When we think about classic TV one of the all time favorites is a young lady named Shirley Temple. She was America's sweetheart and can be seen in re-runs to this day. One of her most well known acting/singing episodes is a little didy called "Animal Crackers"

youtube.com/watch?v=wNwFXLcrsbc

Released in 1935 the movie "Curly Top" is still one of the most loved today by her. She has an extensive movie career that is unmatched by most of todays child stars. Born April 23 in 1928 she now lives in California. If you wish to learn more about her or to see a complete list of her films you can visit:

shirleytemple.com/aboutShirley.html

Now surprisingly another charatcter showed up around the time that Shirley got her start but this was a cartoon. Her name is Betty Boop and she hit the drawing board in 1930. Women still collect her and give her as a gift today. So in the spirit of the season here is Betty in "March of the Wooden Soldiers".

viddler.com/explore/condensedmovies/videos/22/

Then lets move forward a few years to 1958. A show was created of which the theme song is more widely known than the show. The theme song is played by most marching and jazz bands still today. The show can be found on air today but you'll have to search the local listings. That show and the name of the song is about a Private Eye named "Peter Gunn". For the history of the show please look here but check the link after it for the song:

loti.com/fifties_TV/Peter_Gunn_Late_1950s_Television.htm

youtube.com/watch?v=qSEleg17T4w

I guess some shows, actors, cartoons, and music where just meant to last :)

I could add to the list shows like "Robin Hood", "Wagon Train", "Black Beauty", or even "The Cisco Kid". For more recent we have "The Waltons", "Little House on the Prarie", and although not many will remember "Bruce Lee" as Kato in "The Green Hornet" it is also an all time favorite of mine.