Tales of the Riverbank

1 9 6 0 - 1 9 6 3 (Canada) 
1 9 7 1 (Canada) 

This children's series featured real animals and related the adventures of two friends; Hammy (a hamster) and Roderick (a white mouse). Both animals lived along a riverbank and shared adventures with their neighbors - a guinea pig, a raccoon, a squirrel, a chipmunk, a frog, a toad and various weasels and skunks.

The animals were shown moving around in miniature boats, cars, balloons and airplanes and their homes were fully furnished with animal size furniture. The fifteen minute episodes were filmed at double the normal speed to allow the camera to slow down the movements of the animals (who were probably in a state of constant fear and anxiety during filming!).

Narration for each story was provided by Johnny Morris (who also appeared in his own show Animal Magic) and the series was produced in Canada. This was one of my big favorites as a wee young 'un. An additional 26 half-hour episodes were produced in the 1970's.

Tales of the Riverbank was produced in Canada in 1959 (in black and white) and screened on television in England, in Canada, in Australia, and in 34 other countries around the world.
The concept (highly derivative from Wind in the Willows) was to create a program that was non-violent and highly entertaining, that kids would love, and that their parents could watch with them.