Crusader Rabbit (Continued)

Alexander & Ward contracted a deal with NBC and produced 195 episodes of “Crusader Rabbit” from 1949-1951, consisting of 10 crusades made up of five minute segments.  Each cartoon ended with a cliffhanger so we Crusader Rabbit fans would stay tuned for the next episode.  The NBC budget was extremely low, so instead of 40 cells per foot of film as in a theatrical cartoon, they used only four, thus giving “Crusader Rabbit” a story-board look.  Veteran producer Jerry Fairbanks signed on to the project, and the talented Lucille Bliss did the voice of Crusader, and the talented Roy Whaley did the narration.

In 1951 NBC had money problems so “Crusader Rabbit” was cancelled.  Rights over the ownership were fought over until 1957 when Saul Bonsall of Capitol Enterprises purchased Television Arts Production.  Bonsall went on to create 13 more crusades of 260 episodes, this time in color, often using themes from the earlier crusades, with Ge Ge Pearson doing Crusader’s voice.

There were 455 episodes of “Crusader Rabbit” altogether.  WNBC-TV in New York City aired “Crusader Rabbit” off and on from 1949-1967.  Episodes appeared in syndication into the early 1980’s.  Metromedia purchased the rights in the 1970’s, and in the 1980’s Rupert Murdock bought Metromedia.  So now the Fox Network owns the Crusader Rabbit cartoons which are no longer being shown.

What became memorable for many of us Baby Boomers about “Crusader Rabbit” was later on the cartoons were not shown in their proper sequence so you never got to see the cliffhanger problem resolved - this was kind of humorous in itself.  Also, the unmistakable high pitch of Crusader Rabbit’s voice and the loveable, yet dim-witted character of Ronald T. “Rags” Tiger were a perfect duo.  “Crusader Rabbit” is definitely a part of Baby Boomer memorabilia (for those who can remember that far back).

It was “Crusader Rabbit” that began the rite of passage of Saturday morning cartoons.  Our friends, the rabbits, once again shining in all their glory.  It is sad that the classic and historical “Crusader Rabbit” collection has never been put on DVD - we can always hope.

For your viewing pleasure, see the very first episode of "Crusader Rabbit" and how Crusader meets his sidekick Rags: Crusader vs the State of Texas.