Captain Fortune Show facts for kids

The Captain Fortune Show (also known as Captain Fortune's Saturday Party) was a super popular Australian television show for kids. It first started in 1957 on ATN-7. The main star was Alan Herbert, who played the fun character of Captain Fortune. The show was packed with entertainment, including puppets, clowns, and other exciting acts.

Captain Fortune himself would talk directly to the kids watching at home. He didn't use a script, so everything was live and spontaneous! When the show was most popular, it aired three times during the week and also on Saturday mornings. The show also featured segments with characters like Uncle Monty and Roy Kinghorn.

One of the most memorable parts was the show's opening. Young children would run into Captain Fortune's house without knocking. They would gather around a large barrel. Inside this barrel was a mannequin named "Short John O'Copper." Captain Fortune would sing, "Who's that kno-o-cking on my barrel?" several times. After his song, a puppet would pop out of the barrel, and Captain Fortune would put on a puppet show for everyone watching.

Meet the Cast and Crew

Many talented actors helped make The Captain Fortune Show special.

Key Performers

• Les Foxcroft was a regular contributor. He was later known for his work on another Australian TV show called The Last Resort.
• Chris Beard also performed on the show.
• Clifford Warne entertained with his puppet, Gus.
• Reg Quartly played the role of "Uncle Reg" or "Uncle Reggie."

About Captain Fortune

Alan Herbert, who played Captain Fortune, wore a false beard at first. Later, he grew a real beard, so the fake one was no longer needed. He also wore a "naval uniform" to look like a sea captain. After four years, Alan Herbert had to leave the show because of health issues. Besides his TV work, Herbert was also known for helping many charities that supported children.

Why No Old Episodes Exist

The Captain Fortune Show was broadcast live. This means it was shown as it happened, without being recorded. Back then, personal video recorders (like VCRs) didn't exist yet. Because of this, no film copies of The Captain Fortune Show are known to be around today.

The Show's Successors

After The Captain Fortune Show ended, new programs continued the fun.

The Town of Make Believe

In 1962, a new show called "The Town of Make Believe" started. It was seen as a continuation of Captain Fortune's work. This show aired every Saturday on ATN-7. It was hosted by Arch McKirdy, known as "Uncle Mac," with help from "Uncle" Reg Quartly.

Fun Fair

In 1966, "The Town of Make Believe" was renamed "Fun Fair." It also got a new time slot, airing at 2 PM on Saturdays. Reg Quartly took on the main hosting role for this show.

Captain Fortune in San Francisco

Did you know there was a similar show with the same name in the United States?

San Francisco's Version

A version of Captain Fortune was broadcast in San Francisco, California. It aired on KPIX, Channel 5, starting around September 1950. A local artist named Peter Abenheim, who was an immigrant from England, hosted this show.

Cap'n Pete's Adventures

At first, Peter Abenheim's character was called "Cap'n Pete." Cap'n Pete would tell exciting, exaggerated stories about his adventures at sea. He would even draw pictures to illustrate his tales!

Short John O'Copper's Role

The San Francisco show also opened with children running to gather around a barrel. This barrel was home to "Short John O'Copper," a hand puppet pirate. Short John would sing the "Who's that knocking?" song in a fun Irish pirate voice. By the mid-1950s, "Cap'n Pete" had become Captain Fortune, just like in Australia. But Short John kept his name and remained Captain Fortune's loyal sidekick.