Tales of the Riverbank is a British children’s television series that was developed from a Canadian pilot. It follows the adventures of a group of animals, including Hammy Hamster, Roderick Rat, and GP the Guinea Pig, as they navigate life along a riverbank. The show was later broadcast in Canada and the United States, with Canadian and US actors providing the dubbing for their respective markets.
The show has a soft spot for the underdog and often resolves conflicts through slapstick, cartoonish violence that is never scary or emotionally intense. Parents should note that while the show is family-friendly, it does contain some violence.
The original series aired from 1960-1963 and was followed by a final series, Further Tales of the Riverbank, which was produced in 1991-1992. This series was made up of 26 episodes and is ranked 79th in Channel 4’s 2001 poll of the 100 Greatest Kids’ TV shows.
The animation style of Tales of the Riverbank is unique and captivating. The show features a mix of live-action footage and animation, which makes it stand out from other children’s shows. The live-action footage is used to show the real-life animals that the characters are based on, while the animation is used to bring the characters to life.
Characters
These three characters are the main focus of the show, but there are also many other animal characters that appear throughout the series. Each episode of the show features a new adventure for the animals, and they always manage to learn something new along the way.
Hammy the Hamster
Hammy is the main character of the show. He is a curious and adventurous hamster who loves to explore the world around him. He is always eager to learn new things and make new friends.
G.P. the Guinea Pig
G.P. is a kind and gentle guinea pig who is always there to lend a helping hand. He is very knowledgeable and often acts as a mentor to the other animals.
Roderick the Rat
Roderick is a mischievous rat who often gets into trouble. He is always looking for ways to have fun and is not afraid to take risks. Despite his mischievous nature, Roderick has a good heart and is always willing to help his friends.