Romper Room

Romper Room was a children's television series which ran in the United States from 1953 to 1994. The program was targeted at pre-schoolers (children five years of age or younger).

Television franchises

Romper Room was rare in television in that the series was franchised instead of syndicated, so local affiliates (Los Angeles and New York City were prime examples) could produce their own versions of Romper Room instead of airing the national telecast. Originally filmed in Baltimore, Romper Room eventually moved its broadcast facilities to Chicago, moving back to Baltimore in 1981.

Related Topics:
Franchise - Syndicated - Los Angeles - New York City - Baltimore - Chicago - 1981

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In 1962, the hostess of the Phoenix franchise of Romper Room linked her own name with that of the ongoing controversies over abortion. Sherri Finkbine, known to television viewers as "Miss Sherri," sought hospital approval for abortion on the ground that she had been taking thalidomide and believed her child would be born deformed.

Related Topics:
1962 - Phoenix - Abortion - Sherri Finkbine - Thalidomide

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The hospital refused to allow an abortion, apparently because of her high profile and its own fear of publicity. Finkbine traveled to Sweden for the abortion. Upon completion, it was confirmed that the fetus had no legs and only one arm.

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The incident became a made-for-TV movie in 1992, Miss Sherri, with Sissy Spacek in the title role.

Related Topics:
Made-for-TV movie - 1992 - Sissy Spacek

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