Professor Popper's Problem
Encyclopedia
Professor Popper's Problem was a film made in 1974 turned into a 6 part serial by Mersey Film Production for the Children's Film Foundation
.
new secret formula and it leads to some strange happenings - including being chased by spies (Leo Maguire and Alan Curtis
) who want the formula. Simon (Adam Richens) and the Professor accidentally put some of the material in their tea and suddenly they shrink to the size of bugs. Simon's friends Liz (Debra Collins), Angus (played by a very young Todd Carty
) and Terry (Philip DaCosta) come looking for him and the two boys also get shrunk. It is up to Liz to sort it all out so everyone can return to normal size and also prevent the spies getting their hands on the formula.
and for the school scenes at Central Primary School, Derby Road, Watford
.
The film was unique as it was split into six episodes for TV viewing.
Children's Film Foundation
The Children's Film Foundation was a non-profit-making organisation which made films for children in the United Kingdom, typically running for about 55 minutes. It was founded in 1951. For 30 years it was subsidised by the Eady Levy - a tax on box office receipts, but this was abolished in 1985...
.
Plot
It centres around a group of children who with the school professor get shrunk and then have to return to normal size.Synopsis
A group of kids get involved in Professor Popper's Charlie DrakeCharlie Drake
Charlie Drake was an English comedian, actor, writer and singer.With his small stature , curly red hair and liking for slapstick he was a popular comedian with children in his early years, becoming nationally-known for his "Hello, my darlings" catchphrase...
new secret formula and it leads to some strange happenings - including being chased by spies (Leo Maguire and Alan Curtis
Alan Curtis (British actor)
-Background:He was born in Coulsdon, Surrey and he has led a long career in the cinema, television and theatre.He has also acted for the MCC as an announcer at Lord's Cricket Ground.Alan now lives in West London.-Cinema appearances:...
) who want the formula. Simon (Adam Richens) and the Professor accidentally put some of the material in their tea and suddenly they shrink to the size of bugs. Simon's friends Liz (Debra Collins), Angus (played by a very young Todd Carty
Todd Carty
Todd Carty is an Irish actor and director, who has grown up on television screens in a variety of roles. His stage work has varied from pantomime to serious drama, as well as radio plays, voiceovers, commercials, narrations, and films...
) and Terry (Philip DaCosta) come looking for him and the two boys also get shrunk. It is up to Liz to sort it all out so everyone can return to normal size and also prevent the spies getting their hands on the formula.
Production
Most of the filming was done on location in BorehamwoodBorehamwood
-Film industry:Since the 1920s, the town has been home to several film studios and many shots of its streets are included in final cuts of 20th century British films. This earned it the nickname of the "British Hollywood"...
and for the school scenes at Central Primary School, Derby Road, Watford
Watford
Watford is a town and borough in Hertfordshire, England, situated northwest of central London and within the bounds of the M25 motorway. The borough is separated from Greater London to the south by the urbanised parish of Watford Rural in the Three Rivers District.Watford was created as an urban...
.
The film was unique as it was split into six episodes for TV viewing.
- Episode 1. Into The Unknown.
- Episode 2. Descent To Danger.
- Episode 3. The Monster.
- Episode 4. Pursued.
- Episode 5. Follow That Skate.
- Episode 6. The Magic Powder.
Cast
- Charlie DrakeCharlie DrakeCharlie Drake was an English comedian, actor, writer and singer.With his small stature , curly red hair and liking for slapstick he was a popular comedian with children in his early years, becoming nationally-known for his "Hello, my darlings" catchphrase...
as Professor Popper - Adam Richens as Simon
- Debra Collins as Liz
- Philip DaCosta as Terry (as Philip da Costa)
- Todd CartyTodd CartyTodd Carty is an Irish actor and director, who has grown up on television screens in a variety of roles. His stage work has varied from pantomime to serious drama, as well as radio plays, voiceovers, commercials, narrations, and films...
as Angus - Karen Saunders as Carol
- Eric Holloway as Peter
- Milo O'SheaMilo O'Shea-Early life:He was born and raised in Dublin and educated by the Christian Brothers at Synge Street, along with his friend Donal Donnelly.He was discovered in the 1950s by Harry Dillon, who ran the "37 Theatre Club" on the top floor of his shop The Swiss Gem Company, 51 Lower O'Connell Street...
as Professor Crabbit - Sydney BromleySydney BromleySydney Bromley was an English actor. He appeared in more than sixty films and television programmes. On stage, he appeared in St. Joan, by George Bernard Shaw, in 1924...
as Crickle - Richard CaldicotRichard CaldicotRichard Caldicot was a British actor famed for his role of Commander Povey in the BBC radio series The Navy Lark. He also appeared often on television, memorably as the obstetrician delivering Betty Spencer's baby in Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em.His father was a civil servant and he attended Dulwich...
as Headmaster - Alan CurtisAlan Curtis (British actor)-Background:He was born in Coulsdon, Surrey and he has led a long career in the cinema, television and theatre.He has also acted for the MCC as an announcer at Lord's Cricket Ground.Alan now lives in West London.-Cinema appearances:...
as Grainger - Leo Maguire as Rollins
- Keith SmithKeith Smith (actor)Keith Smith is an English actor he is best known to for his roles in The Army Game and The Beiderbecke Trilogy. Smith also appeared in The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin as a manager of a Grot shop.-Roles:* Private Hatchett, The Army Game * Mr Wheeler, The Beiderbecke Trilogy -External links:...
as P.C. Whitby - Ruth KettlewellRuth KettlewellRuth Kettlewell was a noted English actress who, by her own admission, was a “character bag”: that is a recognisable face to regular TV watchers but not a household name.-Life to death of husband:...
as Meter Maid