Review for The Famous Five: Season 1 (3 Discs)

What a welcome release! Unavailable on DVD in the UK, retro fans have had to make do with VHS releases of this classic series. Whilst we all know that DVD's are generally far better resolution than VHS's, that alone cannot possibly account for the incredible quality leap the DVD's offer. It looks like the 16mm prints have been cleaned up, re-graded and re-transferred. But I'm getting ahead of myself.



The series was originally broadcast on ITV over two series in 1978 and 1979 and as 2012 marks the 70th anniversary of the release of the Famous Five series of books it appears to be as good a reason as any to give the series a release. Of course, I should make you aware that this is the seventies series and NOT the nineties version. (Apparently that caused chaos on an Australian release that proclaimed to be the nineties series but which actually housed this one).


There can't be many who haven't heard of Enid Blyton (Noddy, The Famous Five, The Secret Seven etc) and just about everyone will already know something about the Famous Five. Well, this series takes the basic theme and narrative from that and moves in from 1940's / 1950's Britain to the present day .well, 1978 to be more precise. Even if you cannot clearly recall the series, if you were child of the seventies you'll definitely recall the theme song. ( I still love the clumsy scanning of the 'Timmy the dog' bit). Oh go on then. Here's a link and here are the lyrics so you can sing along. You know you want to. [Ignore the picture quality of this one…clearly off the VHS set.]



Whereever there's adventure to be found,
Just a clue or a secret message bring the Famous Five around,
Whenever there's a mystery to be solved,
Up in the ruined castle,
or down in Smugglers Cove.

We are the Famous Five,
Julian, Dick and Anne, George and Timmy the dog,
We are the Famous Five,
We're coming back to you,
Whenever there's time,
Time after time.

Whatever awaits behind closed doors,
Strange noises in the cellar or the sound of creaky floors,
We never let a mystery pass us by,
Just leave a clue and leave the rest to the Famous Five.

We are the Famous Five,
Julian, Dick and Anne, George and Timmy the dog,
We are the Famous Five,
We're coming back to you,
Whenever there's time,
Coming back to you,
Time after time after time.

And to be honest that introduces the series pretty well. The famous five are four kids and a dog; Julian (Marcus Harris), Dick (Gary Russell), Anne (Jennifer Thanisch), their cousin George (Michelle Gallagher) and her dog Timmy.


Though there's a faint air of 'lashings of ginger beer' here, there's actually far less than the Ripping Yarns spoof might suggest and the series, whilst a bit slow and stilted by today's standards, is actually quite gritty on occasion. In fact, George, the tomboy, is positively rebellious and spirited in a way that I don't recall any of the characters being in the books.

The 13 x 25minute episodes in series 1 do contain rather a lot of hidden passages, secret doorways, night-time rendezvous and shenanigans of the smuggler variety, but they're excellent fun.


All shot on 16mm there's a real retro look and feel to the series. Film was often very economically cut and directed (stock was expensive) so some of the acting seems disjointed and stilted but overall it has enough action to keep the various narratives moving, though what health and safety officers would make of their exploits these days is anyone's guess!

Full of ridiculous coincidences and unlikely plots, you have to suspend all disbelief. Though this may have aired at the same time as Grange Hill, don't expect any gritty realism here.

There are some lovely cameos by distinguished British actors like Brian Glover, Patrick Troughton, Ronald Fraser, and Rupert Graves amongst others.
Much of the series is shot on location and there are some great shots of 'Kirrin Island' where George's father, a brilliant scientist, carries out his world-changing work, despite a constant stream of spies trying to steal his formulas. (George's dad, German actor Michael Hinz, also delivers what can only be described as the wettest performance ever committed to celluloid. He looks completely bemused most the time as if he's woken from a deep sleep only to find himself awkwardly featured in a children's TV show).


The series was, despite its innate 'Britishness', a co-German production so there are one or two cameos that make some sense in this light.

Two of the series highlights can be found on the first of three discs in the set. Two-parter 'Five go to Kirrin Island' is just great, introducing the gang who have come to stay for the summer with George and her parents. Goerge's dad has discovered some new sustainable energy, worth millions on the open market and a rogue Whitehall official is determined to get his hands on it - even it means blowing up Kirrin Island. 'Five goes to Smugglers Top', another two parter is also worthy of special mention, re-introducing the myriad of island tunnels we saw in 'Kirrin Island'.


Extras are reserved for Disc three and comprise a theatrical trailer and a really fascinating cast reunion (dontcha just love that 'where are they now' stuff?) where three of the leads discus the series with writer Gail Renard. Sadly the very spirited George (Michelle Gallagher) died at a young age seemingly haven taken her own life after being involved in the 'drug scene'. Very sad to hear.
Here's a list of all the episodes in series 1 and I believe that both Series 2 and a 'Complete Series' set will soon be with us so worth looking out for too.

Episode List:
Five Go to Kirrin Island: Part 1 (Original transmission: 3 July 1978)
Five Go to Kirrin Island: Part 2 (10 July 1978)
Five Go Adventuring Again (17 July 1978)
Five Go to Smuggler's Top: Part 1 (24 July 1978)
Five Go to Smuggler's Top: Part 2 (31 July 1978)
Five Go Off in a Caravan (7 August 1978)
Five Go Off to Camp: Part 1 (14 August 1978)
Five Go Off to Camp: Part 2 (21 August 1978)
Five on a Hike Together (4 September 1978)
Five Go to Mystery Moor (11 September 1978)
Five on a Secret Trail (18 September 1978)
Five Go to Billycock Hill (25 September 1978)
Five on Finniston Farm (2 October 1978)