Old Bear Stories
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| Old Bear Stories | |
|---|---|
 An image of the characters |
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| Format | Childrens |
| Language(s) | English |
| No. of episodes | 41 |
| Broadcast | |
| Original airing | 1993-1997 |
| External links | |
| IMDb profile | |
Old Bear Stories was a BAFTA award winning non-stop animation television series for children based on the Old Bear and Friends books by Jane Hissey. Jane Hissey also created the television series, starting it in 1993, and creating 3 seasons, which ended in 1997 with a double-length Christmas special. In all, 41 episodes were made. The series was produced by Ealing Animation and Carlton Television in association with Optomen Television PLC was originally broadcast in the UK on ITV. Episodes have subsequently been repeated on Five in the UK, and are also broadcast in the US and other countries worldwide. The show also aired for a short time on CBC's morning block called CBC Playground in Canada.
Contents |
[edit] Plot
The animals at the play room have remembered that Old Bear disappeared long ago. He has been put into the loft. They rescue him and bring him back down to the Play room. He becomes the most respected toy and guides the others in their many adventures, both in the play ground and in the garden.
[edit] Characters
- Old Bear: an elderly dusty teddy bear, he was put up in the loft when he reached an advanced age, but was rescued by the other toys. They now look up to him as a fearless leader.
- Bramwell Brown: a wise old bear, often considered second to Old Bear
- Duck: a clumsy toy duck
- Rabbit: a clumsy toy rabbit
- Little Bear: a small white bear who wears overly baggy red trousers
- Jolly Tall: a toy giraffe
- Hoot the Owl: a toy owl living in the loft
- Ruff the Dog: a bouncy toy dog
- Sailor: a toy sailor
- Camel: a toy camel
- Zebra: a toy zebra
- Cat: a toy cat
- Dog: a toy dog
- Splash: a friendly seal, who the toys meet while on holiday at the beach
- Rabbit's cousin: the cousin of Rabbit, who occasionally stays with the toys
- The dolls: three dolls who live in a dolls house in a corner of the play room
[edit] Cast and Crew
- Writer: Jane Hissey
- Director: Kevin Griffiths
- Assstant Director: Liz Whitaker
- Producer: Richard Randolphe
- Executive Producer: Peter Gillbe
- Composer: Paul Castle
- Film Editor: Nick Follows
- Puppet Makers: Monique Brown, Alix Hardwood, Val Johnston
- Animators: Fin and Humphrey Leadbettery
- Narrator: Anton Rodgers
[edit] Theme Music
The theme tune was composed by Paul Castle and consists of the lyrics:
"Please read us a story Old Bear, we'll all gather round..." listen
Interestingly the harmony vocals were provided by Alison Goldfrapp of the band Goldfrapp.
[edit] Awards
The series was very well critically received and won a lot of awards:
- 1995 Chicago International Children's Film Festival - Outstanding Achievement Award
- 1994 Royal Television Society - Best Children's Series
- 1993 BAFTA - Best Children's Programme
- 1993 New York Film Festival - Gold Medal
- 1993 Chicago International Film Festival - Silver Plaque
