Captain 11's Showboat facts for kids

Captain 11's Showboat was a popular children's TV show. It was made in St. Louis, Missouri. The show aired on KPLR-TV, Channel 11. It ran in the late afternoons from May 1959 to August 1968. The main character, Captain 11, was played by Harry Fender. He was a well-known radio personality in St. Louis. The show was famous for showing short films of The Three Stooges. Even after the show ended, the Three Stooges shorts continued to be shown on the station.

What Was Captain 11's Showboat?

This show was a special part of childhood for many kids in St. Louis. It was a "locally produced" program. This means it was made right there in St. Louis, not in a big city like Hollywood. The show was named after the TV channel it aired on, Channel 11. It was on every weekday afternoon. Kids would rush home from school to watch it.

Who Was Captain 11?

Captain 11 was the friendly host of the show. He was played by a man named Harry Fender. Harry Fender was a very interesting person. He was already famous in St. Louis. He had worked on the radio for many years. He was known for his fun personality.

Harry Fender's Background

Before becoming Captain 11, Harry Fender had many different jobs. He was even a performer for a famous showman named Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.. Ziegfeld created big, fancy stage shows. After his time as a performer, Harry Fender returned to St. Louis. He even worked as a policeman for a while. Later, he became a regular guest on a popular radio show. This show was hosted by Jack Carney on KMOX radio. Harry Fender had many stories to tell. He often shared them with his audience.

The Three Stooges

The biggest reason many kids watched Captain 11's Showboat was for The Three Stooges. These were short comedy films. They starred three funny characters: Moe, Larry, and Curly (or Shemp, or Joe). The Stooges were known for their silly slapstick humor. This means they used exaggerated physical comedy. Kids loved watching their funny antics. The show would play several Three Stooges shorts each day. This made it a must-watch for many young viewers.

The Show's Legacy

Captain 11's Showboat ran for almost ten years. It became a beloved part of St. Louis television. Even after the show ended in 1968, the Three Stooges shorts stayed on KPLR-TV. They continued to entertain new generations of kids. Today, the shorts are still shown sometimes. The show is remembered fondly by those who grew up watching it. It was a simple, fun program that brought laughter to many homes.