Reviews

A simple but highly enjoyable story of a dragon from space crash lands in England. Danny and the children enjoy a series of comic adventures before Danny returns safely, with the help of the children, to his home planet.

Although filmed in black and white the series remained exciting and with a ten week run we flocked back to the cinema to catch up with Danny and the children each week.

The cast features a wealth of familiar child actors who continued with successful film careers together with a strong adult cast.

It is rare to see this series anywhere nowadays, the special effects are minimal compared to today's effects but the story remains fun and enchanting.

Those of us who fondly remember the Saturday Morning picture clubs that ran at cinemas throughout the UK and Commonwealth will recall this 6 episode serial made by Associated British Pathe for the Children's Film Foundation in the sixties.

An episode would accompany a CFF feature film to form part of the weekly programme.

The series was shot in glorious colour and was a true adventure in every sense with each 16 minute episode packed with adventure, action, drama and comedy. The storytelling was easy to follow for children of all ages. Cast members became familiar faces as they would appear in a number of CFF films and serials. Shot on location and enhanced with colour on the big screen this was an epic adventure that left you excited and waiting for the following week's edition.

In later years the six episodes were broadcast on BBC television in the UK during the Children's programming slot.

Nowadays most CFF material is hard to find. While some of it has become dated some programmes such as this and Treasure in Malta remain enjoyable.

A little dated by today's standards this Children's Film Foundation feature film packs in plenty of adventure and thrills for the target audience.

The regulars of the child actors performing in this feature perform their roles well and are appropriately supported by the adult cast led by Gordon Jackson who puts in a sterling performance. Throughout the film you are rooting for the children while hissing at the bad guys.

Originally shown at Children's Saturday morning picture shows at cinemas in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth, as part of a familiar programme of a short feature film, usually running for 58 minutes or so together with a weekly serial and a cartoon or comedy short, in later years it was broadcast on BBC television in the UK during the Children's programming slot.