BEHIND THE STORY...
While doing development at Film Roman for FOX, along with trying to convert live action properties into animation, it was considered reviving some previously popular properties from the past. The first one I pulled out of my hat was Crusader Rabbit: one of the first cartoons made specifically for TV. The series was the first animation work from Jay (Rocky & Bullwinkle) Ward. It seemed an obvious choice, so I put together a proposal for a revitalized version of a TV classic.
Though we created a few pieces of artwork to go with the pitch, we were surprised to get a cool reception. The whole idea would have sunk, if it were not for the fact that we heard FOX was going to revive Tom and Jerry (as TOM AND JERRY KIDS). When we did our first small pitch, we were stunned to find that most of the executives had never heard of Crusader Rabbit. So I adapted the pitch as if it was a somewhat new property, spending time explaining the set-up and characters.
Unfortunately, around this time some companies began releasing videotapes of the series. This sparked a legal controversy over who actually owned the rights. Nothing scares off buyers more than the idea of having to get into legal battles.
And now my pitch...
The New and Hopefully Improved Adventures of Crusader Rabbit
CRUSADER RABBIT WAS THE VERY FIRST CARTOON MADE FOR TELEVISION.
And now, in honor of their upcoming 40th Anniversary, Crusader and his constant companion, Rags Tiger could happily celebrate their birthday with brand new, fast-paced wacky cartoons for Saturday morning or syndication.
Today with the sophistication of television's young viewers and young adults' fond memories of Crusader's first adventures, a larger audience can appreciate the many levels of humor Crusader Rabbit contained and could re-establish with animation.
Join Crusader and Rags as they save people and the world from the likes of Dudley Nightshade, Robin Hoodlum, Al Catraz, Sam Quinten and the Headless Oarsman. It's high time cartoons returned to being just plain fun! And what better characters to return with than the ones that started it all.
CRUSADER RABBIT & RAGS TIGER
Adventure! Laughs! Animated characters with the right number of fingers! Crusader Rabbit is back!
Revised Pitch by John Cawley - Dated September 11, 1989
The return of CRUSADER RABBIT
Before there were Rocky & Bullwinkle; before there were Yogi Bear and Boo Boo; before there were Alvin, Simon and Theodore, there was: CRUSADER RABBIT
Television's first cartoon superstar, who for over a decade was one of the most popular animated characters on TV, returns in a series of wild, new adventures aimed to thrill and tickle new generations of viewers. Updated for the '90s with new stories and fun, but retaining the classic characters that have been loved for 40 years, the return of Crusader Rabbit will be hailed as one of the major events in entertainment.
Journey again to the land of Galahad Glen a peaceful community whose two main residents, Crusader Rabbit and Rags the Tiger, are soldiers of adventure. (They declined being called "soldiers of fortune" since they are not in it for the money.) This mighty team are ready to go anywhere at a moment's notice on any crusade where injustice is being done. Whether it's helping Leprechauns battle a giant, saving a princess from a two-headed dragon, or protecting tigers' stripes, Crusader and Rags give their all in the fight for right.
CRUSADER RABBIT - At 2-1/2 carrots high, Crusader Rabbit is "pound for pound the mightiest crusader of all" (as described by his friend and partner, Rags). Originally a bookworm, Crusader longed to go on the mighty adventures he read about. When he heard that rabbits were being endangered in Texas, he decided it was time to start taking up the battle for justice. He hasn't stopped since. Though his small body and boyish looks imply a quiet personality, Crusader is quite the opposite. Equally quick of mind and foot, he is ready for any challenge, never flinching in the face of danger or new excitement.
RAGLAND T. TIGER - Better known as Rags the Tiger, he is Crusader's best friend and ally. Formerly with the circus, Rags joined Crusader for the rabbit's very first adventure (in Texas). Crusader chose Rags for the strength and character found in all tigers. Though Rags does possess powerful physical strength, he has somewhat neglected his mind. A big, friendly character who would rather hear about adventures than be in them, Rags continues to take chances with his pal, Crusader; not so much for the thrill, but because they're friends.
THE NEW SERIES - When Crusader and Rags return to television, it will be in cliff hanging, two part adventures told complete in every half-hour show. Audiences, once again, will be able to gasp at the possible disaster that befalls our persistent pair and giggle at the ridiculous titles for the next installment. The stories, whether they deal with space travel, time travel, or merely globe-hopping, will be filled with plenty of action and humor for audiences of all ages. And of course, the low-key narrator will continue to be a guide to both the audience and our pair.
text, image and format © John Cawley
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