Lectures For Lifelong Learners!

From Fred Flintstone to George Jetson, Yogi Bear to Scooby-Doo, and hundreds more, Hanna-Barbera was the biggest animation studio in Hollywood history, employing more artists – of all ages — than any studio. Follow Bill Hanna, Joe Barbera and their top artists from MGM Studios with Tom and Jerry to creating some of the most beloved TV series and feature films, starring unforgettable characters. This behind-the-scenes look sheds light on why Hanna-Barbera gave the entertainment industry upbeat, positive innovations that still influences animation today.

When Walt Disney announced his plans to create the first feature-length, traditionally animated motion picture, industry insiders called it “Walt’s Folly.” Nevertheless, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was truly the “Star Wars” of its day. During Walt Disney’s lifetime, he and his artists gave us a magnificent legacy of true family classics including Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, Bambi, Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland, Lady and the Tramp, Sleeping Beauty, The Sword in the Stone, and The Jungle Book, all of which will be examined in this chronicle.

Perhaps the most tumultuous decade in history was also the golden age of the high-concept, fantastic, and sometimes preposterous situation comedies, beginning such hits as Mister Ed and My Favorite Martian. A procession of shows followed, including Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, My Mother the Car, The Addams Family, The Munsters, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and The Flying Nun, all of which are still either still on the air, or part of our collective memory. Take flight with is as we relive the fun and discover inside stories behind these unique programs.

Discover the stories behind such all-time favorite specials A Charlie Brown Christmas, Frosty the Snowman, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, The Little Drummer Boy, Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer and more first arrived on TV screens, and how Mister Magoo’s Christmas Carol paved the way for memorable characters, songs, and celebrity voice that have become tradition with generations.

Rudolph began soaring to stardom in a department store storybook. Then came Gene Autry’s record-setting hit song, followed by an animated theatrical short directed by Max Fleischer (Betty Boop, Popeye, Superman). But it was the Rankin/Bass stop-motion TV “spectacular” that became an annual viewing tradition and gave the world Sam the Snowman, Hermie the Elf, and the Island of Misfit Toys. Get a sleigh’s-eye-view of this detailed account of how Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer went down in history.

Discover how Bill Hanna, Joe Barbera, and their artists changed the entertainment world with the first primetime situation comedy, The Flintstones. We trace the series conception, voice cast, the iconic theme song, and its development over six seasons. You’ll even find out how “Yabba-Dabba-Doo” was really created. Through facts, insights, and examples, you will appreciate how The Flintstones inspired TV trends and paved the way for such current hits as The Simpsons and Bob’s Burgers.

When Walt Disney announced his plans to create the first feature-length, traditionally animated motion picture, industry insiders called it “Walt’s Folly.” Though it seems hard to imagine in today’s landscape of countless animated features, it was almost impossible to make happen. The resulting megahit, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, was the Star Wars of its day, so successful that it inspired MGM to produce The Wizard of Oz, and Paramount to greenlight Gulliver’s Travels. The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank was built by Snow White. This chronicle shows the drama behind its production, and how it impacted the company, the industry, and the world.

Why was Screen Gems’ supernatural sitcom Bewitched a number one hit from day one? Why were there two Darrins, two Gladys Kravitzes, and two Louise Tates? Over its eight seasons, Bewitched set the bar for high-concept fantasy excellence on television. Part of its success lies in the heart of the concept, which is just one part of this examination of a show that has never been off the air. It was widely imitated, as well as animated. Also, learn about the backgrounds of the stellar cast members, and their relationships behind the scenes.

MGM Animation Studios was a new division of the legendary studio when its need for a character-driven cartoon series was fulfilled by Bill Hanna and Joe Barbera, whose suggestion of a cat-and-mouse series was ridiculed by the staff at first. Find out why their approach to the all-time most honored animation “frenemies” stood out above the rest, winning seven Academy Awards and rivaling the Disney Studio for nominations. Discover surprising facts, examples, and inside stories about Tom, Jerry, Bill, Joe, their artists, and stars like Gene Kelly, Esther Williams, and even Jack Nicholson!