The Flintstones 

The misadventures of two modern-day Stone Age families, the Flintstones and the Rubbles.

Creators:

Joseph Barbera, William Hanna

Stars:

Alan Reed, Mel Blanc, Jean Vander Pyl

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Complete series cast summary:
Jean Vander Pyl	...	Wilma Flintstone / ... 167 episodes, 1960-1966
Alan Reed	...	Fred Flintstone / ... 166 episodes, 1960-1966
Mel Blanc	...	Barney Rubble / ... 164 episodes, 1960-1966
Bea Benaderet	...	Betty Rubble / ... 112 episodes, 1960-1964
Don Messick	...	Bamm-Bamm Rubble / ... 86 episodes, 1961-1966
John Stephenson	...	Mr. Slate / ... 73 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.'

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Plot Keywords:

housewife | male breadwinner | barefoot | barefoot woman | cult favorite | 

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Taglines:

Something old - Something new! But nothing borrowed and nothing blue! A brand new idea - an adult cartoon series! THE FLINTSTONES!...a couple just like the folks you know - except they live in the Stone Age!

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Genres:

Animation | Short | Adventure | Comedy | Family

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Certificate:

TV-G

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 May 1960 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Flagstones

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hanna-Barbera Productions, Screen Gems Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min (166 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Pathécolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The closing scene has been relatively unchanged throughout the entire series. The only changes were with the addition of Pebbles; first she was shown in the car at the drive-up restaurant, then when they changed Wilma from walking in alone to a close-up of her carrying Pebbles in, and the Rubbles were added to the back of the car when the opening was changed to include them in the night out.

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Goofs

In numerous episodes throughout the series, the capacity of passengers in both Fred and Barney's cars changes back and forth from seating two passengers to four passengers.

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Quotes

Barney Rubble: [upon seeing an assembled mastodon skeleton after sneaking into the Brickrock home] Your suspicions were correct, Fred. There she is - Agatha Brickrock with her outside removed.
Fred Flintstone: That's not Agatha; that's a mastodon.
Barney Rubble: A whats-a-don?
Fred Flintstone: A big thing with a lumpy body, thick legs, a long nose, floppy ears, and tusks.
Barney Rubble: Sounds like Agatha to me.

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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, numerous episodes have incorrect closing credits. Sixth & last season episode debuted with, The Flintstones: No Biz Like Show Biz (1965) dropped the "Meet the Flintstones" closing credit song, in favor of footage of Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm singing "Let the Sunshine In." (a reminder of Fred Flintstone's dream, earlier in the musical program).

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Alternate Versions

For the last half of Season 2, a truncated ending title was used. This end title still used the "Rise and Shine" theme, however the 10 second sequence where Fred puts out the milk bottles and closes the front door was removed, and the theme song was bridged to account for the gap. Unfortunately, the Season 2 DVD box set does not show this truncated end title, and as of 2006 this footage is still considered "lost".

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Connections

Referenced in Fantastic Four (2005)

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Soundtracks

Buffalo Lodge
Performed by Fred, Barney and L. Johnson
Written by A. Smith and L/ Johnson

User Reviews

We Owe A Debt To Joseph Barbera And William Hanna

Joseph Barbera and the late William Hanna are responsible for giving us many many hours of cartoon fun over the years with fantastic shows such as The Flinstones, The Jetsons, Top Cat, Penelope Pitstop and Scooby Doo. The Flinstones is my favourite along with Scooby-Doo.

For starters, who can forget the theme song? I've never ever been able to get it out of my head-it will stick with me for a long time.

The premise itself is interesting-a comedy series about a stone age family who lead simple and carefree lives. The funniest thing was how the Flinstones used to use animals as everyday objects.

Who can forget the chemistry between Fred and Barney Rubble? Two good friends who would do anything for each other and whose friendship meant the world to them both. Two friends who were devoted to their wives and children even if they were buffoons at times. Two good friends whose hearts were always in the right place. Hey, I've got to be honest-the world would be a better place if we all lived like the Flinstones.

A great cartoon show. Hanna and Barbera have given us enough great cartoon memories to last a lifetime.