Ludwig (1977)
Ludwig was a surreal 1977 British-made children's cartoon animation about a magical egg-shaped gemstone who lived in a forest. Twenty-five 5-minute episodes were made. The programme was produced by father and son team, Mirek and Peter Lang. Peter went on to animate Pigeon Street. Mirek and Peter wrote the stories with Jane Tann and Susan Kodicek. The scripts were edited by Michael Cole. Peter did the artwork.The music was arranged and played by Paul Reade. Jon Glover provided the voice of the birdwatcher. Mirek and Peter shared the animation, with Mirek doing about 80%. Peter writes: "In the late seventies I made the series, Ludwig, for the BBC with my father, Mirek Lang. It was shown in the highly prized afternoon pre-news slot a number of times and those who still remember it seem to recall it with a befuddled fondness. It also did quite well abroad. I wrote and illustrated the "Ludwig 1979 Annual", SBN 7235 0476 8 and designed 4 x jigsaw puzzles for Ravensburger. An excellent soundtrack album, played and arranged by Paul Reade and friends was released." "The series was shot on 16mm film, on a wind up Bolex camera in a spare bedroom in our flat in Buckland Crescent, Swiss Cottage, London NW3."
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Episode 1 - Arrival
Release Date: 1977-03-07Magpie finds that Ludwig, whatever he may be, has come to stay and play.
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Episode 2 - Hiccups
Release Date: 1977-03-08Ludwig cures little hedgehogs’ problems, and how!
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Episode 3 - Hooter
Release Date: 1977-03-09Magpie discovers that life inside a horn is not at all harmonious.
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Episode 4 - Glue
Release Date: 1977-03-10It is a sticky time for all when Ludwig has a puncture.
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Episode 5 - Kites
Release Date: 1977-03-11Little hedgehogs are taken for a ride when Ludwig’s plans go kite shaped.
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Episode 6 - Tennis
Release Date: 1977-03-14Owl realizes the importance of keeping at least one eye on the ball.
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Episode 7 - Sculptor
Release Date: 1977-03-15Ludwig petrifies everyone with his stone chipping creations.
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Episode 8 - Skating
Release Date: 1977-03-16During a cold snap Ludwig teaches the animals the skater’s waltz.
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Episode 9 - Umbrellas
Release Date: 1977-03-17The hedgehogs discover the perils of opening an umbrella in gusty weather.
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Episode 10 - Swing
Release Date: 1977-03-18Ludwig’s swing proves to be too much of a hit.
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Episode 11 - Bubbles
Release Date: 1977-03-21Ludwig is not the only one to have a bubble-bath this morning.
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Episode 12 - Clock
Release Date: 1977-03-22Being as punctual as Ludwig can drive the animals cuckoo!
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Episode 13 - Ball
Release Date: 1977-03-23Can Ludwig’s love of football provide the match of the day?
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Episode 14 - Coin
Release Date: 1977-03-24Magpie learns that small change can get him a long way.
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Episode 15 - Yo-Yo
Release Date: 1977-03-25Things are neither up nor down when Ludwig plays with a yo-yo.
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Episode 16 - Photographer
Release Date: 1977-03-28Ludwig’s investigation is derailed for the sake of a group photo.
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Episode 17 - Christmas
Release Date: 1977-03-29It is always fun and never too late to decorate a Christmas tree.
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Episode 18 - Architect
Release Date: 1977-03-30When the magpies’ nest breaks, Ludwig provides the perfectly grand design.
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Episode 19 - Balloons
Release Date: 1977-03-31The day goes ‘pop!’ when Ludwig leaves everyone up in the air.
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Episode 20 - High Jump
Release Date: 1977-04-01A sports day is a bit too much for some of the lazier, animal competitors.
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Episode 21 - Magician
Release Date: 1977-04-04Ludwig demonstrates that there’s nothing up his sleeve.
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Episode 22 - Artist
Release Date: 1977-04-05Ludwig discovers cubism when magpie, his model, can’t keep still.
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Episode 23 - Home Movie
Release Date: 1977-04-06Too many film-directors will spoil Ludwig’s blockbuster.
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Episode 24 - Nuts
Release Date: 1977-04-07Squirrel’s preparations for winter are sliding down the shoot.
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Episode 25 - TV
Release Date: 1977-04-08After a hard day Ludwig has a night out… watching the telly.