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Super Chicken

From CartoonWiki

Template:Short description Template:About Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox television Template:Infobox character Super Chicken is a segment that ran on the animated television series George of the Jungle. It was produced by Jay Ward and Bill Scott, who earlier had created the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons. It debuted September 9, 1967, on ABC.[1]

History

Super Chicken was designed as a parody of the affluent WASP archetype of the 1950s—complete with martini drinking and a sense of social obligation.Script error: No such module "Unsubst". The character’s civilian name, Henry Cabot Henhouse III, is a nod to politician Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.[2] The character of Super Chicken is an exaggerated play on these traits, much like the crime-fighting millionaire Bruce Wayne/Batman, as well as earlier heroes like Zorro and the Scarlet Pimpernel.

The original pilot for Super Chicken included a cast featuring Don Knotts as the voice of Super Chicken and Bill Dana, but the project was shelved and eventually recast, with Bill Scott taking over the lead role, who impersonated Ed Wynn in his performance of the Fred character.

Premise

Super Chicken is the alter-ego of wealthy Henry Cabot Henhouse III.[2] His sidekick is Fred, a vegetarian lion. In his civilian life, Fred serves as Henhouse’s butler. When trouble arises, Henhouse drinks his "Super Sauce"—often from a martini glass—prepared by Fred. He then transforms into the superhero Super Chicken, donning a plumed cavalier's hat, cape, Wellington boots, mask, and sword.

Super Chicken's adventures typically start with the Super Coop, their egg-shaped air vehicle, transporting them to fight crime. After battles, Fred often laments his injuries, prompting Super Chicken to reply with his catchphrase, "You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred!" Episodes conclude with Super Chicken arresting the villain.

Theme song

The theme song was written by the team of Stan Worth and Sheldon Allman, with Worth primarily composing the music and Allman handling the lyrics.[3] The lyrics are as follows:[4]

When you find yourself in danger
When you're threatened by a stranger
When it looks like you will take a lickin' (puk, puk, puk, puk)
There is someone waiting who
Will hurry up and rescue you
Just call for Super Chicken! (puk ack!)
Fred, if you're afraid you'll have to overlook it
Besides you knew the job was dangerous when you took it (puk ack!)
He will drink his super sauce
And throw the bad guys for a loss
And he will bring them in alive and kickin' (puk, puk, puk, puk)
There is one thing you should learn
When there is no one else to turn to
Call for Super Chicken! (puk, puk, puk, puk)
Call for Super Chicken! (puk ack!)

Episodes

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Appearances in other media

In 1969, Gold Key Comics published two issues of a George of the Jungle comic book. Each issue contained a story featuring Super Chicken. Issue #1 presented "The Stolen State", and #2 "The Astounding Dr. Gizmo!", both adaptations of cartoon episodes.[5]

See also

References

Template:George of the Jungle