went to work on the set. It was to stand four feet high and eight
feet long and be mounted on a studio wall. Dedrick got an old
pinball machine that could be used for lights and switches.
However, engineers soon ran into trouble because they couldn�t
agree on a set design. The solution was simple. Each engineer
was assigned one-fourth of the design. The result was Captain
11�s one-of-a-kind �Time Converter�.
should write it. Tom Sheeley was used to pounding out reams of
commercial copy as KELO-TV�s continuity director. Dedrick
told Sheeley he was afraid children wouldn�t buy into the show.
Kids had seen Dedrick pitching Sunbeam bread. Now they would
be asked to believe he was Captain 11?
Sheeley said, �You mean a SHAZAM intro, Dave?" The men agreed it was the right approach. Sheeley went to work on the opening that would entertain the Captain�s young fans for many
years to come.
On March 7, 1955 at 4:00pm�Sheeley�s words transformed
26-year old Dave Dedrick into his space-age alter ego for the
very first time.
�Captain 11�Today�s man of the future!
One man in each century is given the power to control time.
The man chosen to receive this power is carefully selected.
He must be kind�he must be fair�he must be brave.
You have fulfilled these requirements�and
We of the outer galaxies designate to you
the wisdom of Solomon�and the strength of Atlas.
You are Captain 11!�
The camera faded in on a dashing young man wearing a
magnificent uniform, a bandana scarf, and a pilot�s cap
emblazoned with a large �11�. A five inch wide belt circled his
midriff and a set of WWII surplus earphones completed the
costume.
The man smiled and threw a salute. �Hi, crew, Captain 11
reporting. Call all of your friends and tell them we�re here to
show cartoons and have fun every afternoon at this time. Are
you ready? Then let�s go cartooning!�