Inspector Gadget is an animated series about a bumbling detective, Inspector Gadget, and his fight to stop the evil organization MAD, led by Dr. Claw. It was first released on September 10, 1983 and included 86 episodes. The last of them was aired in 1985. (View Photo)
Inspector Gadget was a cyborg; he had various "gadgets" built into his anatomy, including binoculars, a laser, rocket-powered roller skates, and extensible arms and legs. He could activate each gadget by saying the phrase, "Go-go gadget arms!" (for example). The gadgets would often malfunction in humorous ways.
The cartoon was made in France, by its merchandising company DiC Entertainment. Don Adams, the voice of Inspector Gadget in the American version of the cartoon, also played Maxwell Smart, the lead character in Get Smart, giving both shows a certain resemblance to US viewers.
Each episode, Dr. Claw was foiled not by Inspector Gadget, but by his young niece Penny and her dog Brain. Inspector Gadget invariably got credit for solving the crime, and everyone believed that he had in fact stopped Dr. Claw single-handedly.
Dr. Claw was always depicted sitting in a high-backed chair facing away from the audience, and was thus never seen except for his right arm. He had a cat, Mad Cat. At the end of every episode, Dr. Claw would escape, and yell, "I'll get you next time, Gadget! Next time!" He is a spoof of Ernst Blofeld, the villain of several James Bond movies.
The theme music for the show was composed by Shuki Levy.
Disney Movies
In 1999, Matthew Broderick starred in a live-action movie from Walt Disney Pictures, also called Inspector Gadget, based on the cartoon series. In 2003, French Stewart starred in the straight to DVD sequel, Inspector Gadget 2.
Specials and Spinoffs
Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas
In 1992, DiC made a Christmas special called Inspector Gadget Saves Christmas.
Dr. Claw has locked up Santa Claus at the North Pole and hypnotized his elves! Christmas will be finished unless Dr. Claw is stopped. Enter Inspector Gadget, his niece Penny, and Brain the Dog! They travel to the North Pole in an attempt to stop the evil madman and save the holiday...but will they make it in time? (View Photo)
Inspector Gadget's Field Trip
In 1995, DiC made a series called Inspector Gadget's Field Trip.
In this series, The popular animated character, Inspector Gadget, takes students around the world in this series of 50 field trips. Adams returns as the voice of Gadget. (View Photo)
Gadget and the Gadgetinis
In 2001, DiC also made the spinoff Gadget and the Gadgetinis.
In it, Gadget is a lieutenant member of an organization called "WOMP" (World Organization of Mega Powers). He is aided in his work by Penny (a character from the original series), as well as new characters, the robots Digit and Fidget. (View Photo)
Inspector Gadget's Last Case
In 2002, DiC made a animated movie called Inspector Gadget's Last Case.
When Inspector Gadget gives up his beloved but aging Gadgetmobile, his archenemy Dr. Claw uses a competing crime fighter to discredit Gadget and cost him his badge. The movie is a slapstick comedy cartoon filled with action. (View Photo)
Inspector Gadget Saves the Day... Maybe
Recently, DiC announced another 3D animated Gadget movie and DiC is teamed up with Mainframe Entertainment. The film is called Inspector Gadget Saves the Day... Maybe. This is the first time IG has ever been 3D.
The world's greatest bionic detective is back and more bumbling than ever. With his niece, Penny, who's now sweet sixteen and even more devoted to Gadget than before, and Penny's dog, Brain, who is still smarter than Gadget could ever hope to be, the Inspector protects Metro City from the heinous machinations of the evil Doctor Claw and his incompetent minions on one hand, and the lunacy of its deranged Mayor on the other. Metro City's Mayor misguidedly buys a thawed, prehistoric Giant Flying Lizard egg to attract tourists. Inspector Gadget must save the pricy egg when Dr. Claw steals it and then save Metro City -- and the entire world -- when it hatches! (View Photo)
See Also
Video Clips