by G. Jack Urso
Hot Hero Sandwich’s “What In, What’s Out”
segments are short clips of young people giving their opinion on the latest
crazes, music, and slang. The introduction’s primal drumming and crunchy, screaming guitar
work by the Hot Hero Band captures the unbridled teen spirit. What better way
to explore what kids feel then letting them speak for themselves?
The children are
from local schools on a field trip and coordinated with the show producers. The
segments, directed by Gail Frank, wife of Hot Hero Sandwich writer Joe Bailey
(who also wrote for Sesame Street and
The Muppet Show), also show how
difficult it is to pin down the likes and dislikes of the young teen
demographic. This is amply demonstrated in the episode 6 segment about the
great existential question in 1979, which is better, Rock or Disco music? Every
kid seems to have a different answer.
To the historian, these “person on the street” interviews have more
significance beyond just the entertainment value. Here, we see a snapshot of the
attitudes, fashion, and language of NYC teens in the late 1970s (which were
probably similar to teens in other urban areas). Whether it is a historian or a
movie production trying to recreate an era, these segments can be invaluable.
All clips are hosted on the Hot Hero Sandwich
Central YouTube channel.
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What In, What’s Out Segments:
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UPDATE: The Hot Hero Sandwich Project has moved to its new home at www.hotherosandwich.com. All new posts after July 2024 will be posted only to www.hotherosandwich.com.
Not surprising now, thanks to your work on HHS, about the connection between Sesame Street and HHS. Quality shows for kids. Perhaps, should be shown today.
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