First gracing our screens in 1966, Glen Michael’s Cartoon Cavalcade continued on for 26 years - until it was finally replaced in the early ‘90s.
If we’re unlocking some memories for you that are a bit hazy, let us clear it up. Glen (along with Paladin the talking lamp, Totty the Robot and dogs Rudi and Rusti) acted out short sketches inbetween showing various different cartoons.
For many across Central Scotland, it was their first exposure to many famous cartoons such as Bugs Bunny, Mr Magoo and Spider-Man.
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Originally broadcast as Cartoon Cavalcade, the show was originally broadcast during the week at 5pm until 1972 when it moved to Saturdays. It soon moved to the popular Sunday afternoon slot, and was renamed Glen Michael’s Cartoon Cavalcade.
In the late ‘80s, the series was reduced to a 30 minute slot on Sundays at 10.45am.
Many will remember the cartoon showings, though a lucky few may remember getting a mention on the programme. A regular feature of the show would see Glen read children’s birthday cards that viewers had sent in, which was quite the thrill back in the day.
The end finally came in 1991, with one last New Year special broadcast on January 1. Glen retired from television, and began touring schools with a set in the ‘00s.
As for Paladin, the lamp was auctioned off and according to Glen now lives in Yorkhill Children’s Hospital in Glasgow.
Glen, who now lives in Ayr with his wife Beryl, started his career in entertainment at the age of 17. Working in theatre, comedy, film and variety, he never quite expected to become a children’s TV host.
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Speaking to the Herald in 2017, he said: “STV wanted to run cartoons and they didn’t know what to do.
“I was asked to go along and do an audition. I told a story to the camera, forgot it halfway through and made up the rest afterwards. I said to the cameraman, that wasn’t very good was it? His reply was - no.”
He went off for a drink, and was approached by the controller of the program an hour later. Glen said to him: “Sorry, I botched it up. I made it up as I went along.”
To which the boss replied: “That’s the part I liked.”
Glen took the job, and began writing and producing the show - even watching the cartoons first to remove scenes he thought were inappropriate. Glen Michael’s Cartoon Cavalcade became so firmly entrenched in the minds of Scottish children, that many are surprised to discover he’s not actually a Scot.
Born in Devon, Glen left for London as a teen to pursue a career in entertainment - though found his real success north. He once said: “Scotland’s been very good to me, the people of Scotland have been very good to me.”
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