KEY CREW BEHIND THE STAR: Peyo (creator), Gerard Baldwin (producer, story editor), Al Gmuir (background stylist), Hoyt Curtin (music).

CAREER HIGH: Series debut (1981), receiving the highest rating of an animated series in over 8 years, and saving Saturday morning animation on NBC.

Three apples high and blue, the Smurfs revitalized a studio, put a network in first place and changed the way everyone looked at Saturday morning. They also became the source for endless animation jokes. However these little blue folks Smurfed all the way to the bank.

The Smurfs are small blue elves in simple white clothing. At first glance all Smurfs look alike. However closer inspection shows that each one is an individual. Similar to the Seven Dwarfs, each Smurf seems to have been named for one major personality characteristic. They include Hefty, Brainy, Clumsy, Handy, Jokey, Vanity, Lazy, Greedy, Grouchy and Dreamy to name a few. Some Smurfs were named for their trade. These include Farmer, Barber and Tailor. There are also Smurflings and a Baby Smurf. All of these are watched over by their leader, Papa Smurf.

All 103 Smurfs live in a village in the middle of a medieval forest. The village, comprised mostly of mushroom houses, is near the River Smurf. They live a communal existence, deriving all their needs from nature. The most common need is the Smurfberry, a source of food and drink (and many plotlines). Living off the land, away from the world of man, they have little need for gold or money.

Their world exists in a classic, fantasy medieval time when knights roamed the countryside, dragons really breathed fire and witches and sorcerers cast spells. The humans of this world are largely unaware of the Smurfs. As a rule, the Smurfs have always avoided humans. To aid in this, Papa Smurf placed a spell that no one can find the Smurfs' village unless a Smurf leads them to it.

This magical village is home to several key areas. There is the Village Square with a well. It is here the group sometimes meets to discuss a situation. Papa Smurf's lab is full of books and equipment which he uses for creating his magic. Greedy's kitchen is where the food is prepared. Handy's workshop is full of practical gadgets made out of natural elements. Then there is a dining hall where they all meet and a theater where they can perform. Located at various edges of the village are the Smurfling's bunkhouse, a farm, a bridge and dam (both on the River Smurf).

Perhaps the most famous aspect of these little blue folk is their language. In "Smurf-speak," one can substitute the word "Smurf" for almost any adjective, verb or adverb. "What a Smurfy day." "Have you Smurfed those trees yet?" "He's eating Smurfy fast." It is this nature that has caused the Smurfs to become a popular joke topic. Comedians were quick to put "Smurf-speak" to work in a number of adult humor routines.

The Smurfs are generally pleasant, positive characters who spend a lot of time singing and having fun. At least this is the image most people have of these characters. Even Hanna-Barbera took a swipe at that image of the characters in one of their other series, YOGI'S TREASURE HUNT. Dick Dastardly and Muttley disguise themselves as purple "Smirks" who wear white caps. Watching them on TV, Blabber Mouse tells his partner, "Gosh, Snoop, they're so sweet, it's sickening." In actuality, the characters and series are a bit better than they are often given credit for being.

In 1984 one critic was able to see through the TV comics' jokes and snide remarks to state that the Smurfs are actually well done. As Daily Variety said in their review of one of the Smurfs' prime time specials, "The truth is, the Smurfs are anything but the unrelentingly and unbelievably sweet characters many believe them to be. As this special shows, they're a thoroughly human bunch of tiny blue people, and they're capable of every bit as much unpleasantness as the rest of us."

The TV show won numerous awards for its daring use of unusual topics for Saturday morning. These included shows about physically handicapped characters, deaf characters, substance abuse and death. Few other Saturday morning shows can Smurf those accomplishments.

THE ORIGINS OF THE SMURFS

The Smurfs were developed from the comics, like Popeye. The main difference is that the comics didn't appear in the U.S. until after the animated series.

Created in 1957 by the Belgium cartoonist Peyo (Pierre Culliford) in a children's book, the Schtroumpf (the Flemish word for "watchamacallit") quickly became one of Europe's most popular comic characters. Peyo had been writing a weekly comic series about the adventures of two medieval characters named Johan and Peewit (later named Pee Wee) that appeared in SPIROU. In one adventure, he introduced a tribe of little blue elves named after an inside joke with fellow cartoonist Franquin about the word "schtroumpf." These characters are really quite similar to what eventually came to animation.

Like many supporting characters, their success eventually eclipsed the original stars of the strip. "Schtroumpf" became the more familiar "Smurf" when the strips were translated into English. Each Smurf is named after his personality or trade. These Smurfs work together, play together and have any number of wild adventures. They were featured in a number of top selling comic albums reprinted in America with such titles as "The Smurfic Games" (1975), "King Smurf" (1977) and "The Astrosmurf" (1978). By the Seventies they were heavily merchandised throughout the continent.

It wasn't until 1979 that these characters began coming over to the U.S. via the Wallace Beerie company. Fred Silverman, then president of NBC, saw his daughter playing with some of the toys. He commissioned Hanna-Barbera to develop a series, even though NBC had earlier rejected a proposal for a Smurf series. (This lead many people to initially believe that the Smurfs were originally a toy converted to animation, which was often done in the mid Eighties with such titles as HE-MAN, MY LITTLE PONY and GI JOE.)

For the U.S., though some changes had to be made. The biggest change was the addition of a new character, Smurfette. Peyo's creation was a totally male universe. There were no females with the exception of some humans. To explain the presence of a single woman, the story crew devised a story where the Smurfs main nemesis, a generally inept sorcerer named Gargamel, creates a female Smurf to trap the blue creatures. However Papa Smurf uses his magic and turns the scheming vixen into the ever friendly and helpful, Smurfette. (Actually, Peyo used a similar story to introduce a Smurfette in one of his comic adventures, but she did not remain as a regular character.)

This change, along with all the writing and drawing, was under the continual supervision of Peyo. Hanna-Barbera had regular meetings with the creator in Europe where they would show sketches and talk over story ideas. Peyo also visited the studio several times a year. He had veto power over any storyline, character design, or drawing he didn't like. In fact, this became somewhat of a problem during the first few shows. Peyo would look at a frame of film and state the drawing was wrong and out of proportion. The studio had to explain that in animation, the characters would stretch and squash in single drawings, but that it was necessary for the movement to look natural. Peyo had to use an interpreter to communicate with the U.S. studio.

Hanna-Barbera put a special staff in charge of the production headed up by Gerard Baldwin. Baldwin had begun directing on Jay Ward's THE BULLWINKLE SHOW and later directed on THE FAMOUS ADVENTURES OF MR. MAGOO as well as a number of Dr. Seuss TV specials. In the initial years of the show, Baldwin was both producer and story editor. In 1985 Baldwin left the series and several other hands have handled it since. Key writers in the first years were Peyo, Baldwin, Yvan Delporte, Len Janson and Chuck Menville. Al Gmuir was in charge of creating the background styles while Phyllis Craig was key colorist.

To voice the head Smurf (Papa Smurf), Hanna-Barbera brought in one of their most reliable veterans, Don Messick. Messick had provided voices for some of H-B's biggest stars including Scooby Doo and Boo Boo. Messick's multiple voices also speak for Azrael, Dreamy, Sleepy and many others. For the continuing villain Gargamel (and others such as Nosey and Baby), Paul Winchell (Jerry Mahoney and Disney's Tigger) loaned his tones. Master voice man Frank Welker (Dynomutt, Slimer, Foofur, etc.) spoke for Hefty, Poet, Peewit, Clockwork and others. Other animation greats included Lucille Bliss (the original Crusader Rabbit) as Smurfette and June Foray (Rocky the Flying Squirrel) as Jokey, Mother Nature, etc. Others who have supplied voices for Smurfs over the years include Arte Johnson (LAUGH-IN), Allan Young (Disney's Scrooge McDuck), Avery Schrieber, Janet Waldo (Judy Jetson) and Ed Begley, Jr.

THE SMURFS HIT THE SCREEN

The series debuted as a one hour show in 1981 and quickly became the top rated show on Saturday morning. Though some critics cringed at the soft, cuteness in the show, kids couldn't get enough of these little blue friends. The show was getting 44 shares, meaning 44 out of every 100 TVs turned on were tuned into the Smurfs. (Compare that to today's top rated Saturday morning shows which generally receive shares of around 20.) It took NBC from the number three spot to the top rated network for the year. (This promptly cancelled NBC's plans to replace animated shows on Saturdays with a new weekend edition of the TODAY show.) NBC retained the top spot for almost the rest of the decade, thanks to the continuing strength of the Smurfs.

Hanna-Barbera gained a new prominence in the animation community due to the quality of the series. Though aimed at young children, the series was well done with generally strong stories, good graphics, a distinctive, classical music score and competent animation.

1981 also saw the Smurfs in their first prime time special. The hour show aired on Sunday night and was really only one of the Saturday morning shows broadcast in prime time. However the added exposure helped boost the ratings on Saturdays. NBC advertised the Smurfs as "The 'biggest' little sensations since Charlie Brown!"

1982 saw the Smurfs expand to 90 minutes. To help fill the time, two new characters were introduced, Pee Wee and Johan, the humans whose comic series had spawned the Smurfs. The year also had the series win its first Emmy for Outstanding Children's Entertainment Series.

To keep the Smurfs fresh, the studio made sure each new season had something new to offer. 1983's offering was Baby Smurf. Such an event, according to Smurf legend, occurs only once in a blue moon. The third season also won Smurfs their second Emmy.

The 1985-86 season introduced the Smurflings. This group of young Smurfs included Nat, Slouch, and Snappy. They were adult Smurfs reverted to childhood when they fell into a backwards clock in Father Time's cave. The Smurflings felt sorry for Smurfette, being the only female, and created Sassette using Gargamel's original formula. However, they didn't use enough blue clay so Sassette was adolescent tomboy. Also added was Puppy, a full sized puppy who easily towered over the tiny Smurfs.

Grandpa Smurf (voiced by Jonathan Winters), who is around 1,000 years old, debuted in the 1986-87 season. Gargarmel also received some help this year in the form of wizard school dropout, Scruple. 1987 had Wild Smurf, who was raised by forest animals, arrive.

In 1988 four new characters arrived. One was a Smurf (Nanny Smurf), one was her pet (Smoogle), one was an evil wizard (Nemesis) and the other was a wizard's human niece (Denisa).

1989 found the first major change in the direction of the series as the little blue folk began extensive travels through time. The season contained the 400th episode aired! This was also the last season for the Smurfs on NBC's Saturday morning schedule. They were not renewed for the Fall of 1990.

PRIME TIME AND THE BIG SCREEN

Along with the Saturday morning show, the Smurfs continued appearing in prime time via more specials. THE SMURFS SPRINGTIME SPECIAL (1982) was their second prime time special, but the first developed strictly as a special. The story took place around Easter and featured a baby duck. It was nominated for an Emmy.

The Smurfs' third prime time special, THE SMURFS' CHRISTMAS SPECIAL (1982) proved to be another rating and critical success. It won an Emmy nomination and its time slot for the evening. Daily Variety found, "THE SMURFS CHRISTMAS SPECIAL deals strongly in the power of good over evil, and it's done with charm."

1983 saw the Smurfs' fourth special, MY SMURFY VALENTINE. In it, the Smurfs save the world from darkness.

The U.S. theatrical release of THE SMURFS AND THE MAGIC FLUTE from Atlantic pictures in 1983 brought more attention to the little blue folk. This film was not done by Hanna-Barbera. The feature was actually a European feature from the Seventies, based on Peyo's book of the same name (published in 1975). Like the original comic album, the story featured Johan and Peewit and only had the Smurfs in a supporting role stopping a villain who had a flute that caused uncontrollable dancing. It still grossed over $20 million; about as much as most Disney features of the time.

1984 found the Smurfs fifth prime time special, tied to the Olympics. (The actual Olympics were held in Los Angeles that year.) THE SMURFIC GAMES had Papa Smurf organize the first "Smurfic Games" to shape up the blue folk. Critics found the special entertaining. Daily Variety said, "As usual, strong storylines and vivid characters, hallmarks of the Smurfs series and spex [sic] insured that THE SMURFIC GAMES finished ahead of most of today's network animation programming."

The Smurfs sixth prime time special, SMURFILY EVER AFTER (1985), had Smurfette try to turn a simple ceremony between two wood elves, one of them mute, into a major production. It featured the unusual aspect of having the bride and groom exchange their vows in sign language.

In 1986 the series began to run in syndication. Titled SMURFS ADVENTURES, it ran a half hour. It was one of the first animated TV series to appear both on Saturday Morning and daily in syndication.

1987 found their seventh special, and second based on Christmas, 'TIS THE SEASON TO BE SMURFY. It was not as well received by the critics. Daily Variety cited its "weak production values." This was somewhat surprising since Hanna- Barbera had used the special to highlight their new computerized camera system. This new system allowed them to use over 100 different levels, bringing additional depth to the animation.

MEET THE SMURFS

Though it would be impossible to describe all 103 of the Smurfs, the majority of stories focus on a small group. The leader of the Smurfs, Papa Smurf, is also the oldest. He is approximately 542 years old and has a white beard. An alchemist by trade, he can whip up any number of magic potions and spells. However, this is usually as a last resort. A paternal figure, he always refers to the group as, "my little Smurfs." The majority of the other Smurfs seem about the same age.

Smurfette, originally created by Gargamel, is the first female Smurf. Though she spends a great deal of time working with flowers, she is not a helpless sterotypical female. Next to Papa Smurf she is generally the most level headed.

The pompous, know-it-all, Brainy has self appointed himself in charge whenever Papa Smurf is not around. He wears glasses, often has a book and is conceited about his intelligence. Clumsy is not only clumsy, but also a bit more simple minded than the average Smurf. Hefty is the group's strongman and has a rough voice and tattoo. Greedy wears a chef's hat and is the chef and key consumer of his own desserts. Handy is the no nonsense handyman who can fix or build anything. He frequently has a pencil behind his ear ready to work.

Jokey just spends time giving people packages that explode which he finds very amusing. Vanity carries a mirror and is usually looking into it because he loves how he looks. Lazy's droopy eyelids help identify him and his naturally "relaxed" attitude. Grouchy hates everything, and often voices his opposing view to anyone else's opinion. Weepy is very emotional and constantly cries into his ready handkerchief. Harmony carries a horn, but seldom a tune. Poet has a quill always ready to capture his rhyme. Painter keeps palette at hand, wears a beret and speaks with a French accent. Others who make occasional appearances include the day dreamer, Dreamy, the Tailor, the Farmer and the Miner.

A number of Smurfs appeared only once for a particular episode. These include such characters as Nosey, who's curious, Dabbler, who never finishes anything, and Sweepy, a chimney sweep.

THE CO-STARS

Gargamel is the main recurring character outside of the Smurf village. Living in a dilapidated cottage with his cat Azrael, this second rate wizard is always trying to get the Smurfs. His reason: They're good to eat. There's also the fact that if he can get six of them he can create a formula that makes gold. Gargamel sometime gets (no) help from Scruple, a youngster who got kicked out of Wizard's School.

The Smurfs must also worry about Hogatha, an ugly witch constantly seeking to become beautiful. This red-headed character became so popular that a spin-off series was developed for her, but it never made it on the air. Chlorhydris was another sorceress. She hates love. Several of the other villains are directly related to Gargamel. There is the overweight Balthazar. He is Gargamel's godfather. Ma Gargamel also gets into the act frequently.

Helping the Smurfs are a large number of regular characters. Homnibus is a human alchemist and friend of Papa Smurf. He gave the Smurfs Puppy. Peewit (also called Pee Wee) is another human. He's a young squire and hopeful ladies man. Clockwork Smurf is actually a robot Smurf made out of wood. Also dropping in on the Smurfs are such reliable fantasy figures as Mother Nature, Cupid, The Tooth Fairy and Father Time.

OUTSIDE THE VILLAGE

Since the Smurfs first landed in the U.S. via merchandise, they were no stranger to it once animated. In fact they were one of the creations instrumental in the merchandising avalanche that has yet to subside. Found on almost every product imaginable, the Smurfs continual presence no doubt added to their irritation factor among some critics.

There were three issues of an original Marvel Comics comic book series in 1982-83 that were later repackaged in a variety of different formats. There were even Smurf video games, although the most popular items seemed to be the little plastic figures which pre-dated similar cartoon figures.

The Eighties saw the founding of the Official Smurf Fan Club. 1986 saw the founding of the Smurf Collector's Club. 1984 saw the Smurfs licensed to the Taft amusement parks for ten years. Costumed versions of the characters wandered the park greeting visitors. In Northern California's Great America, there is a Smurf Village consisting of small mushroom houses that children can go into.

SUPERSTAR QUALITY

For over three decades the Smurfs have amused and entertained the world. When these little blue creatures invaded the U.S., they charmed a whole new generation. There will be those who balk at their simplistic stories or "Smurf speak." However they are forgetting the audience these characters were created for originally. In the eyes of young children, the Smurfs fantasies are as elegant as those of Oz and Toyland. When well written and directed, they were some of the best children's programming seen on Saturday morning. For a long time, things will continue to be just Smurfy.

CREATOR QUOTES

"For a long time you couldn't give fantasy away. I had to fight to get them to give us an hour." - Joe Barbera (1984)

"Without the villain, The Smurfs' world would be too ideal. The children can take delight in his (Gargamel's) failures." - Gerard Baldwin, Producer

"Even though they're a happy little group of Smurfs, they have problems too. That's what life is all about." - Joe Barbera (1982)

"The Smurfs is unquestionably the most original program currently on Saturday morning and arguably the best kidvid program in several years." - Charles Solomon, Los Angeles Times (1983)

"The days of showing little elves playing around a mushroom are gone forever." - Joe Barbera (1964)

"Our job as adaptors has been to preserve the qualities that make Peyo's Smurfs so special, while also using our abilities and experience to allow the animated Smurfs to stand on their own as cartoon stars." - Joe Barbera