Skippy the Bush Kangaroo
1967 - AustraliaSkippy the Bush Kangaroo remains one of the most fondly remembered children's series of the late 1960s, delighting audiences not just in Australia but across the globe – including the UK, where it became a surprise hit. Set in the fictional Waratah National Park, the series followed the adventures of a clever kangaroo named Skippy who, after being rescued from near death, forms an inseparable bond with a young boy named Sonny (Garry Parkhurst), son of Chief Ranger Matt Hammond (played by Ed Devereaux).
Filmed on location, the series made the most of Australia's stunning and colourful outdoor scenery, giving British viewers a window into a sun-drenched world utterly different from their own. The natural beauty of Waratah National Park became a character in itself, reinforcing the show’s gentle environmental message and appreciation for wildlife.
The cast was solid, with Ed Devereaux providing a steady presence as the dependable ranger and father figure, while a young Lisa Goddard – in her television debut – made an impression as Clarissa ‘Clancy’ Merrick, a friend to the Hammond family and frequent participant in Skippy’s adventures.
Though it ended in the early 1970s, Skippy’s legacy endured. More than two decades later, a sequel series titled The New Adventures of Skippy emerged, featuring a grown-up Sonny (played by Andrew Clark), now following in his father’s footsteps as a ranger. While the newer series never quite captured the original's magic, it served as a testament to the enduring appeal of this unlikely kangaroo hero.
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Published on January 31st, 2019. Written by Laurence Marcus for Television Heaven.
