Hey Cartooners! - 2024 - 6/10

Loving biography of the Tri-State’s Mr. Cartoon, Jule Huffman.
Generations ago, after-school programming devoted to children was ubiquitous across the land.
Every city and burg had their Cousin Cliff, Uncle Willie, Captain Chesapeake, Ranger Jim …
Playful souls who know how to embrace children without talking down to them.
In between noise and camaraderie would be cartoons, a Stooges short, or Flash Gordon episode.
What is surprising is how good this documentary is for a regional show.
Early life is profiled, WWII service, aspirations (some dashed), and his iconic status as weatherman, children’s host, and ambassador of genuine good will.
Not the faux bonhomie of national celebrities.
This also shows the demise of children’s programming in the 1980’s, replaced by dubious adult fare (Oprah / Springer).
A much older me met Jule once at a function. Very gracious man.
A gentle reminder of what passed away in our gradual coarsening.