 Snagglepuss, the sartorially elegant lion, was created by Hanna Barbera in 1959. In his early career, this witty feline was a bit-part player in other characters' shows, notably Quick Draw McGraw. He first met his arch-enemy, Major Minor the hunter, in 1960. Major Minor played a somewhat less silly Elmer Fudd to Snagglepuss's Bugs Bunny.
By 1961, the cat was so cool, he was featuring in his own segment within the Yogi Bear Show. His appeal stemmed from his fabulous togs (immaculate in cuffs, collar and tie, and frequently in costume) and the drawling, care-not voice. This was created by the amazing Daws Butler (who also "did" Yogi Bear), while Major Minor was played by the equally astonishing and very gentlemanly Don Messick, (who played Boo-Boo, as well as Scooby Doo, until he realised that quitting smoking had robbed his voice of its harshest elements!). I remember Snagglepuss best with his arms cocked, ready to dash off the screen. He would invariably say, "Exit. stage left" (or right!) before disappearing with appropriate sound effects in that direction. His other catchphrase (used as an "oh my goodness" ) was "Heavens to Murgatroid". whatever that means. The painful punsomness of the titles of Snagglepuss episodes reveals much about the underlying cleverness of his creators. Some examples would be, "Feud For Thought", "Remember Your Lions" and "Paws For Applause". Heavens to Murgatroid.
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