Some months ago we told you about a fellow named Jock Hedblade, who is a member of a comedy group known as Joined By the Hip.
Hedblade showed us a proposal for a television show in which old cartoon programs-Clutch Cargo, the Flintstones and Dick Tracy among them-would be centerpieces for an hour-long show hosted by members of the comedy group.
”Toon Attic” would feature man-on-the-street interviews; new dialogue over the old cartoons; guest appearances; movie reviews by children; segments on endangered species, recycling and the environment; and field trips.
It was a good idea. We told Jock Hedblade so and wished him well. We have seen many ideas remain on the page and never make it to TV; and this does not take into account the inability of some television folk to know a good idea when it hits them in the head.
But a few days ago, there was Hedblade toting a 12-minute videotape and wearing a smile, and saying, ”This is the demo tape for `Toon Attic.` ”
We watched it.
It is professionally made and fun to watch. It contains dozens of Chicagoans, many captured near Wrigley Field, naming their favorite cartoon characters; the Lincoln Park Zoo`s Lester Fisher sitting with a bird on his arm and talking about it; a character named Silly Billy who made us think of Tim Conway`s Dorf character; some old cartoon commercials, including one for Milk Duds; and, of course, cartoon clips.
We told Hedblade that we were very impressed and except for not quite getting what Silly Billy was all about-why did he put toothpaste on his face?-thought the tape should whet the interest of TV execs.
It already has been delivered to the powers at MTV, Nick at Nite, VH1, Comedy Central, CBS and other national outlets.
We don`t know if any of these outfits will bite. But we remember something Hedblade once said. ”When mirth meets the medium, things crackle with excitement.” Now he has a tape that shows that very thing.
