Network: CBC Television Network
Broadcast Run: 1954 to 1959
Broadcast Medium: Television
In autumn l954, the CBC built its own Doodyville in a Toronto studio.The show’s host was Timber Tom, a forest ranger played by James Doohan and Peter Mews. Clarabell was actually Alfie Scopp, and Larry Mann played Cap’n Scuttlebutt. Toby Tarnow played Pan, Caryl McBain was Princess Haida, Jean Cavall played Papa La Touke, Drew Thompson played Mendel Mason, and Barbara Hamilton was Willow.
Howdy Doody originated in l945 on a New York radio show called Triple B Ranch, hosted by Bob Smith. There, a character called Elmer introduced himself with the catchphrase, “Well, howdy doody!” The marionette Howdy Doody first appeared on television two days after Christmas l947, on a show called Puppet Playhouse, hosted by Smith, later named “Buffalo Bob” by the Sycapoose Indians.
Aired Mon/Wed/Fri 4:30-5:00 p.m.EST, November 1954 to June 1959.
Written by John Corcelli – April, 2002