This was a stop motion animation series for young children made in France from the mid sixties through to the seventies, the version shown in the UK had a completely different narrative from the original created from the visuals.
The English scripts were written and narrated by Eric Thompson (whose other claim to fame is that he is the father of the great actress and screenwriter Emma Thompson). The dry wit of these ensured that the show became a hit with adults as well as children and audience figures reached somewhere around 8 million at the time.
The success of the series led to the development of a feature film Dougal and the Blue Cat in 1972 and I have memories of seeing this in the cinema with a bunch of friends one Friday night. For a children's film it contained some very dark passages and I have often wondered if traumatised some wee tots.
Take a look at this clip where the blue cat (Buxton) is undergoing a series of tests:
Still not convinced, then try this short clip where King Buxton's army sets out to conquer the magic garden.
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4 comments:
Yeah, that could be a little dark for the kiddies. Oddly, it was cute and dark at the same time. I liked Buxton. (I definitely would have had some scary dreams.)
Is it me, or do British actresses own the "scary voice" sound? (Zoe Wanamaker quality to her voice.)
rt, Entertaining for adults but you have to wonder what a 6 year old would make of it.
Us Brits are all just plain scary!
Never saw that before, but it did seem a little creepy!
Phlegmmy, It is creepy - u might enjoy some of the cheesy songs in it.
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