Greetings, Boils & Ghouls...
...and welcome to 'Day Eighteen' of "Abnor Mal's Guide To Creepy Cartoon Classics on Roku" where I aim to bring you another creepy cartoon classic from the plethora of spooky animated short films that have been released throughout the course of animation history - any of which can be streamed on TV via the magic of Roku media players - so let's dim those lights, for some more fun & frights! :-O
If you read my special hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - that I published eighteen days ago, you will know I plan to post a Hallowe'en / Horror related article every day, throughout the month of October, featuring one vintage cartoon classic with spooky overtones each and every time. With recommendations for thirty-one of the most spook-tacular shorts I can find, by the end of the month, this means you'll have plenty of great choices for your creepy cartoon viewing as we count down the days to Hallowe'en... as well as ensuring lots of laughs & screams come October 31st! :-D
Likewise... if you read my previous post on 'Day Seventeen' of this month-long blogathon, you might recall that it featured a couple of laboratory mice: one called "The Brain", the other named "Pinky", and together they created "A Pinky And The Brain Halloween" with lots of fun references to look for. Speaking of which, if you've been following this series of posts, you will no doubt be aware that I've been creating each new post with some kind of reference that links it to the previous one. Yesterday, when I heard the name 'Pinky' being mentioned constantly, I was reminded of an old comic strip that read: "Today, my E.S.P. says... Enjoy Sailing Pinky!" and the 'Pinky' who had that thought was also featured in a cartoon series from the sixties and seventies, called "The Pink Panther", which is how I came-up with the idea for today's creepy cartoon classic. There were a couple of episodes that sprang to mind for a Halloween-themed "Pink Panther" episode... but, the one that I decided to settle on was the more recent of the two and goes by the rather unusual title of "Pink Plasma" - whether it came to me as a matter of extra-sensory perception, or not, I cannot say... but I hope you like it! ;-) :-)
Released on 8th August 1975, and directed by Arthur "Art" Leonardi, it was based on a storyline by John W. Dunn, while featuring original characters created by Blake Edwards, and background art by Richard H. "Dick" Thomas. Animation duties were handled by Don Williams with Bob Richardson, Virgil Ross, and John V. Gibbs while, sonically speaking, the music for the soundtrack was composed by Walter Greene - save for the "Pink Panther" theme, for which credit goes to Henry Mancini. Those familiar with the character will know 'Pinky' has no "voice" but, interestingly, vocal characterisation for 'Dracula', plus the 'Invisible Monster', and the 'Laughing Skull' were all provided by the director.
This Mirisch Films, Inc. presentation begins with "The Pink Panther", otherwise known as 'Pinky, backpacking through the mountains of Europe... sporting a Swiss Alpine Hat. He stops at a sign which says: "Transylvania Lodge - Boarders Welcome" and, with a storm about to set in, he decides to seek shelter there for the night. However, as soon as 'Pinky' sets-off, the sign for the lodge falls to the ground revealing another one underneath the first saying: "Danger! Vampire Castle" with a "Laughing Skull" on it... for added menace. Looks like Pinky's E.S.P. has failed him this time! :-P ;-)
Having arrived at his destination, no sooner has 'Pinky' crossed the threshold when the first signs of danger start to show. Firstly, his backpack is cut from his back when he passes a suit of armour and a large axe comes crashing down - just missing his head - and severs the straps, leaving the bag to drop to the floor just moments afterwards. He then eyes a second suit of armour, positioned nearby, with a healthy dose of suspicion... and wisely decides to leave his bag there, rather than risk decapitation for a second time. Good job he did, because the second axe fell soon after! Meanwhile, as he continues along the stone passageway, an arm appears through a hole in the ground that has opened-up behind 'Pinky' and hurls a knife at his back. Fortunately for 'Pinky', it misses and flies over his head to finish up buried in a stone wall. Such was the force of the throw that a painting fell to the floor as the blade struck the stone wall on which it was hanging. At this point, 'Pinky' takes a much-needed breather to recover from the two or three close shaves that have already befallen him! :-D
Having recovered his composure, 'Pinky' continues to explore his surroundings... but is shocked to discover a coffin propped-up against a wall. Wishing to do the right thing, he decides to grab a shovel and give the coffin (along with whomever lay inside) a decent resting place. Having dug the hole, he buries the coffin - watched by a colony of rats, a lizard, and a spider - then rolls-up his Swiss Alpine Hat to create a horn-like instrument and begins to play the "Last Post" in honour of the deceased.
Not long after the burial is complete, a nearby clock indicates that it's 'Sunset' by sounding an alarm. There then follows a loud rumbling sound and the coffin - which has not long been buried - lifts the stone floor and is spewed out of the earth in which it lays. As the rats scurry-off, sensing imminent danger, the coffin lid opens and out leaps a body, dressed-up like 'Dracula' and looking annoyed! :-O
Although he's already been through a lot, by this stage, the trouble is really only just beginning for 'Pinky'... who must endure endless attempts on his life as the night wears-on. Before the sun rises again, 'Pinky' must face-up to an invisible Yeti-like monster, plus the castle ghosts, and even spots a man-eating shark in the moat - although the shark seems more interested in a different kind of prey! To find out if 'Pinky' survives the night, and manages to escape, press "Play" on the video below:-
Of course, in addition to watching this embedded version of the cartoon right here on this blog, you can also choose to stream it on your big screen television by using the "cast" function built-in to the 'YouTube' app(s) for mobile devices on both the iOS (Apple) plus Android platforms. For those who may have missed my special hallowe'en blogathon preview posted eighteen days ago... to "cast" the video to your Roku player and/or NowTV device(s), you will first need to have the Roku channel (app) for 'YouTube' installed to act as a receiver for the stream you are casting. If you're not sure how to go about casting from your mobile device to your Roku there's a help article from 'Roku Support', which can be found on the official Roku website, that walks you through the process step-by-step! ;-)
YOUTUBE..........................................................................COST: FREE [Roku Guide Review]
***FILED UNDER: "WEB VIDEO" in Roku UK Channel Store WHEN FIRST RELEASED***
On whichever platform you decide to stream this video, watch out for the scene (early on) where the knife dislodges a painting on the wall as the impact of the knife vibrates through the stones on which the portrait is hung. This is a highly amusing animated sequence, in which the content of the frame is altered as it slips down the wall, as evidenced by the series of still frame images shown below:-
If you read my special hallowe'en blogathon preview - FOUND HERE - that I published eighteen days ago, you will know I plan to post a Hallowe'en / Horror related article every day, throughout the month of October, featuring one vintage cartoon classic with spooky overtones each and every time. With recommendations for thirty-one of the most spook-tacular shorts I can find, by the end of the month, this means you'll have plenty of great choices for your creepy cartoon viewing as we count down the days to Hallowe'en... as well as ensuring lots of laughs & screams come October 31st! :-D
Likewise... if you read my previous post on 'Day Seventeen' of this month-long blogathon, you might recall that it featured a couple of laboratory mice: one called "The Brain", the other named "Pinky", and together they created "A Pinky And The Brain Halloween" with lots of fun references to look for. Speaking of which, if you've been following this series of posts, you will no doubt be aware that I've been creating each new post with some kind of reference that links it to the previous one. Yesterday, when I heard the name 'Pinky' being mentioned constantly, I was reminded of an old comic strip that read: "Today, my E.S.P. says... Enjoy Sailing Pinky!" and the 'Pinky' who had that thought was also featured in a cartoon series from the sixties and seventies, called "The Pink Panther", which is how I came-up with the idea for today's creepy cartoon classic. There were a couple of episodes that sprang to mind for a Halloween-themed "Pink Panther" episode... but, the one that I decided to settle on was the more recent of the two and goes by the rather unusual title of "Pink Plasma" - whether it came to me as a matter of extra-sensory perception, or not, I cannot say... but I hope you like it! ;-) :-)
Released on 8th August 1975, and directed by Arthur "Art" Leonardi, it was based on a storyline by John W. Dunn, while featuring original characters created by Blake Edwards, and background art by Richard H. "Dick" Thomas. Animation duties were handled by Don Williams with Bob Richardson, Virgil Ross, and John V. Gibbs while, sonically speaking, the music for the soundtrack was composed by Walter Greene - save for the "Pink Panther" theme, for which credit goes to Henry Mancini. Those familiar with the character will know 'Pinky' has no "voice" but, interestingly, vocal characterisation for 'Dracula', plus the 'Invisible Monster', and the 'Laughing Skull' were all provided by the director.
This Mirisch Films, Inc. presentation begins with "The Pink Panther", otherwise known as 'Pinky, backpacking through the mountains of Europe... sporting a Swiss Alpine Hat. He stops at a sign which says: "Transylvania Lodge - Boarders Welcome" and, with a storm about to set in, he decides to seek shelter there for the night. However, as soon as 'Pinky' sets-off, the sign for the lodge falls to the ground revealing another one underneath the first saying: "Danger! Vampire Castle" with a "Laughing Skull" on it... for added menace. Looks like Pinky's E.S.P. has failed him this time! :-P ;-)
'Pinky' Stops At A Sign Saying "Transylvania Lodge - Boarders Welcome"...
And, With A Storm Setting-In, Decides To Spend The Night There...
...Not Realising That The "Transylvania Lodge" Is Actually A "Vampire Castle" !!
Having arrived at his destination, no sooner has 'Pinky' crossed the threshold when the first signs of danger start to show. Firstly, his backpack is cut from his back when he passes a suit of armour and a large axe comes crashing down - just missing his head - and severs the straps, leaving the bag to drop to the floor just moments afterwards. He then eyes a second suit of armour, positioned nearby, with a healthy dose of suspicion... and wisely decides to leave his bag there, rather than risk decapitation for a second time. Good job he did, because the second axe fell soon after! Meanwhile, as he continues along the stone passageway, an arm appears through a hole in the ground that has opened-up behind 'Pinky' and hurls a knife at his back. Fortunately for 'Pinky', it misses and flies over his head to finish up buried in a stone wall. Such was the force of the throw that a painting fell to the floor as the blade struck the stone wall on which it was hanging. At this point, 'Pinky' takes a much-needed breather to recover from the two or three close shaves that have already befallen him! :-D
'Pinky' Arrives At His Destination And Crosses The Moat To The Gate Beyond...
But, No Sooner Is He Inside... When An Axe Comes Crashing Down In His Direction !!
Shortly After The Incident With The Axe, 'Pinky' Has A Knife Thrown At Him...
...But, Luckily, It Misses - And Winds-Up In A Stone Wall, Causing A Painting To Fall !!
Having recovered his composure, 'Pinky' continues to explore his surroundings... but is shocked to discover a coffin propped-up against a wall. Wishing to do the right thing, he decides to grab a shovel and give the coffin (along with whomever lay inside) a decent resting place. Having dug the hole, he buries the coffin - watched by a colony of rats, a lizard, and a spider - then rolls-up his Swiss Alpine Hat to create a horn-like instrument and begins to play the "Last Post" in honour of the deceased.
'Pinky' Spots A Coffin, Which He Believes Belongs In The Ground...
So, Out Of Respect, He Grabs A Shovel To Dig A Grave In Which To Bury It...
Watched By A Colony Of Rats, Plus A Lizard, And A Spider... He Plays The "Last Post" !!
Not long after the burial is complete, a nearby clock indicates that it's 'Sunset' by sounding an alarm. There then follows a loud rumbling sound and the coffin - which has not long been buried - lifts the stone floor and is spewed out of the earth in which it lays. As the rats scurry-off, sensing imminent danger, the coffin lid opens and out leaps a body, dressed-up like 'Dracula' and looking annoyed! :-O
After The Burial, Just As The Clock Indicates 'Sunset', An Alarm Sounds...
At The Same Time, A Loud Rumbling Is Heard... And The Coffin Surfaces !!
After Which The Lid Opens... And Out Leaps An Angry-Looking Vampire !!
Although he's already been through a lot, by this stage, the trouble is really only just beginning for 'Pinky'... who must endure endless attempts on his life as the night wears-on. Before the sun rises again, 'Pinky' must face-up to an invisible Yeti-like monster, plus the castle ghosts, and even spots a man-eating shark in the moat - although the shark seems more interested in a different kind of prey! To find out if 'Pinky' survives the night, and manages to escape, press "Play" on the video below:-
Of course, in addition to watching this embedded version of the cartoon right here on this blog, you can also choose to stream it on your big screen television by using the "cast" function built-in to the 'YouTube' app(s) for mobile devices on both the iOS (Apple) plus Android platforms. For those who may have missed my special hallowe'en blogathon preview posted eighteen days ago... to "cast" the video to your Roku player and/or NowTV device(s), you will first need to have the Roku channel (app) for 'YouTube' installed to act as a receiver for the stream you are casting. If you're not sure how to go about casting from your mobile device to your Roku there's a help article from 'Roku Support', which can be found on the official Roku website, that walks you through the process step-by-step! ;-)
YOUTUBE..........................................................................COST: FREE [Roku Guide Review]
***FILED UNDER: "WEB VIDEO" in Roku UK Channel Store WHEN FIRST RELEASED***
On whichever platform you decide to stream this video, watch out for the scene (early on) where the knife dislodges a painting on the wall as the impact of the knife vibrates through the stones on which the portrait is hung. This is a highly amusing animated sequence, in which the content of the frame is altered as it slips down the wall, as evidenced by the series of still frame images shown below:-
Another scene that I'm quite fond of is where 'Dracula' looks into a mirror to straighten-up his suit in the moments after he rises from his coffin at sunset. I'm sure most of you are familiar with the belief (from ancient folklore) that a vampire cannot see it's reflection... but, in this animated short, we get to enjoy the sight of a body-less suit apparently straightening itself out while also seeing the vampire do the necessary adjustments himself from our perspective as viewers of this piece of animation - thus:-
Incidentally, if you're wondering why on earth there would be a man-eating shark swimming around the moat of this 'Vampire Castle', you might want to think about a certain feature-length movie that was doing the rounds in cinemas (i.e. movie theatres) during 1975, which created quite a stir! ;-) :-D
Given how "sharks" were all the rage that year, I'm assuming the producers of this animated short did whatever they could to create a shark "tie-in" with their titles - including "Pink Plasma" that featured in today's post as my creepy cartoon classic for 'Day 18' in this "Halloween Countdown" for 2018. In honour of this occasion, I'd also like to remind readers of this blog that there's only 13 days to go...
Meanwhile, in terms of memorabilia associated with today's toon, although I came up short in trying to find an original film poster for "Pink Plasma" (1975) - i.e. one that dated from the time when it was originally released - I did manage to find one good image for 'Page 1' of the original storyboard from this production and I thought I'd include it anyway as a point of interest. If you look at the title card, you will see that the letter 'M' in the word "PLASMA" has been replaced by the image of a bat whose head and wings are used to form the shape of the "missing" letter. Personally, I would have liked to see this in the final (finished) version but, for whatever reason, they dropped it and (instead) used the one shown previously (near the start of the images) in this post. Also of interest (to me, at least) were the alternative titles - namely, "Pink Corpuscles" and "Count Pinkula" - that were handwritten below the title card image on the storyboard. It's not clear whether these were working titles, or proposals on alternatives to "Pink Plasma"... but, if anyone knows for sure, please leave a comment below! ;-) :-)
Incidentally, if you're wondering why on earth there would be a man-eating shark swimming around the moat of this 'Vampire Castle', you might want to think about a certain feature-length movie that was doing the rounds in cinemas (i.e. movie theatres) during 1975, which created quite a stir! ;-) :-D
"Welcome To The Vampire Castle Transylvania Lodge... Please Beware Of The Shark!"
Given how "sharks" were all the rage that year, I'm assuming the producers of this animated short did whatever they could to create a shark "tie-in" with their titles - including "Pink Plasma" that featured in today's post as my creepy cartoon classic for 'Day 18' in this "Halloween Countdown" for 2018. In honour of this occasion, I'd also like to remind readers of this blog that there's only 13 days to go...
Meanwhile, in terms of memorabilia associated with today's toon, although I came up short in trying to find an original film poster for "Pink Plasma" (1975) - i.e. one that dated from the time when it was originally released - I did manage to find one good image for 'Page 1' of the original storyboard from this production and I thought I'd include it anyway as a point of interest. If you look at the title card, you will see that the letter 'M' in the word "PLASMA" has been replaced by the image of a bat whose head and wings are used to form the shape of the "missing" letter. Personally, I would have liked to see this in the final (finished) version but, for whatever reason, they dropped it and (instead) used the one shown previously (near the start of the images) in this post. Also of interest (to me, at least) were the alternative titles - namely, "Pink Corpuscles" and "Count Pinkula" - that were handwritten below the title card image on the storyboard. It's not clear whether these were working titles, or proposals on alternatives to "Pink Plasma"... but, if anyone knows for sure, please leave a comment below! ;-) :-)
The Pink Panther - "Pink Plasma" (1975) - Page 1 of 33 from Production Storyboard
HINT:- Please CLICK on the above image TO ENLARGE IT for easier viewing !!
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Anyhow, that's all I've got time for today... but do remember to come back again tomorrow, for my next creepy cartoon recommendation from the archives of animated film history, when I will suggest another spooky short for 'Day 19' of "Abnor Mal's Guide To Creepy Cartoon Classics on Roku" that you can stream right here on this blog - as well as through the equivalent channel on your Roku player(s). Meanwhile... please be sure to visit the "Countdown To Hallowe'en" website and show your support for this annual online Hallowe'en extravaganza PLUS don't forget to use the links you find there and check out all the other 'Cryptkeepers' taking part this year. I know they'll appreciate it, if you visit their blogs and share your thoughts on the contribution(s) they've made.
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ONE LAST THING, BEFORE I GO: Don't forget that, aside from the Hallowe'en / Horror-themed ghastliness going on around these parts for the next month, you can also keep up with the UK Roku action (as it happens) by checking-out my regular 'Weekly RoundUp' posts each weekend where you will find up-to-the-minute info on all things Roku-related is posted on a weekly basis (well, almost).
Until the next time, then...
That's all folks !!
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