This cute ABC Saturday morning cartoon was designed for preschool viewers.
The residents of Itty Bitty City – also known as Happytown – were miniature clowns designed to spread happiness and positive mental attitudes throughout the world.
The clowns were led by Big Top (Danny Cooksey), and key characters included Badum-Bump (Frank Welker), Hiccup (Susan Blu), Tickles (Ellen Gerstell), Pranky (Charlie Adler), Blooper (Josh Rodine), Arnie (Mona Marshall), and Ralphie (Russi Taylor).
They were accompanied by colourful clown-like animals called “Clownimals “: Lion, Tiger, Bear, Seal, Penguin, Giraffe, Rhino, Zebra and Kangaroo. Badum-Bump – who had a pet elephant called Rover – was the only one who understood them.
Their teacher and mentor was Mr Pickleherring (Howard Morris).
Standing in the clowns’ way was Awful BeBad (Pat Fraley) and his sidekicks, Geek and Whiner.
Writer Norman Cousins, whose philosophy that “laughter is the best medicine” helped him overcome disease, was a series consultant.
The series received a critical mauling and was cancelled after a single season.
They were accompanied by colourful clown-like animals called “Clownimals “: Lion, Tiger, Bear, Seal, Penguin, Giraffe, Rhino, Zebra and Kangaroo. Badum-Bump – who had a pet elephant called Rover – was the only one who understood them.
