HBO Storybook Musicals: Difference between revisions

*HBO Storybook Musicals*
HBO Storybook Musicals
Genre	Animation; special
Starring	Various
Country of origin	United States
Original language	English
No. of episodes	18
Production
Production companies	HBO; Michael Sporn Animation; Klasky Csupo (episode 6); Cinar ("The Real Story of..."); Random House (episode 18)
Original release
Network	HBO
Release	November 18, 1987 –; December 8, 1993

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HBO Storybook Musicals is a series of television specials that aired on HBO, combining animation that is true to the original storybook's illustrations, plus high-spirited songs from musical songwriters.^[1] The specials have also aired on HBO Family.

Background

When Doctor DeSoto was nominated for an Academy Award for a Best Animated Short film, HBO and Michael Sporn agreed to make animated specials for the network. HBO also oriented on family-friendly programs and never financed/produced a children's television series. Michael Sporn directed and produced Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: The Musical, HBO's first animated television special and aired on November 18, 1987.^[2]^[3] Then, HBO presented a few animated specials, such as The Story of the Dancing Frog (aired in October 1989), The Red Shoes and Earthday Birthday, both aired in early 1990. The specials combined illustrations with songs.

Episodes

The first four episodes originally aired as individual, stand-alone TV specials; the HBO Storybook Musicals branding was introduced with the fifth episode. 18 episodes of HBO Storybook Musicals aired from 1987 to 1993. In addition, only eight episodes are currently owned by Home Box Office, while others are owned by other distributors, such as WildBrain (formerly known as DHX Media) and First Run Features.

No.	Title	Original air date
1	"Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: The Musical"	November 18, 1987 (1987-11-18)
The Primm family grows fond of a crocodile left in their new home by its previous owners. Based on The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber.
2	"The Story of the Dancing Frog"	October 3, 1989 (1989-10-03)
George the Dancing Frog brings joy to Gertrude, a lonely widow. Narrated by Amanda Plummer.
3	"The Red Shoes"	February 7, 1990 (1990-02-07)
The Hans Christian Andersen tale is given a modern setting in the story of Lisa, a li'l black girl who learns the value of friendship with help from a pair of magic slippers. Narrated by Ossie Davis.
4	"Earthday Birthday"	April 22, 1990 (1990-04-22)
The Zwibble-Dibbles are star-touched dinosaurs who live in an idyllic woodland. Dismayed by the pollution of the planet, they plan a birthday party for the Earth so that children can learn about, and appreciate, its fragile beauty. Featuring the voices of Christopher Reeve, Fred Gwynne, and Lainie Kazan.
5	"Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel"	September 10, 1990 (1990-09-10)
When newfangled equipment threatens to put Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel Mary Anne out of business, they take on the challenge of digging a cellar in one day, and find a community that appreciates their skills. Starring the voice of Robert Klein.
6	"Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day"	October 2, 1990 (1990-10-02)
The story of a boy's bad experiences during the course of a day.
7	"The Marzipan Pig"	November 5, 1990 (1990-11-05)
A marzipan pig falls behind a sofa and is lost. In his loneliness, the pig's feelings of love reach out, in a strange chain of events, to an owl, a mouse, and a hibiscus flower. Narrated by Tim Curry.
8	"The Little Match Girl"	December 6, 1990 (1990-12-06)
The Hans Christian Andersen classic is given present-day relevance and an upbeat ending in this story of Angela, a homeless child who sells match sticks to survive. Narrated by F. Murray Abraham.
9	"The Tale of Peter Rabbit"	June 11, 1991 (1991-06-11)
Carol Burnett narrates Beatrix Potter's story of a mischievous rabbit named Peter, who can't resist Mr. McGregor's garden and almost ends up in a pie just like his father did once.
10	"The Ice Queen's Mittens^[4]"	October 2, 1991 (1991-10-02)
Freezelda the Ice Queen needs warm mittens, so three kittens had better look out. Part of "The Real Story of..." series. Featuring the voices of Bryan Adams and Lauren Bacall.
11	"Spider Junior High^[4]"	October 16, 1991 (1991-10-16)
Spider Junior High students try to scare their human counterparts. Part of "The Real Story of..." series. Featuring the voices of Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Patti LaBelle.
12	"Ira Sleeps Over"	November 6, 1991 (1991-11-06)
Ira has been invited to stay overnight at his best friend Reggie's house. But what will Reggie think if Ira sleeps with his teddy bear Tah Tah? Ira makes a difficult decision, only to discover that Reggie has his own li'l secret.
13	"The Prince's Rain^[4]"	November 13, 1991 (1991-11-13)
A selfish prince is taught a lesson about caring and love when he tries to fool Mother Nature. Part of "The Real Story of..." series. Featuring the voice of Robin Leach.
14	"The Runaway Teapot^[4]"	December 4, 1991 (1991-12-04)
"Alice in Wonderland" in a modern-day setting in New York City. Part of "The Real Story of..." series.
15	"The Rise and Fall of Humpty Dumpty^[4]"	December 18, 1991 (1991-12-18)
Humpty Dumpty tries to save a princess from an evil witch. Part of "The Real Story of..." series.
16	"Happy Birthday to You^[4]"	January 4, 1992 (1992-01-04)
Olivia wants a special song for her birthday, but who will write it—her tone-deaf caretaker, or a musically talented new friend? Part of "The Real Story of..." series.
17	"A Child's Garden of Verses"	April 3, 1992 (1992-04-03)
Childhood illness has confined young Robbie to bed, but it cannot confine his remarkable imagination, which he uses to experience life.
18	"The Country Mouse and the City Mouse: A Christmas Tale^[4]"	December 8, 1993 (1993-12-08)^[6]
Emily the mouse has an adventure when she decides to visit her cousin Alexander in New York City for Christmas.^[5]

References

^ Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. pp. 397–398. ISBN 978-1476665993.
^ Michael Sporn dies at 67; Oscar- and Emmy-nominated animator | Los Angeles Times
^ 26 November 1987, 186 at the Los Angeles Times
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g These specials are not officially considered a part of the HBO Storybook Musicals series, but they were branded as such when they aired on HBO; the specials haven't been shown on HBO since 1998.
^ HBO Guides — December 1993
^ 03 Dec 1993, Page 42 - The Courier-Journal at Newspapers.com

[1] Erickson, Hal (2005). Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 (2nd ed.). McFarland & Co. pp. 397–398. ISBN 978-1476665993.

[2] Michael Sporn dies at 67; Oscar- and Emmy-nominated animator | Los Angeles Times

[3] 26 November 1987, 186 at the Los Angeles Times

[HBO_Storybook-4] ^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e ^f ^g These specials are not officially considered a part of the HBO Storybook Musicals series, but they were branded as such when they aired on HBO; the specials haven't been shown on HBO since 1998.

[5] HBO Guides — December 1993

[6] 03 Dec 1993, Page 42 - The Courier-Journal at Newspapers.com

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[6]

[5]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{italic title}}
 {{Infobox television
+| genre        = [[Animation]]<br>[[television special|special]]
-| name      = HBO Storybook Musicals
+| starring     = Various
-| genre     = [[Animation]]<br>[[television special|special]]
+| country      = United States
-| starring  = Various
-| country   = United States
+| language     = English
-| language  = English
 | num_episodes = 18
-| runtime   = 30 minutes
+| runtime      =
 | company      = [[HBO]]<br>[[Michael Sporn]] Animation<br>[[Klasky Csupo]] (episode 6)<br>[[Cinar]] ("The Real Story of...")<br>[[Random House]] (episode 18)
+| channel      = [[HBO]]
-| distributor  = [[HBO]]<br>[[Warner Bros. Television]]<br>[[WildBrain]] ("The Real Story of...")<br>[[First Run Features]] (episode 3, 7, 8)
+| first_aired  = {{start date|1987|11|18}}
-| channel    = [[HBO]]
+| last_aired   = {{end date|1993|12|8}}
-| picture_format = [[4:3]]
-| first_aired = November 18, 1987
-| last_aired = December 8, 1993
 }}
-'''''HBO Storybook Musicals''''' is a series of [[television special]]s that aired on HBO, combining [[animation]] that is true to the original storybook's illustrations, plus high-spirited songs from musical songwriters.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Erickson |first1=Hal |title=Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 |date=2005 |edition=2nd |publisher=McFarland & Co |isbn=978-1476665993 |pages=397-398}}</ref> The specials have also aired on [[HBO Family]].
+'''''HBO Storybook Musicals''''' is a series of [[television special]]s that aired on HBO, combining [[animation]] that is true to the original storybook's illustrations, plus high-spirited songs from musical songwriters.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Erickson |first1=Hal |title=Television Cartoon Shows: An Illustrated Encyclopedia, 1949 Through 2003 |date=2005 |edition=2nd |publisher=McFarland & Co |isbn=978-1476665993 |pages=397–398}}</ref> The specials have also aired on [[HBO Family]].
 ==Background==
-When ''[[Doctor DeSoto]]'' was nominated for an Academy Awards for best animated short film, HBO and Michael Sporn agreed to making animated specials for network. Michael Sporn produced for HBO's first animated special, ''Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: The Musical'', which aired on November 18, 1987.<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-michael-sporn-20140123-story.html  Michael Sporn dies at 67; Oscar- and Emmy-nominated animator | Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/image/404180096/?terms=Michael%2BSporn%2BHBO%2BLyle 26 November 1987, 186 at the Los Angeles Times]</ref> Then, HBO presented a few animation specials, such as ''The Story of the Dancing Frog'' (aired on October 1989), ''The Red Shoes'' and ''Earthday Birthday'', which aired in early 1990. Special both combined illustrations with songs.
+When ''[[Doctor DeSoto]]'' was nominated for an Academy Award for a Best Animated Short film, HBO and Michael Sporn agreed to make animated specials for the network. HBO also oriented on family-friendly programs and never financed/produced a children's television series. Michael Sporn directed and produced ''Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile: The Musical'', HBO's first animated television special and aired on November 18, 1987.<ref>[https://www.latimes.com/local/obituaries/la-me-michael-sporn-20140123-story.html  Michael Sporn dies at 67; Oscar- and Emmy-nominated animator | Los Angeles Times]</ref><ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/image/404180096/?terms=Michael%2BSporn%2BHBO%2BLyle 26 November 1987, 186 at the Los Angeles Times]</ref> Then, HBO presented a few animated specials, such as ''The Story of the Dancing Frog'' (aired in October 1989), ''The Red Shoes'' and ''Earthday Birthday'', both aired in early 1990. The specials combined illustrations with songs.
 ==Episodes==
-The first four episodes originally aired as individual, stand-alone TV specials; the ''HBO Storybook Musicals'' branding was introduced with the fifth episode. 18 episodes of ''HBO Storybook Musicals'' aired from 1987 to 1993.
+The first four episodes originally aired as individual, stand-alone TV specials; the ''HBO Storybook Musicals'' branding was introduced with the fifth episode. 18 episodes of ''HBO Storybook Musicals'' aired from 1987 to 1993. In addition, only eight episodes are currently owned by Home Box Office, while others are owned by other distributors, such as WildBrain (formerly known as DHX Media) and First Run Features.
 {{Episode table |total_width= |background=#00BA85 |overall=10 |title=60 |airdate=30 |episodes=
@@ Line 37: / Line 33: @@
  |Title=The Story of the Dancing Frog
  |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1989|10|3}}
- |ShortSummary=George the Dancing Frog brings joy to Gertrude, a lonely widow. Narrated by [[Prudence Plummer]].
+ |ShortSummary=George the Dancing Frog brings joy to Gertrude, a lonely widow. Narrated by Amanda Plummer.
  |LineColor=00BA85
 }}
@@ Line 44: / Line 40: @@
  |Title=[[The Red Shoes (fairy tale)|The Red Shoes]]
  |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1990|2|7}}
- |ShortSummary=The Hans Christian Andersen tale is given a modern setting in the story of Lisa, a little black girl who learns the value of friendship with help from a pair of magic slippers. Narrated by [[Ossie Davis]].
+ |ShortSummary=The Hans Christian Andersen tale is given a modern setting in the story of Lisa, a li'l black girl who learns the value of friendship with help from a pair of magic slippers. Narrated by [[Ossie Davis]].
  |LineColor=00BA85
 }}
@@ Line 86: / Line 82: @@
  |Title=[[The Tale of Peter Rabbit]]
  |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1991|6|11}}
- |ShortSummary=[[Carol Burnett]] narrates [[Beatrix Potter]]'s story of a mischievous rabbit named Peter, who can't resist Mr. McGregor's garden and almost ends up in a pie.
+ |ShortSummary=[[Carol Burnett]] narrates [[Beatrix Potter]]'s story of a mischievous rabbit named Peter, who can't resist Mr. McGregor's garden and almost ends up in a pie just like his father did once.
  |LineColor=00BA85
 }}
 {{Episode list
  |EpisodeNumber=10
+ |Title=The Ice Queen's Mittens<ref name="HBO Storybook">These specials are not officially considered a part of the ''HBO Storybook Musicals'' series, but they were branded as such when they aired on HBO; the specials haven't been shown on HBO since 1998.</ref>
- |Title=[[Ira Sleeps Over]]
- |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1991|11|6}}
+ |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1991|10|2}}
+ |ShortSummary=Freezelda the Ice Queen needs warm mittens, so three kittens had better look out. Part of "The Real Story of..." series. Featuring the voices of [[Bryan Adams]] and [[Lauren Bacall]].
- |ShortSummary=Ira has been invited to stay overnight at his best friend Reggie's house. But what will Reggie think if Ira sleeps with his teddy bear Tah Tah? Ira makes a difficult decision, only to discover that Reggie has his own little secret.
  |LineColor=00BA85
 }}
 {{Episode list
  |EpisodeNumber=11
- |Title=[[A Child's Garden of Verses]]
+ |Title=Spider Junior High<ref name="HBO Storybook" />
- |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1992|4|3}}
+ |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1991|10|16}}
+ |ShortSummary=Spider Junior High students try to scare their human counterparts. Part of "The Real Story of..." series.  Featuring the voices of [[Malcolm-Jamal Warner]] and [[Patti LaBelle]].
- |ShortSummary=Childhood illness has confined young Robbie to bed, but it cannot confine his remarkable imagination, which he uses to experience life.
  |LineColor=00BA85
 }}
-}}
-These specials are not officially considered a part of the ''HBO Storybook Musicals'' series, but they were branded as such when they aired on HBO; the specials haven't been shown on HBO since 1998.
-{{Episode table |total_width= |background=#00BA85 |overall=10 |title=60 |airdate=30 |episodes=
 {{Episode list
- |EpisodeNumber=1
+ |EpisodeNumber=12
- |Title=The Ice Queen's Mittens
+ |Title=Ira Sleeps Over
- |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1991|10|2}}
+ |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1991|11|6}}
+ |ShortSummary=Ira has been invited to stay overnight at his best friend Reggie's house. But what will Reggie think if Ira sleeps with his teddy bear Tah Tah? Ira makes a difficult decision, only to discover that Reggie has his own li'l secret.
- |ShortSummary=Freezelda the Ice Queen needs warm mittens, so three kittens had better look out. Part of "The Real Story of..." series. Featuring the voices of [[Bryan Adams]] and [[Lauren Bacall]].
  |LineColor=00BA85
 }}
 {{Episode list
- |EpisodeNumber=2
+ |EpisodeNumber=13
+ |Title=The Prince's Rain<ref name="HBO Storybook" />
- |Title=Spider Junior High
- |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1991|10|16}}
- |ShortSummary=Spider Junior High students try to scare their human counterparts. Part of "The Real Story of..." series.
- |LineColor=00BA85
-}}
-{{Episode list
- |EpisodeNumber=3
- |Title=The Prince's Rain
  |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1991|11|13}}
- |ShortSummary=A selfish prince is taught a lesson about caring and love when he tries to fool Mother Nature. Part of "The Real Story of..." series.
+ |ShortSummary=A selfish prince is taught a lesson about caring and love when he tries to fool Mother Nature. Part of "The Real Story of..." series. Featuring the voice of [[Robin Leach]].
  |LineColor=00BA85
 }}
 {{Episode list
- |EpisodeNumber=4
+ |EpisodeNumber=14
- |Title=The Runaway Teapot
+ |Title=The Runaway Teapot<ref name="HBO Storybook" />
  |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1991|12|4}}
  |ShortSummary="Alice in Wonderland" in a modern-day setting in New York City. Part of "The Real Story of..." series.
@@ Line 138: / Line 121: @@
 }}
 {{Episode list
- |EpisodeNumber=5
+ |EpisodeNumber=15
- |Title=The Rise and Fall of [[Humpty Dumpty]]
+ |Title=The Rise and Fall of [[Humpty Dumpty]]<ref name="HBO Storybook" />
  |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1991|12|18}}
  |ShortSummary=Humpty Dumpty tries to save a princess from an evil witch. Part of "The Real Story of..." series.
@@ Line 145: / Line 128: @@
 }}
 {{Episode list
- |EpisodeNumber=6
+ |EpisodeNumber=16
- |Title=[[The Real Story of Happy Birthday to You|Happy Birthday to You]]
+ |Title=[[The Real Story of Happy Birthday to You|Happy Birthday to You]]<ref name="HBO Storybook" />
  |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1992|1|4}}
  |ShortSummary=Olivia wants a special song for her birthday, but who will write it—her tone-deaf caretaker, or a musically talented new friend? Part of "The Real Story of..." series.
@@ Line 152: / Line 135: @@
 }}
 {{Episode list
- |EpisodeNumber=7
+ |EpisodeNumber=17
- |Title=[[The Country Mouse and the City Mouse: A Christmas Tale]]
+ |Title=[[A Child's Garden of Verses]]
+ |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1992|4|3}}
+ |ShortSummary=Childhood illness has confined young Robbie to bed, but it cannot confine his remarkable imagination, which he uses to experience life.
+ |LineColor=00BA85
+}}
+{{Episode list
+ |EpisodeNumber=18
+ |Title=[[The Country Mouse and the City Mouse: A Christmas Tale]]<ref name="HBO Storybook" />
  |OriginalAirDate={{Start date|1993|12|8}}<ref>[https://www.newspapers.com/image/145787340/?terms=The%2BCountry%2BMouse%2Band%2Bthe%2BCity%2BMouse%3A%2BA%2BChristmas%2BTale 03 Dec 1993, Page 42 - The Courier-Journal at Newspapers.com]</ref>
  |ShortSummary=Emily the mouse has an adventure when she decides to visit her cousin Alexander in New York City for Christmas.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20180602101644/http://hboguides.com/mobile/1993/1993-12.html  HBO Guides — December 1993]</ref>
@@ Line 168: / Line 158: @@
 [[Category:1980s American animated television series]]
 [[Category:1990s American animated television series]]
+[[Category:1980s American anthology television series]]
+[[Category:1990s American anthology television series]]
+[[Category:1980s American children's comedy television series]]
+[[Category:1990s American children's comedy television series]]
+[[Category:1980s American musical comedy television series]]
+[[Category:1990s American musical comedy television series]]
+[[Category:1980s preschool education television series]]
+[[Category:1990s preschool education television series]]
 [[Category:1987 American television series debuts]]
 [[Category:1993 American television series endings]]
-[[Category:HBO original programming]]
 [[Category:American children's animated anthology television series]]
+[[Category:American children's animated comedy television series]]
 [[Category:American children's animated musical television series]]
-[[Category:HBO Family]]
+[[Category:American preschool education television series]]
+[[Category:Animated preschool education television series]]
+[[Category:American English-language television shows]]
+[[Category:HBO network specials]]
+[[Category:HBO original programming]]
+[[Category:Reading and literacy television series]]
+[[Category:Television series by Home Box Office]]