Additional Information about the TV Cartoon Sandy's Idol

Based on the enormous popularity of daredevil Evel Knievel, Hanna-Barbera developed this cartoon about a stunt motorcyclist working in a traveling circus. Ernie Devlin was a popular attraction, and with the help of his brother Tod and his sister Sandy, they entertained the multitude of adoring fans (many of whom appeared to be following the circus from town to town to save on animation expenses).

In between shows, the small Devlin family would take it upon themselves to solve any mystery that might cross their path. Sometimes, the circus would be in danger of closing down, other times the town in which they had stopped would need their help catching a thief. Regardless, Ernie and his siblings would always solve the riddle before the show's end.

The serious and non-patronizing tone of the show made it a hit with older kids who found most cartoons too childish. Of course, the death-defying stunts performed by Devlin every episode didn't hurt either. They didn't even hurt Devlin himself-since the show was still aimed at kids, the stunt rider rarely suffered any harm. Just in case children decided to emulate the hero, each episode featured safety tips that illustrated exactly how dangerous his job was.

Micky Dolenz, "drummer" for the rock & roll band The Monkees, supplied the voice of Tod Devlin.

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