The Man Called Flintstone

The Man Called Flintstone is an animated comedy film released in 1966, produced by Hanna-Barbera and directed by Joseph Barbera and William Hanna. It stars voice actors Alan Reed, Mel Blanc, and Jean Vander Pyl, modeling their characters from the original The Flintstones television series, a popular sitcom in the early '60s that encapsulates the lives of two couples from the stone-age.

In this 89-minute feature spin-off, Fred Flintstone, the typical blue-collar cave man voiced by Alan Reed, continues to live out his prehistoric suburban lifestyle in the fictional Bedrock. He is known for his boisterous personality, stubbornness, and love for his family, and it is these traits that typically lead to the amusing and varying storylines seen within the franchise. Alongside him are household favorite characters like his ever-patient wife Wilma (Jean Vander Pyl), his best friend and neighbor Barney Rubble (Mel Blanc), and Betty Rubble, Barney's wife.

The big-screen debut is not lacking in the usual humor and modern-stone-age charm that The Flintstones have been known for. It keeps up the tradition of weaving contemporary 20th-century suburban life into the stone age setting. However, the film branches out from its signature suburban sitcom roots, expanding into a compelling and exciting spy thriller.

In The Man Called Flintstone, Fred’s look-alike, a secret agent named Rock Slag, is injured during a chase in Bedrock. Due to their uncanny resemblance, the Secret Service recruits Fred to replace Slag and finish his mission, unbeknownst to Fred's family and friends. Fred suddenly finds himself on a globetrotting adventure, getting embroiled in scenarios nothing like the petty squabbles of suburban life he grapples with in the TV series. Imagine a stone-age James Bond, but instead of the suave, martini-drinking spy, you get a cumbersome yet lovable character navigating through the world of international espionage.

This unique twist amplifies the film’s charm, adding a layer of entertainment for fans as they observe how an ordinary fellow like Fred is thrown into the sophisticated world of secret agents and espionage. The film does not fail to integrate the series' patented humor, keeping its exciting plot light-hearted and comedic for viewers of all ages. It's a seamless blend of the Flintstones' usual comedy and the surprising element of danger and thrill from a classic spy saga.

Mel Blanc, adding another feather to his cap, not only voices Barney Rubble but also takes on the roles of Rock Slag and his sidekick, a clear nod to his versatile talent. The interplay of these new characters and the classic familiar ones only bolsters the amusement and intrigue as the film unfolds.

Music plays an integral part in this feature, with a rich lineup of musical scores and sing-along parts acting as charming intermissions showcasing the characters' emotions and lightening up the mood. The musical numbers, interspersed with the plot’s action, balance the narrative and provide an enjoyable extra layer.

While The Man Called Flintstone is essentially a children's movie, adults too will find amusement in the clever social commentaries and witty satires subtly planted in dialogues and scenarios. Alongside the laughter, the heart-warming relationships and familiar struggles provide a positive message about friendship, bravery, loyalty, and familial love.

The Man Called Flintstone is a delightful gem that fans of the original series and newcomers alike would enjoy. With its unique plot, amusing characters, and engaging balance of comedy, suspense, and music, it serves as a wonderful big-screen adaptation of the much-loved prehistoric family, perfect for a family movie night.