" . . . he fell out of bed--they forgot to put the bed rails up--he broke his femur, and was gone in 48 hours. He was still at the height of his career; he could still do ALL the voices . . . " Mel Blanc's son Noel recounts near the end of MEL BLANC: THE MAN OF A THOUSAND VOICES. In other words, a tiny cough shortened the title of this documentary from MAN OF TWO THOUSAND VOICES. (Back in the 1900s, medical boo-boos such as this one frequently curtailed the careers of top American performers at their peak, but now we have Obamacare, at least until Nov. 8.) About 25 other folks--most of whom are workers in the cartoon industry, including many close associates of Mel--join Noel in this tribute to his father. Only 500 or so of Mel's voices were provided to Looney Tunes, viewers learn here. Woody Woodpecker, Barney Rubble, and Secret Squirrel played on the other side of the fence from Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny, Sylvester Cat, Tweetie Bird, Pepe LePew, Taz, Wile E. Coyote, Henery Hawk, Foghorn Leghorn, and Yosemite Sam. Americans might have enjoyed Duck Dodgers into the 24 1/2TH Century were it not for those missing bed rails.

This installment of "American Masters" is one of the more unusual shows I've ever seen about an actor. Not only do many actors and voice actors praise him for his amazing skills, but the show does a great job in describing Mel Blanc as one of the nicest and most decent human beings--something that cannot be said of many famous people. His son talks about what a terrific father and husband he was and others talk about the times he went out of his way to be decent to fans--going so far and never refusing to make phone calls to people in character when folks requested it! He is a breed that is rare--and the show really made you like the guy as well as respect his contributions. It's also full of fascinating tidbits-- such as his close friendship with Jack Benny and the difficulty he had at first getting Looney Tunes to even give him a chance to demonstrate his considerable voice acting skills! Overall, one of the finer biographies I've seen---and one that will leave fans actually LIKING the person not just their skills.

Bill and I will enjoy reviewing Mel Blanc... again and again. It was nice enough feeling the smiles spread as we encountered Bugs Bunny again. That was just the beginning--oh not really the beginning The actual beginning was real footage re the crash you think killed him. Almost too much, and did break every bone in the precious man's body, but didn't get him! No, it was great seeing Bugs, but then seeing how all the different cartoon peeps came about, and seeing Mel Blanc truly being them was pure joy. To say it holds your attention's superfluous you could say. In this documentary we have the pleasure of almost "chatting" with him live time and again. His son tells us he did this with all the kids and other people who came to him, every day. But, see for yourself.