1 9 6 7 – 1 9 6 9 (USA)
17 x episodes
Inspired more by the 1959 movie of the same name than the Jules Verne novel, this cartoon chronicled the adventures of Professor Oliver Lindenbrook and his companions on their adventure following the long-lost trail of Arnie Saccnuson, a lone explorer who made a descent to the earth’s centre, but died with its secret when breaking his leg.
Along for the ride were the professor’s niece Cindy, her school friend Alec McEwen, and their guide Lars. Cindy brought along her pet duck Gertrude for comic relief.
As if the earth’s core weren’t dangerous enough, the team was constantly put in peril by the villainous Count Saccnusson (the last living descendent of the once-noble family) and his goon Torg.
Possessing a power-mad scheme to claim the earth’s core for his own sinister purposes, he instructs Torg to set off an explosion. However, when detonated, the blast seals the entrance and traps them all.
This series was a natural for animation since the writers were able to invent a limitless array of strange creatures and beings who inhabited the planet’s inner depths.
Journey to the Center of the Earth ran for 17 cliffhanging episodes, which were rebroadcast in the show’s second season.
Professor Oliver Lindenbrook
Ted Knight
Cindy Lindenbrook
Jane Webb
Alec McEwen
Pat Harrington Jr.
Lars
Pat Harrington Jr.
Count Saknussen
Ted Knight
Torg
Pat Harrington Jr.
