"A Mighty Fortress is Our God" (Martin Luther, circa 1529) serves as the theme song for this well-received children's series, produced by the Lutheran Church in America, and often written by children's book author Nancy Wible, who initially would also voice this program's female characters.
But while the message remains constant, times do change. Beginning at a time when ladies, gentlemen and children would continue to wear their finest clothing to Sunday services, difficult choices may lie between selecting a dress or blouse and skirt, hat or veil, or between a suit and blazer, necktie or bow-tie, and fedora, which gentlemen were expected to remove upon entrance, whereas the ladies were expected to retain hair coverings indoors. Today, while few fellowship retain such mandates, this series helps to reminisce upon changes reflected by society, while politeness toward others remains, of course, virtuous.
Between 1960 and 1965, the series of 314 fifteen-minute episodes would gain in recognition and popularity, to air across network lines for broadcast to a height of a 90% market share on Saturday mornings or sometimes on Sunday mornings between presentations of church services or sermon programs.
For a period, the fifteen-minute format was set aside in favor of recurring 30-minute "Davey and Goliath" specials, before resuming in its regular format for several additional seasons.
Vocal Talent for this clay animation (or Claymation) series is provided by an assortment of performers in the roles of parents (voice), John Hansen (Hal Smith, 1961-1976) and Elaine Hansen (Ginny Tyler, 1961-1962, also doubling as Sally), daughter Sally Hansen (Nancy Wible, 1960-1968), son David 'Davey' Hansen (Dick Beals, 1960-1964; Norma MacMillan, 1965-1975), and various friends, neighbors and community leaders. Goliath the pet dog stands nearly as tall as Davey, who is able to hear his voice whereas nobody else in the cast may.
Davey's peers would differ in configurations, usually three friends, including an African-American buddy, as the youth would learn a moral lesson of the day, initially regarding a topic of respect or reverence, then segueing into topical concerns of the period, whether they apply these lessons immediately or learn by episode's ending.
But the presentation would remain non-didactic, but open to connect with audiences of all faiths and creeds in beneficial manner, suitable to manners then and now, for "Davey and Goliath" remains a Classic from age to age, and for audiences of all ages.
