The California Raisin Show

The California Raisin Show
Genreanimation, family
Created byBarry Bruce, Mark Gustafson (original concept)
Based onThe California Raisins
Written byRowby Goren, Larry DiTillio
Directed byKent Butterworth
Vincent Davis
Walt Kubiak
Ron Myrick
Creative directorGary Selvaggio
Voices ofDorian Harewood
Brian Cummings
Jim Cummings
Cam Clarke
Brian Stokes Mitchell
ComposersDennis C. Brown, Chuck Lorre
Country of originUnited States
Original languageenglish
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes13
Production
Executive producerWill Vinton
ProducerWalt Kubiak
EditorsTom Cornwell, Rick Hinson
Production companiesFred Wolf Films, Will Vinton Productions
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseSeptember 16 (1989-09-16) –
December 9, 1989 (1989-12-09)

The California Raisin Show is a 1989 American animated television series based on the claymation advertising characters The California Raisins.[1] The show is based on the claymation special, Meet the Raisins!, which originally aired on CBS in 1988. After the show's 13-episode run, a sequel to the original special, Raisins: Sold Out!: The California Raisins II, aired in 1990.

While the characters are traditionally depicted in claymation, the TV show was cel animated by Murakami-Wolf-Swenson. It did, however, maintain Will Vinton as creative director and executive producer.[2]

Plot

The series takes place in a world populated by anthropomorphic fruits and vegetables. It focuses on the main characters, a music band called the California Raisins: A.C. (vocals), Beebop (drums), Stretch (bass), and Red (guitar/piano). Each episode has one or more musical numbers, all of which were originally performed by most Motown artists.

Cast

Episodes

No.TitleWritten byOriginal release date
1"The Apple, Raisin-Style"Larry DiTillioSeptember 16, 1989 (1989-09-16)

The band heads to New York City to find Mom just in time for a gig.

Songs: "I Heard It Through the Grapevine", "The Way You Do the Things You Do", "Dancing in the Street"
2"No Business Like Shoe Business"Rowby GorenSeptember 23, 1989 (1989-09-23)

Red is given shoes with a mind of their own.

Songs: "Beechwood 4-5789", "Get Ready", "Do You Love Me"
3"School is Cool"Larry DiTillioSeptember 30, 1989 (1989-09-30)

Stretch has to go to high school again, so the others join him.

Songs: "Shake Me, Wake Me (When It's Over)", "ABC", "You Got What It Takes"
4"A Royal Mess"Rowby GorenOctober 7, 1989 (1989-10-07)

The raisins fly to a castle, where they perform for a king.

Songs: "Shop Around", "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)", "Save the Last Dance for Me"
5"Lights, Camera, Disaster"Rowby GorenOctober 14, 1989 (1989-10-14)

The band is asked to act for the first time in a big Hollywood feature.

Song: "Stop! In the Name of Love"
6"The Good, the Bad & the Broccoli"Larry DiTillioOctober 21, 1989 (1989-10-21)

The band has their first encounter with Lick Broccoli and his band of vegetables.

Songs: "Ain't That Peculiar", "Baby Love"
7"Abracadabra Beebop"Rowby GorenOctober 28, 1989 (1989-10-28)

Beebop desires to leave the band and become a full-time magician.

Songs: "I Like It Like That", "I Can't Get Next to You", "Do You Believe in Magic"
8"The Grape Outdoors"Larry DiTillioNovember 4, 1989 (1989-11-04)

The raisins go on a camping trip.

Songs: "You're All I Need to Get By", "The Wanderer" "Oh How Happy"
9"Rocket n' Rollin' Raisins"Rowby GorenNovember 11, 1989 (1989-11-11)

The band plays at a futuristic club, only to discover they're being launched into outer space!

Songs: "You Keep Me Hangin' On", "Mashed Potato Time", "Going to a Go-Go"
10"Hold That Jungle"Rowby GorenNovember 18, 1989 (1989-11-18)

The band heads to the jungles of Africa for a wild expedition.

Songs: "Nowhere to Run", "Quicksand", "Ain't No Mountain High Enough"
11"Olivera Street"Larry DiTillioNovember 25, 1989 (1989-11-25)

The raisins are given a star on the sidewalk of the world-famous "Olivera Street."

Songs: "Sir Duke", "I'll Be Doggone", "Let's Get Serious"
12"Picture-Perfect Shirelle"Rowby GorenDecember 2, 1989 (1989-12-02)

Shirelle becomes a model and wants to split with her band-mates.

Songs: "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing", "My Cherie Amour", "I Second That Emotion"
13"You Can't Grow Home Again"Larry DiTillioDecember 9, 1989 (1989-12-09)

A.C, Beebop, and Mom head home for a family reunion.

Songs: "(I'm a) Road Runner", "This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak for You)", "I Just Want to Celebrate"

Home media

On November 15, 2011, Hen's Tooth Video released The California Raisins Collection on DVD in Region 1 for the first time. The 2-disc set features all 13 episodes of the series as well as the two original claymation specials, Meet the Raisins! and The Raisins: Sold Out!: The California Raisins II, along with 4 original TV ads.[3]

References

  1. ^ Perlmutter, David (2018). The Encyclopedia of American Animated Television Shows. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 104. ISBN 978-1538103739.
  2. ^ Will Vinton Biography, Filmography and Awards WillVinton.net. Retrieved on 5-14-11.
  3. ^ "California Raisins DVD news: Announcement for California Raisins – The California Raisins Collection". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on November 24, 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2012.
Stub icon

This animated television series–related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.