I first discovered Simon and his friends in the Land of Chalk Drawings thanks to the Captain Kangaroo TV program, it wasn’t until recently that I learned we in the states had a different narrator for the episodes.
Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings was produced for television by Thames Television in London and animated by FilmFair productions, it’s original narrator was Bernard Cribbins, who you might know better as Wilfred Mott from the updated Doctor Who series.
Here in the states we had Bob Keeshan, Captain Kangaroo himself narrating the episodes, and for Canadian television broadcasts it was narrated by Ernie Coombs.
For those that haven’t had the pleasure of watching the show, here is the intro:
http://youtu.be/arTBmh89iOw
In the show, Simon had many adventures thanks to his magical chalkboard. Whatever he might draw on the board becomes real in the Land of Chalk Drawings. The first episode of the series really, really always stuck in my head as Simon first learns of his creations but finds out the citizens of the Land of Chalk Drawings are very upset with him as he didn’t finish his drawings, meaning they were incomplete. He is confronted by the citizens who are missing arms and legs, Simon of course helps them out and he is readily accepted in Land of Chalk Drawings.
Sadly I do not believe this wonderful series is available on DVD. A big thanks to Super Jedi Man for uploading the intro over on YouTube!
VicSage
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Oh man… I used to LOVE this show. I still sing the theme song in my head, but was confused and thought I was mixing up Harold and the Purple Crayon until I realized this was a show of its own. Was such fun back then!
Oh yeah, Caffeinated Joe. I think this is one of the best toons from back in my youth!
Geez I loved this show. I wanted this super power so badly and was a reason I always wished I could draw well. Just hearing that intro gave me a good smile.
Flashback! I’m on the orange vinyl couch in Snoopy pajamas, a bowl of Quisp cereal in my hands and my eyes glued to the Zenith cabinet model tv for another episode of Captain Kangaroo! Simon was a great show!
Thanks for posting this Vic! Great memories, and a huge influence on me wanting to become an artist!
Anybody know who the little kid was that actually sang the song??