Obscuricon: Hardee’s Cartoons

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The Obscuricon takes you back to a time when Hardee’s commercials weren’t merely reworked Carl’s Jr ads. During the ’70s, the chain attempted to get into the cartoon business to lure kids inside. Instead of Ronald McDonald and Burger King, Hardee’s had Gilbert Giddyup. He was a hero who didn’t mind working the grill in his off hours. His evil rival was Speedy McGreedy, The guy was supposed to be a hamburger rustler. But he looked more like a criminal hustler who hung out with the sinister offspring of Mick Jagger’s lips. The big push was for The Fun Machine. The prizes that came out were normally worse than the junk found in your dentist’s treasure chest.

Joe Corey is the writer and director of "Danger! Health Films" currently streaming on Night Flight and Amazon Prime. He's the author of "The Seven Secrets of Great Walmart People Greeters." This is the last how to get a job book you'll ever need. He was Associate Producer of the documentary "Moving Midway." He's worked as local crew on several reality shows including Candid Camera, American's Most Wanted, Extreme Makeover Home Edition and ESPN's Gaters. He's been featured on The Today Show and CBS's 48 Hours. Dom DeLuise once said, "Joe, you look like an axe murderer." He was in charge of research and programming at the Moving Image Archive.