The Floppy Show

by Jeff Stein

In 1957, WHO-TV asked staff performer Duane Ellett to come up with an idea to help teach children how to better care for their pets. Ellett created Floppy, a high-voiced beagle dog puppet that became his sidekick for the next 30 years. Together, the iconic duo made 200 personal appearances every year at community festivals and events. The Floppy Show aired weekday afternoons in part of four decades, featuring a live studio audience of children telling Floppy riddles, beeping his nose for luck, and watching cartoons. On weekends, the duo appeared in a variety of programs over time, from the S.S. Popeye in earlier years to The Floppytown Gazette in the 1980s, featuring Floppy and other puppets Ellett created. Thousands of Iowans outside of Des Moines discovered the duo from their performances at the Iowa State Fair. Even now, 30 years after their last television appearance, Duane and Floppy still hold a warm place in the hearts of baby boomers across America.

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 22, 2018

Reviews

[Sharon Falduto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Floppy!

If you grew up in Central Iowa in the 70s/80s, you know Floppy. If you didn't, well, I'm sorry for you.

[Douglas Hamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of memories

I met Duane at ISU sometime in the late 70s. The appearance was taped for "Real People" but the recorder malfunctioned so the segment never happened. Duane was crestfallen but was still a delight to talk with. I still have my Floppy shirt despite several offers to sell. Thanks for helping me revisit those delightful memories.

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful nostalgic book full of photographs. I was fortunate enough to meet Duane while in college & he was always generous with his time, whether having us on a show to promote dance & theatre, or by entertaining the dancers at ISU's MDA Dance-a-thons. Still much missed.