Pinocchio: The Series facts for kids
| Pinocchio: The Series | |
Screenshot from the TV series Pinocchio: The Series, displaying Geppetto and Pinocchio
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Quick facts for kids 樫の木モック(Mokku of the Oak Tree) |
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| Anime television series | |
| Directed by | Seitaro Hara |
| Studio | Tatsunoko Productions |
| Network | Fuji TV |
| English network | |
| Original run | 4 January 1972 – 26 December 1972 |
| Episodes | 52 |
| Anime film | |
| The Adventures of Pinocchio | |
| Directed by | Jim Stenstrum |
| Written by | David A. Goodman |
| Music by | Gregor Narholz |
| Studio | Mook Animation Tatsunoko Productions TMS Entertainment |
| Licensed by | |
| Released | December 15, 2000 |
| Runtime | 78 minutes |
Pinocchio: The Series, also known as Saban's The Adventures of Pinocchio, is a 52-episode anime (Japanese animation) show. In Japan, it's called Mock of the Oak Tree (樫の木モック, Kashi no Ki Mokku). It was made by Tatsunoko Productions and first shown on Fuji Television in 1972. Later, in 1990, Saban edited it for English-speaking audiences.
The story is based on the famous 1883 book The Adventures of Pinocchio by Italian author Carlo Collodi. Unlike the more cheerful Disney movie Pinocchio, this series has a much darker feel. It shows Pinocchio (called Mock in the Japanese version) going through many tough and sometimes scary experiences.
Contents
Pinocchio's Journey: Becoming Human
This version of the story is about a wooden puppet named Pinocchio (or Mock). A magical fairy with turquoise hair brings him to life. Pinocchio is very trusting and sometimes confused about what's right. He has many things to learn before he can become a real human boy.
Pinocchio's Character and Challenges
Pinocchio often makes mistakes and struggles with his behavior. He can be selfish, stubborn, and sometimes doesn't listen. He also tends to lie, which makes his nose grow, just like in the original story. Throughout the series, Pinocchio faces many difficult situations. These challenges help him learn important lessons about life and what it means to be kind and responsible.
For example, in one episode, Pinocchio is adopted by a rich nobleman and becomes a prince. He gets so used to having everything that he starts treating others badly. He even rides his horse carelessly, causing trouble for people around him. The Blue Fairy punishes him for this, making his nose turn into a small tree. Because of his actions, his adopted father sends him away. Pinocchio is left alone and sad, realizing his mistakes.
The Setting of the Story
The show seems to take place in a mountain region, possibly in Europe, during the mid to late 1800s. It's a world where magic exists alongside everyday life. You'll see creatures like fairies, witches, dragons, and even talking animals. This unique setting adds to the adventurous and sometimes mysterious feel of Pinocchio's journey.
The Story of Pinocchio
The adventure begins when an old woodcarver named Geppetto finds a branch from an oak tree. He carves it into a puppet child because he wishes for a son. That night, the fairy of the oak tree grants Geppetto's wish and brings Pinocchio to life. However, Pinocchio can only become a real human boy if he proves himself worthy.
Early Adventures and Lessons
Pinocchio goes on many adventures in his village and nearby areas. He often ignores good advice, especially from Cricket, and gets into trouble. Sometimes, other characters, like talking animals or his classmate Franko, take advantage of his trusting nature. But with the help of Cricket, the Oak Fairy, and his father, Pinocchio always finds a way out. He learns valuable lessons about life and what it means to be human.
A Journey to Find His Father
Later in the series, Pinocchio is captured by a puppeteer named Sneeroff. Sneeroff forces Pinocchio to perform in his shows, taking him far away, even to Africa. Geppetto, with his mouse friend Charlie, sets out to find Pinocchio. They often miss each other, leading to many close calls. Pinocchio has to learn to rely on himself more to overcome challenges and escape Sneeroff. Eventually, Pinocchio returns to Europe and helps free other animals from Sneeroff, leading to the puppeteer's arrest.
New Challenges and Becoming Human
When Pinocchio finally returns home, he finds that Geppetto has left again to search for him. Pinocchio goes after his father, but a war is about to start. He tries to protect a forest from being cut down for warships, but this makes the army see him as a product of dark magic. They put a reward on his head and arrest Geppetto, planning to send him to a dangerous island.
Pinocchio, along with his friends Jack, Willie, and Charlie, sets out to rescue his father. They face many dangers, avoiding the army and people who want the reward. They all end up on a ship heading to the island. There, Pinocchio meets a girl named Gina, who is meant to be a sacrifice for a monster. Pinocchio bravely fights and defeats the monster with the Oak Fairy's help.
After a shipwreck, Pinocchio, Gina, and Geppetto are stranded on the island. They bond as a family, caring for Geppetto and even magically transforming the island into a beautiful place. Their animal friends rescue them, and they return home just before Christmas. However, Gina falls ill. Pinocchio searches for medicine and learns that many children are sick. He finds a special herb to cure them all.
The army still believes Pinocchio is magic and shoots him. But the Oak Fairy appears, scares the army away, and finally transforms Pinocchio into a real human child. She then disappears, proud of his courage and kindness. The story ends with Pinocchio, Geppetto, and all their friends celebrating Christmas, with Pinocchio now a real boy.
English Versions of the Series
The series has been adapted into English a few times.
Pinocchio: The Series (Saban Version)
In the 1990s, Saban Entertainment created an English version called Pinocchio: The Series. This version was shown in the United States on HBO in 1992. The title was chosen to show that it was a different production from the Disney movie.
The Adventures of Pinocchio (Jim Terry Film)
Another American version was made by Jim Terry. This version, called The Adventures of Pinocchio, was a 90-minute movie created by editing several episodes together. It was released on video in 1989 and used different voice actors than the Saban version.
Music from the Show
The series has different theme songs depending on the version.
- The original Japanese opening song is "Kashi no Ki Mokku," sung by Kumiko Onoki.
- The original Japanese ending song is "Boku wa kanashii ki-no ningyou" (meaning "I'm A Sad Wooden Puppet"), sung by Moon Drops. The ending song's mood matches the often serious tone of the series.
The English adaptations also have their own songs:
- The Jim Terry movie used "Whoa, Oh, Pinocchio" by Bullets.
- The 52-episode series aired on HBO used an instrumental theme song without lyrics, different from the "He's Pinocchio" song.
- The song "He's Pinocchio" was originally from a Mexican film release in 1984. It was later translated into English for the 1990 Saban English series.
Home Video Releases
Some versions of Pinocchio: The Series have been released on DVD.
- Jetix released DVDs of the Saban version in Europe, including the UK. These DVDs were called The Magical World of Pinocchio and The Adventures of Pinocchio. Some parts were edited out, like the cricket's death.
- The Jim Terry movie was released on VHS by several companies in the 1980s and 1990s. Later, a remastered version was released on DVD and VHS by Warner Home Video.
- The original Japanese version has not been fully released on home video. However, some episodes were released on VHS tapes and selection DVDs in Japan.
Today, Saban's The Adventures of Pinocchio is owned by The Walt Disney Company, through its various companies.
