The show that caused ABC to cancel its contract with Filmation for Saturday morning cartoons, Uncle Croc’s Block was a mess of a show within a show, the sum of its parts poorly glued and coming apart in front of the viewers’ eyes.
The great Charles Nelson Reilly played the titular show host, fronting a programming block with barely-concealed contempt, much to the frustration of his equally-cantankerous director, Basil Bitterbottom (Jonathan Harris from Lost in Space).
Uncle Croc was assisted by his pink furry side-kick, Mr Rabbit Ears (Alfie Wise).
Initially an hour-long affair but cut to thirty minutes after a month of poor ratings, Uncle Croc would present a number of regular cartoon features:
M*U*S*H (“Mangy Unwanted Shabby Heroes”) featured mounted dog policemen with names like Bullseye, Tricky John, Cold Lips and Colonel Flake; Fraidy Cat featured a feline who was perpetually nervous because he was on his ninth and final life, and Wacky & Packy told of the misadventures of two prehistoric creatures transported to 20th century Manhattan.
The cartoons were interspersed with variety segments and “star” guests, played by a cavalcade of veterans of stage and screen, including Phyllis Diller and Alice Ghostley.
The show flew far over the heads of its young audience, and it was cancelled mid-season. ABC never ordered another series from Filmation ever again.
Uncle Croc
Charles Nelson Reilly Witchy Goo-Goo
Phyllis Diller Mr Rabbit Ears
Alfie Wise Basil Bitterbottom
Jonathan Harris Dog
Alan Oppenheimer Captain Kitt
Lennie Weinrib Bullseye
Robert Ridgely Coldlips
Kenneth Mars Packy
Allan Melvin Fraidy Cat
Alan Oppenheimer
The cartoon segments later aired in syndication as part of a package called The Groovie Goolies and Friends.
Dog
