 Charlie, Howard, and Ramar on an adventure |
A total of 52 episodes were produced in 1952-53 by Rudolph Flothow for Arrow Productions.
The show featured Jon Hall as Dr. Tom Reynolds, a research scientist whose parents were missionaries in Africa when he was a child. The natives refer to him as the great Ramar, the white medicine man. He is returning to Africa with his associate Ray Montgomery as Professor Howard Ogden. Episodes were set in Africa and India, but filmed in Hollywood. They were produced in four sets of thirteen episodes, and released in the 1953 and 1954 television seasons. Each series of thirteen episodes is distinguished by a different director and different opening and closing credits. Throughout these episodes Ramar and Howard were accompanied on their adventures by various guides. Charlie, the Cockney guide from Capetown (James Fairfax), with his parrot Walter, guided them during the first series in Africa. Zahir, (Victor Millan), guided them in the next series of episodes as they visited India. Finally, they returned again to the jungles of Africa, and were guided in the third and fourth series' of episodes by the native Willy (Nick Stewart), with his pet monkey, Babette. I have prepared episode guides arranged alphabetically, by airdate, and chronologically for your reference: RAMAR episodes |
| Three episodes of each series were designed with related storylines so that four theatrical feature films were released by Lippert Productions from 1953-55 compiled directly from the tv episodes: White Goddess (1953), Eyes of the Jungle (1953), Thunder Over Sangoland (1955), and Phantom of the Jungle (1955). In addition, movies were released for television in 1964 by I.T.C., each running about 80 minutes, and taking its content from the tv episodes. RAMAR movies |
 Ramar, Howard, and Zahir rescue the Princess |
 Ramar, Howard, and Charlie meet the White Goddess |
RAMAR was an exciting show for many of us who were children at that time. Plenty of merchandising items quickly became popular to capitalize on the popularity of the show. Jon Hall toured the major cities promoting the show and it's merchandise. Probably the most popular is the board game released by the Dexter Wayne Company in 1953, which all youngsters wanted. Among some of the many items kids collected were comic books and the "Safari Scouts" membership card. Toys included puzzles, coloring books, toy guns, safari hats and suits, and a toy village with plastic natives and animals. Many of these RAMAR of the JUNGLE memorabilia items can be found for sale on eBay.
RAMAR memorabilia
|
| Though RAMAR of the JUNGLE is no longer broadcast on television, videos of many of the tv episodes are still available and can be purchased from oldies.com. At least 40 of the 52 episodes are available. |
 Jon Hall with a picture of himself as Ramar |
 Ramar, Howard, and Willy in danger |
Don't Remember RAMAR of the JUNGLE or have never seen it? Many episodes are available on YouTube. A RAMAR fan and want to know more? Take a look at my RAMAR notes. I hope you will once again enjoy 50's television and being with the great Ramar, and his friends on their jungle adventures! |
