This page is devoted to the children`s
TV classic,
Mr Benn.
This site has been accessed
times.
As if by magic, the shopkeeper appeared. Click on image for Sound (29K)
Before Mutant Ninja Thingies, and Morphing Power Thingies, British children`s tv experienced a golden age. The Clangers, Bagpuss, Camberwick Green and many more provided wholesome nourishment for the nation`s toddlers.
My personal favourite Mr Benn, that great English gentleman. Bowler-hatted chap who resides at Number 52 Festive Road, London.
Plot
Created by David McKee in 1970, following the exploits of Mr Benn, who makes regular trips to his local costume shop. We`re never told Mr Benn`s job, we assume he`s a businessman, but who knows he might be unemployed, judging by the amount of time he spends in that shop. Their "as if by magic" a shopkeeper appears, suggesting a costume for Mr Benn to try on. He takes his chosen costume into the changing room. Mr Benn is far too civilised to be seen in his underwear, so he simply transforms.
After changing, he walks out of the "other" door, where he finds himself in a different world, appropriate to his costume. There Mr Benn would help solve problems, for instance becoming a zoo keeper, freeing the sad animals and tricking the public into taking their place in the cages. Way ahead of its time. At the end of his adventure the shopkeeper would mysteriously re-appear ushering him back to the changing room. He would return home but invariably find he had a souvenir of his adventure.
Background
Apparently Mr Benn`s address 52 Festive Road was based on 52 Festing Road in Putney, where the writer David McKee lived.
Apart from the stories, Mr Benn`s major strengths are the simple yet charming animation, also done by McKee along with Ian Lawless. The stories were narrated by the actor, Ray Brooks (see below) Only 13 episodes were made by Zephyr Film Productions for the BBC, but have been constantly repeated over the last 25 years. Just goes to show how timeless its become. In the age of "sophisticated" childrens programming there will always be room for Mr Benn. Using a similar animation style, David McKee went onto produce King Rollo, also for the BBC
The Shopkeeper looks shifty, but you gotta love him. Click image to hear his polite manner (36K)
Ray Brooks
The masterstroke though, is the narration by the actor Ray Brooks. His voice lends itself perfectly for this material. Brooks has many TV and film credits, but is particularly known for some landmark work in the 60`s. Richard Lester`s, The Knack, and How to Get It (1965), Ken Loach`s Cathy Come Home (1965). Also starred in the (1984-86) BBC drama series, Big Deal.
Click on image to visit Ray Brooks Internet Movie Database Entry
Episode List
Each Mr Benn episode runs at 15 minutes, and were originally shown on the BBC in 1971.
- Red Knight
- Hunter
- Cook
- Caveman
- Balloonist
- Zoo Keeper
- Diver
- Wizard
- Cowboy
- Clown
- Magic Carpet
- Spaceman
- Pirate
Music
WAV files of music from Mr Benn, composed by Don Warren. You can`t help but whistle along.
Mr Benn Theme (256K)
Incidental Music (187 K)
Incidental Music-2 (168 K)
Mr Benn may have worked for the Ministry of Silly Walks
News
Mr Benn, appears to be the latest TV cartoon character mooted for a live action movie. Whether
this ever gets beyond the development stage is anyone`s guess. Contact me with
casting suggestions, who would be an appropriate Mr Benn or Shopkeeper? Providing this is a
British production it could be very interesting. Here follows a
transcript from the 1996 Drambuie Edinburgh Film Festival programme:
`Director's profile: Jevon O'Neill. Graduating in drama from University of Manchester, he joined Greystoke Productions before forming his own commercials production company in 1991. This [Bob's Weekend] is his first feature. He also has under development a live-action version of the popular children's animated series, Mr Benn.'
Thanks to Catherine Murray
UPDATED I`ve recently been contacted by the film makers. The film is being developed by Writer/Producer/Director Jevon O'Neill and Writer/Producer Jonny Kurzman, through their production company Erinfilm. They are currently writing the script, and seeking backing from both British and American companies. They are only in the early stages, but I wish Jevon and Jonny the best of luck in this venture, it can only raise awareness of Mr Benn. They are keen to retain it`s charm, although transferring to live action will necessitate some changes.
UPDATED Mr Benn is currently being used for a new advertising campaign. Watch out for billboards and buses advertising the Switch debit card. A picture of Mr Benn is used with the line "It`s Time To Change Mr Benn".
UPDATED This site was featured on Nottingham`s local radio station Trent FM. I was interviewed by DJ, Mark Pugh for a short feature on the Word on the Net slot.
Word on the Net Interview (Microsoft GSM encoded WAV-243K)
Merchandise
As far as I know Mr Benn merchandising has been relatively small scale. The following, are items I can remember, but I`d appreciate any more details such as comic strips or annuals.
- All 13 episodes are available on 3 videotapes, entitled The Extraordinary Adventures of Mr Benn, from VVL/Polygram.
- Picture storybooks by David McKee
- T-Shirts featuring Mr Benn, and "As if by magic" featuring the shopkeeper
Links
I appear to be the only Mr Benn page on the WWW. So here are some links to
other well loved children`s programmes.
Andrew Wiseman`s Television Room
Paul M Walker`s Classic British Children`s TV Site. Loads of shows.
Timothy C`s Rentaghost
Keep the feather as a souvenir sir.
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I hope you enjoyed this page. Please e-mail me with any comments, suggestions, or links.
hiran@mrbenn.me.uk
Most recent revision 10 December 1998
Copyright © 1999 Hiran Perera
Mr Benn Copyright © David McKee
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