Moose and Squirrel

I grew up with Boris Badenov, and his ghoulish moll, Natasha Fatale. They reported to 'Fearless Leader' of Spottsylvania, the arch enemy of the Untied States.

Boris's cartoon antics were always aimed at Rocky, a kind-hearted,  heroic flying squirrel,  who wore a leather helmet and goggles, and Bullwinkle, a dizzy, talking moose.

Boris Badenov was my favorite character in those cartoons.  I loved hearing him illuminate his latest demented plot against 'Moose and Squirrel'.   In one story line, Fearless Leader sent Boris and Natasha to steal the formula to a secret rocket fuel that would destroy television in America. The villains had to go through Rocky and Bullwinkle to get their dastardly prize.  Of course they were foiled in the end, after a very funny series of close calls and zany plot twists.  The cartoons were for kids, but the writers found ways to weave a lot of sophisticated silliness into the stories. Oh, and by the way, the networks have already done a pretty good job of destroying television without Fearless Leader's help.

Rocky and Bullwinkle was produced by Jay Ward Productions in Southern California, right around the corner from where I lived for many years. I can only imagine how much fun the writers had concocting the plots and dialogue, particularly for Boris and Natasha. 

About ten years ago, a Rocky and Bullwinkle theatrical movie was made that mixed digital animation with live characters. Boris Badenov was played by Jason Alexander. Rene Russo was Natasha, and Robert DeNiro was 'Fearless Leader'.   Though not a critical success, the movie was fun...especially, no doubt,  for the list of well-known actors who played the over-the-top characters.

Here is a link to the trailer for the movie...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQXEny-BzKc

The crazy writers at Jay Ward Production later debuted another cartoon melodrammer, The Adventures of Dudley Do-Right, who was always pitted against arch-villain, Snidely Whiplash.

My continuing affection for Boris Badenov and Snidely Whiplash probably stems from my college days, when, in my only foray into acting, I played a goofy melodrammer villain named Rottenly J. Hawk. My brief stint in black cape, twirling a sinister moustache, was one of the most fun things I've ever done.