Pogles' Wood

Pogles' Wood was an animated British children's television series Produced by Smallfilms between 1966 and 1967. The Pogles were country folk who lived in a tree. The four principal characters were Mr Pogle, Mrs Pogle, their 'son' Pippin and a rabbit-like creature, Tog, who was Pippin's playmate. The 32 episodes were shot in stop-frame animation in Peter Firmin's barn or shed.

The first series featuring Mr and Mrs Pogle was called simply 'The Pogles' Broadcast in 1965.

This was the first series which sets the scene for the later Pogles Wood - 6 x 10 minute episodes - and told the story of how the Magic Plant came to live with Mr. and Mrs. Pogle.... and also revealed the truth about Pippin's identity as the foundling son of the King of the Fairies.

However, the story centred around a very dark and evil old shape-changing Witch, and was so scary that after broadcasting the series only once - the BBC declared it 'too frightening' and asked if Oliver Postgate could make a further series about more everyday countryside matters. These were called Pogles Wood, and the first series centred around a view of farm and countryside life through the eyes of Pippin, Tog and the Pogles. The second series had a stronger storytelling element, where Pippin and Tog would often find an item, bring it back to the storytelling plant, who would bring it to life (possibly a precursor of the later Bagpuss).

The adventures of Pippin and Tog were also popular in annuals in the 1970s.

DVDs of the Pogles and episodes selected by their creators from Pogles Wood were released on DVD by the Dragons Friendly Society in 2006

External links

• Official Pogles' Wood website
• Publishers of Pogles Wood on DVD and CD Rom
• British Film Institute Screen Online