Written By: Ken HulseyAnother Saturday morning rolls around, and with it comes a nostalgic trip back to the animated treasures of the early 70s! This week, I’m thrilled to pick up where I left off, diving into another fantastic cartoon that loosely adapted a beloved television series. Get ready to explore the whimsical world of the 1973 Hanna-Barbera classic, *Jeannie*! If the name rings a bell, it’s no surprise—it’s the animated take on the hit sitcom *I Dream of Jeannie*.
Now, unlike the previous cartoons I've examined—*Emergency +4*, *The Addams Family*, and *The New Adventures of Gilligan*—*Jeannie* takes a completely different approach in its adaptation. The enchanting title character, once portrayed as a mature adult by the striking Barbara Eden, is transformed into a sprightly teenager, voiced by the talented Julie McWhirter. And as for the male lead, we go from Astronaut Tony Nelson—a role famously played by Larry Hagman—to the laid-back teenage surfer, Corey, brought to life by none other than Mark Hamill, known for his iconic role in *Star Wars*!
Adding a delightful twist, we have Babu, an endearing comedic sidekick voiced by former Three Stooges member Joe Besser, which brings the Hanna-Barbera charm to the forefront. In this fun-filled adventure, we meet Corey Anders, a high school student who stumbles upon Jeannie's magical bottle while catching some waves. Once he opens it, he becomes the master of not just Jeannie but also her clumsy apprentice, Babu. With Jeannie depicted as a lively 16-year-old, she finds herself mentoring the eager but bumbling Babu, who often causes chaos with his rookie magic. This duo is nothing short of hilarious as they navigate the challenges of friendship, teenage life, and magical mishaps!
The show brings plenty of laughs as Corey tries to keep Jeannie and Babu's true identities under wraps while attending Center City High School. Can you imagine the mischief? Episodes are filled with Corey's adventures alongside his confidant, Henry Glopp—his trusted friend who’s in on the secret of Jeannie’s otherworldly origins. Plus, we have a colorful cast of characters like Mrs. Anders, Corey's well-meaning but oblivious mom, and S. Melvin Farthinggale, the snooping antagonist who's always lurking around, suspicious of the magical happenings in the Anders' home!
*Jeannie*, produced by the dynamic team of William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, shines brightly with the creative touch of director Charles August Nichols and producer Iwao Takamoto. Interestingly, the mastermind behind *I Dream of Jeannie*, Sidney Sheldon, isn’t credited here due to the significant differences in their concepts—a move to target a younger audience. The catchy musical vibes were crafted by Hoyt Curtin, under the watchful eye of Paul DeKorte. Even though *Jeannie* was a Hanna-Barbera creation, it was proudly distributed by Columbia Pictures!
So, there you have it—a magical romp through the enchanting realm of *Jeannie*! With its humor, charm, and a talented cast, this cartoon reminds us of the joy that classic animated shows can bring, all while adding a refreshing twist to a well-loved story. Tune in, and let the adventures unfold!
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