Saturday, January 15, 2011

The Cartoon Shows That Never Were #1: "The Trio of Triumph"


Back around 1986, I had been working on "Yogi's Treasure Hunt" with, among others, two of the legends of cartoon voice overs, and certainly two of the voice actors who helped make Hanna-Barbera Productions the success that it was:  namely, Daws Butler and Don Messick.   

Both Daws and Don were famously talented as well as renown for being among the nicest people working in show business.  On occasion, before or after a "Treasure Hunt" recording session, Daws would stop by the office and give us writers, including John Ludin, Earl Kress and me, a few pointers on how one of his HB characters turns a phrase.  By this time, Daws had been performing these roles for over 25 years, so you can bet he knew his stuff.   He was particularly helpful in getting us in tune with Quick Draw's cadence and word pronunciation.  Since Quick Draw was one of my favorite characters, I was always grateful for these entertaining tips and lessons from the master.  

Anyway...

...When we heard that "Yogi's Treasure Hunt" would be drawing to a close, John and Earl and Scott Jeralds, Alfred Gimeno and I started thinking about some new show concepts for the classic Hanna-Barbera characters.  We loved these characters and the people who voiced them, and wanted to keep that association going.  We came up with a number of show ideas.

One that made it through several development stages and was ultimately pitched to the networks was "The Trio of Triumph," which cast Quick Draw, Huck and Boo Boo as modern day superheroes.  Quick Draw played El Kabong, now in the city, in a Batman-ish role.  Huck played Huckle-Hero, a flying canine persona we had introduced in "Yogi's Treasure Hunt."  And Boo Boo became Ram-Boo-Boo, our cross between the Hulk and John Rambo.

Unfortunately, the series didn't sell... 

What remains is a show bible and pitch document for the series that I will post if there proves to be keen interest.  

But, for the time being, here, above, is the cover art from the pitch.  

12 comments:

  1. El Kabong as Batman? That'd be funny.

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  2. I for one am definitely keen to see the Pitch Bible in coming weeks.

    It interests me to see what would be in a Pitch using established characters in a new setting during the late 80's.

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  3. The funniest thing about this picture is Boo-Boo. Not just because he's all buff 'n' stuff, but because he's all buff 'n' stuff ... and still wearing a bow tie.

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  4. Hmm, and as I think about it, it's funny to imagine Huck delivering some sort of brave, heroic dialog.

    "Well, now, ah reckon y'all should put down that thar sack o' money and come along nice an' peaceful like to the po-lice station... if'n ya don't want a butt-whoopin' that is."

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  5. I love looking at pitch Bibles. please post!!!

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  6. Wow....all this time, I thought this was just a one-shot episode spoof. Had I know that it was going to be developed further...

    Looks something special here - very special indeed. Consider my interest well and truly hooked, Tom :D

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  7. I have a definite keen interest in seeing more of this lost concept. Great idea!

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  8. I'd love to see this made someday! :D

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  9. As awesome as Batman is, how more awesome would he be if he hit his villians with a guitar?

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  10. Definitely interested in the pitch and bible!

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  11. Ram-Boo-Boo rocks. I think everyone wants to see the bible.

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  12. Awesome! I love this kind of stuff. Thanks for sharing.

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