Dogtanian

Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds

1981 - Spain, Japan

Co-produced cartoon series made by of BRB Internacional of Spain (Spanish title: D'Artacan y los tres Mosqueperros) and Nippon Animation of Japan that drew from Alexander Dumas' classic story The Three Musketeers. Dogtanian was en route from Gascony to Paris when he joined the King's Own Guard, fell in love with the beautiful Juliette and then ultimately teamed up with master swordsmen Athos, Porthos and Aramis. Shown on Children's BBC in 1985, four years after it was originally made, the series became something of a minor classic picking up numerous international awards. 

The partnership between BRB and Nippon Animation worked so well that they collaborated on another animated series called Around the World with Willy Fog in 1983. In 1989 BRB produced a second series/sequel; The Return of Dogtanian consisting of 26 episodes with the co-operation of Taiwanese studio Wang Film Productions and British television company, Thames Television. It was less well received.

Published on December 8th, 2018. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.

Read Next...

Bergerac

Detective/thriller series set on the offshore millionaire's paradise of Jersey in the Channel Islands

Also released in 1981

The Borgias

Television Heaven or Television Hell? The Borgias was un-relentlessly derided and almost single-handedly spelt the end of costume drama (at least for a while) on BBC television.

Also released in 1981

Hong Kong Phooey

Cartoon series about a crime-busting, kung fu-ing dog. What else?

Also tagged Animated Series

The Flames Trees of Thika

Elspeth Huxley's autobiographical account of her childhood when, at just six years of age, she left London with her parents, Tilly and Robin Grant, who set out to establish a coffee plantation in Kenya.

Also released in 1981

Hill Street Blues

US police series based around the dangerous professional and private lives of the officers who worked out of the aging, dilapidated, Hill Street Stationhouse.

Also released in 1981

Heckle and Jeckle

Animated cartoon series - talking magpies with Brooklyn accents...and why not.

Also tagged Childrens Cartoon

Danger Mouse

Danger Mouse was a British Secret Service Agent who worked out of a post-box in London's famous Baker Street.

Also released in 1981