When I was young, there was a certain block of shows I'd watch every morning. In that block were such famous classics like Sesame Street, Romper Room, Mr. Roger's Neighborhood, and Captain Kangaroo. Another staple of my morning shows was one that might not have been as famous, but was just as adored....The New Zoo Revue.
The New Zoo Revue was a syndicated, half hour, children's show that ran from 1972 to 1977 and featured creator "Doug" (Doug Momary) and his "helper" "Emmy Jo" (Emily Peden). The rest of the main cast consisted of three anthropomorphic animals who helped Doug and Emmy Jo demonstrate different life lessons.
There was Henrietta...a demure, southern belle type, hippo who loved to cook and wore a tutu, Charlie....a wise, inventor, owl who was very uptight and yelled a lot, and Freddie....a fun loving, younger, frog who wasn't very bright.
The set was like a little town where each person had their own home. Doug and Emmy Jo lived in separate houses (even though the two were, actually, married in real life), Henrietta also lived in a traditional house. Freddy lived in a grotto under the pond, though I don't think I ever remember them showing where the entrance was and Charlie lived in a big tree house that was accessed by an elevator. I remember thinking how cool that elevator was, when I was a kid, and wanting a tree house just like that.
A very cool casting bit of trivia was that the recurring character of Mr. Dingle, the elderly mailman, was played by a young (at the time) Chuck Woolery.
 |
| Not a great pic, but trust me....it's him! |
I mainly remember a lot of singing and dancing and Charlie the Owl chastising Freddie the Frog all the time. I also wanted a cool turtleneck sweater with a big "M" on it, too.
Ah, back in the carefree days of youth.
Honorable Mentions: Newhart, Nancy Drew Mysteries, Night Gallery
Tune in tomorrow for a pair of strange fellows........
