Mr. I-Magination

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Mr. I. Magination "the man with the magic reputation" was one of the earliest television shows for children. It ran live for thirty minutes as a weekly show, 1950-53 and a record "Billy On A Bike" and "Rip Van Winkle."

The host, Paul Tripp, or "Mr. I. Magination," gathered a group of children each week. The same child actors appeared on a rotating basis. Two would be selected to ask about a career, occupation, activity, etc. Tripp would then play a "magic" slide flute, he and the children would board a train, and travel to Imagination Land, where they would meet a professional from each of the two areas for that week's show. Guests were as diverse as Damu, a lion tamer from Ringling Brothers Circus, and test pilot Scott Crossfield. The show was also a pioneer in using simple, early special effects, such as making it appear as if the opening train ride went through a tunnel to enter Imagination Land.

Yul Bryner served as the show's director at times, but did not appear as a performer.

Mr. I. Magination was also featured on RCA records for children including "Billy On A Bike" and "Mr. I. Magination Meets Rip Van Winkle," an LP of which there are at least two versions.