The Ratties facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Ratties |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Created by |
|
| Written by |
|
| Directed by | Mike Wallis |
| Narrated by | Spike Milligan |
| Theme music composer | James Harpen |
| Composer(s) | James Harpen |
| Country of origin | United Kingdom |
| Original language(s) | English |
| No. of seasons | 1 |
| No. of episodes | 26 (list of episodes) |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Mike Wallis |
| Camera setup | Single-camera |
| Production company(s) |
|
| Release | |
| Original network | Independent Television |
| Picture format | PAL (576i) |
| Original release | 9 November – 22 December 1988 |
The Ratties is a fun British cartoon show about a family of six rats. They live inside the wall of a big country house. What makes them special is that they love to copy the human family who own the house!
The idea for The Ratties came from Laura Milligan. She is the daughter of the famous comedian Spike Milligan. Laura and Mike Wallis worked together to create these short cartoon episodes. Mike Wallis was the director and producer. Spike Milligan himself told the stories for the show, often making up parts as he went along!
Independent Television first showed 26 episodes in 1988. Each episode was less than five minutes long. ITV repeated the series from 1991 to 1994, so more people could enjoy it.
Contents
Meet the Ratties: Main Characters
The show features a family of rats and their spider friend. Here are the main characters you'll meet:
The Ratty Family
- Uncle Matty: He is one of the oldest rats in the family.
- Aunt Hatty: She is the main grown-up in the family. Aunt Hatty does most of the housework.
- Tatty: This young rat is very ambitious and always has big plans.
- The Fatty Brothers: These two are identical twins. They are known for being playful and getting into mischief.
- Baby Batty: Even though he's a baby, he's a child genius!
Other Friends
- Spatty: A friendly spider who lives with the Ratties. Spatty often joins in on their adventures.
Episodes: What Happens in the Show?
The Ratties had 26 short episodes. Each one showed the family trying out new things. They often copied what the humans in the house were doing.
Here are some examples of their fun adventures:
- The Budgie: Tatty dresses up as a budgerigar (a small bird). An old woman accidentally adopts him!
- Circus Time: The Ratties decide to put on their own circus show.
- Glamour Time: Aunt Hatty wants to look her best. The Ratties help her find make-up in the humans' bathroom.
- Gardening Time: The family goes outside to try gardening and other outdoor chores.
- Medical Time: The Ratties pretend to be first aiders. They practice medical care on each other.
- Picnic Time: The Ratties enjoy a lovely day out with a picnic.
- Spring Cleaning Time: After playing, the Ratties try to clean up. This often leads to some funny chaos!
- Sailing Time: They turn a bath into an ocean adventure. They even get into a yacht race on an inflatable duck!
- Baby Sitting: The Ratties are asked to look after Baby Bummer. He is a very energetic baby!
- The Great Escape: The family has to outsmart Old Tom, the cat, who tries to ambush them.
- Holiday Time: The Ratties visit the seaside for a fun vacation.
- Jumping Beans: After eating special beans, the Ratties can't stop jumping!
- Arty Time: The family explores their creative side with painting and sculpting.
- Raving Time: Aunt Hatty has trouble waking her family from a self-hypnosis sleep.
- Cowboy Time: Inspired by their favorite TV show, the Ratties act out a wild western story.
- Aerobics Time: The Ratties try out fitness and exercise routines.
- Cooking Time: They work together to bake a birthday cake for Uncle Matty.
- Camping Time: The Ratties go camping and find many ways to have fun outdoors.
- Hawaii Time: For their holiday, the Ratties take a trip all the way to Hawaii!
