George of the Jungle

George of the Jungle is a classic animated television series that aired on Cartoon Network from 1967 to 1970. Produced by Jay Ward, who was also famously known for creating "The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show", this animation was distinctive for its lighthearted and satirical humor which appealed to both children as well as adults. During its duration, George of the Jungle managed to charm its viewers, becoming a favorite on the network and exerting a powerful influence on future cartoons.

The premise of the show centers around the protagonist, George, a Tarzan-like character who, instead of being the king of the jungle, is depicted more humorously as the clumsy but well-meaning 'fallback' guy. Voiced by Bill Scott, George's portrayal is delightfully entertaining, offset by his famous catchphrase, 'Watch out for that tree', often exclaimed moments before he comically crashes into one. He is always clothed in a red loin cloth and bears a striking figure with his muscular build. Despite his appearance, however, George isn't characterized by a great deal of sophistication. He's more of a bumbling, loveable goof who often generates more problems than solutions. Yet, George is truly a hero with a heart of gold, always on a quest to help others, which is endearing and achieves plenty of comedic effect.

Accompanying George on his escapades is his clever and elegant wife, Ursula, and his loyal pet, an erudite talking gorilla named Ape. Voiced by June Foray, Ursula is a far cry from your typical damsel in distress. Blessed with plenty of street smart characteristics, Ursula often gets George out of utmost situations that his own hapless stunts have led him into. On the other side, we have Ape, voiced by Paul Frees, who in contrast to George's goofy nature, is defined by his intellectual and snobbish demeanor. Ape's character often emphasizes the comic contrast with his master, making him an unforgettable character.

The humor in George of the Jungle can be defined as slapstick and satire, often filled with puns and tongue-in-cheek dialogue. In lieu of traditional narratives, the episodes often present ridiculous scenarios that result in chaos, only to be resolved by George in unusual ways.

The animated series, in its unique style, was also a thread of short animated featurettes. Each episode of George of the Jungle included two shorts featuring George, along with one short from either "Super Chicken" or "Tom Slick, Racer." These segments were also filled with their own brand of irreverent humor, many of which parodied popular culture and typical cartoon motifs of the era. Super Chicken, voiced by the talented Bill Scott as well, was a superhero chicken who cleverly outwits his foes, while Tom Slick, voiced by Daws Butler, was a clean-cut race car driver in pursuit of trophies rather than justice. Both of these segments added more diversity and hilarity to the entire series.

Visually, George of the Jungle was a testament to the creativity and originality that typified cartoons in the late 60s and 70s. The animation was often zany and exaggerated, with characters designed with a rubbery, flexible quality that added to the humor. The visuals were bright and colorful, with the jungle setting offering a rich palette of greens and browns that made the show more visually cheesy and appealing.

The show also spawned a catchy title theme song composed by Stan Worth and Sheldon Allman; it became so iconic that the tune is often recognized, even by those who may not be familiar with the show. The song perfectly captures the playful and upbeat tone of the series and has since become synonymous with the character himself.

In conclusion, George of the Jungle is a hilarious and charming animated series that brought hours of delight and laughter to the viewers. Its ability to combine absurd plots, satirical humor, memorable characters, and visually appealing animation into a comedy package sets it apart from other shows of the time. Although it only aired for a few seasons, its impact on the animation industry, and the enjoyment it brought to countless viewers, makes it an unforgettable classic that's worth revisiting even after all these years.