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This film introduced one of Art Clokey's most lovable characters, Professor Cap. With a shape like a brown fig topped by a halo of white hair over wide eyes, and a voice like Ed Gwynn, the professor was the ultimate doddering genius. His only clothing is a Phi Beta Kappa key positioned to protect his modesty. In Space Ball, the professor has invented ball-shaped ship that permits travel, and becomes invisible during flight, which gives a fright to anyone who rides in it. We asked Art where he got his idea for this character. "Yes, Professor Cap! The only piece of clothing he has is a Phi Beta Kappa key. In the early episodes, I used my father's gold Phi Beta Kappa key, which was just the right size for Cap. But the idea for the character came from this teacher of music that was a friend of my father's, and we were at a restaurant in Claremont, where Pomona College is located. My father was teaching there at Pomona College of Music, and I noticed this one guy. He always wore a vest and he had a Phi Beta Kappa key. That was his first thing he put on in the morning. I thought that was a good idea; a trademark for Professor Cap." Art
Clokey: Creator Extraordinaire
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