The Floppy Show facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Floppy Show |
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Duane, Floppy and friends in the 1980s
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| Genre | Children's programming |
| Presented by | Duane Ellett |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Camera setup | Multi-camera |
| Running time | 25 mins. |
| Release | |
| Original network | NBC affiliate WHO-TV |
| Picture format | Black-and-white Color |
| Audio format | Monaural |
| Original release | 1957 – 1987 |
The Floppy Show was a popular American TV show for kids. It starred Duane Ellett and his puppet friend, Floppy. The show was on NBC channel WHO-TV in Des Moines, Iowa, from 1957 to 1987. Duane Ellett first made Floppy in 1957 for a TV show called Pet Corner. Soon after, Floppy and Duane got their very own show.
Meet Floppy and Duane
Duane Ellett made kids laugh with his puppet friend, Floppy. Floppy was a beagle puppet with a high-pitched voice. He loved telling riddles. Kids on the show could even beep his nose for good luck! Duane Ellett made Floppy himself from balsa wood. He also taught himself ventriloquism to make Floppy and his other puppets seem alive.
Duane Ellett and Floppy's show started on June 9, 1957. Before his TV career, Duane Ellett served in the U.S. Army during World War II. He first planned to become a lawyer. But a class in radio journalism at Drake University led him to a job at WHO radio in 1947.
What the Show Was Like
In the 1970s and 1980s, The Floppy Show was 30 minutes long. It had short skits with Duane's puppets. There was also a part where kids asked Floppy riddles. The show also played classic Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry cartoons. Duane Ellett and Floppy were very busy. They made about 200 personal appearances every year!
On August 30, 1984, WHO-TV stopped airing Floppy's afternoon show. This was because fewer people were watching it. But Duane and Floppy still appeared on WHO's noon news. They also had shows on weekend mornings. Duane Ellett passed away in 1987.
One of the most popular riddles kids asked Floppy was: "Why did the man put the car in the oven?" The answer was always, "Because he wanted a hot-rod." Floppy never guessed it right, and he always enjoyed hearing it!
Floppy's Lasting Impact
In 1994, a special display honored Duane Ellett and Floppy. It was at the Iowa Historical Building. Floppy the puppet lives there now. In 2013, it was announced that the Iowa State Historical Society planned to put Floppy in storage. The display was set to be taken down on June 9, 2013. This date was also Floppy's 56th "birthday."
A Facebook group called "Save Floppy!" started an online petition. They wanted to keep the original Floppy display open to the public. In July 2013, a museum spokesperson said they were still deciding. They were figuring out how exhibits would rotate in the future.
The Iowa State Historical Society held a special "Duane and Floppy Film Festival." They showed old episodes of the show. This festival happened in 2009 and again in 2010.
On August 6, 2013, it was announced that Floppy would be on display again! He was shown at the 2013 Iowa State Fair. This was from August 8 to August 18.
