“There’s no need to fear…Underdog is here.”

“Underdog,” the animated TV series, started in October 1964 and ran in syndication until 1973.The floppy eared Beagle crime fighter has become an American pop culture icon.

The show began with a parody of Superman’s famous opening. “Look, up in the sky, it’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a frog. A frog?” Then Underdog would say in his wimpy little voice and characteristic rhyming speech "Not bird, nor plane, nor even frog, it's just little 'ole me, Underdog!”

Underdog was the crime fighting alter ego of mild mannered Shoeshine Boy. He was often called into action by his girl friend, TV reporter Sweet Polly Purebred, when there was danger. When she called “Oh where, oh where has my Underdog gone?” Shoeshine Boy would slip into a phone booth and emerge as a champion of truth and justice fighting arch enemies such as Simon Bar Sinister and Riff Raff.

Occasionally Underdog would lose his power (no, not kryptonite or catnip) but he carried an energy pill in a secret compartment of his ring. I’m not sure how his drug usage would play with parents today. Oh, wait, it was probably a Flintstone vitamin. Nevermind.

The super wimpy voice was provided by Wally Cox who played the title role in the TV show “Mr. Peepers” and for years appeared on “Hollywood Squares.”

In the early 1940’s DC comics sued Fawcett comics saying that Captain Marvel was a rip off of Superman. No such suit was ever brought against Underdog in spite of the similarities.

Dogs can get away with a lot.

Comments

[Khyra]

I have no fear!

A poodle dog is near!

hugz&khysses,
Khyra

[Dennis the Vizsla]

hello jan its dennis the vizsla dog oh hay yes we shoor can git away with a lot!!! ha ha ok bye

[cube]

I can still sing the theme song and have very fond memories of the humble, yet lovable Underdog. Thanks for the blast from the past.

[Marion]

I couldn't remember who you were talking about until I played the cartoons. I remembered his song.

"carried an energy pill in a secret compartment of his ring. I’m not sure how his drug usage would play with parents today." Too funny...I can just imagine!

[Jimmy]

Yes, I rememeber Underdog well, and even remember Touche Turtle!!!!????
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxVh1U_mrh0

[kasha]

I love Underdog!
Kasha and Africa

[Clive]

We never got that cartoon over here but its sounds great fun!

[Hudson]

My little underdog is right next to me as well. I want to nominate Hudson as a super hero but I just have to find something he is super hero about other than giving unlimited love and joy to my family. He is better than any form of entertainment we have ever tuned into and so full of love. He makes me laugh everyday!!!Love your post as always....

[jackie]

i always liked underdog ...have you seen the amimal planet show..underdog to wonderdog?

[Kate]

I love Underdog!

[Col]

I so remember Underdog. :-)

[Lynn Sinclair]

Boy, does this bring back memories!