Hocus Focus is a children's show that once aired on Nickelodeon from 1979 to 1981. Like many of the series the network aired at the time, it is a "package show" comprised mainly of short films with a framing device built around them.
Overview[]
Hocus Focus is centered at an apprentice wizard named Kryspen, who along with his shape-shifting pet, Oulak, was sent from the middle ages until the modern-day year of 1980, only to learn about the modern world. His headquarters is at a museum, where he plays animated and live-action shorts. His friends include Professor Rhombus and Daisy.[2][3]
Many of the creative staff behind Pinwheel, including George James, who composed the theme music, were involved with this show. Puppeteers Brad Williams and Jim Jinkins also appeared in on-camera roles, while James stayed behind the scenes, marking somewhat of a reversal of the artists' roles in Pinwheel.
Only two episodes are known to exist in their entirety. Their air dates are unknown. What Will You Be? (episode 25) deals with Kryspen trying to choose a career path and watching several films to inspire him to make a decision; he is finally convinced to stay what he already is: a wizard. Episode 38 stars Jim Jinkins as a sleazy filmmaker who decides to make a star out of Kryspen after witnessing the young wizard use his magic to resurrect a dying plant. One of the shorts aired in episode 38 is Shel Silverstein's 1973 adaptation of his 1964 book "The Giving Tree."
Cast[]
- Brad Williams as Kryspen
- Jim Jinkins as Professor Rhombus, various
- Unknown as Daisy
- Willard C. Ambis as Kryspen‘s book
Gallery[]
References[]
- ↑ Classic Nickelodeon Fan Blog (July 23, 2014), Interview with George James, retrieved February 16, 2019.
- ↑ GaryW1948 (April 23, 2012), Hocus Focus early Nickelodeon TV show from 1981, retrieved February 16, 2019.
- ↑ Classic Nickelodeon Fan Blog (July 5, 2017), Classic Nick Wednesday – Hocus Focus, retrieved February 16, 2019.