Return Of The Pink!

I must say that it was a real kick to see a return to BBC 2 Television for "The Pink Panther Show" this week. I have many fond memories of watching the show's re-runs on BBC Television throughout the 1990's and it's certainly a welcome return. The show in question is as originally broadcast by NBC Television from 1969 to 1971 and also features "The Inspector" cartoons.

In 1971, the show received a makeover and had a successful run from then until 1976 under the title "The New Pink Panther Show" - featuring "The Ant & The Aardvark" cartoons, which were voiced by John Byner who created a voice similar to Dean Martin for "Charlie Ant" and a very Jackie Mason like voice for "The Aardvark".

I've often said that cartoons like the Pink Panther, Tom & Jerry and others have had a big influence on my interest in music - this is perhaps most importantly because the cartoons rely heavily on musical scores, as the characters are almost always "mute". In the case of Tom & Jerry; their cartoons were often linked with MGM Musical scores of the time such as "Anchors Aweigh", in which Jerry is actually featured dancing alongside Gene Kelly in a special routine... as for Tom - he resides as butler to Jerry (the king) who had banned singing and dancing in his kingdom; until being encouraged to change his ways by Mr. Kelly.


Tom & Jerry were also one of the earliest introductions I had to classical music. One cartoon particularly sticks in my mind... "Tom & Jerry At The Hollywood Bowl" which features the overture from Strauss' operetta, "Die Fledermaus".

The Pink Panther cartoons were also my main introduction to Henry Mancini, who's "Pink Panther Theme" featured in each program. Over the years, Henry made many wonderful scores and albums for RCA Victor - numerous of which have become personal favourites.

Of course, the Warner Brothers and Disney cartoons cannot go without a mention too. They also featured many delightful scores... like the "Silly Symphonies" and "Merrie Melodies" shorts; which had a charm of their own.

The universal appeal of all these cartoons makes them as timeless and enjoyable today as when they were first shown; and long may they be enjoyed!