Snooper and Blabber is a series of animated shorts by Hanna-Barbera that was part of “The Quick Draw McGraw Show” from 1959 to 1962. The series features a pair of anthropomorphic animal detectives: Super Snooper (a cat) and Blabber Mouse.
Super Snooper, the more competent of the two, is a parody of the hard-boiled detective character commonly seen in noir films. He’s confident, brash, and somewhat suave, often coming up with elaborate plans to solve their cases.
As his name suggests, Blabber Mouse is a talkative and somewhat nervous character known for his characteristic high-pitched voice. Despite his propensity to chatter, he remains a loyal companion to Snooper and often ends up helping solve the cases, sometimes in spite of Snooper’s plans.
Remembering Snooper and Blabber
Together, Snooper and Blabber take on a variety of cases, which often involve comically absurd scenarios like alien invasions, vanishing elephants, and haunted houses. Their comedic and often chaotic adventures left a significant mark in the realm of animated detective comedy.
No. of episodes: 45
No. of seasons: 3
Cast: Daws Butler
Program creators: Hanna-Barbera
The Master and his Mate
Snooper and Blabber were born out of the visionary minds at Hanna-Barbera, forming a delectably engaging detective duo that delighted cartoon aficionados in the late 50s and early 60s. Super Snooper, the enigmatic cat, and his fumbling, feeble-voiced companion, Blabber Mouse, were the noir-themed comic relief we didn’t know we needed.
They starred in their own segments in “The Quick Draw McGraw Show,” and their charm lay in their comic spin on traditional detective narratives.
They provided a delightful contrast with Snooper’s suave, self-assured demeanor, reminiscent of Hollywood’s hard-boiled detectives, and Blabber’s twitchy, nervous energy. The antics were as much about their odd-couple dynamic as about the actual mysteries they solved.
Outlandish Adventures
Snooper and Blabber specialized in cracking cases that were far from ordinary. They dealt with alien invasions, haunted houses, and vanishing elephants, never facing the humdrum. To make things even more hilarious, Snooper and Blabber did not just solve cases, they inadvertently created chaos and complications, only to unwittingly resolve them later.
Snooper, the ‘brains’ of the operation, would concoct convoluted strategies often leading to spectacular failures.
Blabber, the ‘brawn’, with his characteristic squeaky voice, would follow Snooper’s lead despite his better judgment. It was this roller-coaster ride of elaborate schemes and absurd adventures that had audiences glued to their screens.
Unique Characterization
What distinguished Snooper and Blabber from the conventional toon duos was the depth of their characterization. Snooper was not just a smart-aleck cat but a full-blown caricature of the ‘tough guy’ detectives from classic film noir. With his trench coat, Fedora hat, and a never-leave-home-without-it magnifying glass, he exuded a larger-than-life persona.
Blabber, on the other hand, brought in an element of unpredictability. He was the quintessential sidekick, loyal yet prone to missteps.
His nervy voice, mousey characteristics, and the sheer absurdity of his physical comedy elevated the comedy and gave a certain charm to the duo’s interaction. His comedic blunders and innocent simplicity formed the perfect foil to Snooper’s sophistication.
Lingering Impact
Despite its short-lived run from 1959 to 1962, Snooper and Blabber left an indelible mark on the realm of animated comedy. They were instrumental in crafting a genre of detective comedy that influenced generations of animated shows.
From the cartoon chaos of “Tom and Jerry” to the investigative quirkiness of “Scooby-Doo,” traces of Snooper and Blabber’s comedic genius can be found throughout the annals of animation. Their unique characters, engaging narratives, and enduring legacy make them an unforgettable chapter in Hanna-Barbera’s animated history.
Other Appearances
- Snooper and Blabber graced the pages of several comic books, even headlining their own series by Gold Key Comics. However, this solo venture was short-lived, running for only three issues between 1962 and 1963.
Appearance In Robot Chicken
Season: 3
Episode: Ban on the Fun
Length: 2:28 – yes it was a short appearance
In the “Laff-A-Munich” skit, Snooper and Blabber face off with the Great Fondoo, the holder of groceries in the aftermath of the Really Rottens’ deadly spree against the majority of the Yogi Yahooeys. Snooper asks Fondoo directly, “Do you know why we’re here?”
Startled, Fondoo questions his own role, asserting his insignificance and arguing that Hanna-Barbera boasts an abundance of other villains to contribute to the Really Rottens. Snooper and Blabber conclude the skit by abruptly putting an end to Fondoo.
Casting History
Super Snooper
- Daws Butler – The Quick Draw McGraw Show (1959) through Yogi’s Treasure Hunt (1985-1988)
- Paul Frees – Monster Shindig LP (1965)
- Rob Paulsen – Yo Yogi! (1991); Super Secret Secret Squirrel (1993)
- Georgie Kidder – Jellystone! (2021-present)
Blabber Mouse
- Elliot Field – The Quick Draw McGraw Show (early episodes)
- Daws Butler – The Quick Draw McGraw Show (1959) through Yogi’s Treasure Hunt (1985-1988)
- June Foray – Monster Shindig LP (1965)
- Hal Smith – Yo Yogi! (1991)
- Rob Paulsen – Super Secret Secret Squirrel (1993)
- Bernardo de Paula – Jellystone! (2021-present)
Friends
- Agent Hazel
- Parakeet
- Their clients who assign and pay them for cases
- Yogi Yahooeys
- Yogi’s Gang
- Yogi’s Treasure Hunters
- Scooby Doobies
Snooper and Blabber: Opening and Closing
