William Hanna Movies
The son of a construction superintendent for the Sante Fe railway stations, William Hanna was obliged to move around quite a bit as a youngster. Influenced by the preponderance of professional writers on his mother's side of the family, Hanna gravitated towards the creative arts in high school. He played saxophone in a dance band, then majored in journalism and engineering at Compton (California) Junior College. While looking for work in the early stages of the Depression, he landed a backstage engineering job at Hollywood's Pantages Theatre. Hanna's brother-in-law, who worked for a Hollywood lab called Pacific Title, tipped him off to a job opening at the Harman-Ising cartoon studios. From 1931 onward, Hanna contributed story ideas to Harman-Ising's Looney Tunes and Merrie Melodies series, produced on behalf of Leon Schlesinger and Warner Bros. He also wrote the music and lyrics for several of the catchy tunes heard in these animated endeavors. When Harman-Ising moved to MGM, they took Hanna along as a story editor. And when MGM formed its own animation department in 1937, Hanna was hired by department head Fred Quimby.It was while under the MGM banner that Hanna formed a copacetic (and, as it turned out, lifelong) partnership with cartoon director Joseph Barbera. While both men did a little bit of everything in their cartoon collaborations, Hanna regarded himself as the director and story man, while Barbera preferred to work out the various gags. Hanna-Barbera's most lasting contribution to the MGM operation was their "Tom and Jerry" series, which earned seven Academy Awards over a 20-year period. In 1957, MGM disbanded its cartoon unit, whereupon Hanna and Barbera formed their own company for the purposes of turning out TV animation. No one who has been born after 1950 needs to be reminded of the vast Hanna-Barbera TV output: Huckleberry Hound, Yogi Bear, The Flintstones, The Jetsons, Jonny Quest, The Banana Splits and Scooby-Doo constitute but the tip of the iceberg. Busy as they were with their TV commitments, Hanna-Barbera occasionally found time to return to theatrical-feature work, including A Man Called Flintstone (1966), Charlotte's Web (1972) and Heidi's Song (1982). Even after selling their studio, both Hanna and Barbera remained active in the cartoon field; as recently as 1993, Hanna served as co-producer for the animated feature Once Upon a Forest. Though he's received a multitude of industry honors, it is said William Hanna is proudest of his 1985 "Distinguished Eagle Scout" award from the Boys Scouts of America, an organization with which he'd been associated since 1919. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
The classic cartoon duo Tom and Jerry antagonize each other for over an hour in this feature-length comedy. After Tom is left in charge of a magical ring, Jerry takes off with it causing all sorts of havoc. The soundtrack is presented in English. This tape from Warner Bros. is sure to please fans of the famed antagonsists. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
The long-running cartoon from William Hanna and Joseph Barbera that began life in 1969 as Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? becomes this live-action, tongue-in-cheek comedy-adventure featuring a computer-generated version of the easily frightened, mush-mouthed Great Dane. Freddie Prinze Jr. stars as Fred, the blonde, confident, ascot-sporting leader of Mystery Inc., a ghost-busting service that exposes phony supernatural phenomena as the work of shysters. Working with Fred are: his rich, beautiful girlfriend, Daphne (Sarah Michelle Gellar), who has a bad habit of getting kidnapped by villains; Velma (Linda Cardellini), the real brains of the group who pines secretly for Fred; cowardly slacker and dog's best friend Shaggy (Matthew Lillard); and the snack-gobbling pet pooch Scooby. However, after solving its latest case involving a beleaguered toy company owner (Pamela Anderson), the group fractures over Fred's habit of grabbing credit for everyone's hard work, despite the pleas of Shaggy and Scooby. Two years later, they are reunited at Spooky Island, a theme park and teen spring break destination that owner Emile Mondavarious (Rowan Atkinson) claims is plagued with ghosts. Suspicious as usual of any claims involving the paranormal, the Mystery Inc. clan is soon probing a scheme involving ancient rites, summoned spirits, and brainwashed college students, forcing the group members to resolve their differences and uncover the truth. Directed by Chris Columbus protégé Raja Gosnell, Scooby-Doo features the voice of Scott Innes as the title character. ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Freddie Prinze, Jr., Sarah Michelle Gellar, (more)
- 2000
- PG
- Add The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas to QueueAdd The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas to top of Queue
Before the Flintstones were everyone's favorite Stone Age family, Fred was just a regular guy looking for the girl of his dreams, and his romance with Wilma sets the stage for this prequel to the 1994 screen adaptation of the popular cartoon series. Fred Flintstone (Mark Addy), a working-class caveman who earns his living at Mr. Slate's quarry, falls in love with wealthy heiress Wilma Slaghoople (Kristen Johnson). While many people think that Fred is out of his league, including Wilma's mother Pearl (Joan Collins) and her father Col. Slaghoople (Harvey Korman), he's determined to win her heart. And when his best friend Barney Rubble (Stephen Baldwin) decides to take his best girl Betty (Jane Krakowski) for a fun weekend in Rock Vegas, he invites Wilma to tag along. The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas recasts all the major roles from 1994's The Flintstones; Harvey Korman is the only actor to appear in both films, though in different roles (in the previous movie, he was the voice of the Dictabird). ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mark Addy, Stephen Baldwin, (more)
- 1996
From the highly acclaimed Hanna-Barbera animation studios comes the 10-tape video series Greatest Adventure Stories From the Bible. The episodes in this series are each viewed from the eyes of three young archeologists from the 20th Century who are taken back in time to experience Bible stories first-hand. Travel back with Derek, Mokey and Margot to the first Christmas in The Nativity. The animated version of this poignant Bible tale brings to life the profound love story of Mary and Joseph, their lives and relationship and the night when Jesus was born. Episodes in the series include Noah's Ark, The Creation, Moses, David and Goliath and others. ~ Sally Barber, All Movie Guide
- 1996
- Add Greatest Adventure Stories from the Bible: The Easter Story to QueueAdd Greatest Adventure Stories from the Bible: The Easter Story to top of Queue
An all-star voice cast headlines this animated retelling of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of Apostle Mark. Beginning with Jesus' triumphant entrance into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday and following the tale through his subsequent betrayal, arrest, and eventual crucifixion, the vivid tale then presents Christ's joyous resurrection and ascension into heaven. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1996
This video is a Hanna-Barbera animated version of the oft-dramatized Bible story of Daniel in the lion's den. Featuring the voice of Gavin MacLeod, the video shows how Daniel's faith is put to the test and he passes with flying colors. Widely admired for his intelligence and high morals, Daniel also has enemies who are jealous. They trump up some charges so that he's arrested and thrown into a cell with hungry lions. He puts his faith in God and that saves him. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
The good (if not fully evolved) citizens of Bedrock make their way to the big screen in this live-action adaptation of the popular animated series of the 1960s. Fred Flintstone (John Goodman) and his best friend Barney Rubble (Rick Moranis) work together at the Slate and Company Rock Quarry. When Fred loans Barney some money that allows him and his wife Betty (Rosie O'Donnell) to adopt a child, Barney is looking for a way to show his gratitude. Barney thinks he's found one when the executives at Slate and Company announce that they're giving all their employees intelligence tests to help determine future promotions. When Barney switches his high-scoring test with Fred's, his plan works -- but not quite the way he had hoped: Fred is deemed executive material and given a big promotion, complete with a sexy secretary (Halle Berry) who makes his wife Wilma (Elizabeth Perkins) jealous, while Barney is soon out of a job and can't pay his bills. Bill Hanna and Joseph Barbara, who created the original television series, make cameo appearances here; Elizabeth Taylor gives a fine comic performance as Wilma's nagging mother, and Harvey Korman provides the voice of the Dictabird. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John Goodman, Elizabeth Perkins, (more)
This Hanna-Barbera version of "The Arabian Nights" goes to great pains not to offend any pressure or minority group--so much so that one suspects its political correctness was actually a gag. At any rate, such familiar Hanna-Barbera stars as Yogi Bear, Boo Boo, Magilla Gorilla, Scooby Doo and Shaggy are featured in a trilogy of familiar-looking stories. Episode one, "Alliyah-Din and His Magic Lamp", features Yogi and Boo Boo as genies and a female version of Alladin; episode two, "Sinbad", is a freewheeling spoof of both the original story and of Hanna-Barbera's rival Disney studios, built around the antics of Magilla Gorilla in the title role; and the closing segment, "Scheherezade", finds Scooby and (especially) Shaggy forsaking the solving of mysteries so that they'll have time to spin tales for a cranky caliph. The 90-minute Arabian Nights originally aired September 3, 1994, on the TBS superstation. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Greg Burson, Don Messick, (more)
Set in a charming forest wonderland, this ecologically-conscious animated adventure tells the tale of a badger who inhales toxic fumes and nearly dies. Fortunately, her pals, a mouse, a hedgehog, and a mole are willing to risk their lives to find a cure. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael Crawford, Ben Vereen, (more)
- 1993
From the highly acclaimed Hanna-Barbera animation studios comes the ten-tape children's series Greatest Adventures From the Bible. The episodes are each viewed from the eyes of three young archaeologists from the 20th century -- Derek, Mokey, and Margot. The youngsters are taken back in time to experience Bible stories first-hand. In The Creation, a master storyteller recounts Genesis, the beginning. The story relates the creation of plants, animals, and humans, as well as the disobedience of Adam and Eve and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. Through this tale, children learn a lesson in the dangers of disobeying God. The Creation features the voice talent of Stephanie Zimbalist, Marc Singer, and Tim Curry. Other videos in the series include Noah's Ark, The Nativity, Moses, David and Goliath and more.
~ Sally Barber, All Movie Guide
~ Sally Barber, All Movie Guide
- 1993
- Add Greatest Adventure Stories from the Bible: David and Goliath to QueueAdd Greatest Adventure Stories from the Bible: David and Goliath to top of Queue
From Hanna-Barbera's animated series depicting the tales of the bible, "David and Goliath" tells the tale of David's leadership and determination to follow his God. David uses the strength he finds in his faith and a mere slingshot in defense against the brute Goliath, and is thus able to prevent the people of Israel from becoming enslaved. The video is recommended for older children, along with parental guidance. ~ Sarah Sloboda, All Movie Guide
- 1991
This Hanna-Barbera animated video tells a version of the Bible story about Esther, whose heroism is commemorated annually by the feast of Purim. Esther, a Jewish orphan girl, is chosen by King Ahasuerus of Persia to be his queen. Meanwhile, the king's counselor schemes to bring about the death of Jews throughout the realm. With the help of God, her courage, and her wits, Queen Esther devises a plan that saves her people. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Tom and Jerry's 50th Birthday Classics, vol. 3 is a compilation of six of Tom & Jerry's finest cartoons, including the Academy Award-winning pair "Mouse Trouble" (1944) and "Johann Mouse" (1952). ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Animated cat and mouse, Tom and Jerry, appear in six cartoons on this video, including "Fraidy Cat," "Cue Ball Cat" and Oscar-winning "The Cat Concerto." ~ Kristie Hassen, All Movie Guide
- 1990
In this set of colorful animated videos from Hanna-Barbera Productions, Bible stories for children are told in an entertaining way. Resenting their younger brother, Joseph, and envious about his "coat of many colors," the older brothers sell him into slavery in Egypt. Joseph does best to adapt to dire situations - first working as a household servant, later being held in prison, and eventually earning the trust of the powerful Pharaoh and acting as his counselor. When Joseph's prediction of a seven-year famine turns out to be true, he is made the governor of the land of Canaan where his brothers live - and suddenly their fates are in his hands. Celebrity voices include Barry Bostwick as Joseph and William Schallert as Jacob. ~ Alice Duncan, All Movie Guide
- 1990
Another entertaining video that features Hanna and Barbera along with celebrity guests. Get a close look inside the popularity of this favorite stone-age family. ~ All Movie Guide
Hanna-Barbera's Space Age clan made the leap to the big screen in this animated feature, in which George and the family are transferred to a remote space outpost. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- George O'Hanlon, Mel Blanc, (more)
- 1988
- Add Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf to QueueAdd Scooby-Doo and the Reluctant Werewolf to top of Queue
This made-for-TV animated feature stars only two regular members of the Mystery Machine gang: Scooby Doo and Shaggy (although Scrappy, a late addition to the series, is also present). In place of Freddy, Velma, and Daphne, we have Googie, Shaggy's girl friend. It seems that Shaggy and company are now involved in race car driving. By coincidence, in far-off Transylvania, Count Dracula is getting ready for the annual Monster Car Race -- a race that features such familiar faces as Frankenstein's Monster and his bride, the Mummy, Genghis Kong, and a pair of witches. Normally, the Werewolf is a part of the race, but he has fled this year and nothing Dracula can do will bring him back. As he desperately needs a werewolf for the race, Dracula sends the Hunch Bunch -- a pair of deformed brothers -- to America, where they transform Shaggy into a werewolf. Dracula tells Shaggy that he will take the spell off of him and return him to normal -- but only if he wins the Monster Car Race. That turns out to be easier said than done, especially since Dracula does everything in his power to see that Shaggy will lose and remain a werewolf forever. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Featuring the voices of Perry King as mighty Samson and Linda Purl as his love Delilah, this Hanna-Barbera animated video tells a version of the Bible story concerning Delilah's treachery and Samson's righteous revenge. When the Philistines conquer the Promised Land, only mighty Samson has the strength and moral courage to defend his defeated people. Thwarted in their efforts to vanquish Samson, the Philistines bribe Delilah into discovering and eliminating Samson's source of strength -- his hair. But even shorn of his locks, Samson prevails over his enemies due to his faith in God. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1986
From Hanna-Barbera's animated series depicting the tales of the bible, "Joshua and the Battle of Jericho" tells the tale of Joshua's leadership and determination to follow his God. The story demonstrates Joshua leading the Hebrews through a battle with the Canaanites, who built a wall to prevent them from passing through to the Promised Land. The video is recommended for older children, along with parental guidance. ~ Sarah Sloboda, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Twenty-one years after ending its original ABC prime-time run in 1965, the Hanna Barbera animated adventure series Jonny Quest was revived with 13 brand-new episodes as a component of the weekend syndicated package "Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera." All of the original characters were revived: globetrotting research scientist, Dr. Benton Quest; his tousled-haired son, Jonny; Jonny's bodyguard-tutor, Race Bannon; his mystical young Indian friend, Hadji; and the pet bulldog, Bandit. Of the original voice actors, only Don Messick (as Dr. Quest and Bandit) and Victor Perrin (as perennial villain Dr. Zin) were heard on the later series. In the sixth of the "new" episodes, another member of the Quest team was introduced, a "Monolith Man" named Hardrok. Slightly better animated than the original -- and with markedly wittier dialogue as well as a refreshing increase in its sci-fi-fantasy content -- the Jonny Quest (1986 series) was later incorporated in the same package as the 26 "original" Jonny Quest episodes. Under the blanket title "Classic Jonny Quest," this manifest was seen on cable's Cartoon Network from 1992 to 1995. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Scott Menville, Granville van Dusen, (more)
- 1986
Part of the Greatest Adventure Stories from the Bible video series, which dramatizes the most action-packed biblical tales, Greatest Adventure Stories from the Bible: Jonah follows Jonah's stormy path to redemption. In the program, an elderly Jonah looks back at his life. He describes the night that God pulled him from his sleep with instructions to preach at Ninevah. But Jonah disobeyed God and journeyed to the town of Tarnish. Furious, God sent a fierce storm and Jonah soon found himself trapped in the belly of a whale. The elderly Jonah explains how prayer saved his young life. ~ Betsy Boyd, All Movie Guide
