Follyfoot, 1971
Now cult Kids TV series Follyfoot was a 1970’s ITV afternoon kids show.
Originally aimed squarely at the teenage market, at the time it became very popular with young girls with an equine interest. The series often had challenging things to say about the treatment of horses and animals generally in British society.
It’s theme tune “Lightening Tree” written by Francis Essex, the brother of Tony Essex and sung by The Settlers was a big hit for a TV theme reaching number 36 in the UK charts in 1971.
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An album featuring music from the series was also released.
Desmond Llewelyn better known a ‘Q’ in the Bond films is among the regular cast as Dora’s Uncle alongside Arthur English of Are You Being Served? In sickness and In Health and Ghosts of Motley Hall fame.
The series which ran for 39 episodes over 3 series proved to be very popular and was sold to many countries at the time of the original UK transmission. The first series won the Harlequin award for best production at the 1972 BAFTAs, whilst the second series episode, “The Debt”, reached the top 20 in the weekly television ratings—a rarity for an afternoon-timeslot show.
During production for the third series, which was always intended to be the last, a film version of Follyfoot was planned, but the idea was ultimately shelved.
Popular children’s magazine at the time Look-In ran a picture-strip of the series each week as well as regular features. There were also five ‘Follyfoot’ annuals released in association with Yorkshire Television. These ran until 1976—long after the series had finished.
After Follyfoot ended it was repeated for two years after and again in the late 1980s.
Summary
When her parents travel overseas for a year a young Dora is sent to stay with her Uncle on his farm in rural England.
Knowing her love for horses, her Uncle suggests she visit Follyfoot Farm, a rest home for horses and part of his estate that looks after unwanted and unloved horses.
It is only here that Dora feels truly happy, but what will happen when her parents return?
Clips
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Cast
Dora Maddocks – Gillian Blake
Steve Ross – Steve Hodson
Ron Stryker – Christian Rodska
Slugger Jones – Arthur English
Colonel Geoffrey Maddocks – Desmond Llewelyn
Details
Channel: ITV
Created By: The series was based on an idea by Monica Dickens
Written By: Tony Essex (34 episodes), various remaining 4
Produced By: Yorkshire Television for ITV
Original Transmission Dates: 28th June 1971 – 15th September 1973
Where To Watch
Selected episodes can be found on You Tube and all 3 series are available on DVD from Network On Air.