Atomic Robot: How Hong Kong Phooey Became a Saturday Morning Classic

How Hong Kong Phooey Became a Saturday Morning Classic | Retro Saturday Morning

"Hong Kong Phooey" was a delightful animated series that brought laughter to Saturday mornings! Created by the talented folks at Hanna-Barbera Productions, this colorful show aired on ABC from September 7, 1974, until December 21, 1974. The star of the show, Hong Kong Phooey, is a hilariously clumsy yet charming character who, underneath his superhero persona, is actually Penrod "Penry" Pooch. Penry holds the unassuming job of a janitor at a bustling police station, where he finds himself dodging the watchful eye of Sergeant Flint, affectionately known as "Sarge."

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As Penry goes about his duties, he’s always on high alert for any signs of trouble that require his special brand of help. Whenever a call to action arises, Penry transforms into Hong Kong Phooey by diving into a filing cabinet to swap his janitorial garb for a vibrant karate outfit. He then hops into his trusty Phooeymobile, a car capable of morphing into any vehicle he might need at a moment's notice. Accompanied by his loyal sidekick, a cat named Spot, Hong Kong Phooey embarks on entertaining adventures filled with action and laughs, attempting to rectify various wrongs in the world around him.

Interestingly, Hong Kong Phooey acquired his karate skills through an unconventional means—a correspondence course! Throughout his escapades, he often consults his textbook, "The Hong Kong Book of Kung Fu," adding a humorous twist to his superhero antics. The series ran for a total of 16 episodes, which were aired and rerun frequently over the next couple of years, cementing its place in the hearts of viewers.

In addition to the animated series, Hong Kong Phooey also made his mark in the comic book world, featured in a nine-issue run published by Charlton Comics from June 1975 to November 1976. Fans of the character were thrilled to see him return to television in 1977 during "Scooby's All-Star Laff-a-Lympics," and he made yet another comeback in 1980, appearing in "The Godzilla/Hong Kong Phooey Hour."

The beloved voice of Hong Kong Phooey was performed by the talented Scatman Crothers, who had a remarkable career in entertainment, including roles as Crazy Legs in Don Bluth’s "Banjo the Woodpile Cat," Scat Cat in Disney’s "The AristoCats," and Liquid Man in "Super Globetrotters." The character of Spot was voiced by Don Messick, who brought to life numerous characters, including the dog in "The Jetsons" and other beloved non-anthropomorphic animals. Messick also lent his voice as the narrator for the show, adding another layer of charm to the series.

Kathy Gori voiced Rosemary, the police station operator who was infatuated with Hong Kong Phooey but often dismissed the bumbling Penry, providing a comedic contrast. The role of Sergeant Flint was brought to life by Joe E. Ross, who was predominantly known for his face-acting skills but also contributed his voice to works like "Help! It’s the Hair Bear Bunch."

The final episode, titled "Comedy Cowboys," was intended as a backdoor pilot for an exciting new series. In this two-part adventure, new characters like Honcho, The Mystery Maverick, and Posse Impossible make their debut, helping to exonerate Hong Kong Phooey from a wrongful accusation. These new characters later found their own spotlight in the "Posse Impossible" segment on "CB Bears."

Overall, "Hong Kong Phooey" remains a beloved classic, charming audiences with its unique blend of humor, action, and unforgettable characters. Whether you’re revisiting the reruns or discovering it for the first time, the show is a delightful reminder of the playful spirit of animation!