The Funtastic World of Hanna Barbera

38. Huckleberry Mon Ami

August, 1978

Have you ever wanted to travel somewhere else in the world? Have you been on a vacation in another country? Well, Huckleberry Hound was about to do just that! It all began one morning after Huck put on his favorite hat and bow tie. He was busy in the kitchen warming up some milk. As soon as it was warm enough, he spooned some honey into the milk and stirred it up. He then went to his favorite chair and took a seat to watch TV as he drank his milk.

"Ahhhhhhh," he sighed, feeling quite relaxed.. "This is the life. But, you know what would make it better? A vacation. And I know just the place I'd love to go for one...Paris. Yep. Paris, France. I've always wanted to spend a vacation there. The food, the sights, the art...ohhhh, I've always wanted to go! Maybe someday, I'll get to live my dream at last."

He remembered how just two years earlier, he'd taken a vacation in Japan. Ever since he'd been given the money and the schedule by the bosses at the studio, he'd been doing some globe-hopping from time to time, taking The Huckleberry Hound Show across the world for all sorts of new audiences to see, and after having toured many places in Europe, he'd decided to take a trip to Japan. He'd had a lovely time, and he'd learned so much about Japanese culture, obtaining a newfound appreciation for it. He ate Japanese food, slept in a nice hotel, and even visited an amusement park! He'd actually been to Paris once before, but on account of the fact that he and his friends were trying to get home, they hadn't spent as much time as he would've desired to explore the city. Maybe if he got the chance to go there again, he'd be able to slow down and really enjoy the sights.

He sat back as his favorite comedy show played on the television, but one funny joke made him laugh pretty hard.

"HUHUHUHUHUHUHUH!! Ohhhh, golly, this is so funny!!"

But as he continued to laugh it up, he heard the phone ring. He put down his mug of warm milk, and got up to answer it.

"Howdy! Huckleberry Hound speakin'!"

"Huckleberry! It's Bill!"

"Oh! Hey, Mr. Hanna! What's goin' on?"

"Huck, I just called to tell you that we have a big surprise for you! We just received some very exciting news!"

"Oh? What is it?"

"Well, the head of the town's international entertainment committee just called me to let you know that you have a very special performance to do!"

"Really? Where is it being held?"

"You're going to love this. Since your show is coming up on twenty years, the committee decided to hold it in a place you've always wanted to visit. How'd you like to spend five fun-filled days in Paris?"

Huck's heart leaped with joy and he immediately started hopping up and down excitedly. "Paris!? Is that true!? Did I hear you right, Mr. Hanna?"

"Yes, it's true, Huck! You are going to Paris, France as part of your twentieth anniversary celebration!"

Huck was so excited, he just had to let out a cheer. "YAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYY!!!" He then stopped when he realized how he was acting. He didn't want to sound too immature in front of one of his bosses. So he calmed down a bit and simply said, "Gosh! That's swell! Real swell!!"

"You can also bring four friends with you," Mr. Hanna continued. "The committee sent five plane tickets, so you just have to choose four co-stars to accompany you. Oh, and you can bring your two pets."

"Sounds good to me!" Huck grinned. "Thank you, Mr. Hanna! Or should I say, merci!"

Mr. Hanna laughed. "You're welcome, Huck. Your flight leaves on Monday morning, so be at the airport at six a.m. sharp. I hope you have a good time, and good luck on your performance!"