The ABC Weekend Special
The ABC Weekend Special introduced kids to literature through
live-action and animated retellings of popular children's stories.
Originally a monthly special, the show moved to a weekly run in the
fall of 1977, and has appeared off and on ever since.
Culling from its own ABC Short Story Special and ABC Afterschool Special
programs, the anthology show added new material from nearly every
animation company around, including Hanna-Barbera, Ruby-Spears, Marvel,
DIC, Film Roman, and more.
Michael Young served as the original host, replaced after two
seasons by Willie Tyler and his puppet, Lester. The pair lasted until
1984, when they were ousted by Cap'n O.G. Readmore. Initials
notwithstanding, the Cap'n was not an "Original Gangsta," but rather an
animated cat in a navy uniform.
With over twenty years on the air, it would be impossible to list the many stories The ABC Weekend Special has brought to young viewers. Among the more popular: The Red Room Riddle, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, The Trouble With Miss Switch and The Return of Miss Switch, The Littles), The Secret World of Og, The Legend of Lochnagar (written and narrated by Prince Charles), and The Magic Pearl.
Airing early in the afternoon, The ABC Weekend Special may
never have had the ratings and toy tie-ins of its morning competitors,
but it taught kids an important lesson in an entertaining way. In the
words of Cap'n O.G. himself:
"Read a book with me and you will see
That reading... is where it's at!"
|
 |
| 
