"There's a million stories to be told,
     of the things that he's done..."
 

   The sing-a-long title song says it all. Everyone knows and loves Rupert Bear,
   and this ITC production surely remains the definitive adaptation.

   The series was put together by Mary Turner and John Read, who struck out on
   their own after a very successful period working with Gerry Anderson, on his
   various Supermarionation shows. Together, they retooled Mary Toutel's little
   bear into three glorious dimensions, and they brought all his friends along for
   the ride too. Bill Badger, Podgy Pig, Edward Trunk, Constable Growler and the
   rest of the Nutwood gang, stepped straight out of the pages of the Daily Express
   and into our living rooms. Or at least, most did, because Rupert tended to roam
   the countryside in his flying blue chariot - again, fashioned skillfully after the
   original. There were at least two new additions, however, and they came in
   the form of Mr Grimnasty (otherwise known as the Old Man of the Wood) and
   the floating, fiery wood sprite, Willy Wisp. But these were so faithful, you'd be
   hard pressed to notice.

   Some shows are simply note-perfect, from the very opening second. Such
   was the case here. The series had a live-action intro, set in a child's bedroom.
   A woman could be seen, "reading" a Rupert tale to an unseen child, as we
   zoomed in on a toy version of Rupert, propped against a cupboard door. Then
   that snazzy theme song would kick in...

   Though Rupert was the rightful star, his bitter, spiky pal Raggety seems to
   have stolen his own slice of tv fame. He was a bit-part character in the original
   books, but here in three dimensions, this blue-sticked monster positively
   snapped and twitched. Raggety was revealed beneath the roots of a
   toppled tree in the episode "Rupert and Raggety", and duly named because
   - well - he looks so raggety. In the end, he finds a new home, as a "pet" to
   Mr Grimnasty.

    

   The first episode, "Rupert and the Flying Machine", was broadcast on 28 October
   1970 and ITC never looked back. Okay, so they didn't bring us a million stories,
   but over the course of four triumphant series the producers shared a whopping
  156 adventures with their viewers. They gave us a huge range of tie-in apparel and
   toys, and they also gave us a hit record, in the form of Ron Roker and Len
   Beadle's spangling  theme song. Jackie Lee thrilled us all with her vocals, and
   sang her way to the number 14 spot in 1971.

   Sadly, many of Rupert's adventures appear to have been lost over the years,
   with only half remaining in the ITC archives. What's more, subsequent
   adaptations by Paul McCartney and Nelvana, etc, seem to have pushed the
   series further down the pecking order, so the show hasn't received the
   attention it deserves, and fans haven't yet got the DVD they'd so very much
   like to see. Entertainment Rights are currently styling and rebranding the
   little bear for a new generation, which will either bury the Turner/Read series for
   good, or just possibly at last, revitalise interest in its restoration. Who knows.
   If we keep singing his name loudly, and long enough, maybe someone
   will listen...
    
  » Pedants will note that Jackie Lee sings about "Rupert... Rupert the Bear..."
      when, in reality, our yellow-scarfed friend is simply "Rupert Bear".
  
  » After Rupert, Mary Turner and John Read turned their talents upon Katherine
      Tozer's "Mumfie" books, and later "Cloppa Castle" and "The Munch Bunch"
      were brilliantly brought to life.

 

     In the news

     The Hound: September 2003
     Rupert rights wrangle sorted...

     The Hound: April 2003
     Rupert rights wrangle...

     The Hound: June 2000
     Rupert Annual at auction...

 

     an ITC production

      based upon the character created
      by the Daily Express

      director:            Mary Turner
      photography:    John Read
      adaptations:     Anna Standon, Jill Fenson
      script editor:     Ruth Boswell
      music & lyrics:   Ron Roker, Len Beadle
                              sung by Jackie Lee
      puppetry:          Christine Glanville, Sheena Lane
                             Rowena White, David Ross
      art director:       John Jelly
      assistant:          Terry Blackall
      editor:               David Elliott
      narrator:            Judy Bennett

 

     On the web


       Little Gems 
       The Gems give Rupert a splendid presentation here, with lots of
       screen shots, and that theme to hum along to...

       Off the Telly 
       TJ Worthington has contributed this excellent Rupert/Mary Turner article
       to an equally-excellent tv site - well worth a read....

       Off the Telly: Ron Roker
       "Off the Telly" also talk to Rupert's hit-makers...

       Jackie Lee
       An excellent guide to Jackie's career...


 
      index »    next »      M.Turner / J. Read - - - - - - - - - - - - - Adv of Rupert Bear Cloppa Castle Here Comes Mumfie