Richard Carpenter (screenwriter) facts for kids

Richard Michael "Kip" Carpenter (born August 14, 1929 – died February 26, 2012) was a talented English writer, author, and actor. He is best known for creating many popular British TV shows, especially for children. Some of his most famous works include Robin of Sherwood and Catweazle.

Richard Carpenter's Early Life

Richard Carpenter was born in King's Lynn, a town in Norfolk, England. He went to Downham Market Grammar School. After school, he studied at the Old Vic Theatre School. This is where he began his acting career, performing in different plays.

Starting His Career in TV

In the 1960s, Richard Carpenter often appeared on British TV as a character actor. He acted in shows like Z-Cars, Dixon of Dock Green, and Sherlock Holmes.

Creating Catweazle

Everything changed for Richard Carpenter in 1969. He created a children's TV series called Catweazle. This show was about an unlucky wizard from the 11th century. The wizard accidentally travels through time to the present day.

Catweazle became very popular and was loved by many. Richard Carpenter won an award for creating this special children's TV series.

Writing More Fantastic Shows

During the 1970s, Richard Carpenter wrote many more TV series. These included:

• The Ghosts of Motley Hall (1976–1978)
• Dick Turpin (1979–1982)
• Parts of The Famous Five
• Doctor Snuggles
• 17 episodes of The Adventures of Black Beauty

He also wrote for the BBC's Look and Read program for schools. These shows included Cloud Burst and The Boy from Space.

Adventures in the 1980s

The 1980s brought more historical adventure shows from Richard Carpenter. He wrote Smuggler (TV series) and its follow-up, Adventurer (TV series) .

Between these, he created the amazing Robin of Sherwood. This show ran for three series. It told the classic story of Robin Hood in a new way. It added elements of magic and nature, which made it very unique.

Later Works and Adaptations

In the 1990s, Richard Carpenter continued to work on shows for children and families. Some of these were based on famous books, such as:

• The Borrowers
• The Return of the Borrowers
• The Scarlet Pimpernel

He also wrote books based on many of his own TV series. These included books for Catweazle, The Ghosts of Motley Hall, and Robin of Sherwood.

Richard Carpenter's Family Life

Richard Carpenter married Annabelle Lee in 1954. They lived in Hertfordshire, England, and had two children. They were married for many years until his death.

His Final Years

Richard Carpenter passed away on February 26, 2012, when he was 82 years old. He died in Hertfordshire.

Film Appearances

Richard Carpenter also acted in a few films during his career:

• Tarnished Heroes (1961) – Played Freddy
• H.M.S. Defiant (1962) – Played Lieut. Ponsonby
• The Password Is Courage (1962) – Played Robinson
• Mystery Submarine (1963) – Played Lt. Haskins
• Wings of Mystery (1963) – Played Ted
• Clash by Night (1964) – Played Danny Watts
• The Terrornauts (1967) – Played Danny