Captain 5

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The Cap’n Five Show was a locally-produced children’s program that ran on WRAL-TV from 1958-1961. The show starred WRAL staff announcer Herb Marks as the commander of a submarine that docked in the TV fantasyland known as “Happy Harbor.”

The show was produced before a studio audience full of energetic children who would arrive at WRAL each day ready for their voyage into the world of television make-believe. Marks would don his skipper’s cap and perform with a Charlie McCarthy-like puppet—telling stories and jokes to keep the children entertained and under control.

In its early years Cap’n Five featured a huge submarine prop that was used as the centerpiece of the show’s studio production. Eventually that prop disappeared and Marks—who was an amateur ventriloquist and seasoned performer–became the central feature of the program.

Marks would entertain the kids and then introduce cartoon favorites like Popeye, Huckleberry Hound and Quick Draw McGraw. He also used an assortment of games and gimmicks, including a “Whatzit Box” that contained a secret object. If a child could guess what was inside he or she would go home with the prize.

WRAL legend Paul Montgomery made numerous guest appearances on Cap’n Five as a German-accented character known as “Heinrich von Stuplebaum.” Montgomery went on to star in his own children’s program, “Time for Uncle Paul.”

The Cap’n Five Show came to an end in 1961, but not before blazing a trail as one of the first locally-produced children’s shows on Channel 5.

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Highlights for Captain 5

WRAL performer Herb Marks

Marks dressed as cowboy character. Marks was best known for portraying Capn 5, a cartoon show in the late 50s.
Capn 5 contest winner

Donald Wayne Adams of Raleigh receives set of Encyclopaedia Britannica as winner of the Spotluck contest. Herb Marks, who portrayed Capn 5, presents the books.
Capn Five Hi-Yo Silver yelling contest winner

Harry Raynor of Raleigh proved to be the loudest contestant in the contest designed to promote the Lone Ranger features on Capn Five.
Herb Marks

Capn 5 star Herb Marks in one of the last photos taken before his death in 2015
Capn 5 show in studio

Herb Marks and Paul Montgomery entertain the kids during a Capn 5 show

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Captain 5

Highlights for Captain 5

WRAL performer Herb Marks

Capn 5 contest winner

Capn Five Hi-Yo Silver yelling contest winner

Herb Marks

Capn 5 show in studio