Ziggy in Ziggy's Gift (1982)

Christmas specials fall into one of two different categories - classics or obscurities. This one, though of a classic quality is definitely in the second camp. Our intrepid little hero, so familiar to us from the comic pages, has a devil of a time finding his way through the holiday season, though he never loses his faith and good humor. The special was written by Ziggy's creater, Tom Wilson, and features the voice of Perry Botkin Jr., who created the theme music for another Obscurity Factor series - Quark. The charm and warmth of this special make it a joy to watch. Perhaps it didn't catch on because it's set in a rather bleak urban environment. One way or the other, it's definitely worth seeing.

Ziggy's Gift is available on DVD and can be found relatively easily. It's also been uploaded to YouTube in two parts by jiggerfool. Part 1 is above.

Obscurity factor: 8 (available on DVD & YouTube, known and loved by a cult following of fans)

The Apple - George Dunning & Richard Williams (1963)

This British short film was produced in London and has the distinction of being animator, Richard Williams' [The Little Island, (1958) Who Framed Roger Rabbit (1988)] second project. Williams is an interesting figure. His work is inspired and inspiring, but, like Charles James, the famous couturier, he's found it difficult to complete and let go of projects, most notably his masterpiece, The Thief and the Cobbler, which was seized from his control by the completion bond company two years after it was funded and 24 years after it was begun.

This short is rare and hard to find. It can be seen only online as far as I've been able to surmise. Above is the entire film, uploaded to YouTube by TheThiefArchive.

Obscurity factor: 9 (not on DVD, difficult to find, on YouTube)

Sterling Holloway in Frank Capra's Hemo The Magnificent (1957)

This is another post suggested by my friend Carol. It's part of a series of films made for television in the 50's and early 60's by the Bell Telephone System. All of them explore different aspects of science for a junior audience. As we explore the wonders of Hemo (Greek for blood), we learn not only about the life giving substance, but also the system that circulates it through the body. Along the way we meet members of the animal kingdom who serve as the audience for Dr. Research (Frank C. Baxter) and Mr. Fiction Writer (Richard Carlson) who explain the ins and outs of circulation and the nature of blood. It's not all sunshine and puppy dogs, however. Hemo isn't at all sure that science is the best discipline to explain him with, and refers to the circulatory system as "just plumbing."Sterling Holloway has a short, uncredited cameo as the projector operator at the beginning of the film. Also listen for the voices of Mel Blanc and June Foray in the animated sequences. If you're at all squeamish about peering inside the human body, then be prepared to look away.

This production and many of the other Bell Telephone science programs are available on DVD. Hemo is paired with one called Unchained Goddess. It's also available in full on YouTube. Part one (of two) is above.

Obscurity factor: 8 (on DVD and YouTube, remembered by some, otherwise largely forgotten)

Richard Williams' The Little Island (1958)

This short by legendary animator Richard Williams (Who Framed Roger Rabbit [1988]) examines the nature of man through three symbolic figures alone on a tiny island. The figures represent truth, beauty and goodness and the film wordlessly tells the story of their self absorption, potential and conflict. Williams uses striking graphics and amusing, and at times compelling music to make his points. This was his first film and he is the auteur in the literal sense of the word. He did everything on the film except the music.

Though not available on DVD, it can be found in full on YouTube. Above is part one, uploaded by TheThiefArchive.

Obscurity factor: 8 (not on DVD, available on YouTube, known to film buffs, but otherwise forgotten)

Alistair Sim & Michael Redgrave in A Christmas Carol (1971)

This animated version of the Dickens classic, executive produced by Chuck Jones, has a lot going for it. Though short (it's only about 25 minutes), it's considered by some to be the most faithful telling of the story on film. The animation is extremely lush and imaginatively conceived, with startling imagery and compelling transitions. Lastly, it features a reprise of Sim's portrayal of the miser, Scrooge, as well as Michael Hordern's performance as Marley's ghost from the 1951 live action version of the story. I highly recommend this dark and sometimes ponderous version of the tale. Listen for Michael Redgrave's narration as well.

It's somewhat curious that this production has yet to make it to DVD. It has a very interesting history. It was so well received that it was given a theatrical release shortly after it aired on television, for which it was produced. This release made it eligible for Oscar nomination, which it won in the category of best animated short film. This so rankled members of the Academy that it caused rules to be changed about productions appearing on television. Though not on DVD, it is available on VHS. The price is dear, however, hovering around $75. It can be seen in full on Google Videos, and on YouTube, where the resolution is better, but it's broken up into three parts. Part one is above, uploaded by TheThiefArchive.

Obscurity factor: 9 (not on DVD, available on VHS and YouTube, largely forgotten)

The Norman Luboff Choir in The Night Before Christmas (1968)

This dramatization of the writing of the famous poem by Clement Clark Moore tells the story of the Moore family and the oldest daughter who asks Papa for a storybook about Santa Claus. While he's out of town on business she gets very sick with pneumonia. He's unable to find a book about St. Nick, so he writes the story to help his daughter get well. The poem is set to music and sung by the Norman Luboff Choir

This is another one of those specials that has become somewhat forgotten over time. It's rarely, if ever aired now, and there has never been a commercial DVD released of it. It can be found on iOffer.com and seen on YouTube, however. Part one is above, uploaded by cb82fan.

Obscurity factor

Jim Backus in Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus (1974)

This holiday special is based on the true story of a girl who wrote to the editor of The New York Sun asking if there was really a Santa Claus. The response has become iconic "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus." Directed by Bill Melendez, the force behind the Peanuts specials, this half hour special has the same quality and also features the voices of real children. Though the story takes place in 1897, it's full of 1970's multicultural imagery. Listen for the voice of Jim Backus as the narrator and Santa Claus and for little Jimmy Osmond singing the closing theme.

Unlike Melendez's Peanuts specials, this one has fallen into obscurity. It can be seen in full on YouTube, but there has been only a VHS release - no DVD yet. Part one is above, uploaded by pressmin.

Obscurity factor: 9 (not on DVD, available on YouTube, largely forgotten)

Sammy Davis Jr., Zsa Zsa Gabor & Hedda Hopper in Alice in Wonderland (1966)

This Hanna Barbera production of Alice in Wonderland (subtitled What's a Nice Girl Like You Doing in a Place Like This?) is updated to contemporary suburban America. The familiar tale is changed to reflect the times beginning with Alice's (Janet Waldo) journey, which isn't down a rabbit hole, but through a television screen. She meets the requisite assortment of characters including the White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat (Davis Jr.), the Queen of Hearts (Gabor) and the Mad Hatter (Harvey Korman) who, in this version has a wife played by Hedda Hopper. Also featured are Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble (Alan Reed and Mel Blanc) as the Talking Caterpillar.

As far as I can tell, this production of the classic story isn't available on DVD. It can be seen in full on YouTube, however. Above is part one, uploaded by OneDareLand.

Obscurity factor: 9 (not on DVD, available on YouTube, not well remembered)

Alan Reed, Mel Blanc & Harvey Korman in The Man Called Flintstone (1966)

The curious similarity between secret agent Rock Slag and Fred Flintstone is uncanny. It's this similarity that lands Fred the job of filling in for Slag when he's injured in Bedrock. His assignment is to stop the terrible Green Goose from destroying the world and that quest takes him to Paris and Rome.

MoviePosterShop.com

This full length feature is the first one starring the popular characters and, though silly, has a flashy sixties style to it. Listen for the voice of Harvey Korman as Chief Mountmore. Also featured are voice artists Janet Waldo and Paul Frees.

This is marginally well known to the general public and very well known to fans of The Flintstones and fans of cartoons in general. It's available on DVD and can be watched on Veoh. Above are the opening credits, uploaded to YouTube by alexmystyleno3.

Obscurity factor: 2 (somewhat known to the general public, on DVD and Veoh)

Daws Butler & Janet Waldo in The Space Kiddets (1966)

This Hanna Barbera series set in space features a gang of kids who were constantly beset upon by space pirate Captain Skyhook and his evil henchman Static (both Butler). The kids were less distinct, though they did have cute names, including one named, oddly enough, Snoopy. Their dog was called Pupstar. The shows were originally produced as 15 minute stories meant to be interspersed with other content in a half hour time slot.

The clip above is the opening sequence, uploaded by cartoonboy180. One of the more memorable conceits of the show revolved around a treasure map that the Captain wanted from the kids, but was unwilling to do them harm to get. Static on the other hand was more than willing to go that extra mile and was constantly being kept in check by the Captain, as can be seen in the clip below, uploaded by WarnerBrosOnline. The animation style was clever and sophisticated with something of a Chuck Jones quality to it, as evidenced by the quivering spaceship in this clip.

This series has made it to DVD, along with the show that replaced it - Young Samson. It's part of the Warner Archive collection.

Obscurity factor: 9 (on DVD, barely remembered)

Lorenzo Music in Garfield's Thanksgiving Special (1989)

In today's culture, Thanksgiving is about two things - giving thanks and eating. This special is mainly concerned with the latter. Garfield goes through several traumas in this special, including the vet and an owner who can't cook. Listen for character actress Pat Caroll as Grandma.

This special is known to Garfield fans and people who were kids in the late 80's. It's available on DVD and can be seen in full on YouTube, thanks to an upload by GarfieldSpecials2011. Part one is above.

Obscurity factor: 6 (on DVD, known to Garfield fans, not generally known otherwise)

Destination Earth (1956)

This little promotional film comes from a time when the oil and gas industry wasn't on one side of a huge political divide. The chasm that has opened up in this country wasn't even a crack in 1956 when this was produced. On Mars, an unpleasant dictatorship is the form of government, and the problems facing the Martian populace include no reliable fuel for powering their civilization and no lubricants for their machinery. What's a dictator to do, but send a fearless adventurer over to the next planet to borrow a cup of information. Down comes Colonel Cosmic to investigate. He lands in the USA, where he learns that the society runs on something called oil, and that the people of the land would be in a sorry state if they didn't have this miracle substance. He also learns that the idea of capitalism - the free market and a government that doesn't meddle in it with a lot of silly regulations - is another important ingredient in the success of this strange land. He returns with this important information and transforms the Martian economy in one day as the inhabitants go about prospecting for oil and setting up businesses.

This strange piece of mid-century propaganda is in the public domain and is consequently readily available in a number of places. It can be seen above, thanks to an upload to YouTube by shaggylocks.

Obscurity factor: 9 (readily available in several places, but almost totally unknown, not on DVD)

Lorenzo Music in Carlton Your Doorman (1980)

Inspired by the Mrs. Columbo (1979) post the other day, Leighton did a little research into spin-offs and found this ultra-rare special. It was created by and featured Lorenzo Music in his role as Rhoda's besotted doorman, Carlton, now in a new position as a doorman in a seedy hotel.

Image: Toonarific

The show is extremely hard to find. I've only been able to locate one source for it. Toonarific.com has copies available, though the price is quite steep - $100. Above and below are a few screen grabs from it.

Image: Toonarific

This extremely rare special, produced by MTM productions has never made it to a commercial DVD release. It's not available for viewing online that I can find. The factor number should really be 11 or 12 for this one.

Obscurity factor: 10 (extremely rare and hard to find, not on DVD or YouTube, no online video available)

Casey Kasem in The Cattanooga Cats (1969)

Obscurity factor: 8

Anyone who loves 60's and early 70's bubblegum music should know about the Cattanooga Cats. This  series followed the animated antics of the similarly named band as they traveled around singing their upbeat music. The series was made up of segments with the Cats, short musical interludes, something like music videos and segments featuring three other sets of characters - Around the World in 79 Days, It's the Wolf! (featuring Paul Lynde as Mildew) and Motormouse and Autocat. Originally an hour long, Saturday morning show, it was shortened to a half our in its second year and was cancelled in 1971. Casey Kasem, noted radio DJ voiced one of the cats in the speaking portion of the show. He didn't contribute his voice in the songs, however.

The Cats have developed something of a cult following, though the actual episodes can be hard to find. Many of the musical interludes can be found on YouTube. Above are the opening credits, uploaded by cartooncoon.

Obscurity factor: 8 (enjoys a small cult following, not on DVD, available on YouTube)

Mad, Mad, Mad Monsters by Rankin/Bass (1972)

This follow up to Mad Monster Party (1967) is actually something of a prequel, telling the story of how Dr. Frankenstein made the mate for his original monster. It was produced as an installment in The ABC Saturday Superstar Movie series.

This was released on DVD shortly after it's predecessor was. Above is a clip from the film, uploaded to YouTube by buster2k8.

Obscurity factor: 8 (largely forgotten, available on DVD and in part on YouTube)

Boris Karloff & Phyllis Diller in Mad Monster Party (1967)

Rankin Bass were tops in stop motion, making many classic holiday specials including Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. They also produced other projects that are just as fun, but not as well known. This is one of those projects. Released in theaters, this film tells the story of Baron Von Frankenstein (Karloff), who wants to retire from his career of mayhem and pass the mantle on to his nephew Felix. When Felix proves unsuitable due to his sweet disposition, the annual monster convention  the Baron has chosen to break the news becomes a power-grab free-for-all. Who will prevail and win control over the secret of total destruction?

MoviePosterShop.com

Look for caricatures of Peter Lorre and Tina Louise and listen for a caricature of Jimmy Stewart. This film is full of musical numbers, including a wacky number by Phyllis Diller called "You're Different." Though intended mainly for children, the story line does make some darker, more adult statements on society.

This film is available on DVD and scenes can be found on YouTube. Above is the trailer, uploaded by srsnoid.

Obscurity factor: 4 (has cult following but is otherwise fairly unknown, on DVD & in part on YouTube)

Fred Travaleno & Janet Waldo in The Secret World of Og (1983)

This animated miniseries was originally broadcast as part of the ABC Weekend Specials. It tells the story of Penny, Peter, Patsy and Pamela who go through a trap door in the floor of their playhouse in search of their brother, Paul, who's mysteriously gone missing. While down there, they discover the world of Og, populated by small, green people who can only say the word "og." This series was based on a Canadian children's literary classic of the same name by Pierre Berton.

This has been released on DVD and can be found on Amazon. Above is a little taste of the show, uploaded to YouTube by spockvideo.

Obscurity factor: 8 (available on DVD, not well remembered)

Howard Morris in Atom Ant (1965)

If you grew up in the 60's, then you're probably familiar with Atom Ant. His popularity waned in the 70's and remains relatively obscure today. Atom Ant was a super hero cartoon character who used his powers to fight crime. His diminutive size gave crooks a false sense of security until they found themselves hoisted in the air. In the clip below, Atom helps out an actor who plays his television hero, Super Guy at a personal appearance.

Though there's never been a dedicated DVD release of this Hanna-Barbera show, it can be found on several compilations. There's been talk of a live action version for film. Segments can be found on YouTube like the one above, uploaded by duckstalgia.

Obscurity factor: 2 (has something of a cult following, included in DVD compilations, available onYouTube)

Daws Butler in Help! It's the Hair Bear Bunch! (1971)

This animated series follows the exploits of Hair Bear (Butler), a swinging, hip, kinda now, kinda bear, and his pals Square and Bubi, as they try and have fun. Their nemesis is Mr. Peevly, the zookeeper, who does his best to keep them in line. They live in a cave at the zoo that is customized with a full kitchen and bedroom furniture that recesses into the walls when anyone comes around. Square Bear also has an invisible motorcycle he rides around the zoo. In this particular zoo, the animals are charged with keeping the grounds clean and are frequently seen doing chores. The rest of the animal population of the zoo are friends of the bears and help them in their schemes.

This series ran for only on season on CBS and features some fun cultural stereotypes of the early 70's. The episode above is the first one shown and was uploaded to YouTube by HairBearBunchCartoon.

Obscurity factor: 7 (remembered by those who watched, not on DVD, available on YouTube and occasionally aired on TV)

Dom DeLuise in The Roman Holidays (1972)

When you have a winning formula, stick to it! That's the impetus that drove Hanna-Barbera to create this series in 1972. It's got all the elements of The Flintstones and The Jetsons with just a change of venue. Set in ancient Rome, this series follows the lives of the Holiday family, headed by hapless Gus (Dave Willock). Gus works in construction for the greedy Mr. Tycoonius (Hal Smith). The family lives with their pet lion Brutus (Daws Butler) in the Venus De Milo Arms apartment complex owned by their nemesis landlord, Mr. Evictus (DeLuise). Each week the family would get into typical sit-com situations. The show lasted for just one season, only 13 episodes were produced.

The series has yet to make it to DVD. It seems it was somewhat more popular in Brazil, where it was called Os Mussarelas (The Mozzarellas). You can find several episodes on YouTube and other sites dubbed into Portugese. Above are the opening credits in English, uploaded to YouTube by JediJuggernaut.

Obscurity factor: 10 (hard to find in English, not on DVD)