The Flintstones (1960–1966)

The misadventures of a modern stone-age family and friends.

Stars:

Alan Reed, Jean Vander Pyl, Mel Blanc

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Alan Reed	...	Fred Flintstone (166 episodes, 1960-1966)
Jean Vander Pyl	...	Wilma Flintstone (166 episodes, 1960-1966)
Mel Blanc	...	Barney Rubble (164 episodes, 1960-1966)
Bea Benaderet	...	Betty Rubble (113 episodes, 1960-1964)
John Stephenson	...	Mr. Slate (74 episodes, 1960-1966)

Storyline

This popular animated television cartoon featured two Stone Age families, the Flintstones and their neighbors, the Rubbles. Much of the humor was based on its comic portrayals of modern conveniences, reinterpreted using Stone Age 'technology.' Most notably were their cars, complete with absence of floorboards to allow them to be 'foot-powered.'

---

Plot Keywords:

the flintstones | surrealism | laugh track | famous opening theme | modern stone age humor | 

---

Genres:

Animation | Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi

---

Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 September 1960 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Flagstones

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hanna-Barbera Productions, Screen Gems Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min 30 min (166 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Pathécolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The original unaired pilot "The Flagstones" was produced in 1959. It was 1 minute and 42 seconds long. The series was intended to be called "The Flagstones" but the title was changed when the creators of the comic strip "Hi and Lois" (a spin-off of "Beetle Bailey"), about a suburban American family named the Flagstons, threatened legal action.

---

Goofs

All throughout the series, the cars are run by foot. If this is the case, why do the gas stations exist?

---

Quotes

Wilma Flintstone, Betty Rubble: Melville J. Muchrocks is a crook.
Fred Flintstone: Muchrocks a crook? Are you sure?
Wilma Flintstone: Absolutely, he's wanted by the police.
Betty Rubble: We heard him described to a T.
Fred Flintstone: Wilma, do you know where they went?
Wilma Flintstone: They said they were going to the amusement park and then to dinner. Oh my poor mother.
[She starts crying]
Fred Flintstone: Don't you worry sweetheart, you leave it to me. Barney.
Barney Rubble: Yeah Fred?
Fred Flintstone: C'mon, let's go.
[...]

---

Crazy Credits

First season episodes incorporated an ad for Winston Cigarettes into the opening credits (this version of the opening was removed for syndication). Due to the decision to use a standard opening and closing for syndicated versions of the episodes, many episodes have incorrect closing credits. Some later episodes drop the "Meet the Flintstones" closing credits in favor of footage of Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm singing "Let the Sunshine In."

---

Connections

Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Brain That Wouldn't Die (1993)

---

Soundtracks

"Talkin' Loud Ain't Sayin' Nothin'"
Performed by Fred Flintstone, Rebekah Smith and D. Caddell
Written by A. Smith and D. Caddell

User Reviews

The Classic Hanna-Barbera Show

This is definitely the show that put Hanna-Barbera studios on the map. After years of producing primarily cartoons for children (Yogi Bear, Huckleberry Hound et ala.), this really became the first cartoon show that was geared for adults, though there still is enough to keep children interested. Fred, Wilma, Barney and Betty are all people everyone can relate to even though the show is set in the stone age. And even though I feel that in most cases the introduction of cute kids ruins a show, the introduction of Pebbles and Bamm Bamm helped to show that beneath his gruff exterior Fred was a big teddy bear. However, I do agree that when Gazoo was introduced was when the show's quality began to go down hill. Thankfully, he was never included in any of the subsequent incarnations of the "modern stone age family".