A control system for a pre-programmed animated show including animated figures. The program is prerecorded on a conventional medium (10), the audio portion of the show being recorded on a separate track from the control information but in synchronism therewith. The control information is recorded in blocks or frames of bits of predetermined size, with each bit position being dedicated to a particular one of the control functions of the show, at least one of which is operated by a pneumatic cylinder (100). Frames of bits are readed from the tape (10) asynchronously, and each group of dedicated bits is used to control its respective control function. Close regulation of the movement of the pneumatic cylinder (100) is achieved by operating the cylinder (100) in a two-mode fashion. When the actual position of the cylinder piston (104) is relatively far from the desired position, the control system for the cylinder (100) is driven hard toward the desired position. When the actual position of the cylinder (100) comes within a predefined range of the desired position, a second mode of operation is entered in which the drive to the cylinder (100) is intermittently removed to achieved momentary "braking". An arcuate eye movement mechanism (608) and a finger movement mechanism (710) are provided.
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