60 Years Ago: The Magilla Gorilla Show

January 15, 1964 marked the premiere of Hanna-Barbera’sThe Magilla Gorilla Show.

The name for this loveable simian was obviously filched from the Yiddish word megillah because it made a nice rhyme. His brawny physique, derby hat, suspenders and bow tie have always reminded me of criminal “muscle” characters from ’30s gangster movies, or comedians who played them, like Rags Ragland. Voiced by Allan Melvin (brilliant casting) he wasn’t violent, though he often didn’t know his own strength. And of course he constantly eats bananas.

The running gag was that Magilla lives in a pet shop window waiting to be purchased. On the few occasions when someone buys him he always proves too problematic and is invariably brought back for a refund. (As history has taught, home ownership of any of the higher primates is a BAD idea). The guy who owns the pet shop, played by Howard Morris (and later Don Messick) is named MELVIN PEEBLES, just like the film director. Apparenly it’s a coincidence; one wonders if the director added the “Van” just to put a little daylight between himself and the cartoon.

In addition to Magilla Gorilla’s storylines, there were also segments starring Richochet Rabbit, and a couple of now forgotten hillbilly characters name Punkin Puss and Mushmouse. The show ran through 1967 in its original incarnation, but was later revived many times. I recall him vividly as one of the more useful athletes on the Laff-a-Lympics (that show was real, right?) As Magilla himself used to put it: “We’ll try again next week”.