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Scooter
Scooter Computer and Mr. Chips
Number EX
Number of episodes: 4
Original airing: 1982 - 1984
Producer:
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Scooter Computer & Mr. Chips, unoffically known as Computer Rock, is a collection of Schoolhouse Rock! songs that discusses computers. Unlike Schoolhouse Rock, this revolved around two titular characters, Scooter Computer, a young skater, and Mr. Chips, Scooter's talking computer.

History[]

Scooter Computer & Mr. Chips was commissioned by the ABC program executive Squire D. Rushnell based on the erroneous idea that children were afraid of computers. Tom Yohe created the two characters, Scooter Computer (voiced by Darrell Stern,) a young skateboarder, and Mr. Chips (voiced by Bob Kaliban,) his computer terminal friend.

In previous Schoolhouse Rock! seasons, songwriters would propose their ideas for each song, but when developing Scooter Computer & Mr. Chips, the creative team gave the songwriters' topics instead. Songwriter Dave Frishberg found it hard to write songs featuring the two recurring characters, and while writing the song, Hardware, he had to research the subject. “I had to learn this stuff, too.”[1]

Darrell Stern, was 11 years old in 1982 when he auditioned for the role in New York. The first two episodes, Introduction and Software (also known as Computer Language) were recorded back to back, with both Stern and Bob Kaliban in the studio together. The next two episodes, Hardware (also known as Hardware and Software) and Number Cruncher were then recorded in 1983 and 1984.

Scooter Computer & Mr. Chips was pulled from the airwaves in 1985, along with the rest of the series. When reruns returned in 1996, Scooter Computer & Mr. Chips did not due to the technology showcased having become obsolete by then. The episodes were not available on home video until 2002 as part of the 30th anniversary DVD, and the episodes Hardware, Software, and Number Crunching are available on Disney+ (the first episode, Introduction, was omitted for unknown reasons). It's a good thing Stern has the lost introduction episode on YouTube. :)

Merchandise[]

Although it is one of shortest and least known Schoolhouse Rock! segments, a considerable amount of merchandise was created for the series. This included two children’s books, computer-related flashcards, some coloring books, and a card game. Most of the merchandise was created by Western Publishing in 1984 and 1985. The only merchandise that was not created by Western Publishing was produced by Texas Instruments in 1983.

Scooter Computer & Mr. Chips, Speak & Learn[]

Scooter Computer and Mr Chips Speak and Learn Cover

The front cover of the SC&MC Magic Wand Speak & Learn book.

A children’s book produced by Texas Instruments as a part of their Magic Wand Speaking Library. This book was created to be read with the Speaking Reader (later renamed the Speak & Learn,) which was a device that would scan barcodes and read the book aloud using a speech synthesizer.

Scooter Computer and Mr

The title page for the Scooter Computer and Mr. Chips Speak and Learn book. Trudy, Scooter's sister, can be seen introducing herself.

The book discusses the uses for a computer, computer languages, and the difference between software and hardware. Along with Scooter Computer and Mr. Chips is Scooter’s sister, Trudy, who is never seen in the series.

The book was written by George Newall, illustrated by Tom Yohe, and the electronic speech was done by Tamara Pearson. The book was released in 1983.

Scooter Computer & Mr. Chips: The Computer in the Candy Store[]

A children’s book produced by Western Publishing in 1984. The book follows Scooter Computer and his friend, Arthur as they try to build a clubhouse. Mr. Chips tells them that they lack the funds, so the two think up of ways to earn money. At the end, the duo earn jobs at Mr. Dooley’s candy store.

The book was written by Leslie McGuire and illustrated by John Costanza.

Scooter Computer & Mr. Chips, Coloring book[]

A coloring book produced by Western Publishing in 1984.

Scooter Computer & Mr. Chips Card game[]

A card game produced by Western Publishing in 1984.

The back of the box reads, “Scooter Computer and Mr. Chips present a madcap card game with a computer twist. The fun begins as players lay down cards in a sequence, attempting to win the game by building a computer “program.” More fun follows as the winner must act out his program, reciting tricky tongue twisters and performing hilarious stunts. An easy to learn game with no computer know-how required.”

Scooter Computer and Mr

The front cover for The Computer in the Candy Store.

Scooter Computer & Mr. Chips Magic Slate paper saver[]

A Magic Slate produced by Western Publishing in 1984. A Magic Slate was a reusable drawing device created by Western Publishing.

Scooter Computer & Mr. Chips Introductory Computer Language flash cards[]

Flash cards about computers produced by Western Publishing in 1984.

The back of the flash card box reads, “Scooter Computer and Mr. Chips present 40 introductory computer terms and their definitions in easy-to-understand language. Each term, accompanied by a colorful illustration, is presented on one side of the card with the definition on the reverse side. With the help of Scooter Computer and Mr. Chips, children can learn more about computer terminology and hardware. Terms apply to all types of computers and provide children with the necessary background to understand the computer and its functions. An ideal learning tool for home or school use.”

Scooter Computer and Mr. Chips Sticker Fun[]

A sticker book created by Western Publishing produced in 1985. This is the only known piece of merchandise to be produced after 1984.

Trivia[]

  • The name Mr. Chips may have likely been inspired by the 1966 film Goodbye, Mr. Chips.


Episodes[]

Image Episode Number Episode Title Subject Original Air Date
Introduction to Scooter Computer and Mr Chips 1 Introduction Computer 1982
Software 2 Software Computer software 1982
Hardware 3 Hardware Computer hardware 1983
Numbercruncher 4 Number Cruncher Computer math 1984
  1. Schoolhouse Rock!: The Official Guide, by Tom Yohe and George Newall, Hyperion, 1996, pp. 87-94.
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