Mr. I. Magination facts for kids
Mr. I. Magination was one of the first children's television shows in America. It aired live on CBS every week for 30 minutes, from 1949 to 1952. The show was broadcast from Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan.
Contents
Journey to Imagination Land
The show's host, Mr. I. Magination, was played by Paul Tripp. He dressed like a train engineer. Each week, Mr. I. Magination would gather a group of children. The same child actors would appear on the show in turns.
Exploring New Careers
Two children were chosen each week to ask about different jobs or activities. Mr. I. Magination would then play a "magic" slide flute. After that, he and the children would get on a train. They would travel to a special place called Imagination Land. There, they met a real professional from the two jobs featured that week.
Amazing Guests and Effects
The show featured many interesting guests. These included Damu, a lion tamer from the famous Ringling Brothers Circus. Another guest was Scott Crossfield, a brave test pilot. Paul Tripp's wife, Ruth Enders Tripp, also acted in the show. Mr. I. Magination was also one of the first shows to use simple special effects. For example, it looked like the train rode through a tunnel to reach Imagination Land. Smoke from the engine made it seem even more real!
Talented People Behind the Scenes
Many talented people worked on Mr. I. Magination. Yul Brynner, who later became a very famous actor, sometimes directed the show. He did not perform on screen. Other actors who appeared on the show included Walter Matthau, Richard Boone, Joe Silver, Ted Tiller, and Simon Oakland.
Mr. I. Magination on Records
Mr. I. Magination also appeared on several RCA records for children. Some of these records included "Billy On A Bike" and "Mr. I. Magination Meets Rip Van Winkle." There are at least two different versions of these stories available on LP (long playing) records.
