Captain Kangaroo - Robert Keeshan Tribute (1927-2004)

Music is "Puffin' Billy" by the Melodi Light Orchestra, composed by Edward White, it was used for the BBCs Childrens Favourites radio programme.

Children's Favourites was a BBC Radio programme, which ran from 1954 to 1967 broadcast on the Light Programme on Saturday mornings from 9:00. The programme played requests from children of all ages.

It was replaced by the Junior choice programme in 1967.

Bob "Captain Kangaroo" Keeshan
Birth: Jun. 27, 1927
Lynbrook
Nassau County
New York, USA
Death: Jan. 23, 2004

Actor, Comedian, Entertainer, Television Producer. He is best remembered for his long running children's show as "Captain Kangaroo," which was named after his character's trademark red coat, which had large pockets (like a Kangaroo's) containing many interesting objects that he would display on the show. The "Captain Kangaroo Show" won six Emmy Awards and three Peabody Awards. He was also elected to the Clown Hall of Fame. Born in Lynbrook, Long Island, New York, he served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. A long-standing urban legend has it he was cited for valor at Iwo Jima in the Pacific Theater of War and left the USMC at the end of the war. He began his career on television playing the non-speaking role of 'Clarabell the Clown' for NBC's "Howdy Doody Show" in 1951. From 1953 to 1955, he emceed the show "Time For Fun" and "The Johnny Jellybean Show," which helped him develop later characters for his "Captain Kangaroo Show," which ran from October 1955 to 1993. The show originated on CBS, but ended its last six years on PBS. He also helped produce "Tinker's Workshop" on ABC TV during the mid-1950s. Keeshan used the 'Captain Kangaroo' persona to provide a good male role model for children to learn good manners and good behavior from. He also encouraged reading and a love for animals. In 1996, he authored a book "Good Morning, Captain: 50 Wonderful Years with Bob Keeshan, TV's Captain Kangaroo.

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[oldbob1951]

There was reference to Bob Keeshan being a WW2 hero, which may be an urban legend. I've heard that Keeshan was fired from Howdy Doody for trying to organize a walkout for more pay. I don't know how true that is, but Buffalo Bob Smith supposedly was a hard man to deal with.

[TheBacmaster]

@oldbob1951 In 1945, during World War II, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, but was still in the United States when Japan surrendered. An urban legend claims that actor Lee Marvin said on The Tonight Show that he had fought alongside Keeshan at the Battle of Iwo Jima in February–March, 1945.

[TheBacmaster]

@oldbob1951  However, Marvin not only never said this, but had not served on Iwo Jima (having been hospitalized from June 1944 until October 1945, from wounds received in the Battle of Saipan),and Keeshan himself never saw combat, having enlisted too late to serve overseas.

[TheBacmaster]

@oldbob1951 I've heard that Keeshan was fired from Howdy Doody for trying to organize a walkout for more pay. "I found nothing to support this claim". Buffalo Bob Smith supposedly was a hard man to deal with. "This could very well be true! "I know he was a big boozer and a nasty one at that" He lived minutes away from me in Babylon, New York (Suffolk County).

[CHAOUSLORD]

Bob Keeshan died long before 2004

[TheBacmaster]

@CHAOUSLORD Bob Keeshan , TV Personality Born: 27 June 1927 Birthplace: New York, ... Born: 27 June 1927; Birthplace: New York, New York; Died: 23 January 2004 (natural causes) ... Died, January 23, 2004(2004-01-23) (aged 76) Windsor, Vermont U.S.

[citizenterryk]

Captain Kangaroo possessed a virtue that has all but disappeared from today's media--CLASS

[fmichaelb]

Pete Seeger at 0:26 and Fred Rodgers at 0:53....anybody know who the woman at 1:04 is? I'm sure I recognize her, but can't remember her name.

[ronetteloverz]

The one dislike had no TV...

[leotardtights]

I am forever grateful that Captain Kangaroo was a part of my childhood in the 50's and on. I hope sincerely that he went to the rewards that he so greatly deserved. I love you Captain and always well.

[NuniToons]

This show was so entertaining, and made a lot of children very happy, and I'm proud to say that I was one of them! What great memories, and thanks for posting :)

[mousefir]

Captain, oh, my captain... I almost forgot how much his show affected me as a child. Thank you for posting it.

[oldbob1951]

Who remembers "The Banana Man" that used to appear on CK about once a year?

[doelstu]

@is2daytuesday Fresca and Cream of Chicken soup. Watch the Cap'n. Zonk out and wake in time for the Price Is Right!