Gli squires / The Houndcats – The 1972 cartoon

December 22 2023

Introduction

“The Houndcats” (original title “The Houndcats”) was an American animated series produced by DePatie–Freleng Enterprises. The series ran on NBC from September 9 to December 2, 1972, with reruns continuing until September 1, 1973. Thirteen episodes were produced.

What the series is about?

The series, loosely based on the CBS adventure series “Mission: Impossible” and the short-lived 1971 series “Bearcats!,” was led by a combined team of three dogs and two cats. These characters undertook spy missions in America in 1914.

Each episode begins with the Sleuths receiving orders from their unseen "Boss," whose messages are played on an antique gramophone, automatic piano, or other device, parodying the tape recorder scene at the beginning of most episodes of “Mission: Impossible”. However, the words “this message will self-destruct in five seconds” always surprise the Detectives, forcing them to flee from the explosion.

Characters

Stutz: The leader of the group, a cool and confident cat.
Dingdog: Stutz's right-hand man, wearing a blue Civil War uniform. He is known for his bad timing and judgment. He is a Briard.
Mussel Mutt: The muscle of the group – big, massive and always hungry, his eyes are almost always hidden under his hat. He is an Old English Sheepdog.
Putty Puss: A small cat expert in disguises.
Rhubarb: A scientist dog, he wears a long coat and a large sombrero that usually reveals only his nose. His coat is full of gadgets.

cast

Michael Bell as Stutz
Joe Besser as Putty Puss
Daws Butler as Rhubarb (for three episodes), Dr. Strangeless, Grogan
Stu Gilliam as Dingdog
Arte Johnson as Rhubarb, Captain Blight
Aldo Ray as Mussel Mutt
Joan Gerber as Madame
Bob Holt
John Stephenson as Doctor Doll

Production

13 episodes lasting half an hour each were produced. A soundtrack of adult laughter was added to the series, as was common practice for animated series of the time.