The Boy Merlin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Boy Merlin
Genre	Family drama Medieval fantasy
Written by	Stewart Farrar
Starring	Ian Rowlands
Country of origin	United Kingdom
Original language(s)	English
No. of series	1
No. of episodes	6
Production
Producer(s)	Pamela Lonsdale
Running time	25 minutes
Release
Original network	Thames Television
Original release	23 April 1979 (1979-04-23)

The Boy Merlin is a Thames Television fantasy show from 1979, starring Ian Rowlands in the title role, about the magician Merlin. It was inspired by a one-off drama of the same name, broadcast in 1978.

Synopsis

Merlin, the illegitimate son of a princess and the grandson of King Conaan is made unwelcome at court. He is fostered by a local smith and his wife, from whom he learns the worth of honest labour. His foster-grandmother, Myfanwy, however is able to see his future, and teaches the boy the magic he will need in King Arthur's service. Unfortunately, the Saxon king, Vortigern, gets wind of Merlin's powers, and his location and takes steps to cause problems for the young magician.

Production

The series was devised by Anne Carlton and was based on an episode of the series Shadows called "The Boy Merlin" (directed by Vic Hughes and broadcast 11 October 1978).

Broadcast

It was broadcast in the UK on ITV in 6 episodes from 23 April to 11 June 1979 (with no episode being transmitted on 7 May owing to Bank Holiday sports coverage) and repeated from 1980/04/11 to 1980/05/16. Previously the 1979 transmissions were claimed to have been cancelled by an ITV strike, however, this is incorrect, as that ITV strike lasted from August to October 1979.

It was also shown in Ireland and Australia.

Cast

• Ian Rowlands - Merlin
• Meredith Edwards - King Conan
• Donald Houston - Dafydd the Smith
• Margaret John - Blodwen
• Rachel Thomas - Myfanwy

DVD release

The series, including the pilot episode, was released by Network DVD on 2 May 2011.