Exhibit on Television Animation is 'Superwacky'

Viewers have been drawn to animated television programs almost from the very beginning. The Fullerton Museum Center celebrates that fact with a current exhibit entitled "Superwacky: Animation on Television, 1949 - 2002."

The exhibit looks at the rich history of animation on television, including the classic theatrical cartoons, which have enjoyed renewed popularity thanks to syndication.

"Superwacky: Animation on Television, 1949 - 2002" features 125 vintage animation production cells and rare background art, many of which have never been exhibited to the public before. The exhibit features art from a variety of television shows, including Jay Ward's classic 1949 series "Crusader Rabbit" on up through and including Matt Groening's "Futurama" television series.

The exhibit also includes artwork from classic animated commercials for products like Captain Crunch, Quake and Fruity Pebbles. Among my favorite works are the animation cells from such Japanese Anime programs as "Speed Racer," Kimba, the White Lion" and "Gigantor."

The exhibit also features two free panel discussions for perspective animators and fans. "Careers in Animation" gives perspective animators a chance to bring their portfolio and have it critiqued by professional animators. "Visit with the Animators" offers fans a chance to meet and talk with animators who worked on many of the classic animated programs in television history.

"Superwacky: Animation on Television, 1949 - 2002" is now on display thru May 12, 2002 at the Fullerton Museum Center in Fullerton, California. It travels to the Cartoon Art Museum in San Francisco from October 5, 2002 thru January 12, 2002. I've seen the exhibit firsthand and it is well worth a look. For more information, visit http://www.ci.fullerton.ca.us/museum.

Program Recommendation: On March 26 PBS airs gripping two-hour documentary entitled, "Shackleton's Voyage of Endurance." Airing as part of their "NOVA" series, the documentary chronicles the expedition and miraculous escape from certain death lead by famed polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Their ship, Endurance, was trapped in an ice pack and crushed to death, leaving the 27-man crew stranded on an ice flow in the Antarctic in 1915. It is truly one of the most amazing survival stories of all time.

"Shackleton's Voyage of Endurance" airs on most PBS stations on Tuesday, March 26th at 8 p.m. Check your local listings for the exact time and date in your area.

This week in television history: March 29, 1964 marks the final airing of "The Judy Garland Show." Though short lived, this CBS series has some of the most classic moments in television history, most of them involving the incomparable Judy Garland performing as only she could do. The series had the unfortunate distinction of airing against "Bonanza" during the Cartwright's heyday and never found itself or an audience. It ran less than a year. For more information on this series check out http://www.users.deltacomm.com/rainbowz/.

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