Roobarb’s Five Decades of Mischiefs
– The lovable and mischievous dog, Roobarb, first appeared on the BBC on October 21, 1974, in a charming episode titled “Roobarb Made A Spike”.
– Roobarb’s unique appeal and persona captivated viewers from his first appearance. His creative approach to worm-catching, which involved impersonating birds, was an instant hit.
– Fifty years on, Roobarb remains a beloved character in the annals of animation history, demonstrating the timeless nature of genuinely captivating stories and lovable characters.
Roobarb’s Rambunctious Rainbow Romp
In the world of animation, it’s tough being green – unless you’re Roobarb, of course! For five decades, this cheeky dog has been pulling off some of the most hilariously innovative ways to catch worms, from his bird impersonations to his charmingly silly antics and misadventures.
Why is the grass always greener on the other side? Because Roobarb is busy bird-watching and clowning around, leaving the audience in stitches. Talk about taking the phrase “a dog’s life” to another level!
Roobarb Stands the Test of Time
Storytelling in animation has grown leaps and bounds in complexity and depth since Roobarb’s debut, but our zany canine pioneer seems never to lose its unique charm. The same way you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, these younger animation pups still have a lot to learn from Roobarb’s antics! So, here’s to 50 more years of worm-hunting, bird-impersonating, and laugh-inducing adventures courtesy of our favorite green dog. Remember, every day is a great day when you’re as fun and unpredictable as Roobarb!
Since its debut on October 21, 1974, on the BBC, the charismatic Roobarb has captivated audiences worldwide. The inaugural episode, Roobarb Made A Spike, portrayed the quirky dog endeavoring to extract worms from the earth, with his approach leading him to dress like a bird before getting trapped in the dirt. These hilarious antics not only charmed BBC, but also won the hearts of viewers.
This year marks a substantial milestone, as it’s the fiftieth anniversary of that initial episode. The enduring appeal of Roobarb is largely due to the creative genius of its creator and writer, Grange Calveley (1943 – 2021), and its director and animator, Bob Godfrey (1921 – 2013). Their combined creativity birthed one of the most iconic characters of British animation, charming audiences with its vivid storytelling and distinctive animation technique.
Roobarb’s Title screen
Godfrey’s animation career took shape in the early 1950s, despite not having prior experience. However, his influential role at Larkins Studio and bilingual expertise led to his first directed short films, The Big Parade (1952), and Watch the Birdie (1954).
In 1955, Godfrey and some of his colleagues started Biographic Cartoons, a studio producing television adverts. Thanks to initial broadcasting on ITV, the studio gained recognition and grew to animate segments for ITV’s comedy series, Son of Fred.
Departing from Biographic Cartoons, Godfrey established his own studio, Bob Godfrey’s Movie Emporium, in 1965. His adult animated short film, Kama Sutra Rides Again (1971), became a turning point for the studio as Stanley Kubrick selected it to be showcased before A Clockwork Orange, one of the most controversial and iconic works of the famed director.
Scene from ‘When Roobarb Made a Spike’
Meanwhile, Grange Calveley pursued his ambition to become a television writer, fueled by the antics of his pet, a Welsh Border Collie. Observing the dog’s playful activities and explorative nature, Calveley was inspired to create Roobarb the Green Dog. His efforts led to a successful pitch at the BBC, culminating in the collaboration with Godfrey.
Interestingly, Godfrey’s studio produced the pilot, Roobarb Made a Spike, on a limited budget, using markers for animation. Despite the competitive animation space during the early 1970s, their innovative low-budget approach was instrumental in securing a series run of thirty episodes on the BBC, making Roobarb an endearing staple of British children’s television.
Despite the limited number of episodes, Roobarb emerged as a golden feather in the hats of the creator and director. They collaborated again on Noah and Nelly in SkyLark, another successful animated series for the BBC. With time, the charming green dog established a legacy of its own and continued to charm subsequent generations with the help of home media formats.
In the 21st century, Calveley sought to revive Roobarb’s delighting tales, resulting in the 2005 series Roobarb and Custard on Channel Five’s children’s slot, Milkshake. While the new series maintained the whimsical charm of Roobarb, it also introduced new characters and narratives reflecting modern technology.
Scene from Roobarb and Custard
Despite the personal loss of Godfrey and Calveley, their creative legacy persists through the enduring charm of Roobarb. Whether through scratched VHS tapes or streaming platforms like YouTube or ITVX, fans continue to discover and re-discover the beloved green dog even after fifty years of its introduction.
Original article: https://www.skwigly.co.uk/roobarbs-50-years-of-misadventures-and-antics/