Originally a series of fifteen theatrical shorts made between 1958 and 1963, Hector Heathcote made its way to NBC in October 1963. After the cycle of original shorts had been shown, Terrytoons quickly began to produce new episodes, and the Saturday morning show was born.
Hector, a well-intentioned scientist and pint-sized patriot had somehow discovered how to travel back in time and was witness to several crucial moments in American history, visiting famous events in an effort to better understand them.
Hector (voiced by John Myhers) would sometimes even try to give history a little nudge though his plans usually went awry.
Most of Hector’s adventures took place during the Revolutionary War, but Hector always sported a late 1700’s triangle hat regardless of the era he was visiting.
Accompanied by his wise and trusted dog, Winston, who was voiced to sound just like Churchill, Hector readied Paul Revere’s horse for the famous ride, built the boat George Washington used to cross the Delaware, and even tried to build the first plane.
Two other theatrical shorts were used to round out the programme. Hashimoto-san focused on a Japanese mouse who often got into trouble with his American friend G.I. Joe.
Thanks to his jujitsu skills, he was always able to get himself, his wife Hanako and their children Yuriko and Saburo out of whatever mess they were in that week. All the voices were provided by John Myhers.
Sidney’s Family Tree featured a childish but well-meaning 42-year-old elephant who had to be watched over constantly by his less-neurotic companions, Stanley the Lion and Cleo the Giraffe. Dayton Allen provided all the voices.
Hector Heathcote John Myhers
Hashimoto
John Myhers
Hanako
John Myhers
Saburo
John Myhers
Yuriko
John Myhers
Sidney
Dayton Allen
Stanley
Dayton Allen
Cleo
Dayton Allen
