Scooby Ges Hollywood

Scooby Goes Hollywood (1979) 3/5 stars

The first feature length animated special for the undisputed face of the legendary Hanna-Barbera animation studios, is an interesting exploration of the tropes that make the both the eponymous canine and franchise so enduring and endearing.

With a runtime of 50 minutes, it falls flat more often than not, but that somehow works in its favor as both a case for why the Scooby formula is relatively unchanged from from the initial concept, and as a showcase for why deviating from that formula wouldn't really work.

The Special is a loosely connected series of vignettes that show Shaggy trying to make Scooby an A-list talent without fully understanding the appeal of his canine companion. As such he puts Scoob in one miscast situation after another resulting in disaster. The poor studio exec who has to witness these attempts at making Scooby a star is basically collateral damage as they drive poor man into a breakdown.

The special is basically Scooby in a medley of parodies inspired by a variety of contemporary shows. None of these attempts inspire much laughter. The special really shines when it focuses on Scooby's attempts at networking and other behind-the-scenes shenanigans.

Being the 10th anniversary celebration of the franchise, the animation is a step above the usual Scooby cartoons. It's looks stunning, at least in my uneducated opinion, on the Superstars 10 blu-ray collection.

I was going to start my Scooby marathon over a month ago, but the exact same day I decided to start, the blu-ray set was announced. By the way that blu-ray set features the debut of 4 Scooby Doo specials in the format. Goes Hollywood, Meets Boo Brothers, Ghoul School, and The Reluctant Werewolf (With “Goes Hollywood” as a bonus feature).

Ultimately, it's a fairly forgettable entry in the Scooby cannon, with unremarkable songs. I've seen the special multiple times over the course of 3 decades.. and on 3 formats even (VHS, DVD, Blu-Ray). The blu-ray is the best presentation I have seen for the special. Definitely recommended for existing Scooby fans, but probably not a good intro for beginners.

The voice cast features the Scooby Stalwarts and a few guest appearances.

Scooby is of course voiced by the legendary Don Messick, a role he originated and reprised multiple times from 1969-1995. He of course has many other iconic roles over the course of his 55 year career. Outside of his Hanna-Barbera roles, I know him best as Hampton J. Pig from 90's Tiny Toons.

Shaggy is again voiced by Casey Kasem, a role he originated and played off and on from 1969-2009, but he still continued with the franchise in different roles until 2013. Casey was also a legendary disc jockey in addition to being a voice actor. Outside of his best known role as Shaggy, he equally remembered for his work as Robin in various cartoons from 1968-1985. Primarily for the Superfriends franchise. But had pretty prolific career in appearing in numerous cartoons over a 40+ years.

Fred (Freddy) Jones is voiced by Frank Welker who not only originated the role, but is still playing the character 55 years later, and he is also Scooby since at least 2002. He also has innumerable credits as vocal effects for creatures such as Toka and Rahzar down to lions and monkeys. Basically if any creature required vocal effects, there's a good chance it was Frank. He also has a few live-action appearances under his belt as well. Ranging from the dimwitted friend of Don Knotts in “How to Frame a Figg” (1971) to the father in “The Informant” (2009). His voice acting credits are legion, and even listing just the highlights would require an entirely separate article. Roles such as Fred (Freddy) Jones, Bobby Drake (Ice-Man), Megatron. You may know him from Tiny Toons and Animaniacs. Basically the voice of your childhood, your parents childhood, and perhaps your grandparents childhood as well.

Daphne is Heather North Kenney who is the second voice of the character, starting during season 2 of “Where are You?”. She played the role off and on till at least 2003. She was friends and roomies with Nicole Jaffe ( 1st Voice of Velma) who encouraged her to audition for the role of Daphne. Nowhere as prolific as her costars, Daphne is her best known voice role. She made a few appearances in live-action television until the early 70's. After which she became solely a voice-actor until her retirement.

Velma, similarly is voiced by Patricia Stevens who also was the second voice for the role. Her tenure was a relatively short one, lasting from 1973-1978. Outside of Velma, she had very few voice roles. However she has attained a degree of TV immortality as various nurses on MASH.

The guest voice features the voices of

Rip Taylor as the CJ the long suffering studio exec.
Rip Taylor was basically an over the top cartoon character himself, completely unforgettable and immensely lovable performer who provided generations of laughter. Immortalized by roles in both “the Ducktales Movie: Treasure of the Lamp” (1990) and Wayne's World 2 (1993).


Stan Jones as Director, First V.P. and Terrier
Provided voices in many projects ranging from comedy to action. Professor X in Spider-Man and his amazing friends is just one of his many memorable performances.

Mike Bell as Jesse Rotten and V.P. Jackie Carlson
Another familiar voice actor known for various roles including but not limited to, Drew Pickles and Chaz Finster (Rugrats), Plastic Man, Bruce Banner (The Incredible Hulk 1982), Doctor Octopus (Spider-Man and his Amazing Friends), Sideswipe (Transformers 1984), Duke (GI Joe: A Real American Hero), Lex Luthor (Superman 1988), Cyclops (Pryde of the X-Men 1989),

Marilyn Schreffler as Cherie, Sis and Receptionist
80's voice-actor on many projects of the decade. Scooby, Alvin and the Chipmunks. Incredible Hulk, being a few

Joan Gerber as Lavonne, Second Woman and Waitress
Mrs. Beakly in the original Ducktales. Also many other roles over the course of 40+ years.

Ginny McSwain as Kerry, Girl Fan and Executive Secretary
Best known as a voice director with credits for like half of the classic cartoons of millenials childhoods with an emphasis on comedy.

Patrick Fraley as Brother, Guard and Announcer
Every 80's kid knows this guy, he was the voice of Krang, Burne Thompson, and Baxter Stockman. Not to mention 62 other characters in the 1987 TMNT cartoon. He provided a voice for nearly every cartoon of the 80's. Epic resume.
I only listed the shows I know the cast best from, but trust me, you have most likely heard them in at least half a dozen different shows from your childhood.