betty. The show was broadcast from September 30, 1960 till April 1, 1966. Although done in color, it did not air in color on ABC till 1962, after ‘The Jetsons’ debuted in color.
I understand the story was that Reynolds and Miles agreed to sponsor the show as part of a deal with ABC…they did so with the show that aired in the same time slot the previous season–a Western that got a lot of flak for its violence. In return for ABC cancelling it, the companies would sponsor whatever the network put in its place.
Wow, it’s weird to hear June Foray tracking Betty’s voice!
I found a series of videos with the voice actors when I googled that picture! Its over at Cartoon Brew here – http://www.cartoonbrew.com/classic/see-what-famous-cartoon-voices-looked-like-in-real-life-76030.html
…I kinda thought it was 1962 ..I was at my sister’s house, watching a black & white receiver, but ABC begins the program by saying the broadcast would be in color ! ..funny the things I can recall from my life ! ..thanks, again, Bobby E. ! ..your site is always awesome ! !
The first color season debuted September 14, 1962…it was season three.
…I seem to recall The Jetsons was the first cartoon to be broadcast in color on ABC and at that time, early 1960’s, probably ’62, ABC had that only program broadcast in color ..I love this photo below of Bea, Jean, Alan and Mel ..Bea also did voice work on Warner Brothers cartoons ..Jean was the Ma Hillbilly Bear and Rosie The Robot on The Jetsons ..hope I’m correct on this info ! ! ..thanks, Bobby E. ! !
Long before my time at ABC, I was in 8th grade its first year, but I was told ABC could not afford color and the network came down to go color or go black before they went color.