Tom Terrific 1957

Overview

Tom Terrific is an animated television series that aired from 1957 to 1959. Created by Gene Deitch and featuring the voice work of Lionel Wilson, the program was presented as a segment within the Captain Kangaroo children's television show. The series follows a young boy named Tom Terrific who lives in a treehouse. Tom possesses a magic, funnel-shaped thinking cap that grants him the ability to transform into any object he desires while simultaneously enhancing his intelligence. He is accompanied by a lazy sidekick named Mighty Manfred the Wonder Dog. Together, they confront various antagonists, most notably their arch-foe Crabby Appleton, who is known for the motto, I am rotten to the core. Other villains featured in the series include Mr. Instant, the Instant Thing King, Captain Kidney Bean, Sweet Tooth Sam the Candy Bandit, and Isotope Feaney the Meany. The show is characterized by its simple drawing style and follows the adventures of the protagonist as he uses his unique abilities to overcome his foes.