Ripley's Believe It or Not! facts for kids
Ripley's Believe It or Not! is an American company started by Robert Ripley. It shares amazing and sometimes unbelievable facts, events, and items from around the world. It began as a popular newspaper cartoon. Over time, it grew into many different things, like radio shows, TV shows, comic books, a series of museums, and a collection of books.
The Ripley collection has more than 20,000 photos, 30,000 unique items, and over 100,000 cartoon drawings. Ripley Entertainment, Inc., based in Orlando, Florida, is a worldwide company. It has more than 80 attractions and welcomes over 12 million visitors each year. Ripley Entertainment also creates TV shows, newspaper cartoons, books, posters, and games.
Contents
The Amazing Newspaper Cartoon
Quick facts for kids Ripley's Believe It or Not! |
|
|---|---|
| Author(s) |
John Graziano (1989–present) |
| Launch date | December 19, 1918 |
| Alternate name(s) | Champs and Chumps (1918–1919) |
| Syndicate(s) |
|
| Genre(s) | Bizarre facts |
Robert Ripley first named his cartoon Champs and Chumps. It was about sports achievements. The first cartoon appeared on December 19, 1918, in The New York Globe newspaper. Ripley soon started adding facts that were not about sports. In October 1919, he changed the name to Believe It or Not.
When The New York Globe closed in 1923, Ripley moved his cartoon to the New York Evening Post. In 1924, other newspapers started printing his cartoon. That same year, Ripley hired Norbert Pearlroth as his researcher. Pearlroth spent 52 years working ten hours a day, six days a week, in the New York Public Library. His job was to find unusual facts for Ripley.
Later, in 1930, Ripley's cartoon was picked up by King Features Syndicate. This made it available in newspapers all over the world.
Ripley passed away in 1949. Other artists and researchers continued his work on the newspaper cartoon. At its most popular, the cartoon was read by about 80 million people every day. In just three weeks in May 1932, Ripley received over two million letters from fans! Many books have been published that collect these newspaper cartoons. Newer Ripley's Believe It or Not! books also include photographs.
Did you know that Charles M. Schulz, who created Peanuts, had his first artwork published by Ripley? It was a cartoon about his dog, who supposedly ate pins, tacks, screws, nails, and razor blades. Schulz's dog, Spike, later became the inspiration for Snoopy in Peanuts.
Amazing Books
Ripley's has published many interesting books. Here are some of the well-known ones:
- Believe It or Not! by Ripley The Big Little Book (1931)
- Ripley's Believe It or Not (1929), reprinted in 2004
- Ripley's Mammoth Book of Believe It or Not (1953)
- Ripley's Giant Book of Believe It or Not (1976)
- Ripley's 35th Anniversary Believe It or Not (1954)
- Ripley's 50th Anniversary Believe It or Not (1968)
- Ripley's Believe It or Not Special Edition 2012 (2011)
There is also a series of paperback books that show sketches from the newspaper feature:
- Ripley's Believe It or Not 1st Series (1941)
- Ripley's Believe It or Not 2nd Series (1948)
- Ripley's Believe It or Not 3rd Series (1954)
- Ripley's Believe It or Not 34th Series (1982)
Ripley Entertainment creates many books filled with unusual facts, news, and photos. In 2004, they started Ripley Publishing Ltd in the United Kingdom to publish new Believe It or Not books. This company publishes the popular Ripley's Believe It or Not! Annuals. They also have a children's fiction series called Ripley's RBI and an educational series called Ripley's Twists. They even work with Scholastic USA on the Ripley's Believe It or Not! Special Edition.
Robert Ripley received thousands of letters every day from people who had strange stories. Today, Ripley Entertainment still encourages readers to send in their own amazing stories and photos. These might even be featured in future Ripley's Believe It or Not! books and shows!
To be included in Ripley's books, museums, or TV shows, items must be carefully checked by Ripley's staff. They must be 100% real and proven true.
Radio Shows
On April 14, 1930, Ripley brought "Believe It or Not" to the radio. This was the first of several radio series that aired on NBC, CBS, and the Mutual Broadcasting System. Ripley's radio shows were 15 to 30 minutes long and had different formats.
His first show on The Collier Hour in 1930 was very popular. This led to his own NBC series starting on April 14, 1930. He later hosted The Baker's Broadcast from 1935 to 1937. Ripley also traveled a lot, doing live broadcasts from different places. His show See America First with Bob Ripley (1938–40) on CBS later became See All the Americas in 1942, featuring Latin music. In 1944, he had a show five nights a week on Mutual that focused on World War II.
Robert Ripley was known for several radio firsts. He was the first person to broadcast across the whole country from the middle of the ocean. He also took part in the first broadcast from Buenos Aires to New York City. With the help of many translators, he was the first to broadcast to every country in the world at the same time!
Over the years, the radio show started to feature more guest entertainers and comedy acts. The show ended in 1948, as Ripley prepared to bring his amazing stories to television.
Films and TV Shows
The newspaper cartoon has been made into many films and TV shows.
Films
Ripley hosted a series of 24 short films called Believe It or Not! between 1930 and 1932. These were shown in movie theaters. You can find a 2-DVD set with these films.
Possible Future Films
In 2004, Paramount Pictures announced plans for a movie about Robert Ripley's life. The idea was to make a series of adventure movies, like Indiana Jones, but with a funnier twist. Johnny Depp was considered to play Robert Ripley.
In 2005, it was announced that Tim Burton would direct the film, and Jim Carrey would star as Robert Ripley. The movie was planned to start filming in 2006. However, the project was delayed because the budget was too high. Both Burton and Carrey wanted changes to the script to focus more on Ripley's famous column. The film has been delayed several times and has had different writers and directors considered over the years.
Television Shows
- The very first Believe It or Not TV series was a live show hosted by Ripley himself. It started on March 1, 1949. Sadly, Ripley passed away shortly after the 13th episode. His friends, including Doug Storer, took over as host. The show ended on October 5, 1950.
- A new version of the show, also called Ripley's Believe It or Not!, aired from 1982 to 1986 on ABC. The famous actor Jack Palance hosted this popular series. His daughter, Holly Palance, and singer Marie Osmond were also co-hosts at different times.
- A Canadian cartoon series, Ripley's Believe It or Not!, was made in 1999. It followed the adventures of "Michael Ripley," Robert Ripley's nephew. This show was for younger kids and often showed Michael traveling the world.
- Another TV show revival, again titled Ripley's Believe It or Not!, aired from 2000 to 2003 on TBS. Actor Dean Cain hosted this version. It became the highest-rated original series on cable at that time.
- In 2006, the Philippines created their own local version of Ripley's Believe it or Not!.
- In 2008, GMA Network in the Philippines brought back Ripley's Believe It or Not! with a new host.
- A recent revival of Ripley's Believe It or Not!, hosted by Bruce Campbell, started on the Travel Channel in 2019.
Internet and Games
- In 2006, the Ripleys.com website held a "Dear Mr. Ripley" contest. People sent in "unbelievable" stories, and the public voted for a winner. Some of the stories included a two-faced kitten, a car hurdler, and a man who survived a dump truck falling on him!
- In 2003, a Ripley's Believe It or Not! pinball machine was released.
- An adventure game called Ripley's Believe It or Not!: The Riddle of Master Lu was released in 1995.
Amazing Museums: Odditoriums
When Ripley first showed his collection to the public, it was at the Chicago World's Fair in 1933. He called it Ripley's Odditorium. Over two million people visited it! This successful show led to traveling exhibits across the country in the 1930s. Ripley's collections were shown at many big fairs. In New York City, a famous exhibit opened in Times Square in 1939.
In 1950, a year after Ripley passed away, the first permanent Odditorium opened in St. Augustine, Florida. This Odditorium is in the Castle Warden, a building built in 1888.
As of December 2010, there are 32 Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditoriums around the world. These Odditoriums are more than just museums filled with strange items. Some have theaters and arcades. Others are built in unusual ways, like the Orlando, Florida Odditorium, which looks like it's sinking!
Asia
(Alphabetical, by country or district)
- Shanghai, China – This Ripley's museum is located by the Huangpu River.
- Victoria Peak, Hong Kong (closed) – There was an Odditorium here, open from 1998 to 2005.
- Bangalore, India – This Ripley's Museum is at the Innovative Film City.
- Jakarta, Indonesia (closed) – This museum was called the "Fun Odditorium." It was the largest Ripley's Odditorium in the world, covering 2,000 square meters. It opened in 1995 and closed in the late 1990s.
- Kuwait City, Kuwait (closed) – This Ripley's museum was in the Hadiqat Al Sheaab Amusement Park.
- Genting Highlands, Malaysia – This Ripley's museum is now called Ripley's Adventureland.
- Mandaluyong City, Philippines (closed) – This Ripley's museum was in the Shangri-La Mall.
- Jeju Island, South Korea (closed) – This Ripley's museum was at the Jeju Jungmun resort.
- Pattaya, Thailand – This Ripley's museum is in Royal Garden Plaza. It looks like an airplane has crashed into it!
Europe
Denmark
- Copenhagen – This Ripley's museum is a smaller one, located near the city hall and a museum about Hans Christian Andersen.
The Netherlands
- Amsterdam - The [Ripley's Believe It or Not! Amsterdam] museum opened on June 23, 2016. It is located at Dam Square in a historic building. It has over 500 exhibits.
United Kingdom
- Blackpool – This Ripley's museum is at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, a popular holiday spot.
- Great Yarmouth (closed) – There was an Odditorium here from 1993 to 1997. It is now an indoor miniature golf course that uses some of the old Odditorium decorations.
- London (closed) – This Ripley's museum was the world's largest. It opened in 2008 and closed in 2017. It had over 500 exhibits, including a large collection of Marilyn Monroe's personal items. It also featured fun interactive exhibits like a mirror maze.
North America
Canada
- Cavendish, Prince Edward Island – This Ripley's museum is in an area with many tourist attractions. It has a lighthouse with a broken top and is connected to a wax museum and a mini-golf course.
- Niagara Falls, Ontario – This Ripley's museum is shaped like a toppled Empire State Building with King Kong on top! It is the second oldest Ripley's Museum in the world. It was closed for big renovations from November 2015 to May 2016. The updated museum is the largest and most valuable for the company.
- Toronto, Ontario – The Ripley's Aquarium of Canada opened in October 2013 next to the CN Tower. This huge building has the longest underwater tunnel in North America.
Mexico
- Guadalajara – Opened in 1994, this Ripley's museum is a smaller one near downtown.
- Mexico City – Opened in 1992, this Ripley's museum looks like a medieval castle. It has 14 rooms filled with exhibits.
United States
California
- Buena Park (closed) – This Ripley's Museum was near Knott's Berry Farm. It closed in 2009.
- Hollywood – This Ripley's Museum is on Hollywood Boulevard.
- San Francisco – This Ripley's Museum is near Fisherman's Wharf.
Florida
- Key West – This Ripley's Museum is on Duval Street.
- Orlando – This museum is on the busy International Drive. It is built to look like it is sinking into a sinkhole.
- Panama City Beach – Opened in 2006, this Ripley's Museum looks like a 1950s luxury cruise ship that has crashed onto the beach. It also has a moving 4D theater.
- St. Augustine – This is the oldest Ripley's Believe It or Not! museum. It opened in 1950 in the Castle Warden. Before becoming a museum, "The Castle" was a hotel that hosted many famous guests, including Robert Ripley himself. It was originally a beautiful mansion built in 1887. Its success led to new Ripley's locations opening around the world. It is even rumored to be haunted!
Illinois
- Chicago – The Museum on Wells Street in the Chicago Old Town area closed in 1987.
Maryland
- Baltimore – This Ripley's Museum opened in 2012 but closed permanently in May 2020.
- Ocean City – This Ripley's Museum is on the boardwalk. It has a large model of a shark that looks like it has crashed through the museum!
Missouri
- Branson – This Ripley's museum looks like a stone building that was cracked by an earthquake.
New Jersey
- Atlantic City – The Ripley's museum is on the Boardwalk.
New York
- New York City – This location reopened in Manhattan on 42nd Street in July 2007. This is the largest Ripley's in the world, with over 1000 real items and interactive exhibits.
Oregon
- Newport – This Ripley's museum was built in 1986. It is part of three attractions known as Mariner Square.
South Carolina
- Myrtle Beach – This Ripley's museum looks like a building cracked by a hurricane. It is near the center of Myrtle Beach's Ocean Boulevard. Myrtle Beach also has a 5D Motion Theater, a mirror maze, Ripley's Haunted Adventure, and Ripley's Aquarium of Myrtle Beach.
Tennessee
- Gatlinburg – The original museum, built in 1970, was destroyed by a big fire in 1992. It had to be completely rebuilt. Some of Ripley's most valuable items were lost in the fire. The current museum opened in 1994 and includes a tribute to the city's firefighters. Items saved from the fire even have "I Survived the Fire" stickers! The museum looks like it has survived a major earthquake, with cracks inside and out. Ripley's has also opened other attractions in the area, like a "four-dimensional" theater and an aquarium.
Texas
- El Paso (closed) – This Ripley's Museum was located in Canutillo, Texas.
- Grand Prairie – This Ripley's Museum is located in Grand Prairie, Texas, west of downtown Dallas.
- San Antonio – This Ripley's Museum is across from the historic Alamo.
Virginia
- Williamsburg – This Ripley's Museum opened in 2006. It has 11 galleries and over 350 exhibits. There is also a 4D theater that shows 3D movies with extra effects like air and water.
Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Dells – The outside of this Ripley's museum looks like a temple with a plane crashed into its side. It has three floors with 11 galleries full of illusions and puzzles.
Oceania
Australia
- Gold Coast – This Ripley's museum is in the popular tourist spot Surfers Paradise. It reopened in 2010.
Are All Claims True?
The company says that they carefully check everything to make sure it is accurate before they publish it. On their TV show, they often say, "If you see it on Ripley's, you can bet that it's real." However, some claims have been questioned. For example, the TV show MythBusters called two claims in Ripley's books "myths."
Also, Ripley's has reported the urban legend of Frank Tower as being true. This story says that Frank Tower survived the sinkings of the RMS Titanic, RMS Empress of Ireland, and RMS Lusitania. However, this story has been proven false by many sources.
Ripley's has also repeated the Muhlenberg legend. This legend claims that German almost became the official language of the United States by just one vote. This story is also not true.
Images for kids
-
A Ripley's Believe It or Not! designed Paddington Bear statue in London.
See also
In Spanish: Ripley's Believe It or Not! para niños
