The Outlaw Bear Show

The Outlaw Bear Show was an American Animated series created by Michael Avery, the first after the closure of the theatrical cartoon division. The show premiered on NBC on May 7, 1960, and was the second television production produced by DG Productions, inc. after The Lippin' Louis Show. Much like the predecessor, the entire run was sponsored by General Mills, inc. In 1964, syndication rights for the show were granted by Worldvision Enterprises, inc. along with the entire DG Television Cartoon library.

Sypnosis
The show stars the eponymous bear, voiced by Daws Butler, who desires to rob food instead of robbing cash, much like Yogi Bear, but his intentions were much more devious. Sandwiched in between Outlaw Bear segments is one Rupert and Rollie short, which focuses on the eponymous felines, also voiced by Daws Butler, as they share a father and son bond and going on misadventures.

Format
The show is formatted as a three-shorts program with in-between interstitials, each with their individual story that disconnects from another story. Much like its predecessor, a third segment was planned, but cancelled due to Avery showrunning both programs and budgetary concerns.

Development
Because of the success of The Lippin' Louis Show, in August 1959 General Mills wanted to have a second show that can expand the DG Television Cartoon universe. Due to a majority of the shows being westerns, Outlaw Bear was designed to lampoon certain hits, such as Bonanza or Gunsmoke. A pilot was pitched to GM showing Outlaw Bear robbing a train a la The Great Train Robbery, by forcing the driver to hand over his meat sandwich so he can give them to his so-called "cubs". The series was instantly greenlit, with the first short, "Down Home Robbin'" put into production.