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Liberty's Kids

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Liberty's Kids
Created byDiC Entertainment
StarringReo Jones
Chris Lundquist
Kathleen Barr
D. Kevin Williams
Walter Cronkite
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes40
Production
Running time30 minutes
Original release
NetworkPBS, The CW, MyNetworkTV, The History Channel, This TV, CBS
ReleaseSeptember 2, 2002 (2002-09-02) –
April 3, 2005 (2005-04-03)

Liberty's Kids is an animated television series produced by DIC Entertainment, originally broadcast on PBS Kids from September 2, 2002 to April 4, 2003. Then after cancellation, aired reruns until August 16, 2004. The show has since been syndicated by DiC to affiliates of smaller television networks such as The CW and MyNetworkTV and some independent stations so that those stations can fulfill FCC educational and informational requirements. Since's September 16, 2006, the series aired on CBS's new block called KOL Secret Slumber Party on CBS, then it was aired on KEWLopolis, which taking September 12, 2009. In 2008 it ran on The History Channel. The series currently on the Cookie Jar Toons block on This TV. The series was based on an idea by Kevin O'Donnell, developed for TV by Kevin O'Donnell, Robby London, Mike Maliani and Andy Heyward.

Its premise is to teach its audience of seven to fourteen year olds about the origins of the United States of America. Much like the CBS cartoon mini-series based on Peanuts; This is America, Charlie Brown years before, Liberty's Kids tells of young people in dramas surrounding the major events in the Revolutionary War days. Celebrity voices such as Walter Cronkite (as Benjamin Franklin), Sylvester Stallone (as Paul Revere), Ben Stiller (as Thomas Jefferson), Billy Crystal (as John Adams), Dustin Hoffman (as Benedict Arnold), and Arnold Schwarzenegger (as Baron von Steuben) lend credence to characters critical to the forming of a free country, from the Boston Tea Party to the Constitutional Convention.

The shows run a half-hour, including commercials. On public television, these are replaced by segments that include "The Liberty News Network" (a newcast delivered by Cronkite summarizing the events of the episode), "Mystery Guest" (a guessing game where the kids guess a historical figure, who often is a character in the episode), "Now and Then" (a segment comparing life in the Revolutionary Era and today), and "Continental Cartoons" (a rebus word guessing game)

Fictional Characters

Liberty's Kids features Benjamin Franklin and four fictional associates of his in their experiences during the American Revolution. Although the series spans 16 years from the Boston Tea Party in 1773 to the ratification of the U.S. Constitution in 1789, none of the main characters appear to age, except for Dr. Franklin.

A bright-eyed 15-year-old young girl from England, Sarah comes to the Thirteen Colonies in 1773 at age fifteen in search of her father, Major Phillips, who was last heard exploring the region of Ohio; upon her arrival, she is warmly welcomed by and lives as a guest of Benjamin Franklin. Her mother, Lady Phillips, remains in England and is a good friend to Dr. Franklin. However, with the possibility of a war between the American colonists and the English mother country, she decides that she will become a reporter for Franklin's newspaper in order to offer a more balanced perspective to the press. Sarah believes firmly in the power of words and equal rights for all, and is never afraid to speak her mind. At the start of the series, she is a firm loyalist, which sparks many arguments between her and James. Later in the series, Sarah has a change of heart and realizes how much she has come to understand the people of the colonies and ends up supporting the Revolution. Some men know the way to her heart... and that is by having good manners (Nathan Hale and John Paul Jones are good examples); when this happens, James can seem almost jealous, although near the end of the series she appears to feel "more than friendship" for James. Throughout the series, Sarah and James grow closer. At the end of the series, her mother, Lady Phillips, joins Sarah and her father in the United States and Sarah hopes to explore more of her adopted country.
  • James Hiller (Chris Lundquist)
A young boy orphaned in childhood because of a lightning storm, 14-year-old James greatly admires Benjamin Franklin, whose invention of the lightning rod saved many from the same tragedy. Zealous, street-smart and impulsive, James pursues the revolution from a slightly one-sided perspective - something that prompts Sarah to counter his views. An apprentice in Franklin's Print Shop, James believes firmly in the American cause and will do almost anything to ensure that the people receive an honest view of what is happening. In the process, he also faces the less positive aspects of the political conflict that eventually forces his patriotic fervor into a new maturity. He highly values his friends, Sarah and Henri. He can be a little protective of Sarah while he attempts to keep Henri out of trouble, acting somewhat like an older brother figure to Henri. He is very laid back and is constantly reminded of his bad etiquette and poor table manners by Sarah, toward whom he shows feelings of what might be "more than friendship" and Sarah often returns. At the end of the series, James intends to start his own newspaper, following in the steps of his mentor.
A small, but comedic and energetic 8-year-old boy from France, Henri's parents died on the voyage to America and the ship's captain exploited Henri afterwards. James and Moses smuggled Henri off the ship and the boy found a home in Benjamin Franklin's workshop. While he speaks French fluently, Dr. Franklin has insisted that Henri learn to speak, read, and write in both English and French. Henri's small size has proved more than useful to Sarah and James, though he has a tendency to land himself in all sorts of trouble while not fully understanding the dangers of the war. His lookout on life is that of a "huge party for his benefit" and has been labeled a "magnet for trouble." In later episodes, he serves on the drum and bugle corps of the Continental Army. Curious and fearless, the only thing Henri values more than his freedom is finding a family of his own. Near the end of the series Henri returns to his native France as the adopted son/ward of the Marquis de Lafayette, with whom he has developed a strong bond.
  • Moses (D. Kevin Williams)
Born in Africa, Moses was brought in chains to America as a slave and sold on the block in Charleston, South Carolina. Because of his ingenuity, Moses learned to read, forge metal, and buy his freedom from his master, thus freeing himself from the slavery of the American south. He eventually moved to Philadelphia and found work at Dr. Franklin's Print Shop. His brother, Cato, had not been so fortunate and escaped, later joining the British troops as a soldier. He looks out for Dr. Franklin's young wards, especially Henri. Like Henri, he values his freedom more than anything. Iron-willed Moses will never allow anyone to strip him of his dignity, despite his or her feelings on race. By working at the Print Shop, Moses hopes to educate children of all colors in the ideals of America so that everyone may one day be free. At the end of the series, Moses reveals a plan to set up a school for children of all races, but only to Dr. Franklin.

PBS Funding

Historical characters depicted

Continental Army, Navy, and American militia

British Army & Navy

French officers

Spanish Army

Native Americans

Turncoats

American family members

American politicians

Other historical figures

Theme

The opening theme to Liberty's Kids, "Through My Own Eyes," is performed by Aaron Carter, who also voices Joseph Plumb Martin, appearing in episode 24, and Kayla Hinkle, a country singer who also voices Sybil Ludington, appearing in episode 21.

Episodes

The following are the Liberty's Kids episodes, with links to relevant historical articles.

# Title Subjects covered Plot Mystery guest
1 Boston Tea Party Boston Tea Party September 2,2002 Sarah arrives in America aboard the H.M.S. Dartmouth[disambiguation needed], but Moses, James and Henri aren't the only ones there to meet the ship. Sam Adams leads a gang of patriots aboard to destroy the tea cargo in protest, and the kids are caught in the middle. (Note: Due to the episode title with the inspired subject, Henri throws the parsley in the water and loudly yells, "No taxation without representation!" at the British Redcoats.) Samuel Adams
2 Intolerable Acts Intolerable Acts September 3, 2002 James, Sarah, Henri and Moses are stuck in Boston at the home of Phillis Wheatley when Boston is under curfew due to the Acts Phillis Wheatley
3 United We Stand First Continental Congress September 4, 2002 James covers the First Continental Congress, while Sarah travels to Boston to supply the resistance movement Abigail Adams
4 Liberty or Death Give me Liberty, or give me Death! September 6, 2002 Having travelled to Virginia to buy a new press, Moses sees his brother Cato about to be sold into slavery, and attempts to stop it, while the kids hear that Patrick Henry is about to rally the southern patriots. Patrick Henry
5 Midnight Ride Midnight Ride of Paul Revere September 13, 2002 James and Sarah travel to Boston with a message from the Mechanics, reconnoitre with Dr. Warren, and join Paul Revere and William Dawes on their midnight ride Paul Revere
6 The Shot Heard Round the World September 29, 2002 Battles of Lexington and Concord James and Sarah witness the Battles of Lexington and Concord, where Sarah's cousin Tom is killed John Parker
7 Green Mountain Boys Capture of Fort Ticonderoga October 3, 2002 James and Sarah meet up with Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys in Vermont, watch them drive away a portly landowner, then stow away with Allen and Benedict Arnold when they capture Fort Ticonderoga Ethan Allen
8 Second Continental Congress The Second Continental Congress October 4, 2002 A British spy urges James and Henri to find out what's going on in the closed sessions of the Second Continental Congress. Meanwhile, Sarah and Moses schmooze George Washington, a delegate to the Congress and the newly-chosen general of the Continental Army John Hancock
9 Bunker Hill Battle of Bunker Hill October 5, 2002 James witnesses the Battle of Bunker Hill from the American camp, while Sarah is in the British camp looking for a British soldier who is killed in action Joseph Warren
10 Postmaster General Franklin Benjamin Franklin October 10, 2002 James and Sarah attempt to deliver mail between Philadelphia and New York, meeting with a committee of correspondence on the way. Meanwhile, Franklin is appointed Postmaster General by the Second Continental Congress John Adams
11 Washington Takes Command Siege of Boston
George Washington October 13, 2002		 The gang winters in Boston, where General Washington takes command and lifts the British occupation of Boston. James joins Henry Knox on his sojourn to Fort Ticonderoga George Washington
12 Common Sense Common Sense October 20, 2002 Ben's old friend Thomas Paine comes by to ask them to print his book Common Sense, which makes the case for breaking away from Britain. James and Henri are inspired, but Sarah is repulsed by the notion of rebellion and won't even read it. Thomas Paine
13 The First Fourth of July Declaration of Independence October 27, 2002 James attempts to find out more about the debate over the Declaration; he rounds up delegates from New Jersey and Delaware. Meanwhile, Sarah goes through Thomas Jefferson's trash Thomas Jefferson
14 New York, New York New York and New Jersey campaign November 1, 2002 Sarah visits Mrs. Radcliffe, a New York Loyalist. Meanwhile, James witness the loss of New York City to the British, and Henri pretends to be an American spy Betsy Ross
15 The Turtle The Turtle November 2, 2002 Hearing rumors of a sea monster in New York Harbor, the kids investigate and stumble across David Bushnell and his prototype submarine. They also run into Admiral Richard Howe, the commander of the British fleet in New York David Bushnell
16 One Life to Lose Nathan Hale November 3, 2002 The kids discover that Nathan Hale is a spy, and witness his execution. Meanwhile, James is almost impressed into the British Navy and Franklin attends the Staten Island Peace Conference Nathan Hale
17 Captain Molly Battle of Fort Washington
Margaret Corbin		 Sarah encamps with Molly Pitcher at Fort Tryon, while James witnesses the loss of Forts Tryon and Washington to the British Thomas Jefferson
18 American Crisis The American Crisis,
New York and New Jersey campaign November 4, 2002		 James and Sarah witness the terrible conditions of the Continental Army after defeats in New York and New Jersey, and return to Philadelphia to help Thomas Paine publish The American Crisis Robert Bell
19 Across the Delaware Washington's crossing of the Delaware
Battle of Trenton November 5, 2002		 James learns of a plan to attack the British before enlistments run out, then crosses the Delaware with Washington before the Battle of Trenton John Honeyman
20 American in Paris Franklin in France, Forage War November 30, 2002 Franklin, now ambassador to France, works tirelessly to get military aid from the French foreign minister Vergennes. Meanwhile, James meets up with Capt. Alexander Hamilton on the way to Washington's winter encampment at Morristown, New Jersey , and Sarah contracts smallpox in Boston. Alexander Hamilton
21 Sybil Lundington Sybil Ludington
Battle of Ridgefield December 1, 2002		 James goes to Connecticut to learn of Colonel Henry Ludington, and instead learns of the exploits of the "female Paul Revere". Meanwhile, Sarah is again with Benedict Arnold, and both witness the destruction of Danbury by the British. Sybil Ludington
22 Lafayette Arrives Marquis de Lafayette
Battle of Brandywine December 2, 2002		 Lafayette arrives in Philadelphia and meets the kids before offering his services to the Continental Congress. He is later wounded at the Battle of Brandywine Sarah Fulton
23 The Hessians are Coming Saratoga Campaign December 3, 2002 Both James and Sarah witness the Battle of Saratoga, Sarah from her coverage of Benedict Arnold, and James from the vantage point of being tied to a Hessian deserter Sarah Fulton
24 Valley Forge Valley Forge December 20, 2002 James and Sarah see the hardship that Joseph Plumb Martin and other foot soldiers endure during the war; Washington faces a possible mutiny; von Steuben drills Washington's troops Baron von Steuben
25 Allies at Last Franco-American Alliance
Rhode Island Loyalty Oath December 21, 2002		 Franklin is able to negotiate a treaty of alliance and an audience with King Louis XVI. Meanwhile, James and Moses travel to Newport, Rhode Island and meet with Jewish merchant Moses Michael Hayes, and Sarah and Henri remain in occupied Philadelphia. Moses Michael Hayes
26 Honor and Compromise Articles of Confederation
Battle of Monmouth December 27, 2002		 The Continental Congress in York is divided among factions led by Richard Henry Lee and Samuel Chase. Meanwhile, Washington has to deal with opposition from General Charles Lee with regard to his battle strategy. Abraham Nenhem
27 The New Frontier Cornstalk
Fort Wilson riot December 28, 2002		 In Philadelphia, James encounters mob violence against James Wilson. Meanwhile, Sarah is on the Ohio frontier, where she encounters her father and Shawnee chief Cornstalk. Cornstalk
28 Not Yet Begun to Fight Battle of Flamborough Head December 28, 2002 Shipwrecked on her way back to England, Sarah is rescued by the Bonhomme Richard, and in the midst of battle, John Paul Jones helps her see that her true loyalty lies with America John Paul Jones
29 The Great Galvez Bernardo de Galvez December 29, 2002 James is on the frontier, where he meets George Rodgers Clark and Bernando de Galvez, the latter at the Battle of Fort Charlotte. Meanwhile, Sarah is in England. Bernardo de Galvez
30 In Praise of Ben Benjamin Franklin December 30, 2002 When Sarah arrives back from England, she finds Henri fighting with a young boy. Henri explains that he has done this because the boy was saying bad things about Ben Franklin. The boy says he only said this because that is what his father said. So, Sarah, Moses, and James explain to the boy about Ben Franklin's life and inventions. Benjamin Franklin
31 Bostonians Cherry Valley massacre
Adams Family December 31, 2002		 Sarah again visits the Adams family, when John is drafting the Massachusetts Constitution and preparing for a diplomatic mission to Europe. Meanwhile, James learns the horrors of the war for native Americans from Iroquois chief Joseph Brant Joseph Brant
32 Benedict Arnold Benedict Arnold January 20, 2003 James is interviewing skinners when they capture British spy Andre, who's carrying blueprints of West Point. Finding out where he got them, James must later comfort Sarah when her friend, General Arnold, is unmasked as a traitor. Benedict Arnold
33 Conflict in the South Southern theater of the American Revolutionary War January 31, 2003 James tags along with General Nathanael Greene on his campaign in the South. Meanwhile, Sarah is horrified that Thomas Jefferson owns slaves Nathanael Greene
34 Deborah Samson: Soldier of the Revolution Deborah Sampson
Battle of Rhode Island February 10, 2003		 Sarah meets Deborah Samson, a female soldier who enlisted under the identity Robert Shurtleff. Meanwhile, General Washington attempts to organize an offensive with General Rochambeau from their base in Rhode Island, and Vergennes attempts to organize a peace conference with the British Deborah Sampson
35 James Armistead James Armistead February 20, 2003 Encamped with Lafayette's army in Virginia, Henri enlists as a drummer boy and Sarah meets slave and double agent James Armistead. Meanwhile, General Washington prepares for a major offensive against the British James Armistead
36 Yorktown Siege of Yorktown February 30, 2003 James and Sarah witness the epic battle of Yorktown. Meanwhile, Moses' brother may not get the freedom he was promised, since the British lost. Charles Cornwallis
37 Born Free and Equal Mum Bett March 3, 2003 Sarah travels to the Berkshires and learns of Mum Bett, a slave who sued for her freedom and won. Meanwhile, King George III is unwilling to admit that England has lost the war. Mum Bett
38 The Man Who Wouldn't Be King Newburgh Conspiracy March 24, 2003 When interviewing Washington, James learns that officers in the Continental Army want to overthrow the government and install Washington as dictator, something Washington finds abhorrent. The episode ends with Washington going to Annapolis and resigning his commission. Benjamin West
39 Going Home Shays' Rebellion April 2, 2003 James visits Daniel Shays, who is upset about the conditions Revolutionary War veterans are facing and leads a rebellion to shut the government down. In New York, Sarah again vists her Loyalist friend Mrs. Radcliffe, who ends up moving to Canada with Moses' brother Cato. Meanwhile, James considers buying a newspaper, Henri decides to go to France with Lafayette, and Franklin returns to America with Lady Phillips. Daniel Shays
40 We the People Philadelphia Convention April 3, 2003 James and Sarah attempt to find out what is going on at the Constitutional Convention, and Moses is upset that the constitution does not abolish slavery. James Madison

DVD release

On October 14, 2008, Shout! Factory released Liberty's Kids- The Complete Series on DVD in Region 1.[1] The 6-disc box set contains all 40 episodes of the series as well as several bonus features.

References

  1. ^ http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Libertys-Kids-The-Complete-Series/10040
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