The Phoenix and the Carpet, a beloved children’s novel, published in 1904, was adapted into a six-part BBC TV series in 1976. Set in the late Victorian era, it captured the imaginations of children and adults alike, showcasing a world of innocence and wonder. Looking through the cultural lens of the 1970s, we can see the shifting attitudes toward childhood and nostalgia during that time.

“The Phoenix and the Carpet” TV series, set in London during the late Victorian era, revolves around the lives of five siblings: Cyril, Anthea, Robert, Jane, and their baby brother, known as the Lamb. The story takes off when the children receive a magical carpet from an eccentric curio dealer. To their astonishment, the carpet possesses the power to fly and grants them thrilling adventures beyond their wildest dreams.

Hidden within the carpet, is an egg. The egg hatches into a magical talking phoenix, who has an ego to match his mythical existence. This wise and fiery creature becomes their trusted companion, providing guidance and comic relief throughout their escapades. Their adventurous play is always limited to 3 daily wishes, split between 4 children of various ages. Together, they encounter ancient civilizations, discover mysterious treasures, and face off against mischievous characters who seek to exploit the carpet’s powers for their own gain.

Watch the Dark Crystal

The series beautifully captures the essence of childhood innocence, depicting the siblings’ curiosity, resourcefulness, and unwavering bond. Viewers are immersed in a world where the imagination can take you anywhere, and the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. Through their encounters and mishaps, the children learn valuable life lessons about responsibility, loyalty, and the importance of family.

“The Phoenix and the Carpet” provides a window into the late Victorian era, showcasing the culture, norms, and values of the time. The period-accurate costumes, set designs, and attention to detail transport viewers to a bygone era, offering a nostalgic glimpse into the past. From horse-drawn carriages and gas-lit streets to the elaborate interiors of middle-class Victorian homes, the series captures the essence of a time when childhood was a precious and protected stage of life.
This series is very much a family-oriented feel-good adventure that you can enjoy with your children or grandchildren.

The post The Phoenix and the Carpet appeared first on Classic TV and Movies.

Wizards is the work of the great animator and story teller Ralph Bakshi. (He did the animated version of the Lord of the Rings). Like his other cartoons, the intended audience for Wizards is not children. Just take one look at the voluptuous fairy folk or consider the violent themes and you will understand why. Set in a post-apocalyptic world this is the story of good versus evil; magic, love and devotion versus technology , greed and servitude. It’s a dark story, with fantasy characters, but it’s purpose is to show humanity’s pitfalls and how despite repeating the same mistakes over and over, their is always hope.

A combination of Mad Max and Lord of the Rings

Wizards is focused on twin brothers, as opposite in nature as night and day, both capable of great feats of magic. The dark wizard is cruel and alone in his psychotic existence, he uses old tech to attract an army of warriors, who are less than loyal without the proper motivation. The good Wizard has a community that respects him. But watching it I couldn’t help but see the peace and love hippy guru archetype versus the greedy capitalist, who must own and control everything. Of course not all capitalists want world domination and not all peace lovers are unproductive dreamers…but these archetypes frame Bakshi’s concept of good and evil.

Take a peek at Woo Who Vintage

It is often said that magic is simply what science cannot yet explain. In Wizards, science based technology IS dark magic. But where these forces of light and dark are furthest apart is in their adherent’s loyalty. Loyalty born out of love is undaunted, while allegiance born out of fear or greed is fleeting. The evil Wizard Blackwolf has a constant problem keeping his soldiers motivated, so he uses his technology to make himself robots. Perhaps it’s in seeking the perfection of God like power, that one invite’s his creation to become cogniscient and eventually choose its own path. Either way, one of Blackwolf’s robots renames himself Peace, and joins the forces of the good wizard Avatar to help stop the never ending war-machine.

The post Wizards 1977 appeared first on Classic TV and Movies.