Catweazle

This was Geoffrey Bayldons finest hour. The premise of a medieval magician with questionable skills accidentally transported forward in time 900 years is a great canvas to write of his exploits dealing with life in the modern world (well, England circa 1970 anyway).

Although the 'fish out of water' scenario has been done in other TV shows and films, this has a certain charm of its own, with some delightful characterisation, amusing dialogue and guest appearances by the likes of Hattie Jacques amongst others to keep the viewer watching. Catweazle's reactions to modern life and its tools (the telephone in particular) is at times hilarious. And although a series now half a century old is bound to show its age, this surprisingly adds to its charm, seeing our nation in a time with no mobile phones, no dvd or VHS players, no video games and every car is british made adds to its appeal.

If you are under ten (or over 40 and remember those simpler times) then you should enjoy the wit and wisdom of our medieval sorcerer hero stranded in time, desperate to get back to his. The first series is definitely superior to the second. It is fresher for a start and had more unpredictable scenarios to enjoy. Despite the more polished look, the second series starts to run out of steam and ideas by the midway point and this is what stopped me giving it ten stars. Bayldon rightly felt the scripts started to run out of ideas after about episode six of series two but the cast (including the underused Peter Butterworth) battle through and end on a high note. In fact series creator Richard Carpenter felt that the change of setting and supporting cast in series two and the relocation to a stately home was a mistake by the producers. But don't let that put you off the whole Catweazle experience and just how creative a writer Richard Carpenter was and how despite a long stage, screen and television career, Geoffrey Bayldon will always be remembered for this iconic character.

Filmed with humor, warmth and charm, Catweazle captured the imagination of children everywhere, with the story of a hapless magician and his pet toad Touchwood, trapped nine hundred years ahead of their time. Filmed to the brim with hilarious pandemonium and magical mayhem the loveable sorcerer enters a labyrinth of chaos on his quest to return to his own time.

Unforgettable for Geoffrey Bayldon's outstanding performance as Catweazle, the series also boasted a superb regular cast of Charles Tingwell (Mr Bennet), Neil McCarthy (Sam) and Robin Davies (Carrot), whilst guest appearances by some of Britain's top actors of the time ensured the series of it's quality status.

An instant childrens TV classic Catweazle was applauded by critics and fans alike when it was first shown, earning it's writer Richard Carpenter, a Writers Guild award in 1971.

Catweazle holds a special place as a classic English series, earning a well-deserved 8/10 from me. Originally aimed at children, this enchanting show has proven to be a delightful watch for adults as well, thanks to its timeless charm and whimsical storytelling.

The series, with its mix of magic, humor, and a touch of nostalgia, captivates viewers of all ages. Its appeal lies in the clever writing and the endearing portrayal of the titular character, Catweazle, a wizard from the 11th century who finds himself in the 20th century. The show does an excellent job of blending historical and modern elements, creating a unique and entertaining narrative.

What makes Catweazle particularly enjoyable is its ability to transport viewers into a world of fantasy and adventure. Despite being a children's show, it does not shy away from clever humor and intricate storytelling, making it just as appealing to an adult audience. It's the kind of series that brings joy and laughter, irrespective of your age.

Having watched Catweazle multiple times, I can attest to its rewatchability. Each viewing brings a fresh sense of enjoyment and a deeper appreciation for its creativity and charm. It's a series that continues to entertain, no matter how many times you return to it.

I watched Catweazle when it was originally broadcast and I loved it. I was only seven and nearly 50 years on Talking Pictures channel have started showing it again and it's even better than I remember, possibly because I originally watched it in good old black and white and now I'm watching it on a colour TV. Thank you Talking Pictures, another terrific series from the 60s, 70s and 80s. Happy memories.

When I think of the TV shows I loved as a kid that seem to have disappeared into the ether of television limbo such as many episodes of Patrick Troughton's Dr Who, series one and two of "Ace Of Wands" and the whole of "The Flaxton Boys", it seems almost like magic that from around the same time, the two series, each comprising thirteen episodes of Richard Carpenter's creation of Catweazle can be tracked down and watched. I can well remember watching it on Sundays at teatime and have just finished watching the last episode of Series One. I'm happy to say it holds up really well today, a testament to Carpenter's skilful writing and Geoffrey Bayldon's enchanting performance in the title role. Catweazle of course was the Anglo Saxon wizard who to escape pursuing Norman soldiers cast a spell on himself which threw him 900 years into the future. There he meets and forms a dependant, if sometimes prickly friendship with a teenage boy, nicknamed "Carrot" whose father's farmhouse now stands on the spot of his old dwelling.

Just about the only spell of Catweazle to work in the modern day is that of hypnosis which he casts on young Carrot to never reveal his identity to others and to occasionally make himself invisible to certain people, such as big-lunk farmhand George, who's regularly around. Catweazle's only aim is to get himself back to his own time but until he finds the right spell to do this there's plenty of time for he and Carrot to have many misadventures out in the countryside where the boy and his recently widowed dad live.

Clad only in a raggedy old gown and sporting tousled long hair and grizzled beard, Catweazle was a terrific creation, brought to life wonderfully by Bayldon who, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, immerses himself totally in the part to create one of British children's TV's most original and lovable characters. Much of the fun comes from old Cat becoming acquainted with modern inventions such as the motor car, camera, telephone (or telling-bone as he amusingly terms it) and even the simple light bulb a.k.a. the sun in a bottle to his disbelieving eyes. There's a nice chemistry between the old magician and his schoolboy chum, winningly played by young Robin Davies and the rest of the adult cast put in performances notably lacking condescension. Guest stars throughout this run included well-known British actors like Hattie Jacques, Peter Sallis, John Junkin and Patricia Hayes but it's fair to say none of them got the better of the displaced old boy.

Topped off with a bright and breezy theme tune, it's a really lovely series the likes of which they certainly don't make anymore and I'm now looking forward to moving onto series two.