Alias the Jester @ The Cartoon Scrapbook

Prod. Notes:

1986 (estimate), ITV

Cosgrove-Hall Productions

Cast:

Alias the Jester ................................................................. Richard Briers

Meredith the Magician ......................................................... Brian Wilde

King Arthur .......................................................................... Brian Trueman

Queen Edith ................................................................................... Unknown

Voices .................................................................................... Jimmy Hibbert

Synopsis:

The diminutive space traveler Alias the Jester, along with his companion Boswell, unexpectedly land on earth when the craft they are traveling in develops problems with its spark plugs. To his surprise, Alias finds himself in the kingdom of Houghton Bottoms, a realm where local giants are invited to afternoon tea, knights are bold only in cricket matches and dancing bears sport straw hats and canes! Old Meredith the magician persuades Alias to become the royal court jester - a guise he can hide his real persona behind, changing between the two at will. Using his special powers, Alias saves the kingdom on many occasions.

This charming series was transmitted as part of Children's ITV. Despite going on to pick up the 1986 BAFTA award for Best Short Animated Film, no further episodes were produced.

Several books were released by Purnell Books and a couple were published for St. Michael's by Purnell Books. Alias the Jester and the Lost Ark was released in 1986 and Alias the Jester Amaranth and The Beast. The latter concerned the Princess Amaranth daughter of King Arthur and Queen Edith.

Each episode lasted approximately 10 minutes and was written by Brian Trueman.

Episodes:

Alias the Jester

The Ring

The Viking Airship

The Lost Ark

The Walking Island

Monster of the Lake

Enter the Najjer

Amaranth and The Beast

The Giant's Visit

Revenge of the Najjer

Opening Lyrics:

"Alias the jester was a time traveller bold,

By pure bad luck, his ship got stuck in

the earth's magnetic hold.

From the middle of space,

To the middle ages.

Aaaaaaaa..Alias.

Alias the Jester...(Jester)

Alias the Jester

The Jester in disguise, watch him change before your very eyes.

Alias the Jester meets his fate again, [clap clap clap]

Alias and Boswell activate again,

He overpowers the undefended, using all the power at his command.

Alias the Jester....

Alias the Jester...."