Rediscover the Magic: Why Jim Henson’s The StoryTeller is a Must-Watch Classic!

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In this captivating sentiment, narrated by the legendary John Hurt, we find the essence of Jim Henson’s extraordinary yet underestimated series, “The StoryTeller.” A brilliant fusion of dark European legends, breathtaking creature designs from Henson’s iconic Creature Shop, and Hurt’s spellbinding performance, this series continues to shine in the world of children’s entertainment, appealing equally to adults. If you’re a devotee of Henson’s other fantasy masterpieces like “Labyrinth” or “The Dark Crystal,” you’ll find yourself perfectly at ease here.

Initially airing as part of Jim Henson’s “The Jim Henson Hour” on NBC, “The StoryTeller” would commence with actor John Hurt portraying the title character, setting the stage for the tale ahead, whether it be the dangers of heeding advice unwisely or the bliss of lovers, or the adventures of heroes. In response to him is the storyteller’s sarcastic and witty dog, played by Brian Henson. The puppet performances, created by Henson’s skilled team, form the majority of the worlds in which these stories unfold. As you would expect from Henson’s acclaimed reputation, the puppet performances are of high quality. The production values are exceptional, encompassing everything from the music to the impressive sets.

The cherry on the cake, for me, is Hurt’s exceptional performance. His skillful acting and captivating narration, as the StoryTeller, keep you engrossed in every story he shares. He left an indelible impression on my young mind, turning me into a lifelong admirer of his work.

The series encompasses nine unique episodes, each blending obscure European folktales with a hint of fancifulness and a trace of gloominess. Numerous narratives are either reinterpretations or creative mixes of well-known stories. For example, “Sapsorrow” merges aspects from Grimm’s tales “Allerleirauh” and “Cinderella“, while “Stone Soup” retells the classic Celtic story with a destitute beggar and a struggling Storyteller as its main characters. The Germanic origins of many stories give them an eerie, brooding atmosphere that adds to their allure.

1. Another story, much like “Beauty and the Beast,” is “Hans My Hedgehog.” In this tale, a woman yearns for a child, regardless of its form, and receives a son who is half hedgehog. His enchantment can only be lifted through trust and love.

2. The protagonist in “Fear Not” is a fearless young man who faces challenges ranging from lake monsters to bandits, seeking to understand the essence of fear.

3. In “The Three Ravens,” a benevolent king and his offspring are tormented by a witch, with the princess, cursed to be silent, finding a way to lift the family’s curse.

4. Lastly, “The True Bride” is about an orphan girl taken in by a wicked troll. She is saved by the beloved character from “The Jim Henson Hour,” the Thought Lion.

In this television series, you’ll find an outstanding ensemble of British thespians bringing these characters to life. Eagle-eyed viewers will recognize several well-known faces, including Sean Bean (who surprisingly survives throughout), Johnathan Pryce, a young Miranda Richardson (best known as Rita Skeeter from Harry Potter), Philip Jackson and Pauline Moran (Inspector Japp and Miss Lemon of Poirot), Alison Doody and Robert Eddison (Elsa and The Knight of Indiana Jones: Last Crusade), among many others.

In 1990, a four-episode series based on Greek Mythology was also produced, with a young Michael Gambon (known later as Dumbledore) narrating the tales. Similar to the original show, it was well-made but didn’t quite capture the same charm as the 9-episode version for me. Regrettably, this series began production just before Jim Henson passed away, and only four stories were completed due to low ratings. Despite winning Emmys for it, the show, called the “Jim Henson Hour,” was ultimately cancelled. However, luckily HBO rebroadcast both the original 9 episodes and the Greek mythology spin-off in 1997.

You have the opportunity to watch “The StoryTeller” for free across several platforms such as YouTube, Peacock, Amazon Prime Video, Crackle, and Sling TV. But, I strongly suggest you purchase a hard copy of this series as it’s truly worthwhile. After all, we’re aware that the licensing rights can change unpredictably.

For me, this series feels just as warm and inviting as sitting by a Storyteller’s fireside. It’s a delight I keep returning to, and I must say, it stands out as an exceptional gem within the Jim Henson legacy. Definitely worth checking out!

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2025-04-05 15:30