AFTER STARTING OUT as a second feature on the HUCKLEBERRY HOUND Show, success and high popularity with the public led to his own half hour show three short years later. It was THE YOGI BEAR Show that joined in a long parade of successes from Hanna-Barbera Productions.
BEING ANOTHER EXAMPLE of and prime exponent of the art of "Limited Animation" that was popularized by the economics of necessity on television, the dialog, verbal gags, music and sound effects were even more important than in theatrical animated shorts. That they were so constituted and dependent on the sound tract, they were given a special sort of nickname. They were oft referred to as "Illustrated Radio."
IN MUCH THE same manner of so many other of Hanna-Barbera's other productions, the characters have voices, appearance and behaviour are copied from real persons, well known from show biz, sports world or politics.*
IN THE CASE of Yogi Bear, it is a case of double copying. This special classification comes from his name being derived from NY Yankee's all time All Star Catcher, Yogi Berra and his voice and expressions' being derived from Art Carney's characterization of Ed Norton on Jackie Gleason's Classic series, THE HONEYMOONERS.
AFTER SOME EARLY experimentation with various settings and circumstances, the production team found a winning formula. Adding Yogi's diminutive sidekick & stooge, Boo Boo and his perennial antagonist, Ranger Smith of Jellystone Park.
IT WAS DEFINITELY a winning combo and has become ingrained into the very collective psyche and Pop Culture of America.
HOW ELSE COULD we have the nationally known chain of camp sites which bear the name of "Yogi Bear's JELLYSTONE PARK?"
NOTE: * Among other Hanna-Barbera's other characters with voices and personalities derived from real persons are: Huckleberry Hound (Andy Griffith), Fred Flintstone(Jackie Gleason), Snagglepuss(Bert Lahr), Hokey Wolf(Phil Silvers), George Jetson(George O'Hanlon), Jabberjaw(Curly Howard) and many others.
