"The Storyteller" (1988)TV series 1988-1988

Creator:

Jim Henson

Seasons:

1

Release Date:

15 May 1988 (UK)

Genre:

Fantasy

Plot:

An old storyteller and his sarcastic dog tell obscure fairtales.

Plot Keywords:

Cult Favorite | Folktale | Beggar | Fairy Tale | Father Daughter Relationship

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

John Hurt	...	The Storyteller (8 episodes, 1988)
Brian Henson	...	Storyteller's Dog / ... (8 episodes, 1988)

Also Known As:

Jim Henson's The Storyteller (USA) (complete title)

Runtime:

225 min (9 episodes) | 25 min (9 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Elstree Film Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company:

Henson Associates (HA)

Trivia:

The number "3" features in every episode of the series:

• Hans My Hedgehog - The Princess, after marrying the Grovelhog, learns he sheds his quills each night and she has to keep it a secret for 3 nights in order to break the curse. When she fails and he runs away, she searches the world and wears out 3 pairs of iron shoes in the process.
• Fearnot - Fearnot comes from a family of 3 (father, brother and Fearnot) and was tricked by 3 bullies early in the story. It takes 3 encounters before he finally learns how to shudder (encountering the swamp creature, the half demon in the castle, and the thought of losing his sweetheart).
• A Story Short - The Storyteller loses to the Beggar 3 times while playing Dice. He loses his money, his wife and his own self.
• The Luck Child - Lucky survives 3 attempts on his life by the wicked king (thrown over a cliff, sent to the castle with a letter instructing the queen to kill him, and being sent to the Griffin's lair).
• The Soldier and Death - The Soldier helps 3 beggars and is rewarded each time. He also captures 3 geese the first time he uses the Magic Sack.
• The True Bride - The girl completes 3 tasks given to her by the troll (with the help of the Thought Lion). The Lion also gives her 3 walnuts with gifts hidden inside to barter with the Trollop.
• The Three Ravens - After the Princess's 3 brothers are transformed into ravens, she has to keep silent for 3 years, 3 months and 3 days to break the curse. She also gives birth to 3 sons after marrying the Prince.
• Sapsorrow - Youngest of 3 daughters, Sapsorrow commissions the making of 3 dresses to stall the arranged marriage with her Father. She then wears those 3 dresses on 3 different nights to woo the Prince.
• The Heartless Giant - Youngest of 3 princes, Leo tries to find the Heartless Giant that he released. On the way, he helps 3 animals (bird, fish and wolf) who later aid him. When Leo tries to find where the Giant's heart is hidden, he finds out on the third try.

Quotes:

The Storyteller: I am a teller of stories, a weaver of dreams. I can dance, sing, and in the right weather I can stand on my head. I know seven words of Latin, I have a little magic, and a trick or two. I know the proper way to meet a Dragon, I can fight dirty but not fair, I once swallowed thirty oysters in a minute. I am not domestic, I am a luxury, and in that sense, necessary.

Movie Connections:

Spin off The Storyteller: Greek Myths (1990) (TV)

Magical. Breathtaking.

I wish I could remember more of this fabulous series. My memory is patchy, but I DO remember it being one of the most inventive, beautifully made and acted series ever shown on British television. It is insanity that they don't repeat