Located in an underground clubhouse, The Funny Company was less concerned with making a profit (or even a product) and instead concentrated on community service, fundraising and educational field trips. How this company managed to stay in business was a mystery to all.
Members of the Funny Company included leader Buzzer Bell (rarely seen without his Funny Company cap featuring the club’s smiley face logo), inventor Jasper National Park, club secretary Polly Plum, Merry Twitter (the giggly Betty Boop-soundalike club treasurer) and Shrinkin’ Violette (who could literally become smaller if she became embarrassed) – all kind-natured tykes who served as a good example for the kids at home.
Every once in a while, the youngsters were helped out by an adult who happened to stop by, like inventor Professor Todd Goodheart or Native American Super Chief (whose voice sounded like a train’s horn) and his translator, Broken Feather.
Villains like Belly Laguna (modelled after Bela Lugosi) covered the bad guy roles on the series, throwing a monkey wrench in the do-gooders’ plans. Rounding out the cast was company mascot, Terry Dactyl, a flying lizard who entertained everyone with jokes and impressions.
The Funny Company’s mission was a large one, but the kids were aided by a giant computer named the Wisenheimer, located in the company clubhouse.
To help the kids with their activities, the Wisenheimer would play short films and elaborate on particular points of interest related to the day’s activities.
Perhaps surprisingly, The Funny Company was created, in large part, by Mattel Toys. In response to a plea for more educational children’s shows, Mattel, with the help of Ken Snyder, developed a show that appealed to kids and allowed them to learn about a variety of subjects.
The 260 five-minute episodes of The Funny Company were successful enough to inspire other “edu-tainment” shorts like The Big World of Little Adam.
Buzzer Bell/Shrinkin’ Violette Dick Beals Jasper National Park/Merry Twitter
Nancy Wible Polly Plum
Robbie Lester
Terry Dactyl
Ken Snyder
Professor Todd Goodheart/Belly Laguna/Dr Ludwig Van Upp
Hal Smith
Broken Feather
Tom Thomas
Wisenheimer
Bud Hiestad
The Funny Company’s mission was a large one, but the kids were aided by a giant computer named the Wisenheimer, located in the company clubhouse.
