The Magic Roundabout is a popular children's television show that originated in the United Kingdom. The show first aired in the 1960s and has since become a classic, captivating the hearts of children and adults alike. The Magic Roundabout cast includes a group of lovable and quirky characters who live in a magical world located at the center of a roundabout. Each character has its own distinct personality and adds a unique flavor to the show. Here are some of the main characters: 1. Dougal: Dougal is a shaggy dog with a calm and laid-back demeanor.
Dougal: Dougal is a shaggy dog with a calm and laid-back demeanor. He is often seen as the leader of the group and is known for his philosophical and inquisitive nature. 2.
The magic roundavout cast
Courtesy of BBC
Little girl Florence and Dougal the dog are among the visitors to Mr Rusty's merry-go-round in Zebedee's magic land.
Serge Danot , a French animator in a Paris advertising studio, devised this animation series with the help of English colleague Ivor Wood and Ivor's wife Josiane . The story told of Mr Rusty, owner of an old merry-go-round that children no longer visit until one day a magic jack-in-the-box, Zebedee, casts a spell to bring them back. Late addition Pollux the dog became the show's star when French station ORTF broadcast Le Manège Enchanté in 1964.
The BBC were offered the series but rejected it as "charming. but difficult to dub into English". Later, Head of Children's, Doreen Stephens had Joy Whitby (producer of Play School ) revisit it. Whitby suggested Play School presenter Eric Thompson try voicing the animation. The typically English Thompson (his wife Phyllida Law joked he was rather suspect of the French) ignored the provided scripts and wrote his own storylines to the mute pictures, supplying voices and third person narration. His calm tones, at odds with the hyperactive animation, lent a curiously mismatched feel.
Pollux became pompous Dougal, reminiscent of Tony Hancock 's TV persona. 'Margot' became Florence, the little girl who worked as a point of viewer identification in this magic world, 'Amboise' the snail became the cheerful and optimistic Brian. Later colour episodes introduced Dylan, a lazy, guitar-playing rabbit (named after Bob Dylan ) and Ermintrude, a shrill pink cow. The odd characters fuelled a long-discredited urban myth that each was a coded reference to an illegal drug.
The Magic Roundabout first aired in the UK on 18 October 1965. Showing daily just before the 5.55pm news, it drew a family audience and developed a cult following. When it was moved to 4.55pm in 1967 adult viewers complained to the BBC .
Thompson adapted episodes until 1977 and a feature film, Dougal and the Blue Cat , was released (France, d. Serge Danot, 1972). A set of previously undiscovered French episodes were voiced by Nigel Planer and shown on Channel 4 from 1992. Yet another batch was later voiced by a different actor for AB Productions . A computer-animated feature by the bolexbrothers company was released in 2005.
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Florence: Florence is a kind-hearted and gentle female character. She is a beautiful white horse who is always there to lend a helping hand to her friends. Florence is often the voice of reason and acts as a mediator when conflicts arise. 3. Zebedee: Zebedee is a spring-like creature who can bounce around and has a distinctive top hat. He is full of energy and often appears out of nowhere, bringing with him a sense of mischief and fun. Zebedee is known for his catchphrase "time for bed" and signals the end of each episode. 4. Brian: Brian is a snail who moves at a slow pace but is wise beyond his years. He often provides insight and advice to his friends when they are faced with dilemmas. Brian is known for his deep and soothing voice. 5. Ermintrude: Ermintrude is a pink cow who loves to sing and play the piano. She is a bit of a diva and enjoys being the center of attention. Despite her glamorous nature, Ermintrude is also a caring and loyal friend. 6. Dylan: Dylan is a laid-back rabbit who is always munching on his favorite food, sugar lumps. He is often seen lounging on his hammock, taking life at his own pace. Dylan adds a sense of humor to the show with his witty remarks and love for adventure. Together, the Magic Roundabout cast embarks on exciting adventures, learns valuable life lessons, and explores the meaning of friendship and cooperation. The characters' distinct personalities and dynamics make the show entertaining and endearing to viewers of all ages..
Reviews for "The magic of teamwork: how the cast of "The Magic Roundabout" worked together to create a beloved show."
- John - 2/5 - I was pretty disappointed with "The Magic Roundabout Cast". The animation was mediocre and the story felt rushed. None of the characters were particularly likeable or memorable. It just felt like a forgettable children's movie that lacked any depth or originality. I was expecting more from a film that has such a cult following. Overall, I would say it's a pass.
- Sarah - 1/5 - I did not enjoy "The Magic Roundabout Cast" at all. The humor fell flat and the plot was confusing and disjointed. The voice acting was also subpar and did not bring any life to the characters. It's a shame because I remember enjoying the original series, but this movie failed to capture any of its charm. I would not recommend wasting your time on this one.
- Mark - 2/5 - I was not impressed with "The Magic Roundabout Cast". The animation was lackluster and the story felt contrived. The characters lacked depth and development, making it difficult to care about their journey. The jokes were also hit-or-miss, and overall, it just felt like a forgettable children's movie. It's definitely not a film I would watch again or recommend to others.