Super Chicken is an animated segment that ran on the animated television series George of the Jungle. It was produced by Jay Ward and Bill Scott, who earlier had created the Rocky and Bullwinkle cartoons. It debuted September 9, 1967, on ABC.
History
Super Chicken was designed as a parody of the affluent WASP archetype of the 1950s—complete with martini drinking and a sense of social obligation. The character's civilian name, Henry Cabot Henhouse III, is a nod to politician Henry Cabot Lodge Jr.
The character of Super Chicken is an exaggerated play on these traits, much like the crime-fighting millionaire
Batman, as well as earlier heroes like
Zorro and the Scarlet Pimpernel.
The original pilot for Super Chicken included a cast featuring Don Knotts as the voice of Super Chicken and Bill Dana, but the project was shelved and eventually recast, with Bill Scott taking over the lead role, and Paul Frees, who impersonated Ed Wynn in his performance of the Fred character.
Premise
Super Chicken is the alter-ego of wealthy Henry Cabot Henhouse III.
His sidekick is Fred, a vegetarian lion. In his civilian life, Fred serves as Henhouse's butler. When trouble arises, Henhouse drinks his "Super Sauce"—often from a martini glass—prepared by Fred. He then transforms into the superhero Super Chicken, donning a plumed cavalier's hat, cape, Wellington boots, mask, and sword.
Fred's accoutrements consist of a well-coiffed mane, a red turtleneck sweater with a backwards white "F" on it, and a pair of white high top sneakers.
Super Chicken's adventures typically start with the Super Coop, their egg-shaped air vehicle, transporting them to fight crime. After battles, Fred often laments his injuries, prompting Super Chicken to reply with his catchphrase, "You knew the job was dangerous when you took it, Fred!" Episodes conclude with Super Chicken arresting the villain. Super Chicken's headquarters were located atop the Gulf Building, a real building located in downtown Pittsburgh.
Theme song
The theme song was written by the team of Stan Worth and
Sheldon Allman, with Worth primarily composing the music and Allman handling the lyrics.
The lyrics are as follows:
- When you find yourself in danger
- When you're threatened by a stranger
- When it looks like you will take a lickin' (puk, puk, puk, puk)
- There is someone waiting who
- Will hurry up and rescue you
- Just call for Super Chicken! (puk ack!)
- Fred, if you're afraid you'll have to overlook it
- Besides you knew the job was dangerous when you took it (puk ack!)
- He will drink his super sauce
- And throw the bad guys for a loss
- And he will bring them in alive and kickin' (puk, puk, puk, puk)
- There is one thing you should learn
- When there is no one else to turn to
- Call for Super Chicken! (puk, puk, puk, puk)
- Call for Super Chicken! (puk ack!)
Episodes
Appearances in other media
In 1969, Gold Key Comics published two issues of a
George of the Jungle comic book. Each issue contained a story featuring Super Chicken. Issue #1 presented "The Stolen State", and #2 "The Astounding Dr. Gizmo!", both adaptations of cartoon episodes.
See also
-
Chickenman (radio series)
