Fabian van Fallada

Fabian of Fallada, a young officer, is wrongfully accused of robbery and treason and convicted. Saved by the intervention of a kindly old woman with magical powers, he sets out on a quest to clear his name and find the real culprit. During his travels he meets with a wide cross-section of society, from modest farmers to castle-owning nobles.

Time has not been entirely kind to "Fabian" : the images are black-and-white while the special effects.. the special effects.. well.. Anyhow.. However, the quality still shines through.

This is how you do a television series for children : a rousing story set in an interesting (though often neglected) historical period ; a winning mix of adventure, fantasy and romance ; a cohesive cast made up by charismatic young newcomers and grizzled veterans ; delightful folk music ; and, finally, an overwhelming sense of discovery and fun. Villains are bested, plots are thwarted and order is restored amidst much flashing of swords and buckling of swashes. Even the white magic is strangely sweet and convincing.

A television classic from an age of television classics.