Retro Cartoon Rewind | Classic 70s Saturday Morning | Part 1

 If you grew up in the 1970s, you probably have great memories of waking up early on Saturday mornings, watching classic cartoons while enjoying a bowl of Cap'n Crunch. Join me as we take a trip down memory lane and see how many of these beloved cartoons you can recall!

Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels (ABC)(1977 - 80)

"Captain Caveman and the Teen Angels follows the exciting mystery-solving escapades of the Teen Angels—Brenda, Dee Dee, and Taffy—alongside their prehistoric friend, Captain Caveman (or Cavey). The girls discovered him frozen in a block of ice! This fun series is a playful nod to Charlie's Angels and draws inspiration from other beloved Hanna-Barbera shows like Scooby-Doo and Josie and the Pussycats. Captain Caveman boasts super-strength, an array of handy tools hidden in his hair, and a flying club that helps him tackle crime. His signature battle cry, "Captain CAAAAAVEMAAAAAAANNNN!" is unforgettable, thanks to the iconic voice of Mel Blanc.

 

The series aired from 1977 to 1980, totaling forty 11-minute episodes across three seasons. Sixteen episodes first appeared as part of Scooby's All-Star Laff-A-Lympics in 1977, followed by eight in Scooby's All-Stars in 1978. In 1980, the show gained its own half-hour slot, featuring a mix of new and rerun episodes. The gang also competed in sports as part of "The Scooby Doobies" team on the Laff-A-Lympics. Like many animated series of its time, it included a laugh track, making it one of the last Hanna-Barbera productions to do so.

Jana of the Jungle (1978)(NBC)

"Jana of the Jungle" is an entertaining animated show that aired on NBC for a short time from September to December in 1978. Created by Doug Wildey and produced by Hanna-Barbera, it was initially part of a larger program called "The Godzilla Power Hour," and later became part of another show called "The Godzilla Super 90." 

The main character, Jana, is similar to a female version of Tarzan. She explores the rainforests of South America on a quest to find her dad, who disappeared in a boating accident when she was a child. Although the opening of the show suggests he might still be alive, she never actually finds him. Jana has long blonde hair, wears a dress made of animal skin, and has a unique necklace that she can use as a weapon. When she throws it, it makes a high-pitched sound, similar to a weapon used by Xena, Warrior Princess.

Jana has two animal friends: Tiko, a playful coatimundi, and Ghost, an unusual albino jaguar. She also has two human companions, Dr. Ben Cooper and Montaro. Dr. Ben is a young wildlife expert who works at the nature preserve started by Jana’s father and helps her in her search. Montaro, who comes from a lost warrior tribe, wields a special weapon called the Staff of Power, which can create earthquake-like effects when it hits the ground. He was the one who rescued Jana when the boating accident happened. Throughout her adventures, Jana encounters various animals, including a crocodile, a monkey, a bat, a snake, and tropical birds.

Devlin (1974)(ABC)

"Devlin" is a cartoon series created by Hanna-Barbera that aired on ABC in 1974. It later found its way into reruns on the USA Network during the 1980s and early 1990s, as well as Cartoon Network from 1992 to 2000. Starting in 2000, the show was also broadcast on Boomerang, a channel related to Cartoon Network.

The idea for "Devlin" came from the popularity of the stunt performer Evel Knievel. The show follows three orphans, Ernie, Tod, and Sandy Devlin, who work as circus performers. Ernie is a motorcycle daredevil, and his siblings, Tod and Sandy, help him by fixing up his bike. Each episode usually involves some kind of adventure or mystery that they need to solve.

Originally, the show was titled "Wild Wheels," and the main character was named "Dare" Devlin. However, concerned about how people might react to a show that seemed to promote risky activities, ABC changed the title, renamed the character to Ernie, and required the show to include safety tips.

The Roman Holidays (1972)(NBC)

"The Roman Holidays" is a fun animated show created by Hanna-Barbera that aired on NBC in 1972. Similar to the classic shows "The Flintstones" and "The Jetsons," it takes a comedic look at everyday life, but this time it's set in Ancient Rome around the year 63 AD. The series offers a humorous glimpse into what modern life might have looked like back then, with a twist that reflects the style and culture of the 1970s.

The story follows Augustus "Gus" Holiday and his family, who live in a peculiar apartment building called the Venus de Milo Arms. Gus is a hardworking man with a demanding boss named Mr. Tycoonius at a construction company. His family includes his wife Laurie, their smart daughter Precocia, and their teenage son Happius, affectionately known as "Hap." They also have a pet lion named Brutus, who has a charming personality reminiscent of another famous cartoon character, Snagglepuss. Hap's girlfriend, Groovia, is also part of their adventures.

The show kicks off with a lively scene of chariot traffic jams and even showcases a television showing a football game, creating a funny blend of ancient and modern times. With delightful characters and amusing situations, "The Roman Holidays" captures the essence of family life in a playful and entertaining way.

Inch High Private Eye (NBC)(1973-74)

"Inch High, Private Eye" is an animated TV show created by Hanna-Barbera that aired on NBC during the 1973-1974 Saturday morning lineup. It premiered on September 8, 1973, and ran for 13 episodes until August 31, 1974. The show was typically scheduled at 8:30 AM in the fall of 1973, right after "Lidsville" and before "The Addams Family." In the spring of 1974, it moved to a 9:30 AM slot between "Emergency +4" and "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kids."

The story follows Inch High, a private detective who is just an inch tall. He works at the Finkerton Detective Agency, often butting heads with his grumpy boss, Mr. Finkerton. Inch is joined by his clever niece Lori, their strong but somewhat clumsy friend Gator, and their loyal St. Bernard named Braveheart. Together, they travel in a unique car called the "Hushmobile," which is special because it moves quietly and smoothly.

Despite being very small, Inch is determined and serious about his detective work. He finds himself in tricky situations while searching for clues or confronting suspects. Voiced by talented actor Lennie Weinrib, Inch High is characterized by a mix of humor and cleverness, often reminding viewers of classic comedy figures like Jack Benny and Don Adams from "Get Smart." You might hear him using funny phrases similar to those used by these comedy legends, adding to his charm as "the world's biggest little detective."