The Tailor of Gloucester (film) facts for kids

The Tailor of Gloucester is a special television show that first aired on December 28, 1989, on ITV. It's a Christmas story based on a beloved children's book by Beatrix Potter. This heartwarming tale is about a kind tailor, his clever cat, and some very helpful mice.

The Story of the Tailor

This film tells the sweet story of a poor tailor. He lives with his cat, Simpkin, and many tiny mice in his shop. The tailor often has small pieces of fabric and ribbons left over. These scraps are too tiny for him to use. But the mice find them perfect for making their own fancy clothes!

A Special Christmas Order

The mayor of the town needs a special coat for his wedding. The wedding is set for Christmas morning. The tailor is asked to make this important coat. He sends his cat, Simpkin, out to buy food. Simpkin also needs to get a special cherry-coloured silk thread. This thread is needed to finish the mayor's coat.

A Kind Act and a Missing Thread

While Simpkin is away, the tailor finds the mice. Simpkin had trapped them in teacups! The kind tailor sets all the mice free. When Simpkin returns and sees his mice friends are gone, he gets upset. In his anger, Simpkin hides the special silk thread.

Mice to the Rescue!

Soon after, the tailor becomes very ill. He cannot finish the mayor's coat by himself. But the clever mice decide to help! They work hard to complete the coat. They sew almost every part of it. There is only one buttonhole left unfinished. This is because the special silk thread is still missing. Thanks to the mice, the mayor's coat is nearly ready for Christmas morning!

Meet the Actors!

Many talented actors helped bring this story to life. Here are some of the main people you'll see:

• Ian Holm played the main character, The Tailor of Gloucester.
• Thora Hird was the Mayor's Housekeeper.
• Jude Law played the Mayor's Stableboy.
• Barrie Ingham was the Mayor.
• Other performers included Benjamin Luxon and Francois Testory.