The Man Called Flintstone (1966)

Expected more

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Blistering performances.

Back in the middle 60s, it seemed like everybody was doing a super-spy movie, including everybody's favorite cartoon caveman from Bedrock. Despite the show's huge popularity, however, this Flintstone feature was not a hit and there were no sequels or spin-offs to follow.For a feature it plays like an extended episode from the TV series, but there is certainly enough plot to keep the viewer interested for 80 minutes, with Fred doubling for a look-alike spy on a dangerous courier mission to 'Eurock'.The movie has a more ambitious and polished look than the series, and there is plenty of action. The action animation is quite good too. However, something was missing: it was a little TOO like the series to really achieve an identity of its own. There is no novelty here, and by this point the characters and situations were so familiar that the feature was nothing special, just more of the same. It's watchable enough. Once.

I found the movie a couple years back on a recorded video tape. I watched it and found I was missing around 15-20 minutes of the movie. So for the longest time I had been wanting to buy the DVD and never found the time to do it. I put it on my Christmas list and sure enough got it. I remember growing up with the Flintstones back when Cartoon Network and the Disney channel actually played good classic cartoons and shows (now you have to get Boomerang or Toon Disney in order to see the classics) and I loved the show. I was thrilled to see they would be releasing each season on DVD and have since bought all four seasons that are currently out as well as this DVD. Now back to the movie. It is over all an excellent cartoon. I have always loved it and have found that I can watch it over and over again and never get tired of it (same with the show) One of the few where I can honestly say that. All in all it is a classic and I can't wait until they release the other Flintstone cartoon movies (like a Flintstones Christmas etc.)

I first remember seeing "The Man Called Flintstone" in 1968 when the elementary school I attended in Warren, Michigan obtained a 16mm print of the film and ran it as an "after-school" movie, complete with popcorn and soft drinks. (My folks never had the time to take my younger sister and I to see it at the theater, but then, in 1966 I was only 4 years old.) Cartoon Network's Boomerang channel ran it a couple of months ago, and it was certainly a treat to see "The Man Called Flintstone" again after so long. I do agree, the movie's opening with Wilma as the Columbia Pictures torch lady was a riot; her torch exploded into the opening credits. Sadly, current television prints have deleted this opening, since Hanna-Barbera first became part of the Turner Entertainment empire in 1992 and is now a part of the Time Warner empire; Warner Bros. Television now syndicates this film (Sony Pictures Television ceased television syndication of "The Man Called Flintstone" in the mid-1980s). I highly doubt that opening will ever be restored, even if the movie ever appears on DVD. And I never knew that was Henry Corden, the future voice of Fred Flintstone, singing the duet with Mel Blanc as Barney. I recently discovered (according to a Goldmine record collectors' guide) there was a soundtrack album of "The Man Called Flintstone" - on HBR Records (Hanna-Barbera's record label), naturally - but it is very hard to find. If and when I ever do locate a copy, though, it'll certainly have a place in my record library (I recently found a copy of the soundtrack album of "Hey There, It's Yogi Bear," Hanna-Barbera's first movie musical, and that album is even harder to locate)! Notice to collectors: extant copies of the soundtrack of "The Man Called Flintstone" command $50 and up, depending on the condition of the vinyl (good luck locating it).I can also hope Warner Home Video will strongly consider putting "The Man Called Flintstone" on DVD soon!

Since I was a mere tot of 3 when THE MAN CALLED FLINTSTONE was in theaters, I first discovered it when our local ABC TV affiliate showed it yearly on Thanksgiving morning. It became my fave thing about Turkey Day next to the Macy's parade, and when it became available on home video a few years ago, I found I still loved it! Lovable loudmouth Fred Flintstone is recruited by spymaster Chief Boulder to fill in for injured Fred lookalike Rock Slag, the James Bond of the Stone Age, to capture the megalomaniacal "Green Goose." Wacky hijinks ensue as Fred's chased all over "Eurock" by sinister yet bumbling henchmen and slinky glamour gals (the only people in the movie who wear shoes!) while trying to keep Wilma and the Rubbles in the dark about his new "Spy Type Guy" temp job. The spy spoofery ranges from grinworthy to hilarious, the songs are catchy, the voice work is delightful--what's not to like? Best of all for me, now that my toddler daughter has discovered...FLINTSTONE, I don't have to wait for Thanksgiving to watch it (and you know how often little kids watch their fave videos! ;-)!