Return to Transcripts main page

American Morning

Mr. Potato Head Now 50

Aired February 06, 2002 - 08:52   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
ANDERSON COOPER, CNN ANCHOR: It is the golden jubilee for Queen Elizabeth. It is also the golden jubilee for another head of state, if you will: Mr. Potato Head turns 50.

Our Jeanne Moos takes a look at the famous Mr. Head.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Happy birthday, Mr. Potato Head.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Happy birthday, Mr. Potato Head.

JEANNE MOOS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): May we suggest how not to celebrate Mr. Potato Head's 50th birthday: by brandishing a potato peeler.

(on camera): You don't think I could peel Mr. Potato Head?

(voice-over): He's been "a-peeling" to kids since 1952.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Potato head people look different every time you make them.

MOOS: The same year that "American Bandstand" debuted and Vice President Nixon made his checkers speech.

Mr Potato Head made no speeches on his 50th, though he did get a cake an was presented with an AARP card from the American Association of Retired Persons.

(on camera): Why is his nose on top of his head.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Because he's funny.

MOOS: Let me try this ear.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: It's my potato.

MOOS (voice-over): In the old day, they used the real thing.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Take any fruit or vegetable. Just stick in eyes and ears.

MOOS: Kids today have never had to deal with actual vegetables. (on camera): Who wants to try this one?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Me!

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Me!

MOOS: All right. Easy does it.

(voice-over): Back in 1964, they did away with the sharp parts necessary to pierce a real potato and substituted a plastic body with holes.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I sort of liked the old Potato Head better.

MOOS (on camera): I wonder why they changed it. So that's really the reason?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: That's really for safety reasons.

MOOS: Maybe someone should worry about Mr. Potato head's safety. Mr. Potato head has had memorable moments, from ringing the bell at the New York Stock Exchange to turning in his pipe to the surgeon general. He kissed his own derriere in the movie "Toy Story." Don Rickles was the voice of Mr. Potato head.

DON RICKLES, ACTOR: I can't see a thing.

I can't see a thing.

MOOS: In "Toy Story 2," he had eyes for Barbie.

JODI BENSON, ACTOR: I'm Tour Guide Barbie.

RICKLES: I'm a married spud, I'm a married spud.

MOOS: Married and starting to show his age spots.

At the Hasbro showroom, Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head differentiate the mens from the ladies room.

MOOS: The birthday celebration had barely concluded when we spied the buffet.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Put that back! Put that thing back.

MOOS: Of all the half-baked menu selections.

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: They're good for you.

MOOS: Good for you, but not for him.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com