Hello, and welcome back to another edition of the vintage Media Millennial blog post. In this series, I explore a variety of topics under specific headings, offering personal insights as well as objective perspectives. Whether you agree with my views is, of course, a matter of personal preference.
Discovering the Joy of an Animated Classic Series
Over the summer holidays, keeping my son amused has been my top priority. Beyond toys and endless rounds of board games, I’ve been searching for fresh TV shows. Although there’s comfort in the familiar for both kids and adults, I love discovering a new favourite.
Recently, the new streaming service TUBI launched in the UK, and I discovered 26 episodes of ‘Around the World with Willy Fog.’ This series is an adaptation of Jules Verne’s Around the World in 80 Days, with anthropomorphic animals portraying the characters. While I have not read the original novel, I have watched various adaptations.
This particular version was a Spanish production, dubbed into English, and aired on Children’s BBC in the early ’80s. Many who watched it then remember it with affection, not least for its memorable and catchy theme tune. Despite occasional lip-sync issues, the storytelling is engaging, aiming to be suitable for children while remaining true to the original story—a rare feat when the protagonists are animals.
Regrettably, the series was removed from the streaming service shortly after I found it. However, my disappointment was short-lived as I discovered the complete series on the official YouTube channel. I’m eager to watch the entire series and highly recommend it. Just a tip: watch the lengthy opening titles once; after all, it’s not 1982 anymore.
Silent films
I recently wrote about my intention to watch and review several silent films. Initially, I planned to start with Fatty Arbuckle in “Fatty Joins the Force,” but I was captivated by Laurel and Hardy instead.
Currently, I’m writing an article on the 1921 film “The Lucky Dog.” This film is notable for being the first to feature Laurel and Hardy together, albeit not as the iconic duo they would become. The recent restoration, which was transferred from the original, is perhaps the best version I’ve seen, despite its age showing some rough edges. The performances, however, truly stand out. I’m excited to share my complete review in the future. In the meantime, if you have any suggestions for silent films I should watch, please feel free to contact me on social media, comment below, or email Jamie at oldtimereview.co.uk.
Destination Bemuda
This is another entry in Bear Family Records long-running series entitled Destination. This one focuses on songs about the island of Bermuda. Until I saw the track listing for this compilation, I hadn’t realized just how many songs used the word Bermuda in the song or title. the album features a mixture of styles, from Latin rhythms to Rock ‘n’ Roll and Country music. The first track by the Sidney Bean Trio sets the mood perfectly with its chilled vibe and catchy melody, the latter of which is heard elsewhere on the set. The assortment of tracks, ranging from the lesser-known to the well-recognized, provide a fantastic learning experience.
This compilation offers rarely heard tracks, sourced from the best available formats. Some sound like they derive from the original single pressing, adding to the feel-good vintage vibe. Personal favourites included The Talbot Brothers of Bermuda’s Bermuda Buggy Ride, Marlon ‘Madman’ Mitchell and The Rocketeers’ Bermuda Shorts and Maurice King and the Wolverines’ instrumental track Bermuda. I also have a soft spot for the Linda Scott number and The Delroy’s Bermuda Shorts.
This is an unexpectedly fun collection of songs that fit together nicely regardless of the tenuous connection. This is possibly my favourite in this series so far! Destination Bermuda is available from Bear Family Records. 10/10
Thank you for reading this edition of Vintage Media Millennial. If you have any thoughts on any of the subjects discussed here, comment below or email Jamie@OldTimeReview.co.uk.
