Terrytoons. Here was my locale that most interests the animation historians. So now I finally have the chance to tell it like it really was. I name names -- all the names, and print the pix. And all the production details about Tom Terrific. I tell you what I did and what I tried to do - a "renaissance" - a total make over... and I tell you why it failed.
Here is a faithful reproduction of the surviving actual production notes for the second series of Tom Terrific, as issued by me in March, 1958
From: Gene Deitch TOM TERRIFIC "PRODUCTION PROCEDURE" 1958 Series
I. General
The entire Tom Terrific project will operate on a Production Line basis in order to achieve a unity of style and a maximum output. Ralph Sancier will act as over-all production coordinator, reporting to Sparky.
II. Elements
The TT Project will consist of thirteen complete stories to be presented in two versions each:
Version I consists of five daily episodes. (called the DAILY VERSION)
Version II consists of the complete story in two parts.(SATURDAY VERSION)
The daily episodes will be constructed as follows:
| | | MONDAY | TUE-WED-THU | FRIDAY |
| STD: | Standard Title | 10" | 10" | 10" |
| | Standard Song | 30" | 30" | 30" |
| | Recap,.incl.title* | 05" + | 30" | 45" |
Story 2:15 2:00 2:00
| | Preview* | 30" | 20" | 15" (Std Preview) |
| STD: | Std End Title | 05" | 05" | 05" |
| | Total Length: | 3:35 | 3:35 | 3:35 |
+Story title and fanfare only
*Includes "teaser" title | Monday's title will name story but
NOT "Chapter I" |
The Saturday version will be constructed like so:
PART I
| STD: | Standard Title | 10" | | |
| | .....Standard Song | 30" | | |
| | Story Title Card | 05" | (Monday's Title) | |
| | Mon-Tue-Wed Story | 6:15 | | |
| | Wed Preview | 20" | | |
| | Black Leader | | | Part I total 7:20 |
AS A KID, "TOM TERRIFIC" WAS ONE OF THE MAIN HIGHLIGHTS WHILE WATCHING "CAPTAIN KANGAROO". TOM WAS A VISUALLY CLEVER, HIGHLY INFLUENTIAL AND SURREALISTIC MASTERSTROKE BOASTING NIFTY DIALOGUE AND CHARISMATIC CHARACTERS. ONE CAST MEMBER EVEN INSPIRED AN EARLY 70S ROCK GROUP CALLED CRABBY APPLETON, OBVIOUSLY NAMED IN HONOR OF TOM'S FIENDISH ARCH ENEMY. THEY HAD A HIT SONG TITLED "GO BACK". I EVEN HAVE A COUPLE OF THEIR LPS (ONE FEATURING A DRAWING OF CRABBY ON THE COVER!)...
I'm old enough to remember "Tom Terrific"!
I'm delighted to know that you're still around, and have written the story of your career on your website.
After reading the parts about your tenure at Terrytoons, I only wish that your stay there was much longer than it actually was.
While, in time, the "classic" Terrytoons characters like Mighty Mouse and Heckle & Jeckle might have been brought back--even if you were still in charge--I'm sure that under your supervision, we would have seen by far the BEST episodes of the "older" Terrytoon characters.
Additionally, had you been able to stay, Terrytoons might yet have been able to be a major source of TV cartoon programs, not just for it's parent CBS, but for NBC and ABC as well.
In fact, had you been able to stay at Terrytoons, I think the studio might still be around today and would rank alongside Disney as the "World Leader in Animation".
I am a 47 year old Fan of Tom Terrific I have been posting request on TVLAND to please air some of the old Tom Terrific Cartoons. I used to watch them on the Captain Kangaroo Show. And in one of the post one of the Host told me about Mr. Gene Deitch's site having Tom on his Site in Color. And I just had to say Thanks for the Memories. I loved Tom Terrific and his dog Manfred. It's been at least 35 to 40 years since I have seen Tom Terrific and wish somehow, or someway, My Grandchildren could enjoy the adventures of Tom Terrific Too! Is there any plans on letting another Generation join Tom on his Terrific Adventures?
I am an Art Director working in advertising and have been trying to find visual reference of Tom Terrific and the other characters. Does any artwork exist from the old Tom Terrific cartoons. I would be especially interested in locating any original art . I have unsuccessfully looked for any visuals either digital or physical of any of Tom's foes. Could anyone help me with this. I grew up loving Mr. Deitch's animation and Tom Terrific shorts in particular. I can barely recall how any of the villains looked, particularly Crabby Appleton, The Silly Sandman and Captain Kidney Bean and just want to see them again.
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