Timm Thaler

Yes, I too remember this being screened on BBC TV in the mid/late 1980s.

It was quite a long series, so unfortunately I quite literally lost the plot some time around when Tim recruited an old nun to his cause.

If had seen it through to the end, then maybe I would be able to give it a higher rating.

One thing I do remember is that the early bet mentioned by one of the other two reviewers was about it raining _tomatoes_ not oranges!

I suppose explaining how the Baron managed to conjure that up would be a 'spoiler'!

Despite the touches of humour, it was quite dark for a children's drama.

I don't just mean the Mephistophelean character of the Baron (did we ever see his eyes or did he always wear sunglasses?).

The all too real manner in which the Baron takes away Tim's smile made it really dark from the outset...

I won't explain or that would be a really major league 'spoiler'.

I'll just say it packed quite an unexpected emotional punch for me at the time.

I too have been haunted by this series ever since, so I'm glad to hear it's available on DVD and that there is a source novel.