Storybook International Storyteller 13 The Straw Hat

As a lover of fairy tales, I loved to watch Storybook International as a child. Produced by HTV (a TV region in England), the series showcased a different folk tale or fairy story every week. Stories originating from different parts of the world were featured. The series was first broadcast in 1983 and was based on a book with the same title edited by Veronica Kruger and published in 1981 by Gollancz.
What made Storybook International unique was its format. It was produced to look and feel like a book on TV. It was like an audiobook with visuals. Each live action episode had no audible dialogue, but instead each story was narrated by either Claire Nielson, Isla Blair, or Virginia Boston. Sixty-five magical episodes were produced, shown over three seasons.
Filmed on location, the series was a joy to watch. The series lived up to its title: every week, viewers were transported from one country to the next and were treated to fantastic sceneries and fascinating cultures. It was no wonder that the show enjoyed success outside of the UK too, including the United States, Midddle East and Scandinavia.
The Opening Sequence
What fans remember most about the show is probably the animated title sequence featuring a minstrel with a mandolin singing the theme song, The Storyteller, composed by Larry Grossman. Here are the lyrics of the theme:
I’m the Storyteller, and my stories must be told.
I have many stories, tales for both the young and old.
I have many voices to describe many places.
Many names have I, and many faces…
In Russia I am Ivan; in Sweden I am Jan.
In Germany I’m Johan; in England, I am John.
From my many travels, I have gathered these tales,
to teach you good sense, when all else fails.
Sometimes there are tears, sometimes there is laughter…
but always a happily ever after.
In the US, the song was edited to to say “… in America I am John.”
Here’s the opening sequence on YouTube:
List of Episodes
Here’s a complete list of episodes with synopses:
1. Clever Manka (Czechoslovakia)
In this popular tale, Manka is a clever young woman and a hard worker. When she takes her uncle before the judge to receive payment for work she has done, the judge is impressed by her beauty and intelligence. He proposes marriage to her if she promises to not contradict his judgments. Manka accepts his offer, but trouble inevitably follows when someone asks for her help.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1NsWzvQw0g&list=PL7CjlwOFF-QFCCZFfhC1vYVN_XXNPmPav&index=1

2. Moses and the Lime-Kiln (Middle East)
Moses offers help to the Caliph of a great city who hungers for more knowledge and they become close friends. Moses’ life is put in jeopardy when one of the Caliph’s jealous courtiers plots to have him killed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhfJjrAtysw&list=PL7CjlwOFF-QFCCZFfhC1vYVN_XXNPmPav&index=2
3. Cap O’ Rushes (England)
In a tale that influenced Shakespeare’s King Lear, a father asks his three daughters to describe their love for him. The youngest daughter’s answer angers the father so much that he banishes her from his home. Later, he comes to appreciate the depth of her love when the meaning of her answer becomes clear.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd7tYW5Yikw&list=PL7CjlwOFF-QFCCZFfhC1vYVN_XXNPmPav&index=3
4. The Soldier Who Didn’t Wash (Russia)
A poor, lonely soldier makes a deal with the Devil. In exchange for great wealth, the soldier agrees not to wash for fifteen years. The soldier becomes a social outcast but ultimately comes to the aid of a money-strapped king on the condition that one of the princesses becomes his wife. This tale is often known as Bearskin in its American variants.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY9SeDkIgZs&list=PL7CjlwOFF-QFCCZFfhC1vYVN_XXNPmPav&index=4
5. The Widow’s Lazy Daughter (Ireland)
In this tale reminiscent of Rumpelstiltskin, lazy Bridget must accomplish three difficult tasks to placate her future mother-in-law. Three strange old women arrive and offer their assistance, asking only to be invited to the wedding. Will Bridget’s secret be discovered?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gT1loHZSsw4&list=PL7CjlwOFF-QFCCZFfhC1vYVN_XXNPmPav&index=5
6. The Grief of Pi-Kari (Maori)
In this moving tale about death and grief, a Chief longs to live with his ‘spirit’ wife, abandoning his responsibilities to his daughter and village. Eventually he comes to understand that he is needed by the living and returns to his home.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSWvcJdbB-E&list=PL7CjlwOFF-QFCCZFfhC1vYVN_XXNPmPav&index=6