Most of you are probably familiar with this scene in the Flintstones credits where Fred takes the family to the drive-in for some brontosaurus ribs. The car-hop brings out an enormous serving - a serving so big it tips the car over.This scene raises a lot of questions for me. Okay, first let's take a look at the Flintstone's car. While the weight of the canopy and its frame are negligible, the wheels, dashboard, and seats (which, I'm guessing, are made of solid limestone) must be fairly substantial. In addition, you have the weight of Fred, who I'd put at about 250 lbs. Wilma and Pebbles might combine for another 125 and Dino would appear to be approximately the same size as Fred. My point is there is A LOT of fucking weight to that car.
So, just exactly how much do these ribs weigh? If, in fact, they weigh enough to overturn the Flintstone's car, how in the name of all that is holy does that petite car-hop carry them to the car by herself? She'd have to have Bam-Bam-like strength to do it! Likewise, if the ribs are that hefty, is it really reasonable to expect us to believe that two adults, an infant, and a dog-sized dinosaur could consume that much food in one sitting? I know Fred has a big appetite, but still. Something, my friends, is out-of-whack. If any of you know any paleontologists who could verify the weight of a slab of Bronto-ribs, please refer them to me.
While I'm on the subject, there is another thing that has always bothered me about the Flintstone's car. I understand how the forward momentum of the vehicle keeps the front axle in place, but what the hell keeps the rear one from just sliding out of its notch as soon as the car gets moving. This, of course, ignores the fact that the opposite problem would exist if they ever went in reverse. Some clarification here would be greatly appreciated.
12 comments:
Until I was an adult, I always thought that the ribs were a curled pool raft. I could never understand why they were serving this at a restaurant. I'm not lying.
While factoring in the weight of the car, add an additional 10 pounds for those massive callouses on Fred's feet from starting and stopping that vehicle!
I actually DID wonder about the rear axle thing my entire childhood, really. Until this day, I thought I was all alone in my query. I want some ANSWERS man!!!!!
Powering vehicles with their feet was just stupid, man. Didn't these cave-fuckers have any pack animals, WTF?
Not to mention, how does a dinosaur - even a little one fit into the back seat?
You have to remember, there was no physics back in the day so the laws of physics do not apply.
Duh
Glad I'm not the only one who pondered the rear axle thing. I'll bet Fred needs a serious pedicure too. No shoes, stopping/starting the car, working all day at the stoneyard...barefoot.
Gwen I always wanted to know why Wilma stayed!!
oh the questions you ask
first...the balance of the car may be such that the ribs hit a point that tips it on leverage not weight - one of those Archimedes thingies.
second the waitress can pick up the ribs because she is a cartoon character.
third -- you have to admit, despite the fact the rear axle doesnt fall off, fred does save a lot of money on gas, but the callouses must hurt.
fourth - how does his car even work without a distributorcap
just askin
La la la la la la la. I can't hear you. Did you really just ask me to question the validity of my favorite childhood cartoon?
Chris-only you would post something about the physics involved in the Flintstones cartoon! Dude-you're too much!
Bam-Bam was adopted. It appears you have found his biological mother.
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