Purple-Necked Black-Bearded Blatch

DEBUT	1969

The Purple-Necked Black-Bearded Blatch is the title character of the December 1969 Woman's Day magazine puppet play "The Purple-Necked Black-Bearded Blatch," written by Jerry Juhl.

Similar to a Snerf, the Blatch possesses a long, extendable neck (made from a dowel) and is described as a "fearsome creature" who speaks in a "monstery, blatchy voice." Mean Mr. Figg sends the Blatch to Zing and Zang Zong, to frighten them. However, they decide the creature is a pet and teach him how to have fun.

The Purple-Necked Black-Bearded Blatch is ultimately returned to Mr. Figg, wearing a Santa hat, as a Christmas present.