The Captain is In the House
I'm just going to make a wild guess that you haven't seen an episode of Captain Kangaroo for a long while. If ever. Well, we're here to rectify that.
I don't know if it's the absolute best one to show, but I'm surprised there isn't more to wander through. This 10-minute edited version does, however, at least have a bit of Mr. Greenjeans, some Mister Moose, and even a Tom Terrific cartoon interspersed throughout (along with Tom's pal, Mighty Manfred the Wonderdog).
I had a chance to meet the Captain, who was Bob Keeshan. It was at the American Booksellers Association convention a while back, and he had a new book out about games to play with one's children at home. He was a very personable fellow, and I enjoyed the conversation. And got him to sign a copy of the book, which I still have.
When he found out that I was a member of the Writers Guild of America, west, and was writing my piece for its publication, Written By, he expressed disappointment that as a member of the Guild East he wasn't able to get the Guild West magazine. I told him I'd look into it.
After I got back to Los Angeles, I called up the magazine's editor, Richard Stayton, and explained the story. It will not shock you to learn that he said, "Yes!!" he'd joyously add Bob Keeshan to the subscription list almost before I finished asking. And it's always been one of my own great memories to have been able to do a favor for Captain Kangaroo.
So, welcome back to the Treasure House. And its memorable theme song.
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