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{{Short description|1986 American TV special}} |
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{{Infobox television |
{{Infobox television |
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| creator = |
| creator = |
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| based_on = |
| based_on = |
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| writer = '''Original book''':<br />[[Squire D. Rushnell]]<ref name=chums>{{Cite episode |title=Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure |credits=Deyriès, Bernard; Chilvers, Colin (directors) |network=ABC |airdate=November 28, 1986 |
| writer = '''Original book''':<br />[[Squire D. Rushnell]]<ref name=chums>{{Cite episode |title=Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure |credits=Deyriès, Bernard; Chilvers, Colin (directors) |network=ABC |airdate=November 28, 1986}}</ref><br />'''Teleplay''':<br />Jeffrey Scott<ref name=chums/><br />[[Jeanne Betancourt]]<ref name=woolery/> |
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| screenplay = |
| screenplay = |
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| story = |
| story = |
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| director = '''Animation''':<br /> |
| director = '''Animation''':<br />Bernard Deyriès<ref name=chums/><br />'''Live action''':<br />[[Colin Chilvers]]<ref name=woolery/> |
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| starring = [[Christopher Fitzgerald (actor)|Christopher Fitzgerald]]<br />[[Jenna von Oÿ]]<br />[[Andrew Cassese]]<br />[[Scott Menville]]<br />[[Sandi Patti]]<br />[[Paul Winchell]]<br />[[Phil Proctor]] |
| starring = [[Christopher Fitzgerald (actor)|Christopher Fitzgerald]]<br />[[Jenna von Oÿ]]<br />[[Andrew Cassese]]<br />[[Scott Menville]]<br />[[Sandi Patti]]<br />[[Paul Winchell]]<br />[[Phil Proctor]] |
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| narrated = |
| narrated = |
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| language = English |
| language = English |
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| num_episodes = |
| num_episodes = |
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| producer = '''Animation''':<br />[[Jean Chalopin]]<br />[[Andy Heyward]]<br /> |
| producer = '''Animation''':<br />[[Jean Chalopin]]<br />[[Andy Heyward]]<br />Tetsuo Katayama |
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| editor = '''Live-action segments''':<br />Stan Wernow<ref name=chums/> |
| editor = '''Live-action segments''':<br />Stan Wernow<ref name=chums/> |
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| cinematography = |
| cinematography = |
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| runtime = 60 minutes<ref name=woolery>{{cite book|last=Woolery|first=George W.|title=Animated TV Specials: The Complete Directory to the First Twenty-Five Years, 1962–1987|chapter=The Kingdom Chums: ''Little David's Adventure''|pages=[https://archive.org/details/animatedtvspecia0000wool/page/233 233–235]|isbn=0-8108-2198-2|year=1989|publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield|Scarecrow Press]]|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/animatedtvspecia0000wool/page/233}}</ref> |
| runtime = 60 minutes<ref name=woolery>{{cite book|last=Woolery|first=George W.|title=Animated TV Specials: The Complete Directory to the First Twenty-Five Years, 1962–1987|chapter=The Kingdom Chums: ''Little David's Adventure''|pages=[https://archive.org/details/animatedtvspecia0000wool/page/233 233–235]|isbn=0-8108-2198-2|year=1989|publisher=[[Rowman & Littlefield|Scarecrow Press]]|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/animatedtvspecia0000wool/page/233}}</ref> |
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| company = [[ABC Entertainment|ABC Productions]]<ref name=woolery/><br />[[DIC Entertainment|DIC Animation City]]<ref name=woolery/><br />Diane Kerew Productions<ref name=woolery/> |
| company = [[ABC Entertainment|ABC Productions]]<ref name=woolery/><br />[[DIC Entertainment|DIC Animation City]]<ref name=woolery/><br />Diane Kerew Productions<ref name=woolery/> |
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| distributor = |
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| budget = US$1.5 million<ref name=houston>{{cite news|last=Maynard|first=Steve|title=Kingdom Chums take on TV battle|date=November 26, 1986|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|page=1}}</ref> |
| budget = US$1.5 million<ref name=houston>{{cite news|last=Maynard|first=Steve|title=Kingdom Chums take on TV battle|date=November 26, 1986|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|page=1}}</ref> |
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| network = [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
| network = [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] |
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| first_aired = {{start date|1986|11|28}}<ref name=tv-musicals>{{cite book|last=Baxter|first=Joan|title=Television Musicals: Plots, Critiques, Casts, and Credits for 222 Shows Written for and Presented on Television, 1944–1996|pages=81–82|isbn=0-7864-0286-5|year=1997|publisher=[[McFarland & Company]]}}</ref> |
| first_aired = {{start date|1986|11|28}}<ref name=tv-musicals>{{cite book|last=Baxter|first=Joan|title=Television Musicals: Plots, Critiques, Casts, and Credits for 222 Shows Written for and Presented on Television, 1944–1996|pages=81–82|isbn=0-7864-0286-5|year=1997|publisher=[[McFarland & Company]]}}</ref> |
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| last_aired = |
| last_aired = |
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'''''The Kingdom Chums: Little David |
'''''The Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure''''' (onscreen title: '''''Kingdom Chums''''')<ref name=chums/> is a 1986 animated television special, inspired by the Biblical tale of [[David and Goliath]], and originally broadcast on the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] network in the United States. In the special, three schoolchildren from the real world are transported into the world of the Bible, with the help of three magical stuffed animals. One of them, a raccoon named David, becomes his Biblical namesake and faces off against a giant bull named Goliath. |
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''Little David's Adventure'' was created (and originally written) by [[Squire Rushnell]], head of the children's programming department at ABC. |
''Little David's Adventure'' was created (and originally written) by [[Squire Rushnell]], head of the children's programming department at ABC. The special, featuring live-action and animated segments, was produced by the network and [[DIC Entertainment|DIC Animation City]]. It premiered on ABC on November 28, 1986 to low ratings and subsequent mixed reviews. Out of several attempts to continue the franchise, a video sequel called ''The Kingdom Chums: Original Top Ten'' debuted in 1990, and aired as an ''[[ABC Weekend Special]]'' two years later. |
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== Plot == |
== Plot == |
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A boy named Peter, his sister Mary Ann, and his Jewish classmate Sauli are students of the All Nations School. |
A boy named Peter, his sister Mary Ann, and his Jewish classmate Sauli are students of the All Nations School. One day at the school, bullies pick on Sauli and throw his [[yarmulke]] away. While trying to get it, Sauli accidentally knocks over a box that Mary Ann is keeping her pet bird in. Thinking he has killed it, he feels worried when the children reach home. |
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A strange, bright constellation suddenly appears in the sky outside their window. |
A strange, bright constellation suddenly appears in the sky outside their window. Peter consults his computer for the formation, but finds out it does not exist. After Mary Ann takes a look for herself, she uses a pen to reveal the word "LOVE" on the screen. Eventually, the lights swarm inside and bring her stuffed toys to life—Little David, the Raccoon of Courage; Christopher, the Lion of Love; and Magical Mose, the Tiger of Joy.<ref name=register>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=umcVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=KOEDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5850,5822585&dq=kingdom-chums&hl=en|last=Brennan|first=Patricia|agency=[[The Washington Post]]|title=ABC sets out to sell Bible stories with 'Kingdom Chums'|date=November 23, 1986|access-date=October 7, 2010|work=[[Eugene Register-Guard]] TV Week|page=21}}</ref> No sooner do the creatures appear inside the computer than the children are zapped into it. |
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Peter, Mary Ann and Sauli end up being animated characters, and the animals introduce themselves as the Kingdom Chums. Following a magical beam called the "Love Light", the children travel to ancient Israel with David, one of the Chums. |
Peter, Mary Ann and Sauli end up being animated characters, and the animals introduce themselves as the Kingdom Chums. Following a magical beam called the "Love Light", the children travel to ancient Israel with David, one of the Chums. The raccoon enacts [[David|his Biblical namesake]], gets into battle with his fellow [[Israelites]], and is granted a challenge from King [[Saul]] (who is portrayed as a lion) to fight against the giant warthog,<ref name=press>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=IqkcAAAAIBAJ&sjid=K2MEAAAAIBAJ&pg=5635,6630187&dq=kingdom-chums&hl=en|last=Bianco|first=Robert|title='Kingdom Chums' is out to make a buck|date=November 23, 1986|access-date=October 7, 2010|work=[[The Pittsburgh Press]]|page=TV 2}}</ref> [[Goliath]]. |
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David prepares his slingshot with some stones, and faces the tall [[Philistine]] foe. |
David prepares his slingshot with some stones, and faces the tall [[Philistine]] foe. He throws one of the stones upon Goliath's forehead, and the giant crushes down to the ground. Peter, Sauli and Mary Ann are about to cheer for David's victory, but then his brothers suddenly chase after them. A rainbow carries the group back to Christopher and Mose, who return them back to where they started. |
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The children realize that only one minute has passed in the real world since their adventure began. |
The children realize that only one minute has passed in the real world since their adventure began. Thanks to her faith (and her toys), Mary Ann is delighted to see her bird alive. As Sauli heads to his apartment for dinner, he manages to face his bullies with his own faith and overcome them. |
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== Cast == |
== Cast == |
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| [[John Franklin (actor)|John Franklin]] || Magical Mose |
| [[John Franklin (actor)|John Franklin]] || Magical Mose |
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|- |
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| Billy Bowles || Christopher / Cat Soldier |
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| [[Jim Cummings]] || Goliath / Fox Soldier #3 |
| [[Jim Cummings]] || Goliath / Fox Soldier #3 |
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===Uncredited=== |
===Uncredited=== |
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*[[Joey Cramer]] - Osborne |
* [[Joey Cramer]] - Osborne |
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== Production == |
== Production == |
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[[File:David gegen goliath2.jpg|thumb|[[Squire Rushnell]] based the ''Kingdom Chums'' special on the Biblical tale of [[David and Goliath]].]] |
[[File:David gegen goliath2.jpg|thumb|[[Squire Rushnell]] based the ''Kingdom Chums'' special on the Biblical tale of [[David and Goliath]].]] |
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''Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure'' was conceived by [[Squire Rushnell]], who was the vice-president of the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC network]]'s children's programming department.<ref name=register/> |
''Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure'' was conceived by [[Squire Rushnell]], who was the vice-president of the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC network]]'s children's programming department.<ref name=register/> In the early 1980s, Rushnell wrote a book version of the special,<ref name=register/><ref name=star-tribune>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=MN&p_theme=mn&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EFE494F93168971&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|last=Holston|first=Noel|title=Animated tales bring Bible to kids|date=November 28, 1986|access-date=October 7, 2010|url-access=registration |work=[[Minneapolis Star-Tribune]]|page=01C}}</ref> which took him at least six years to develop;<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=lgUqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=hRIEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1310,709158&dq=kingdom-chums&hl=en|last=Dudek|first=Duane|title=No. 2 spot buoys ABC's kids [programmer<nowiki>]</nowiki>|date=November 28, 1986|access-date=October 7, 2010|work=[[Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|The Milwaukee Sentinel]]|publisher=[[Journal Communications]]|page=2 (Part 3)}}</ref> he even took on the duty by himself after three writers failed to produce a satisfactory draft.<ref name=times-daily>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=rBsrAAAAIBAJ&sjid=5MgEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2454,7085475&dq=kingdom-chums&hl=en|last=Lovece|first=Frank|title=Rushnell makes Bible 'child-friendly'|date=November 22, 1986|access-date=October 7, 2010|work=[[TimesDaily]]|page=21D}}</ref> Rushnell managed to devote a week of his time towards this task, while he and his wife were awaiting a son.<ref name=register/> While writing the book, he removed several religious allusions in case they could offend potential audiences; this led him to comment, "[ABC's] Standards and Practices people white-knuckle over this sort of thing. The first thing they say is, 'It's not [[dogma]]tic, is it?'"<ref name=star-tribune/> Despite having no literary ambitions, Rushnell reasoned: "My feeling on this property at the beginning was [that] we should legitimize it as a book before it became a television property."<ref name=register/> The publishing division of [[Word Records|Word Inc.]], a Christian media firm then owned by ABC, released the book in June 1986.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Y9M0AAAAIBAJ&sjid=4m0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=2057,11116608&dq=kingdom-chums&hl=en|last=Herron|first=Clara|title=Fundamentalist fun: Biblical toys could be the genesis of something big|date=November 29, 1986|access-date=October 7, 2010|work=[[Pittsburgh Post-Gazette]]|page=15}}</ref> Another three titles,<ref name=register/> focusing on [[Esther]], [[Miriam]] and the [[resurrection of Jesus]],<ref name=press/> were in the works. |
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During development, Rushnell was influenced by [[List of Disney theatrical animated feature films|Disney animated films]] such as 1973's [[Robin Hood (1973 film)|''Robin Hood'']],<ref name=star-tribune/> and modeled the All Nations School after New York City's [[United Nations International School]].<ref name=register/><ref name=star-tribune/> |
During development, Rushnell was influenced by [[List of Disney theatrical animated feature films|Disney animated films]] such as 1973's [[Robin Hood (1973 film)|''Robin Hood'']],<ref name=star-tribune/> and modeled the All Nations School after New York City's [[United Nations International School]].<ref name=register/><ref name=star-tribune/> He based two of the animal characters on Bible characters—Christopher after [[Jesus]], and Magical Mose on [[Moses]].<ref name=houston/> He also toned down the climax of the original David and Goliath story, in which David cuts the Goliath'shead.<ref name=pdn>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DN&s_site=philly&p_multi=PI%7CDN&p_theme=realcities&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0EB299373931D7EF&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|last=Blake|first=Joseph P.|title=Very animated Bible story|date=November 17, 1986|access-date=October 7, 2010|url-access=registration |work=[[Philadelphia Daily News]]|page=53 (FEATURES)}}</ref> Along with bookending live-action segments,<ref name=chums/> the special also featured animation work from [[DIC Entertainment|DIC Animation City]].<ref name=woolery/> The animation unit's director, Bernard Deyriès, was previously among the major crew of 1985's ''[[Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer]]''.<ref name=beck>{{cite book|last=Beck|first=Jerry|title=The Animated Movie Guide|url=https://archive.org/details/animatedmoviegui0000beck|url-access=registration|chapter=Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer|page=[https://archive.org/details/animatedmoviegui0000beck/page/221 221]|isbn=1-55652-591-5|year=2005|publisher=Chicago Reader Press}}</ref> The songs, composed by ''[[Sesame Street]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s [[Joe Raposo]],<ref name=tv-musicals/> included "Greatest Stories of All", "Child of God" and "Your Love Makes Me Strong".<ref name=woolery/><ref name=tv-musicals/> |
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== Release and reception == |
== Release and reception == |
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The ''Kingdom Chums'' special premiered on ABC on November 28, 1986,<ref name=tv-musicals/> at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time,<ref name=woolery/> pre-empting ''[[Webster (TV series)|Webster]]'' and ''[[Mr. Belvedere]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED3CED029DB2FFC&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|last=Bark|first=Ed|title=Chase, Short and Martin to host 'Saturday Night'|date=November 26, 1986|access-date=October 11, 2010|url-access=registration |work=[[Dallas Morning News]]|quote=''Webster'' and ''Mr. Belvedere'' will be preempted from 7 to 8 pm <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Central Time Zone (North America)|Central Time]]<nowiki>]</nowiki> for ''The Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure''.}}</ref> |
The ''Kingdom Chums'' special premiered on ABC on November 28, 1986,<ref name=tv-musicals/> at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time,<ref name=woolery/> pre-empting ''[[Webster (TV series)|Webster]]'' and ''[[Mr. Belvedere]]''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://nl.newsbank.com/nl-search/we/Archives?p_product=DM&p_theme=dm&p_action=search&p_maxdocs=200&p_topdoc=1&p_text_direct-0=0ED3CED029DB2FFC&p_field_direct-0=document_id&p_perpage=10&p_sort=YMD_date:D&s_trackval=GooglePM|last=Bark|first=Ed|title=Chase, Short and Martin to host 'Saturday Night'|date=November 26, 1986|access-date=October 11, 2010|url-access=registration |work=[[Dallas Morning News]]|quote=''Webster'' and ''Mr. Belvedere'' will be preempted from 7 to 8 pm <nowiki>[</nowiki>[[Central Time Zone (North America)|Central Time]]<nowiki>]</nowiki> for ''The Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure''.}}</ref> In the [[Nielsen ratings]], it was among the lowest-ranked programs during the week of November 24–30<ref name=am>{{cite news|author=Staff|title=With AM—Nielsens|date=December 2, 1986|publisher=[[Associated Press]] (AP)}}</ref> (out of 70 tracked), along with another family special, ''[[Disney's Fluppy Dogs]]''.<ref>{{cite news|last=Baker|first=Kathryn|title=NBC Stretches to 23-Year Record Streak|date=December 2, 1986|publisher=Associated Press (AP)}}</ref> ''Little David's Adventure'' came in at 66th place with an 8.6 rating.<ref name=am/>{{#tag:ref|A rating in the Nielsen system represents the percentage of households in the United States watching a certain program. At the time ''Kingdom Chums'' aired, there were 87.4 million households with a TV set.<ref name=am/>|group=nb}} |
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Reporting on the special in the ''[[Minneapolis Star-Tribune]]'', Noel Holston gave a negative response: |
Reporting on the special in the ''[[Minneapolis Star-Tribune]]'', Noel Holston gave a negative response: |
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... Many viewers who believe in God probably will not be thrilled to see the story of David and Goliath reduced to the insipid level of ''[[The Care Bears (TV series)|The Care Bears]]'', ''[[The Wuzzles]]'' or any of the dozen other animated series that specialize in mild homilies. Inasmuch as the Bible stories have enduring theological and literary significance, I'm not sure children are served by Rushnell's sincere but condescending approach.<ref name=star-tribune/>}} |
... Many viewers who believe in God probably will not be thrilled to see the story of David and Goliath reduced to the insipid level of ''[[The Care Bears (TV series)|The Care Bears]]'', ''[[The Wuzzles]]'' or any of the dozen other animated series that specialize in mild homilies. Inasmuch as the Bible stories have enduring theological and literary significance, I'm not sure children are served by Rushnell's sincere but condescending approach.<ref name=star-tribune/>}} |
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Alan Bunce of ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' gave a mixed review |
Alan Bunce of ''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' gave a mixed review: "Creatively, the program easily qualifies as high-quality children's entertainment. But reaction to the message will also depend on a viewer's individual tolerance of the show's free-wheeling treatment of religious themes, and its use of fantasy, magic, and symbolism in delivering Judeo-Christian messages. These flow through the dialogue and the show's bouncy musical numbers."<ref name=csm>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/csmonitor_historic/access/175727772.html?dids=175727772:175727772&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&date=Nov+28%2C+1986&author=By+Alan+Bunce+Staff+writer+of+The+Christian+Science+Monitor&pub=Christian+Science+Monitor&desc=%27Kingdom+Chums%27%3A+kid-vid+religion+on+prime-time+network+TV&pqatl=google|last=Bunce|first=Alan|title='Kingdom Chums': kid-vid religion on prime-time network TV|date=November 28, 1986|access-date=October 11, 2010|work=[[The Christian Science Monitor]]|page=47}}</ref> Robert Bianco of the ''[[Pittsburgh Press]]'' was concerned over the depiction of Bible characters as animals, and their merchandising potential thereof. On the character of David, he wrote, "... I suppose [he] has suffered greater indignities than being turned into a religious [[Care Bears|Care Bear]]."<ref name=press/> The Hollywood magazine [[Variety (magazine)|''Variety'']] (in its December 10, 1986 issue) thought it was ill-suited as a network show for children, and remarked that the "plodding story has too little action or humor or plot to keep many kids entertained".<ref name=tv-musicals/> In 1989, Texe Marrs referred to ''Little David's Adventure'' as "sacrilegious and New Age to the hilt".<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=2tI19IIoHzEC&q=%22Kingdom+Chums%22|last=Marrs|first=Texe|title=Ravaged by the New Age: Satan's Plan to Destroy Our Kids|pages=212–213|isbn=0-9620086-1-3|year=1989|access-date=October 7, 2010|publisher=Living Truth Publishers}}</ref> The special received a positive review from Dale and Karen Mason, the authors of 1996's ''How to Get the Best Out of TV Before It Gets the Best Out of You''.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Mason|first1=Dale|last2=Mason|first2=Karen|title=How to Get the Best Out of TV Before It Gets the Best Out of You|chapter=The Kingdom Chums (series)|page=[https://archive.org/details/howtogetbestouto0000maso/page/204 204]|isbn=0-8054-6283-X|year=1996|publisher=Broadman & Holman|chapter-url-access=registration|chapter-url=https://archive.org/details/howtogetbestouto0000maso/page/204}}</ref> |
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== Sequel == |
== Sequel == |
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From the time of ''Kingdom Chums''<nowiki>'</nowiki> initial broadcast, ABC planned several follow-up specials<ref name=register/> along with a regular series.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SDUzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UYQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5682,7171961&dq=kingdom-chums&hl=en|last=Schwed|first=Mark|agency=[[United Press International]] (UPI)|title=Religion makes a comeback on TV|date=November 28, 1986|access-date=October 7, 2010|work=[[Deseret News]]|page=11C}}</ref> |
From the time of ''Kingdom Chums''<nowiki>'</nowiki> initial broadcast, ABC planned several follow-up specials<ref name=register/> along with a regular series.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=SDUzAAAAIBAJ&sjid=UYQDAAAAIBAJ&pg=5682,7171961&dq=kingdom-chums&hl=en|last=Schwed|first=Mark|agency=[[United Press International]] (UPI)|title=Religion makes a comeback on TV|date=November 28, 1986|access-date=October 7, 2010|work=[[Deseret News]]|page=11C}}</ref> One of the planned specials involved a bear named Princess Essie, in an adaptation of the story of Esther;<ref name=register/> another was to be based on the [[New Testament]].<ref name=csm/> By late 1987, the network looked into partnering with [[The Walt Disney Company]] on a series of hour-long episodes.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/newsday/access/104734262.html?dids=104734262:104734262&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Oct+06%2C+1987&author=By+Ben+Kubasik&pub=Newsday+(Combined+editions)&desc=TV+SPOTS&pqatl=google|last=Kubasik|first=Ben|title=TV Spots|date=October 6, 1987|access-date=October 7, 2010|url-access=registration |work=[[Newsday]]|page=15 (PART 2)}}</ref> Instead, ''Little David's Adventure'' was followed by a 1990 video sequel, ''The Kingdom Chums: Original Top Ten''. A new animation team, headed by [[Rick Reinert]],<ref name=tv-musicals/> worked on the production; this time, there were no live-action segments.<ref name=tv-musicals/> One character, Osborne, replaces the previous protagonist Sauli here, and some character names were altered as well. It also aired in April 1992,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1992-04-26/news/tv-1164_1|last=Lipton|first=Lauren|title=PBS Prepares Youths Now for the Year 2035, When the Planet Will Need Help|date=April 26, 1992|access-date=October 7, 2010|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]}}</ref> and again in April 1993,<ref name=tv-musicals/> as part of the ''[[ABC Weekend Special]]s'' anthology. |
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===Cast=== |
===Cast=== |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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*''[[Superbook]]'', an early 1980s Christian anime series with a similar premise |
* ''[[Superbook]]'', an early 1980s Christian anime series with a similar premise |
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== Notes == |
== Notes == |
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== Bibliography == |
== Bibliography == |
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*{{cite book|last=Rushnell|first=Squire|editor-last=Hazen|editor-first=Barbara Shook|title=The Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure|isbn=0-8499-8228-6|year=1986|publisher=Word Inc}} |
* {{cite book|last=Rushnell|first=Squire|editor-last=Hazen|editor-first=Barbara Shook|title=The Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure|isbn=0-8499-8228-6|year=1986|publisher=Word Inc}} |
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== External links == |
== External links == |
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[[Category:1980s American television specials]] |
[[Category:1980s American television specials]] |
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[[Category:American Broadcasting Company television specials]] |
[[Category:American Broadcasting Company television specials]] |
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[[Category:1980s American animated films]] |
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[[Category:American films with live action and animation]] |
[[Category:American films with live action and animation]] |
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[[Category:1980s children's fantasy films]] |
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[[Category:Christian animation]] |
[[Category:Christian animation]] |
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[[Category:Christian children's television series]] |
[[Category:Christian children's television series]] |
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[[Category:American musical films]] |
[[Category:American musical films]] |
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[[Category:Animated musical films]] |
[[Category:Animated musical films]] |
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[[Category:1986 animated films]] |
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[[Category:1986 films]] |
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[[Category:1980s Christmas films]] |
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[[Category:Films produced by Jean Chalopin]] |
[[Category:Films produced by Jean Chalopin]] |
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[[Category:Films based on the Hebrew Bible]] |
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[[Category:Goliath]] |
[[Category:Goliath]] |
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[[Category:Cultural depictions of David]] |
[[Category:Cultural depictions of David]] |
The Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure | |
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Genre | Children's special Religious |
Written by | Original book: Squire D. Rushnell[1] Teleplay: Jeffrey Scott[1] Jeanne Betancourt[2] |
Directed by | Animation: Bernard Deyriès[1] Live action: Colin Chilvers[2] |
Starring | Christopher Fitzgerald Jenna von Oÿ Andrew Cassese Scott Menville Sandi Patti Paul Winchell Phil Proctor |
Theme music composer | Joe Raposo[1] |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
Production | |
Producers | Animation: Jean Chalopin Andy Heyward Tetsuo Katayama |
Editors | Live-action segments: Stan Wernow[1] |
Running time | 60 minutes[2] |
Production companies | ABC Productions[2] DIC Animation City[2] Diane Kerew Productions[2] |
Budget | US$1.5 million[3] |
Original release | |
Network | ABC |
Release | November 28, 1986 (1986-11-28)[4] |
Related | |
The Kingdom Chums: Original Top Ten (1990) |
The Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure (onscreen title: Kingdom Chums)[1] is a 1986 animated television special, inspired by the Biblical tale of David and Goliath, and originally broadcast on the ABC network in the United States. In the special, three schoolchildren from the real world are transported into the world of the Bible, with the help of three magical stuffed animals. One of them, a raccoon named David, becomes his Biblical namesake and faces off against a giant bull named Goliath.
Little David's Adventure was created (and originally written) by Squire Rushnell, head of the children's programming department at ABC. The special, featuring live-action and animated segments, was produced by the network and DIC Animation City. It premiered on ABC on November 28, 1986 to low ratings and subsequent mixed reviews. Out of several attempts to continue the franchise, a video sequel called The Kingdom Chums: Original Top Ten debuted in 1990, and aired as an ABC Weekend Special two years later.
A boy named Peter, his sister Mary Ann, and his Jewish classmate Sauli are students of the All Nations School. One day at the school, bullies pick on Sauli and throw his yarmulke away. While trying to get it, Sauli accidentally knocks over a box that Mary Ann is keeping her pet bird in. Thinking he has killed it, he feels worried when the children reach home.
A strange, bright constellation suddenly appears in the sky outside their window. Peter consults his computer for the formation, but finds out it does not exist. After Mary Ann takes a look for herself, she uses a pen to reveal the word "LOVE" on the screen. Eventually, the lights swarm inside and bring her stuffed toys to life—Little David, the Raccoon of Courage; Christopher, the Lion of Love; and Magical Mose, the Tiger of Joy.[5] No sooner do the creatures appear inside the computer than the children are zapped into it.
Peter, Mary Ann and Sauli end up being animated characters, and the animals introduce themselves as the Kingdom Chums. Following a magical beam called the "Love Light", the children travel to ancient Israel with David, one of the Chums. The raccoon enacts his Biblical namesake, gets into battle with his fellow Israelites, and is granted a challenge from King Saul (who is portrayed as a lion) to fight against the giant warthog,[6] Goliath.
David prepares his slingshot with some stones, and faces the tall Philistine foe. He throws one of the stones upon Goliath's forehead, and the giant crushes down to the ground. Peter, Sauli and Mary Ann are about to cheer for David's victory, but then his brothers suddenly chase after them. A rainbow carries the group back to Christopher and Mose, who return them back to where they started.
The children realize that only one minute has passed in the real world since their adventure began. Thanks to her faith (and her toys), Mary Ann is delighted to see her bird alive. As Sauli heads to his apartment for dinner, he manages to face his bullies with his own faith and overcome them.
Name | Character | Source |
---|---|---|
Live action scenes | [2] | |
Jenna von Oÿ | Mary Ann | |
Christopher Fitzgerald | Peter | |
Andrew Cassese | Sauli | |
Animated scenes | ||
Scott Menville | Little David | |
Sandi Patti | Little David (singing voice) | |
John Franklin | Magical Mose | |
Billy Bowles | Christopher / Cat Soldier | |
Jim Cummings | Goliath / Fox Soldier #3 | |
Townsend Coleman | Elias / Fox Soldier #2 | |
Paul Winchell | King Saul | |
Phil Proctor | Rat Soldier / Frog Servant / Fox Soldier #1 |
Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure was conceived by Squire Rushnell, who was the vice-president of the ABC network's children's programming department.[5] In the early 1980s, Rushnell wrote a book version of the special,[5][7] which took him at least six years to develop;[8] he even took on the duty by himself after three writers failed to produce a satisfactory draft.[9] Rushnell managed to devote a week of his time towards this task, while he and his wife were awaiting a son.[5] While writing the book, he removed several religious allusions in case they could offend potential audiences; this led him to comment, "[ABC's] Standards and Practices people white-knuckle over this sort of thing. The first thing they say is, 'It's not dogmatic, is it?'"[7] Despite having no literary ambitions, Rushnell reasoned: "My feeling on this property at the beginning was [that] we should legitimize it as a book before it became a television property."[5] The publishing division of Word Inc., a Christian media firm then owned by ABC, released the book in June 1986.[10] Another three titles,[5] focusing on Esther, Miriam and the resurrection of Jesus,[6] were in the works.
During development, Rushnell was influenced by Disney animated films such as 1973's Robin Hood,[7] and modeled the All Nations School after New York City's United Nations International School.[5][7] He based two of the animal characters on Bible characters—Christopher after Jesus, and Magical Mose on Moses.[3] He also toned down the climax of the original David and Goliath story, in which David cuts the Goliath's head.[11] Along with bookending live-action segments,[1] the special also featured animation work from DIC Animation City.[2] The animation unit's director, Bernard Deyriès, was previously among the major crew of 1985's Rainbow Brite and the Star Stealer.[12] The songs, composed by Sesame Street's Joe Raposo,[4] included "Greatest Stories of All", "Child of God" and "Your Love Makes Me Strong".[2][4]
The Kingdom Chums special premiered on ABC on November 28, 1986,[4] at 8:00 p.m. Eastern time,[2] pre-empting Webster and Mr. Belvedere.[13] In the Nielsen ratings, it was among the lowest-ranked programs during the week of November 24–30[14] (out of 70 tracked), along with another family special, Disney's Fluppy Dogs.[15] Little David's Adventure came in at 66th place with an 8.6 rating.[14][nb 1]
Reporting on the special in the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, Noel Holston gave a negative response:
The inclusion of the religious elements notwithstanding, Little David's Adventure is an expurgated retelling of the story. Although it does show Goliath's fall, it's unclear whether he's dead or just knocked out. The general absence of violence is faithful neither to this particular story nor the times, yet this is an instance where showing violence would not be exploitative. How ironic that ABC would subject a Bible story to stricter standards than, say, its Saturday morning Ghostbusters cartoons. ... Many viewers who believe in God probably will not be thrilled to see the story of David and Goliath reduced to the insipid level of The Care Bears, The Wuzzles or any of the dozen other animated series that specialize in mild homilies. Inasmuch as the Bible stories have enduring theological and literary significance, I'm not sure children are served by Rushnell's sincere but condescending approach.[7]
Alan Bunce of The Christian Science Monitor gave a mixed review: "Creatively, the program easily qualifies as high-quality children's entertainment. But reaction to the message will also depend on a viewer's individual tolerance of the show's free-wheeling treatment of religious themes, and its use of fantasy, magic, and symbolism in delivering Judeo-Christian messages. These flow through the dialogue and the show's bouncy musical numbers."[16] Robert Bianco of the Pittsburgh Press was concerned over the depiction of Bible characters as animals, and their merchandising potential thereof. On the character of David, he wrote, "... I suppose [he] has suffered greater indignities than being turned into a religious Care Bear."[6] The Hollywood magazine Variety (in its December 10, 1986 issue) thought it was ill-suited as a network show for children, and remarked that the "plodding story has too little action or humor or plot to keep many kids entertained".[4] In 1989, Texe Marrs referred to Little David's Adventure as "sacrilegious and New Age to the hilt".[17] The special received a positive review from Dale and Karen Mason, the authors of 1996's How to Get the Best Out of TV Before It Gets the Best Out of You.[18]
From the time of Kingdom Chums' initial broadcast, ABC planned several follow-up specials[5] along with a regular series.[19] One of the planned specials involved a bear named Princess Essie, in an adaptation of the story of Esther;[5] another was to be based on the New Testament.[16] By late 1987, the network looked into partnering with The Walt Disney Company on a series of hour-long episodes.[20] Instead, Little David's Adventure was followed by a 1990 video sequel, The Kingdom Chums: Original Top Ten. A new animation team, headed by Rick Reinert,[4] worked on the production; this time, there were no live-action segments.[4] One character, Osborne, replaces the previous protagonist Sauli here, and some character names were altered as well. It also aired in April 1992,[21] and again in April 1993,[4] as part of the ABC Weekend Specials anthology.
Webster and Mr. Belvedere will be preempted from 7 to 8 pm [Central Time] for The Kingdom Chums: Little David's Adventure.