HOLLYWOOD -- Henry G. Saperstein, 80, the producer and distributor of such beloved television shows as "Ding Dong School," "Mister Magoo," "Dick Tracy" and "The Gerald McBoing Boing Show," died of cancer June 24 at his home in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Mr. Saperstein's other films included "Gay Pur-ee," with the voice of Judy Garland, "Swan Lake," "Monster Zero," "War of the Gargantuas" and "Hell in the Pacific." He also produced the Timothy Leary documentary, "Turn on, Tune in, Drop Out."
He produced "The Famous Adventures of Mr. Magoo," the first prime-time animated series, which aired on NBC in 1964, as well as TV specials such as the classic "Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol" and "Uncle Sam Magoo."
Mr. Saperstein kept the Magoo character alive as an advertising spokesman and in a later TV series, "What's New Mr. Magoo?". He also was executive producer of Disney's 1997 live-action "Mr. Magoo," starring Leslie Nielsen.
In partnership with Toho of Japan for 25 years, Mr. Saperstein produced and marketed several science-fiction films including a 1956 classic, the original "Godzilla," with Raymond Burr.
He also produced "Godzilla vs. Monster Zero," and for 25 years, he handled U.S. licensing for the Godzilla character. His UPA Productions continues to distribute 12 of Toho's monster films for television and video. Mr. Saperstein served as a consultant to the current film "Godzilla."
Mr. Saperstein, a pioneer in the merchandising business, worked with Col. Tom Parker as Elvis Presley's licensing agent. He also handled merchandising for such television series as "Wyatt Earp," "The Lone Ranger," "Lassie" and "Roy Rogers" during the 1950s.
Mr. Saperstein, who was born in Chicago, attended the University of Chicago. He owned theaters in Chicago in the 1940s.
He came to Hollywood in the mid-1950s as president of Television Personalities Inc. After producing the Magoo and Tracy television shows, he produced "All-Star Golf" from 1958 to 1962, "Championship Bowling" from 1958 to 1960 and "Ding Dong School" in 1959 and 1960.
In addition to UPA and Television Personalities, Mr. Saperstein also headed Glen Films Inc., Screen Entertainment Co., Benedict Pictures Corp. and H.G. Saperstein & Associates.
Survivors include his wife, Irene of Beverly Hills; four children; and three grandchildren.
