2. Wasn't The Flintstones based on The Honeymooners?
Sort of (maybe). Here's what Bill Hanna himself has said on the subject:
At that time "The Honeymooners" was the most popular show on the air,
and for my bill, it was the funniest show on the air. The
characters, I thought, were terrific. Now, that influenced greatly
what we did with "The Flintstones"...."The Honeymooners" was there,
and we used that as a kind of basis for the concept.
Meanwhile, Joe Barbera says:
I don't remember mentioning "The Honeymooners" when I sold the show,
but if people want to compare "The Flintstones" to "The Honeymooners,"
then great. It's a total compliment. "The Honeymooners" was one of
the greatest shows ever written. (Adams 38; see question 31)
Mel Blanc, on the other hand, recalls being asked to voice Barney as a pre-
historic Art Carney, which he claims he refused to do. There is some
controversy regarding each of the differing accounts, and opinions vary.
Henry Corden, a friend of Jackie Gleason and the voice of Fred
Flintstone for many years, recalls:
Jackie's lawyers told him he could probably have "The Flintstones"
pulled right off the air. But they also told him, "Do you want to be
known as the guy who yanked Fred Flintstone off the air? The guy who
took away a show that so many kids love, and so many of their parents
love, too?" And apparently Jackie thought it over and decided against
it. (Adams 38; see question 31)
