Little Gems

Email

Links

Information

Message Board

Click above to hear the start music - best I could do with the source material, I'm afraid (654Kb zipped Wav file)

Little Gems - Lizzie Dripping by Helen Cresswell

This little adventure series was based on the books by the talented children's author "Helen Cresswell" who also wrote "The Winter of the Birds," "Dragon Ride" and the brilliant "Moondial." The latter of the three in addition to Lizzie Dripping was turned into a television serial which even today enchants children of all ages. In fact a ninety-minute radio adaptation of Moondial was broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in 2001. Lizzie Dripping first appeared as a Pilot episode via a story on the "Jackanory Playhouse" back in December 1972. The title was "Lizzie Dripping and the Orphans." This too was written by Helen Cresswell and a supporting narration by Hannah Gordon. Lizzie Dripping was then televised by the BBC and after the pilot episode, eight further episodes over two seasons were shown between 1973 and 1975. Two books that I have of Lizzie Dripping along with the cover of the VHS story are shown below:

Puffin release 1984		VHS BBC in 1990

The series centered around a young girl who was considered by her parents (and indeed everyone else in the village) to be a bit of a dreamer. Lizzie's mother was a bit lazy and would often expect Lizzie to do lots of work especially when it came to chores around the house and looking after her little brother. Lizzie's father was by trade a blacksmith but he spent most of his time fixing drains and guttering around the village. Lizzie's Gramma lived next door and although she could moan with the best of them she often helped Lizzie out of tight fixes. The family dog was called Towser. Lizzie lived in the village of Little Hemlock and Lizzie was special as she had a companion who was a Witch. She discovered the Witch in a an old graveyard. This companion could only be seen Lizzie although many of the actions of the Witch were seen by others. The Witch, although friendly was a constant source of amusement and surprise for Lizzie. The Witch also had a slightly darker side to her and would occasionally be a problem for Lizzie. A real trouble maker was the Aunt Blodwen who would always be popping round for tea or a gossip. She generally thought she was of a higher standing than Lizzie's family and she was was of a Welsh origin. The eight episodes made each lasted just under 25 minutes or so.

Lizzie (real name Penelope Arbuckle) was played by a very young Tina Heath who was actually in her teens when she played the twelve year old character. Tina was an instant hit with children who loved the show and BBC was quick to recognise the potential of the young actress. She later joined the BBC's flagship program Blue Peter in 1979 as a presenter. Tina made television history on two days for Blue Peter. She became the first (and only I think) presenter to become pregnant and inform the viewers live on television. Secondly she was the first and only presenter to have a live ultrasound performed in the studio. A bold but brilliant move by the BBC as it opened up a new world for the program since prior to this event, babies, giving birth etc. had been a taboo subject for children. Tina remained with the program until the middle of 1980 when she left to give birth and take care of her newborn child, Gemma. A short time later in Tina reappeared on the show with her new daughter.

Characters

Lizzie Dripping (Penelope Arbuckle)	The Lamb (Toby)	The Witch
Albert Arbuckle	Patty Arbuckle	Gramma
Jonathan	Aunt Blodwen Cole	Towser

If anyone recognises themselves or was part of the production team and would like to add to the file, I would love to hear from you.

Click on the images below to view the story

Lizzie Dripping Main Page	Lizzie Dripping and the Little Angel	Lizzie Dripping Tries a Spell	Lizzie Dripping By the Sea

Credits