SPOILERS Cosgrove Hall used to be one of the finest producers of British animation in the country. Responsible for the film version of "The BFG" and wonderful cartoon "Dangermouse", the studio was a major success in it's Manchester studios. After an episode of "Dangermouse" entitled "The Four Tasks Of Dangermouse", the studio decided to create a spin off from a guest character and eventually create another fan favourite. Beginning it's airing in 1988, "Count Duckula" was a brilliant cartoon which is remarkably rare nowadays and was a big fan favourite at the time.
In Transylvania stands Castle Duckula. Home throughout the ages to a family of vampire ducks, it stands atop of a mountain overlooking the terrified peasants. The latest inhabitant is unique to his surroundings though. After a botch up by nursemaid and housekeeper Nanny (voiced by Brian Trueman), the Count is reborn a vegetarian. Now Nanny and butler Igor (Jack May) are experiencing a different take on life as the young Count (David Jason) takes them on countless amazing adventures.
Not quite as off the wall and surreal as "Dangermouse" could be, this wonderful cartoon thrived for 65 episodes. Based around the Count travelling the globe whilst telling woeful jokes, the cartoon had a huge fan base and large numbers of us look back at it with a sense of delight at a part of our childhoods.
With voices by regular actors like David Jason and Jack May, the series never lost it's appeal and it's still possible to watch true classics like "The Murderous Penguins" and pilot episode "No Sax Please We're Egyptian" and find things to laugh about.
In fact, "Count Duckula" is a strong reminder of how great childhood cartoons used to be. Before everything became manga based and as an alternative to the violent cartoons like "Thundercats" or "Transformers", this animation classic is a wonderful innocent alternative. Yes it had intrigue and by cartoon standards a bit of intensity (the aggressive vegetables from the future and the living statue of evil Duckula in two episodes were particularly unnerving for a young six year old), but it always finished on a light note and never took itself too seriously.
When Cosgrove Hall decided to create this spin off from "Dangermouse" it is doubtful they knew how successful it would be. Always entertaining and funny, "Count Duckula" is a reminder of a better time. A time of innocence and happiness. It's theme music wasn't half bad too.
In Transylvania stands Castle Duckula. Home throughout the ages to a family of vampire ducks, it stands atop of a mountain overlooking the terrified peasants. The latest inhabitant is unique to his surroundings though. After a botch up by nursemaid and housekeeper Nanny (voiced by Brian Trueman), the Count is reborn a vegetarian. Now Nanny and butler Igor (Jack May) are experiencing a different take on life as the young Count (David Jason) takes them on countless amazing adventures.
Not quite as off the wall and surreal as "Dangermouse" could be, this wonderful cartoon thrived for 65 episodes. Based around the Count travelling the globe whilst telling woeful jokes, the cartoon had a huge fan base and large numbers of us look back at it with a sense of delight at a part of our childhoods.
With voices by regular actors like David Jason and Jack May, the series never lost it's appeal and it's still possible to watch true classics like "The Murderous Penguins" and pilot episode "No Sax Please We're Egyptian" and find things to laugh about.
In fact, "Count Duckula" is a strong reminder of how great childhood cartoons used to be. Before everything became manga based and as an alternative to the violent cartoons like "Thundercats" or "Transformers", this animation classic is a wonderful innocent alternative. Yes it had intrigue and by cartoon standards a bit of intensity (the aggressive vegetables from the future and the living statue of evil Duckula in two episodes were particularly unnerving for a young six year old), but it always finished on a light note and never took itself too seriously.
When Cosgrove Hall decided to create this spin off from "Dangermouse" it is doubtful they knew how successful it would be. Always entertaining and funny, "Count Duckula" is a reminder of a better time. A time of innocence and happiness. It's theme music wasn't half bad too.