Name: The Magic Ball
Genre: Animation, Family
Released: 1971-01-05
Rating: 7.5
Cast: Eric Thompson

The cult kids TV show that no one told you about

Quintessential quirky English telly. Made in 1971, written and narrated by Eric Thompson of 'Magic Roundabout' fame (he did all the voices in the original). The animation is produced by Brian Cosgrove and Mark Hall who went on to create 'Danger Mouse', 'Count Duckula' and 'Chorlton and the Wheelies'. However the animation here is far more inventive and wild than those later shows, using a combination of mixed media - cartoon, painting, photography etc which at times resembles Terry Gilliam's Monty Python skits. 

The show's premise is similar to that of another UK kids favourite - Mr Benn. There, Mr Benn enters the fancy dress shop, changes into a costume and is magically transported to whatever world his costume represents. If he dresses as a knight - he goes on to fight dragons etc. Here in The Magic Ball, we have young Sam inside his Aunt Mil's antique shop by the sea. With the aid of his trusty magic ball he is magically whirled away to the world of whatever curious object he picks up. Off on another adventure and back home again in time for tea.

13 episodes in series one, all different adventures ranging from encounters with Cavemen to Highwaymen, Princesses to Chimney sweeps, Chimpanzees, Cowboys and flying carpets. 

It's a great 'lost' kids TV program, hugely underrated and forgotten despite winning two silver medals at the Venice film festival of children's films. It is also rather psychedelic and makes great after hours viewing for adults. 

A cross between 'Mr Benn' and 'Jamie and the magic torch' is a fair way to describe it. A real treat and well worth seeking out if you like this type of thing.

Animation is a form of visual storytelling that involves creating visual art and motion through the use of various techniques and technologies. In animation, images are manipulated to create the illusion of movement, bringing characters, objects, and environments to life. Animation can encompass a wide range of styles, themes, and intended audiences, making it a diverse and versatile form of storytelling.

Daveigh Chase, Rumi Hiiragi, and Mari Natsuki in Spirited Away (2001)

The family genre features stories specifically created to be suitable for a wide range of age groups within a family. Family-oriented content is designed to be enjoyed by both children and adults, often providing entertainment that is wholesome, relatable, and appropriate for all members of a family to watch or experience together.

Drew Barrymore and Pat Welsh in E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982)

The Magic Ball was yet another children's TV program from the early 1970's. It was all about " well a ball that was MAGIC " !!

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The Magic Ball

Episodes26

Photos5

Cast1

User reviews1

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