The Perishers
Discover the timeless charm of a comic strip turned animated classic that captured the hearts of generations.
I used to love The Perishers for their simple animation style and Leonard Rossiter’s voice talents. This week, I’ve kept my newsletter short to allow extra time to eat your festive favourites.
The Perishers is a quintessential example of British animation. It captures the quirky adventures of children and their insightful dog. Originating from a much-loved comic strip, the animated series has etched its mark in the annals of British pop culture.
The History
The Perishers began as a comic strip in the Daily Mirror on 19 October 1959, crafted by writer Maurice Dodd and artist Dennis Collins. The strip chronicled the escapades of neighbourhood children and Boot, an Old English Sheepdog. In 1979, the comic was adapted into a 20-episode animated series by Bill Melendez Productions and FilmFair, airing on BBC1. The series featured the vocal talents of Judy Bennett as Wellington, Sheila Steafel as Maisie and Baby Grumbling, Leonard Rossiter as Boot, and Peter Hawkins as the narrator and the voice of Marlon and BH. The show enjoyed reruns until 1988. While the original animation has not undergone significant updates, it remains accessible through various home media releases.
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The Characters
Wellington: An orphaned boy known for his inventive nature and signature Wellington boots. He resides with his dog, Boot, in a disused railway station.
Boot: A philosophical Old English Sheepdog who believes he is a nobleman transformed into a dog. His musings often provide a satirical lens on human behaviour.
Maisie: A domineering girl with a soft spot for Marlon, often leading the group with her assertive personality.
Marlon is the amiable yet dim-witted group member, frequently entangled in humorous predicaments.
Baby Grumpling: Maisie’s younger brother, whose innocent perspective adds charm to the narrative.
The Plotlines
The series delves into the children's daily lives, exploring themes of friendship, adventure, and the innocence of youth. Notable story arcs include their seaside holidays, where Boot's interactions with rock pool crabs lead to the famed Eyeballs in the Sky episodes. These segments humorously depict the crabs' religious interpretations of Boot's presence.
Famous People
The series featured esteemed actors such as Leonard Rossiter, renowned for his roles in Rising Damp and The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, who lent his voice to Boot. Additionally, Peter Hawkins was celebrated for voicing characters like Captain Pugwash and the Daleks in Doctor Who, who served as the narrator.
Popular Culture
The Perishers has left an indelible mark on British pop culture, with its annual Eyeballs in the Sky episodes becoming a cherished tradition. Due to popular demand, the comic strip's return to the Daily Mirror in 2010 underscores its enduring appeal.
Advertising Involvement
While The Perishers thrived primarily as a comic strip and television series, it also ventured into merchandise, including jigsaw puzzles and figures, which were especially popular during the 1970s and 1980s.
Spin-Offs and Related Work
The success of The Perishers led to various merchandise, such as annuals, jigsaw puzzles, and figures. A notable spin-off is the audio record The Perishers Sing—well, sort of. It features 12 songs with lyrics by Maurice Dodd and is narrated by Bernard Cribbins.
Legacy
The Perishers continues to be celebrated for its witty portrayal of British childhood. Its reintroduction to the Daily Mirror in 2010 as reprints highlights its lasting resonance with audiences.
Fun Facts
Wellington named his dog Boot to complement his name, creating the pair "Wellington Boot."
The fictional town of Croynge, where the series is set, is a portmanteau of Croydon and Penge.
The Eyeballs in the Sky episodes were inspired by the observation of a natural dog watching crabs during a holiday in Dorset.
Summing it All Up
The Perishers remains a cherished piece of British animation history. It offers a humorous and insightful glimpse into the adventures of a group of children and their philosophical dog. Its enduring charm and wit continue to captivate audiences, securing its place in the pantheon of classic British animation.
Fancy watching a slice of nostalgia? Episode
I always loved The Perishers! Thank you for the reminder of this classic animation. Leonard Rossiter was great at Boot the dog.
Thanks, Jon - I will have to check out both the animated series and the comic strips. Sounds like fun!