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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"40135","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Beany and Cecil"}}]]By Cathy Hamaker, Exhibit Developer
Before the Ninja Turtles, before Sesame Street, some of the most popular children’s characters on TV were a pair of unlikely heroes: a boy and a sea serpent!
Back in 1949, when programing for kids was still in its early years, former Warner Brothers animator Bob Clampett broke new ground with an ongoing adventure series called “Time for Beany!” The stars of the show were hand puppets: Beany, a freckled boy with a propeller cap, and his best pal, Cecil the Seasick Sea Serpent, travelled the world with Beany’s uncle, Captain Horatio Huff’n’puff, having adventures and foiling the dastardly plots of unsavory evildoers. “Time for Beany” wasn’t just a show for kids, either—clever tongue-in-cheek references to current events ensured that adults stayed tuned as well (it’s reported that Albert Einstein was a big fan!) Beany was originally voiced by Daws Butler—later famous as the voice of Yogi Bear—and Stan Freberg, well known for his comedy songs and commercial work, portrayed Cecil.
[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"40136","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Beany Display"}}]]
“Time for Beany” went off the air in 1955, but the characters remained popular. In 1962 the “Beany and Cecil” animated cartoon made its debut on ABC. True to form, Bob Clampett ensured that the show remained smart, funny, and punctuated with timely commentary on 1960’s fads and pop culture.
So as you might have guessed, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis was delighted last spring to receive a large donated collection of Beany materials—original puppets, animation cels, toys, and other items. We’re excited for you to see them! Our first Beany and Cecil display will be up on Level 4, starting in December. As an added bonus, Bob Clampett’s son Rob has generously given us permission to show some selections from the original “Time for Beany” and “Beany and Cecil” on video in the display—so you and your family can meet these historic pioneers of children’s entertainment “in person,” so to speak. And if that’s not enough Beany for you, I encourage you to visit the Clampett family’s official website, www.beanyandcecil.com, to find out more about the shows and the creative genius behind them!
