The Gumby Show

After more than 60 years since Gumby was first created, we are brought back to the good times of the original, and my opinion the best of the iconic Gumby and Pokey characters. Gumby is all about fun and comedy. You watch Gumby not for drama or romance. There is lots of action and fantasy, since it is all about Gumby's fun adventures. Art Clokey (creator of Gumby) does a fantastic job writing fun and unique episodes.

I love each of the characters for the fun and silly adventures they undertake and how unique each one is. Even small characters have their own personality which I love. Not many shows today pay so much attention to each character. I think Art Clokey has done a mind blowing job making these shows. He created some cool special effect techniques such as one episode with a rocket ship where he has scratched each frame so it looks like flames. Techniques like this were used in films for decades afterwards. The stop motion animation itself is very smooth and impressive, particularly since it was made 60 years ago!

My favorite episode is the first one, when Gumby goes to the moon and his Dad needs to save him. I love it because it starts off Gumby's career and is kind of the birth of Gumby. This also includes the rocket special effects mentioned above. The episode is really a joy to watch, not to mention that it was so symbolic for those times when everything was about space travel.

People that enjoyed Gumby growing up will be happy to share their passion with a new generation. After all, Gumby is meant for kids. Ages seven to eighteen would probably enjoy the series more than younger kids and would be able appreciate the beauty of the clay animation. I give it five out of five stars because, what they did was way ahead of their time with the special effects, unique stories, wonderful characters and more. Can't wait to see what's next in store for Gumby! (They are creating some entirely new episodes)

Reviewed by Gerry O., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more youth reviews, go to kidsfirst dot org.

Gumby (along with his other claymation pals and nemesis) is a happy-go-lucky little green character who was imaginatively created by Art Clokey (1922-2010) back in the mid-1950s.

Since the original TV broadcasting of this entertaining series - Gumby has become an influential pop culture icon, spawning tributes, parodies and merchandising.

The 1950's Gumby claymation series has always startled and amazed with its imaginative plots and characterizations. The playful worlds (and moods) created by the steady artistry of Art Clokey (Gumby's creator) continue to mesmerize the youthful hearts and minds of millions.

Gumby is cheerfully captivating - with episode titles like Chicken Feed, Hot Rod Granny, The Zoops, Moon Trip, and King for a Day. The adventures of Gumby (and his pals Pokey, Prickle & Goo) will forever be etched in your mind, so don't miss out. I'd advise all curious readers to purchase any original episodes flying around (for just a few dollars) and don't forget to share them with your kids!

Gumby is wonderful. He is exactly like any friend you had as a child; full of ideas that over half the time lead you into trouble. Almost secretively, he teaches you good moral values.

Almost freakishly human-like, you can relate to Gumby right away: from not wanting to clean up after yourself and thus doing MORE work so you don't have to clean up after yourself (i.e. making a robot) to downright being annoyed with your little sister (Goo), you learn to both love and hate this little green slab of clay at once; Gumby often does the wrong things for the wrong reasons, and the right things for the right reasons.

He is truly remarkable. He, Pokey, The Blockheads, and even Goo will lead you into amazing adventures every time you watch them!

(*Lyrics excerpt from the "Gumby" theme song*) - "He was once a little, green slab of clay."

(*Gumby trivia*) - Gumby's last name is Gumba (Yep. That makes him Gumby Gumba) and he lives in a place called Gumbopolis, USA.

If you ask me - I'd say that "The Gumby Show" (in its toyland-type setting) was the original "Toy Story" if there ever was one.

Created by American animator, Art Clokey - "The Gumby Show" was first aired on TV in 1957. The Plasticine characters featured in the show were all brought to life through the technique known as "stop-motion animation" which required hours of preparation and set-up work.

I found this show to be quite an imaginative one whose action sequences were all fairly tame and low-keyed when compared to the ultra-violence that prevailed in Warner Bros. "Looney Tunes".

Though 60 years old now - I believe that "The Gumby Show" still remains an entertaining program that can certainly be enjoyed today by both the young and the young-at-heart, alike.

*Note* - In 2010, Art Clokey (who was originally from Detroit, Michigan) died at the age of 88.