James the Cat is a 1984 British children's series created by Kate Canning and produced by Jan Clayton with Grampian Television.[1][2] It chronicles the many events which take place at the Cornerhouse (number 104) between James and his new animal friends. Fellow characters include Mrs. Lavender, a snail; Frieda, a kangaroo; Citroen, a French frog; Rocky, a dimwitted rabbit; and Dennis, a pink fire-breathing Welsh-accented Chinese dragon. There is also a beehive in the garden at the Cornerhouse. Next door are Ma and Pa Rat, and their rat children.[3]
| James the Cat | |
|---|---|
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| Created by | Kate Canning |
| Narrated by | Sean Arnold Alistair McGowan |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom Scotland (1984) |
| Original language | English |
| No. of series | 2 |
| No. of episodes | 52 |
| Production | |
| Producer | Jan Clayton |
| Running time | 5 minutes |
| Production company | Grampian Television |
| Original release | |
| Network | ITV (CITV) (Original Series) Channel 5 (Milkshake!) (1998 Series) |
| Release | 10 March 1984 – 24 December 1998 |
Description edit
The programme changes quite a bit between the 2 series. In the first, James is a newcomer to the garden at the Cornerhouse, and must learn to live with the other animals there. In the first episode of the second series, James becomes a diplomat (though sometimes he is referred to as a VIP). In subsequent episodes, he and the others travel to distant lands or receive important visitors.
The show was revived in 1998 for Milkshake!
Home media edit
There were two VHS tapes released by Tempo Video.
| VHS Name | Catalogue Number | Release Year | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| James the Cat and Friends |
V9005 | 1987 |
|
| Out and About with James the Cat | V9006 | 1987 |
|
Screen Entertainment also released one VHS tape.
| VHS Name | Catalogue Number | Release Year | Episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
| James the Cat: Neighbours | SE 9002 | 1988 |
|
Reception edit
Common Sense Media described the series as "Sophisti-catted tales best for older preschoolers".[4]
References edit
- ^ James The Cat, retrieved 18 September 2023
- ^ Cream, T. V. (23 June 2009). "James the Cat – TV Cream". Retrieved 18 September 2023.
- ^ "James The Cat". 80s Nostalgia.
- ^ "James the Cat TV Review | Common Sense Media". commonsensemedia.org. Retrieved 18 September 2023.
External links edit
- The Canning Factory
- James the Cat at Toonhound
- James the Cat at ClassicKidsTV