Remembering My Childhood Stars Part One: Captain Kangaroo

With the passing of childhood star Shirley Temple, I started thinking about my own childhood and although Shirley was before my time I started thinking about all the movies and TV shows I grew up with and how far back can I remember.

I would have to say my earliest memories are of the children’s television show Captain Kangaroo which ran on television for almost 30 years. The Captain had his handy man Mr Green Jeans and a cast of critters that included ‘Dancing Bear’ ‘Bunny Rabbit’ ‘Mister Moose’ and ‘Grandfather Clock’

I remember the music and the Captain would put his key ring on a hook and the music would stop and the earlier version he would open little doors inside the main door and look through at you.

I recall one of the cartoons on the show  was Tom Terrific with Manfred the Wonder Dog and his arch enemy Crabby Appleton.

Mr Moose would tell jokes and always lure the Captain into a spot were he would be showered with ping pong balls and the Bunny Rabbit character never spoke, but he would find a way to get carrots away from the Captain. Dancing Bear would of course dance to musical numbers!

The Captain would tell us stories and I remember the magic drawing board along with the music which featured “Inchworm” and Somewhere Over The Rainbow” A very simple show in black and white…but magic to a 5 year old..