Ludwig (1977 TV series)

Did You Know?

• The title music and opening theme is just 16 seconds long.
• It features a theme from Beethoven's Symphony No. 5 followed by a section of his Symphony No. 1.
• The opening ends with Jon Glover saying 'Ah, Ludwig' in an interested, well spoken manner.

Main character

The character's name came from Ludwig van Beethoven, whose music plays in the background. In each episode, something would happen to the forest animals and Ludwig would come to the rescue. His body facets would open to reveal arms, legs, gadgets, or a helicopter rotor blade. A human birdwatcher, voiced by Jon Glover and wearing a deerstalker and large binoculars, served as narrator and viewer's point of view; no other character spoke. Many musical phrases are excerpts from Beethoven's Septet. Each episode ended with the final movement of Beethoven's first symphony playing through the credits.

Production

The programme was produced by father and son Mirek and Peter Lang, immigrants from Czechoslovakia who left in 1968 after the Soviet invasion. Mirek's films had criticized the Czechoslovak regime, and after unsuccessful attempts in British current affairs broadcasting, he moved into animation. Collaborating with Peter, they shot Ludwig on 16 mm film using a wind-up Bolex camera in their spare bedroom at their flat in Buckland Crescent, Swiss Cottage, London. Episodes were written by Jane Tann, Susan Kodicek, and Michael Cole. Paul Reade arranged and played the music. The Langs shared the animation. Peter later animated Pigeon Street.