Andy's Gang - Andy Devine

Andy Devine

The show then went to the rough voiced, gentle giant, Andy Devine, who had earlier appeared as Jingles on The Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok show with Guy Madison. The studio reaction shots were again intercut and Devine did his segments without a live audience. This also allowed some limited special effects such as when Froggy appeared or disappeared.

The show began with Andy sitting in a big easy chair reading from a book, Andy's Stories, which were illustrated by film clips. Regular characters were Midnight the Cat, Squeeky the Mouse (portrayed by a hamster), and Grandie the Talking Piano. Midnight, a big black cat, would sometimes operate an organ grinder.

In filmed segments, Gunga Ram was an Indian boy played by Nino Marcel. Gunga (Ghanga Rama during Smilin' Ed's tenure) and his friend Rama (Vito Scotti) helped out the Majarajah.

Comic actor Billy Gilbert regularly appeared on the show and was often interrupted by Froggy or told to do what Froggy wanted. The enraged Gilbert would then chase Froggy until he disappeared. One surviving clip shows Vito Scotti trying to explain singing, while Froggy keeps interrupting or making fun of him; eventually, Scotti tries to grab Froggy but the gremlin suddenly disappears.

Devine closed with, " "Yes, sir, we're pals, and pals stick together. And now, gang, don't forget church or Sunday school."