The Magic Roundabout, 1965 (original version)
This now cult kids TV show was first created in 1963 in France by Serge Danot with help from Ivor Wood and his French wife, Josiane.
The French version began transmission in 1964 and ran until 1974.
When the BBC were first offered the show they felt it was to ‘charming’ to translate. However, a year later, in 1965. the BBC did produce a version of the series.
Using the original French footage they added new English-language scripts written and narrated by Eric Thompson. Despite the new scripts bearing little relation to the original storylines the series was a huge success.
The Magic Roundabout was originally broadcast in 441 episodes of around 5 min duration each from 1965 to 1977, and has since gone on to attain cult status.
Such was the popularity of the show amongst al ages, that when ,in 1967, it was moved from it’s just before the evening news broadcast slot to an earlier children’s viewing time, adult viewers are reported to have complained to the BBC.
Spinning Off!
There have been two Magic Roundabout films. The first in 1970 was a spin off shown in Britain as Dougal and the Blue Cat. The second was a 2005 re-make.
In 2007 the series was given a re-boot (another post for another time), broadcast on satellite channel Nick Jr, it ran for 52 episodes.
Summary
The series followed a bunch of characters that lived in a brightly coloured park where there was a carousel.
Clips
Narrated By: Eric Thompson
Details
Channel: BBC1
Created By: Serge Danot
Original UK Transmission Dates: 18th October 1965 – 25th January 1977