The Blue Racer

Series of theatrical cartoons produced at DePatie-Freleng Enterprises from 1972 to 1974.

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The series depict a blue snake named Blue Racer (who talks like Paul Lynde, although Canadian-born voice artist Larry D. Mann voiced him) trying unsuccessfully to catch a Japanese-streotyped beetle, who is a black belt in Karate.

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It is rumored that due to backlash from Japanese-Americans, the beetle was dropped, half-way through the series.

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Because the series was very rarely circulated after the theatrical run, it is now very hard-to-find. 35mm films, which was sent to theaters, have gone into the hands of movie collectors. 16mm films have shown up in some collector's hands as well, but rarely. Now, it can be seen on Cartoon Network's Boomerang Channel with the Pink Panther and other DePatie-Freleng Cartoons.

Related Topics:
Cartoon Network - Pink Panther

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Both characters spun-off from Tijuana Toads in "Hop and Chop" (Japanese beetle) and "Snake in the Gracias" (Blue Racer). The goofy bird from the Tijuana Toads also later appeared in the series as well.

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17 cartoons were produced.

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Directors are Art Davis, Gerry Chiniquy, Sid Marcus, Bob McKimson, David Deneen, Bob Balser, and Cullen Houghtaling.

Related Topics:
Art Davis - Bob McKimson

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Producers are David H. DePatie and Friz Freleng.

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