Raising Foodini: A Tribute to Pioneer Puppet Master Morey Bunin
September
14, 2003
A selection of rare kinescopes celebrating
the work of early television puppeteer and animator Morey Bunin,
this tribute features “The
Adventures of Lucky Pup,” a children’s program described
by writer
William Saroyan in 1949 as “without doubt the best and most
dramatic show on television.” In contrast to its kinder rival “The
Howdy Doody Show,” the series contained adult humor, and its
devilish lead character Foodini, a magician scheming for money and
success, can be seen to anticipate the Muppets. By the 1960s, Bunin
had developed the “Aniform” process, an innovative form
of video animation that employs puppetry techniques. Members of the
Bunin family will introduce the program.
Organized by Ronald S. Magliozzi, Assistant Curator, Research and
Collections, and Hans Staats, Intern, Department of Film and Media.
With thanks to the Bunin family and the American Museum of the Moving
Image.
. c. 1950–51.
USA. Directed by Morey Bunin. With Morey and Hope Bunin, Doris
Brown, George Fryne.
Opening commercial segment for Ipana toothpaste. CBS-TV. 5 min.
. 1953–1976. USA. Directed by Morey Bunin.
With Morey and Hope Bunin, Ed Sullivan, Dick Clark, David Seville
and The Chipmunks, Betty Johnson. The puppets appear with musical
performers on shows like “American Bandstand.” 15 min.
. 1948. USA. Directed
by Morey Bunin. With Doris Brown. Foodini takes a generosity pill
intended for Lucky Pup. CBS-TV. 15 min.
. 1958. USA. Directed by Martin Hoade. Teleplay
by Morey Bunin, based on a story by Alan Marcus. A coming-of-age
fable produced by the Jewish Theological Seminary. NBC-TV. 12 min.
excerpt.
. 1962–1976. USA. Directed by Morey Bunin.
With Hank Stohl. Excerpts from “Foodini the Great” and “The
Surprise Show,” including an early appearance of the character
Bullwinkle J. Moose. 17 min.
Total running time 64 min.
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