Follyfoot (1971–1973) User Reviews

Dora!

[muse7-3 · 10/10 · 4 September 2009]

I remember that when this programme first aired I had a crush on Dora and fully sympathised with her! Maybe I wished I could have somehow stepped into the screen and comforted her. Such was the involvement I had with the characters (especially Dora).

Recently I bought the DVD's of all 3 series and found that, despite my advancing years, that crush has not really gone!!! Inside we do not age and I am still that young man doting on a TV Character!!! The series has a beautiful innocence that cannot be replicated nowadays. Young people want action, and romance is now quite up front-so the shyness of the characters in this series may not be appreciated. I am not a horse lover in particular- I liked the series because of the characters- Ron, Steve, Dora, Slugger, the Colonel were all very memorable and the story lines, were gentle, emotional and absorbing for those with a little patience.

Down in the meadow...

[Dawnfrancis · 14 March 2004]

This really was a great children's show of the 1970's. Based on the bestselling books by Charles Dickens great-granddaughter, Monica. At Follyfoot Farm, the Colonel looks after old and ill-treated horses, helped by his stepdaughter, Callie, and two stable-hands, Dora and Steve. These three have plenty to do at the stables, but can always find time to get involved in the mystery and adventure that abound at the farm. Anyone who loves horses and enjoyed Black Beauty for example would love this show as would anyone seeking good old fashioned entertainment. And that theme song-once you hear it you can't stop singing it! So go on, sit back, sing along and enjoy some nostalgia. they really don't make them like this anymore.

Growing Pains

[screenman · 6/10 · 21 August 2008]

The scenario of an old ex-military type providing a home for equally old nags put out to grass suggested more potential than it provided.

The general story centred upon its teenage helpers and the favour and friction that waxed and waned between them. Although quite well acted, I found the endless pubescent angst - particularly that of the females - extremely tiresome. Every piddling mole-hill became a lachrymose mountain. It was probably well observed for all that, and I have dim recollections of being pretty moody myself at that age, but watching it on this programme every week got a bit heavy. Despite all the fresh air, countryside frolicking, and indefinite opportunities for privacy, relationships never got beyond a chaste fraternalism. Under normal circumstances there'd have been buns in the oven before the series was halfway through. Still; it was for kids.

Apart from that there some horses. How anyone can get sentimental about such big daft lumps is quite beyond me. Turn 'em all into dog-food, I say.

Still, by the time it was screened I was already a few years past the frame, so maybe it resonated better with younger members of the pony club. It was quite popular in its day.

The 'lighting tree' actually began sprouting in the end (which gives you some idea about the prevailing level of melodrama).

How can I ever forget this movie.

[Rvanderstruik · 19 April 2004]

Follyfoot was a very succesfull movie for children and adults who like horses a lot. In 1971 I was a child but until now I never forgot about it. If there would be someone who has this serie on tape it would please a lot of people to let me know. I know that in Germany for example is a website for follyfoot fans. Hopefully I hear something of someone who liked the serie as well as I did. Also I do not know who are paul and Steve? I saw the sirie twice, ones in English and ones in German. I always thought that in English it was Steve and in German it was Paul but that it was one and the same boy. If I see the pictures at the internet I cannot see two boys, so which one is paul?

Regards, Ronald van der Struik >

The Lightning Tree

[angel-delight · 4 May 2001]

Forget the show, which never grabbed me as a kid, but that theme tune. The haunting sounds of folkies The Settlers singing The Lightning Tree (a symbol of the show) is my favourite TV theme. It took me ages to find the record, but since I did it's never been off my turntable. Time someone sampled it really - I put it on a tape and brought it into work and everyone was entranced by it. Best theme tune of all time? You decide.