The Masquerade Ball

"The Masquerade Ball" is the twelfth episode of The Flintstones season two, and the fortieth overall. It aired on December 8, 1961 on ABC. It was written by Jack Raymond, and produced and directed by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera, the creators of the series and the founders of Hanna-Barbera Productions.

When Fred requests his boss Mr. Slate (called Mr. Rockhead in the episode) for a promotion, Slate is in the process of trying to sell four charity masquerade tickets to the appropriate "chump", which so happens to be the Flintstones and the Rubbles. The two couples attend the party to mingle with the high society of Bedrock.

Memorable quotes
Fred: Here we are, Barney boy, costumes! What kind of costume you're going to get? Barney: Well uh, I'm gonna get something that makes me look tall. Fred: How about another head? Heh-heh-heh! Barney: Another one? What do I need three of them for? Eh-he-he-he-he!

Fred: Tell me, boss, I'm on pins and needles! What were you wearing? Mr. Rockhead: I got it right here. Fred: Sure, I talked to you, we were standing at the refreshment bar and I was saying... Fred: Oh boy, what I was saying... Mr. Rockhead: I'll refresh your memory... Quote: Vice president of the moron's section of the Knucklehead Club. Mr. Rockhead: Home having dinner before the 5 o'clock whistle. Penny-pincher. Shorty. Birdbrain. You were gonna bump me right on the beak! Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera! Well, what have you got to say for yourself? Fred: Oh boy, me and my big mouth.

Characters

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Locations

 * Earth
 * United States
 * Bedrock

Filming
The cast was recorded on June 12, 1961.

Music
The music was composed by Hoyt Curtin.

Release
Dates are in order of release:


 * United States: December 8, 1961 on ABC

Behind the scenes

 * Although the character of Fred's boss looks and sounds like Mr. Slate, he is called "Mr. Rockhead" in this episode.

Home availability

 * In the United States:
 * December 7, 2004: Warner Home Video releases The Flintstones: The Complete Second Season on DVD.
 * October 28, 2008: Warner Home Video releases The Flintstones: The Complete Series (limited edition) on DVD.
 * November 13, 2012: Warner Home Video releases The Flintstones: The Complete Series (standard edition) on DVD.
 * October 3, 2017: Warner Home Video releases The Flintstones: The Complete Second Season (Hanna-Barbera Diamond Collection edition) on DVD.
 * February 13, 2018: Warner Home Video releases The Flintstones: The Complete Series (Hanna-Barbera Diamond Collection edition) on DVD.
 * October 27, 2020: Warner Home Video releases The Flintstones: The Complete Series on Blu-ray Disc.
 * In the United Kingdom & Ireland:
 * June 4, 2007: Warner Home Video releases The Flintstones: The Complete Second Season on DVD.