"The Storyteller" (1988) TV series

User Rating:

8.9/10   

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:

Princess | Wedding | Forest | King | Half Human

Awards:

Won Primetime Emmy. Another 2 wins & 3 nominations

Cast

John Hurt	...	The Storyteller (9 episodes, 1988)
Brian Henson	...	Storyteller's Dog / ... (9 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

Certification:

Australia:G

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:

Featured in "Troldspejlet: (#34.11)" (2005)

Classic and beautiful

The Storyteller is a series that will age well, despite some use of primitive computer generated effects. It appeals to young and old, as long as there is still a sense of wonder and magic in the individual. It is beautifully, lyrically written and based on ancient stories that have been thoroughly researched. The actors are magnificent, as are the creatures which Jim Henson's team creates. The medieval score lends an authenticity to each episode and is thoroughly enchanting in its own right. There is a richness to the series that is not found in Disney, as there is no attempt to dumb down the stories for children. The best episodes are "The Three Ravens", "Straggletag" and "The Soldier and Death".