Bugs Bunny, Winnie the Pooh, Garfield, Alf, the Smurfs...the list goes on! You've seen them all on their own shows, and now they're coming together as one to battle a growing problem plaguing our youth...drugs.
America's major networks - ABC, CBS and NBC - as well as several cable stations and hundreds of independent stations nationwide will air a half-hour animated special Saturday morning called "Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue." It depicts familiar animation characters exploring the problems of substance abuse while trying to save a 14-year-old from falling prey to drugs.
The special will be simulcast on Channels 2, 4, 5 and 7 at 9:30 AM On cable, it can be seen at 7:30 AM on Black Entertainment Television, 10:30 AM on Nickelodeon and USA, and noon on The Disney Channel. A Spanish-language version will be telecast on Channel 34 at 9:30 a.m.
"One of the great opportunities of "Cartoon All-Stars' is for us in the undustry to actually do something for the audience that we entertain on a daily and weekly basis," said Buzz Potamkin, producer of the show. "'Cartoon All-Stars' is a milestone in TV history. It is the first time several major animation companies have worked together, using their copyrighted characters to work together to deliver a message to the public."
Principally funded by the McDonald's restaurants and Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, the program received an endorsement from President Bush, who said it has a "great message."
The Acedemy of Television Arts and Sciences, where the idea originated, is targeting the special to children ages 5-11.
The program was written by Duane Poole and Tom Swale, who have written and produced such animated series as "Scooby-Doo," "Smurfs" and "Alvin and the Chipmunks." Along with the familiar cartoon characters, the story includes a character named Smoke, an evil, drug-pushing apparition whose voice is supplied by George C. Scott. The theme song, "Wonderful Ways to say No," was composed by Academy Award Winners Howard Ashman and Alan Menken ("The Little Mermaid").
