Catweazle

Poor Catweazle! All he wanted was a spell that would make him fly. While he never took off (not by magic, anyway), the series definitely did!

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.

This UK series about a magician from the norman times trapped in 20th century england is really charming and hilarious to watch.Sadly only 2 series were ever made and fortunately have now become available on video for those of us now in our late 30's and early 40's+ to enjoy all over again.There are memorable scenes and performances but all involved and richard carpenter who wrote the original storylines was arguably a little ahead of his time dealing with such themes as astrology and the runes etc. I loved this series,the second series being my personal favourite of the two.I can watch these episodes over and over and still laugh my head off.10 out of 10 all they way.Simply brilliant!Salmay dalmay adonay!

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.

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.