lancelot link secret chimp, chimpanzee, get smart, parody,
ape, chump, monkeys, television
LANCELOT LINK, SECRET CHIMP
A.P.E. Logo Button
This listing is for a 1.25" pinback button with a color reproduction of the
logo
of A.P.E. (the Agency to Prevent Evil), a very VERY serious monkey face against the background of
a globe and surrounded by embracing 'fingers' of bananas. APE was
the good guys, or rather chimps, from the 70's TV series Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp.
Lancelot Link, Secret Chimp is an American
action/adventure comedy series that originally aired on ABC from
September 12, 1970 to January 2, 1971. The Saturday morning live-action
film series featured a cast of chimpanzees given apparent speaking
roles by overdubbing with human voices.
Owing considerable homage to Get Smart, the plot was always played for
laughs and featured Lancelot Link and his female colleague, "Mata
Hairi," whose own name in turn was a play on Mata Hari, in secret agent
and spy satires. Link worked for A.P.E., the Agency to Prevent Evil, in
an ongoing conflict with the evil organization C.H.U.M.P., the Criminal
Headquarters for the Underworld's Master Plan. APE's chief Darwin gave
Link and Hairi their orders as part of his "theory," a play on the
Charles Darwin (after whom the character had been named) theory of
evolution.
CHUMP's monocled chief Baron von Butcher inevitably hatched
the latest plan to endanger the world. The Baron's network of
international fiends included his shifty chauffeur Creto, mad scientist
Dr. Strangemind, imperious Dragon Woman, drowsy Wang Fu, singing sheikh
Ali Assa Seen, and the cultured Duchess. One or more would appear in
each episode.
A regular weekly feature was chimp TV host "Ed Simian" introducing a
musical number by an all-chimp band, "The Evolution
Revolution." This all-chimp band, dressed in colorful
hippie-style wigs and wardrobe, featured Lancelot Link (played by
Tongo) on guitar and Mata Hairi (played by Debbie) on tambourine, with
Blackie as "Bananas Marmoset" on the drums. "SweetWater Gibbons" (in
fringed vest and granny glasses) was credited for playing Farfisa
organ, although the organ usually pictured in the clips was a Vox
Continental organ.
In episode "The Evolution Revolution", it was established that the
band's music was used to communicate coded messages for APE agents.
The songs were usually co-written and performed by Steve Hoffman, in
the Bubblegum pop style then in vogue; Hoffman received "voices" credit
along with the various character actors. A Lancelot Link record album
was released on ABC/Dunhill, as well as a single titled "Sha-La Love
You", a song originally intended for The Grass Roots; the music shared
some of its style with the music of The Grass Roots, who used the same
recording facilities and studio musicians. Some songs contained heavy
guitar riffs, reflecting the growth of hard rock.
An Evolution Revolution song, "Wild Dreams, Jelly Beans", was later
covered by the Spanish alternative rock band Hello Lilliput.
There were also Lancelot Link comic books and other merchandise,
including Halloween costumes.
The episodes were all narrated, in a mock-sober delivery, by Malachi
Throne.
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Pin back on each button. US penny for scale Penny NOT included in
price of button.