From The Scoop: Mr. Monopoly
From the November 18 issue of Gemstone Publishing's The
Scoop:
Perhaps the most recognizable board game icon, Mr. Monopoly has been a guest in practically every American's home at one point or another. In fact, Mr. Monopoly has most likely found himself a guest in homes and halls the world over.
But did you know that the elderly moustached millionaire is not exclusive to Monopoly? In fact, Mr. Monopoly isn't even his real name. Created by down-and-out inventor Charles Darrow during the Depression-era '30s, Mr. Monopoly (or Rich Uncle Pennybags, if you'd prefer his given name) and the game he adorned were initially rejected by Parker Bros.
So we guess you could call Rich Uncle Pennybags a self-made millionaire, as Darrow sold locally printed facsimiles of his boardgame on the street, making Rich Uncle Pennybags an illustrated icon for the people.
When Parker Bros. finally got on board in 1935, Rich Uncle Pennybags was already well known enough to front other of the company's board games. In 1940, he became the star of a game called Dig. In 1946, he fronted the eponymous Rich Uncle.
In the decades following, he has cropped up in other games and media. And in 2003, he even got his own Monopoly Cereal. With his multiple successes, we have to wonder whether or not Mr. Monopoly would be viable in other markets, say the plush doll niche or the Saturday morning cartoon demographic -- or even the live-action TV/film arena.
• Produced for the benefit of all who enjoy the hobby of collecting, Gemstone Publishing's The Scoop is available free of charge to anyone who wishes to receive it. To view the latest edition, or to sign up, visit The Scoop online by at http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com.
Perhaps the most recognizable board game icon, Mr. Monopoly has been a guest in practically every American's home at one point or another. In fact, Mr. Monopoly has most likely found himself a guest in homes and halls the world over.
But did you know that the elderly moustached millionaire is not exclusive to Monopoly? In fact, Mr. Monopoly isn't even his real name. Created by down-and-out inventor Charles Darrow during the Depression-era '30s, Mr. Monopoly (or Rich Uncle Pennybags, if you'd prefer his given name) and the game he adorned were initially rejected by Parker Bros.
So we guess you could call Rich Uncle Pennybags a self-made millionaire, as Darrow sold locally printed facsimiles of his boardgame on the street, making Rich Uncle Pennybags an illustrated icon for the people.
When Parker Bros. finally got on board in 1935, Rich Uncle Pennybags was already well known enough to front other of the company's board games. In 1940, he became the star of a game called Dig. In 1946, he fronted the eponymous Rich Uncle.
In the decades following, he has cropped up in other games and media. And in 2003, he even got his own Monopoly Cereal. With his multiple successes, we have to wonder whether or not Mr. Monopoly would be viable in other markets, say the plush doll niche or the Saturday morning cartoon demographic -- or even the live-action TV/film arena.
• Produced for the benefit of all who enjoy the hobby of collecting, Gemstone Publishing's The Scoop is available free of charge to anyone who wishes to receive it. To view the latest edition, or to sign up, visit The Scoop online by at http://scoop.diamondgalleries.com.
