Network: Global Television Network
Broadcast Run: 1980 to 1987
Broadcast Medium: Television
This series followed the original series, Tales of the Riverbank, which ran in the 1960’s. Some changes were made to characters due to U.S. distributors concerned about what the original names might connote to some viewers. Most notably, the main character, Roderick Rat, became Matthew Mouse. Hammy’s sidekick, Guinea Pig, became simply G.P. Real animals were used in the filming of the show, with all voices performed by Paul Sutherland. However, since these animals were not trained, some of their random actions had to be covered over with sometimes nonsense dialogue. The animals were only allowed to work for a few minutes at a time, with a resident veterinarian on duty at all times to monitor their health and safety. Hammy Hamster sparked its own almost cult-like following of university students who actually set up fan clubs for the rodent.
Broadcast: 1970’s, 1980-1987
Time slot: Various. Saturdays 7:30 am or 2:30 pm, and weekdays 7:30 am
Running time: 30 min
Syndicated 1972
Written by Joanne Ingrassia – May, 2002