The Magic Ball, 1971
A forgotten? kids animated classic. The Magic Ball was a 1970’s animated TV series created by BAFTA/Emmy-winning Cosgrove Hall Films.
The series was a significant moment for creators Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall as it was the first of what would be many series produced specifically for TV. It also won two silver medals at the Venice Film Festival of Children’s Films and a silver Hugo at the Chicago Film Festival.
Very similar to that other kids classic Mr Benn, The Magic Ball ran for 2 series of 13 episodes each between 1971 and 1972.
Summary
The show followed a little boy called Sam who lives in the seaside town Haythornethwaite.
Sam finds a mysterious magic ball in his Auntie’s store which transports him on various adventures where he encounters cowboys and pirates.
Clips
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Narrated By
Eric Thompson
Details
Channel: ITV
Created By: Cosgrove-Hall
Original transmission Dates: 5th January 1971 – 12th December 1972
Where To Watch
As with many ITV series there is a DVD release.