Kukla, Fran and Ollie

TV Series
1947–1957
15m

IMDb RATING

YOUR RATING

Fran Allison, Burr Tillstrom, Ollie, and Kukla in Kukla, Fran and Ollie (1947)

'Kukla, Fran and Ollie'. a pioneer tv show for children using puppets that became as popular with adults. There was no script and was entirely adlibbed. Fran Allison starred, interacting wit... Read all'Kukla, Fran and Ollie'. a pioneer tv show for children using puppets that became as popular with adults. There was no script and was entirely adlibbed. Fran Allison starred, interacting with puppets, Kukla (a clown) and Ollie (a dragon).'Kukla, Fran and Ollie'. a pioneer tv show for children using puppets that became as popular with adults. There was no script and was entirely adlibbed. Fran Allison starred, interacting with puppets, Kukla (a clown) and Ollie (a dragon).

Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.8/10

158

YOUR RATING

Stars

See production info at IMDbPro

Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 2 wins & 5 nominations total

Episodes103

Browse episodes

9 seasons9 years

Photos11

+ 3

Top cast22

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Kukla

Self - puppet…

• 1947–1956

Ollie

Self - puppet…

• 1947–1956

Burr Tillstrom

Self - as Kukla & Ollie…

• 1947–1956

Fran Allison

Self…

• 1947–1956

Buelah Witch

Self - puppet…

• 1948–1956

Fletcher Rabbit

Self - puppet…

• 1948–1956

Madame Ooglepuss

Self - puppet…

• 1948–1956

Hugh Downs

Self - Announcer…

• 1948–1953

Cecil Bill

Self - puppet…

• 1948–1954

Mercedes

Self - puppet…

• 1948–1954

Colonel Richard Crackie

Self - puppet…

• 1953–1954

Doloras Dragon

Self - puppet

• 1953–1954

June Lockhart

Self

• 1953

Dorothy Collins

Self - substituting for Fran Allison

• 1954

Dave Garroway

Self - Guest star

• 1949

Arthur Fiedler

Self - orchestra conductor

• 1953

Boston Pops Orchestra

Themselves

• 1953

Mrs. Bufforfington

(1947-1957)

User reviews11

7.8158

Featured reviews

10marknyc

The first great TV puppet show!

"Kukla, Fran and Ollie" premiered on October 13, 1947 and had a continuous run until 1957. The Kuklapolitans continued to appear on television in various shows: "Kukla and Ollie" in the early 60s, and as hosts of The CBS Children's Film Festival from 1967 to 1984. They also had a show on PBS in the early 70s, and appeared in specials in the 70s and 80s. Burr Tillstrom created and performed all the characters and they still seem real to me today!

Varlaam

What a wonderful show this was

If this show really ceased production in 1957, then you can knock me over with a feather. When I used to watch it in the late '60's or early '70's, I thought it was contemporary, as did everyone.

We all enjoyed Fran's lively banter with her puppets, Kukla the Clown, and Ollie the Alligator, but we really loved the short films Fran would show, usually with an international flavour. As I recall, the favourite of young boys was the series of Fatty and Skinny comedies, about two aptly-named Japanese boys. The plot always involved Fatty rolling/falling/toppling onto Skinny, but we loved them anyway.

mikeschiffrin

Loved the Kuklapolitans

This was more than a kid show. If I remember correctly some of the sponsors were Ford, RCA Victor and Life Magazine. I can remember most of the Kuklapokitan Players. Kukla, Ollie (The Dragon), Beulah (The Witch), Mercedes, Fletcher Rabbit, Madame Oglepuss and Cecil Bill (The Sailor who only said "Tooey, Ta Tooey"). I think Ollie had a sister named Olivia. Does anyone remember any others?

jim_buttram

This show did NOT cease production in 1957

It was in color, and the movies I remember seeing on it often included some "groovy" 60's-70's psychedelia. I just wish there was a list somewhere of the movies that were hosted back then ... I consider this show to be my introduction to foreign films, it really broadened my tastes and interested me in other cultures. Sometimes the movies were a little boring to me (sorry, but try to get a hyperactive 8-year-old to watch a movie about rugby... ), but there were a few that I'd love to track down and see again.

bluebowling

Who is holding on to DVD issue?

I am longing to see the shows reissued. Years ago, the Kuklapolitan website carried a number of the shows -- and I'd give anything to see Buela's Spanish Fantasy again -- this was great theatre -- not just kid's puppet theatre. Buelah, the ugly witch dances the flamenco believably, with no feet. She reminisces. The melancholy is palpable. Well the site has withdrawn this video. It's nowhere to be found. Why is the copyright holder punishing us? Let us see these great works of art again!