The Duck Factory

I'm surprised no one mentioned that the fictitious "Duck Factory" studio was purportedly inspired by the true-life animation studios of Jay Ward, which brought us Rocky & Bullwinkle, Mr.Peabody & Sherman, Dudley Do-Right, etc. Ward was an infamous penny-pincher who worked his staff under almost sweat-shop conditions. Although he always pleaded poverty, Ward managed to squirrel away a sizable fortune for himself. (Which is the set up for this show's pilot.) To his defense, Ward surrounded himself with some of the best writers and voice artists in the business, most of whom were thrilled to work with him. Their enduring product speaks for itself.

I actually saw this sitcom when it first appeared on TV in 1984 (I must of been the only one). But since I myself was a cartoonist and fascinated by the whole process, I couldn't wait to see this show set in a cartoon studio. I remember enjoying the episodes and that Jim Carrey gave a believable, controlled performance and I was always a big fan of Jack Gilford. Needless to say, the show didn't last (wasn't really given much of a chance). The network didn't promote it at all - but it does show that Carrey can give naturalistic performances. I do admire Carrey's work, but he seems to have fallen into the Robin Williams trap - be manic and crazy at comedy - practically shouting out, "Love me, accept me" and then get all brooding and quiet when they try their dramatic turns. I'm all for actors trying to stretch their wings, but don't get angry when people don't exactly jump up, applauding and throw awards at you. (Truman Show, Man/Moon). As for Duck Factory, it is a sweet little show with good performances.

My summary is a quote I stole from another reviewer (Shark), so he/she gets the credit, but it accurately describes this charming bit of TV history.

I don't know how the other reviewers can remember such details of a series airing 20 years ago. I can't recall any great plots or dialogue; however, I do remember that the show impressed the hell out of me through sharp writing and well-cast, engaging characters.

Hindsight is 20/20, of course, but I believe I saw Carrey's star potential -- or at least the charisma that propelled his career. I also remember the appeal and promise of Teresa Ganzel, an actor unfortunately better known for her sexy little-girl voice and well-proportioned bod than her performances.

Oh, well, I just want to be on record as saying that The Duck Factory is a series that deserved more time and respect than it got, and, if you can find it on video or in TV-land, it is definitely worth a look.

I remember seeing "The Duck Factory" on NBC as a teenager( makes two who saw it). I had an interest in voice-work and animation, plus curious to see what Don Messick looked like.

The show was OK, from what I remember, but felt NBC did not really give it a chance. Typical of shows that are actually good but the almighty dollar, and ratings, rules so it was cut.

What I remember about The Duck Factory, is that The Today Show had Jim Carrey on to promo the show. He was shy, not like he is now. One of the things they showcased, was his ability to do impressions simply by changing his face. He did Henry Fonda from On Golden Pond, simply by putting on a fishing hat. He looked dead on, just using his rubber face.

I liked the show, but it just didn't stick around long enough to catch on. And I always wondered what happened to Jim Carrey, since Today touted him as a budding superstar. When he reemerged on In Living Color, I understood why he was a little prickly at being tagged "an overnight success." He clearly spent a lot of years trying to climb back up after Duck Factory.