

From lunchboxes to toys, Magilla Gorilla became a sensation in merchandising.Ĭollectors and fans today still seek out these nostalgic pieces, making them treasured items that transport them back to their childhood. The show’s popularity didn’t end with its episodes. Hanna-Barbera was known for its vibrant universes, and The Magilla Gorilla Show was no exception, drawing viewers into a captivating world week after week. The theme song and the show’s rich universe featuring side characters like Ogee (“Oh Gee!”) and the troublesome Ricochet Rabbit added layers of charm. “Magilla Gorilla for sale!” – this catchy refrain is one that many fans still hum nostalgically. Punkin’ Puss prefers to use a shotgun in his pursuits. In a parody of the infamous Hatfields and McCoys feud, an orange hillbilly cat, Punkin’ Puss, voiced by Allan Melvin, relentlessly chases a elusive hillbilly mouse, Mushmouse, who Howard Morris voices. He introduces himself with the catchphrase, “Sheriff Bing! Bing! Binnnng! Ricochet Rabbit!” Punkin’ Puss & Mushmouse His loyal friend, a little red-headed girl named Ogee (voiced by Jean Vander Pyl), fondly asks in the opening theme song, “How much is that Gorilla in the window?” Ricochet Rabbit & Droop-a-Longĭon Messick voices Ricochet Rabbit, who serves as the sheriff of Hoop N’ Holler alongside his slow-paced deputy, Droop-a-Long Coyote, voiced by Mel Blanc.īeyond his super-speed, Ricochet Rabbit employs trick bullets, like one that releases a skull-bashing mallet, to apprehend criminals. At the end of most episodes, Magilla often says, “We’ll try again next week.” However, customers, whether they’re thieves needing a partner for a heist or an ad agency seeking a new mascot, always bring Magilla back. To entice buyers, Peebles drastically reduces Magilla’s price. The gorilla, munching on bananas, becomes a financial burden to Peebles. While Howard Morris provided Peebles’ voice in 1964-1965, Don Messick took over from 1966-1967. Segments Magilla GorillaĪllan Melvin voices Magilla Gorilla, an anthropomorphic gorilla who languishes in the front display window of a pet shop that Melvin Peebles runs. This juxtaposition of humor and genuine connection made the show more than just slapstick. Peebles, but episodes often hinted at his underlying affection for the big ape, showcasing the complexities of their relationship. His entrepreneurial spirit may have driven Mr. Peebles, often had Magilla up “For Sale,” but deep down, a bond existed between the two. Peebles and the Forever For Sale Signīehind every great character is a supporting cast that adds depth and dimension.
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Later, characters from the Peter Potamus show joined the syndication lineup.īefore its launch, the team teased the series in a mid-to-late December 1963 interview titled “Here Comes A Star.” Like many Hanna-Barbera characters, Magilla Gorilla wore human attire: a bow tie, shorts with suspenders, and a small derby hat.įollowing its debut year, ABC-TV aired reruns of all 31 episodes on Saturday mornings in 1966-1967 and Sundays in the subsequent season. Notable recurring characters included Punkin’ Puss & Mushmouse and Ricochet Rabbit & Droop-a-Long. Ideal Toys sponsored it from 1964 to 1967. Hanna-Barbera Productions created “ The Magilla Gorilla Show,” an animated series featuring the titular character, Magilla Gorilla, for Screen Gems.

Production company: Hanna-Barbera Productions Some Background Program creators: William Hanna, Joseph Barbera Whether it was trying out a new job or attempting to integrate into society, Magilla’s innocent, child-like nature always shone through, making him a character audiences could not help but root for. Sold and resold repeatedly, his misadventures stemmed largely from his well-meaning but often misguided attempts to fit into the human world. Magilla may have been a sizable gorilla, but he had a heart equally large. Let’s dive in! The Marvelous World of Magilla Gorilla But who exactly was Magilla Gorilla, and why has his legacy endured for decades? The Magilla Gorilla Show, which aired from 1963 to 1965, delivered laughs, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable tunes. Most of us, at some point in our lives, have walked past a pet shop window and been instantly charmed by the puppies, kittens, and other adorable creatures on display.īut in the 1960s, Hanna-Barbera introduced audiences to a very unique window display: a full-grown gorilla named Magilla!
