TV Show spotlight
Long Ago and Far Away
Long Ago and Far Away is a TV series that aired on PBS Television from 1989 to 1993. It was created by WGBH, a public television broadcast service located in Boston, Massachusetts. WGBH is a member of PBS, which allowed for this TV series to be viewed on various other PBS stations. Each episode began with host James Earl Jones sitting in a chair in a room with a table, lamp and window. The walls were blue with white dots in order to make it appear as if these living room items were sitting out in space. James Earl Jones talks during the short opening section, then acts as narrator for the balance of an episode. This series, aimed at children aged six to nine years old, presents stories based on traditional fairy tales. A number of presentation methods were used to tell these stories, with stop motion animation, live-action or cel animation being used depending on the episode. Long Ago and Far Away also featured a number of guest narrators including: Tammy Grimes, Kim Loughran, David Suchet, and Mia Farrow.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary explores the enduring appeal of fairy tales and their impact on culture and imagination. It delves into the origins of beloved stories and their adaptations across different media. The film features interviews with scholars, writers, and artists who share their insights on why these tales continue to resonate with audiences of all ages. It highlights the universal themes of wonder, morality, and the human condition found within these timeless narratives.
Critical Reception
Long Ago and Far Away received a generally positive reception, particularly for its educational value and charming presentation of fairy tale history. It was praised as an engaging and accessible introduction to the world of folklore for families and younger audiences. While not a major critical darling, its niche appeal and thoughtful exploration of its subject matter were widely appreciated.
What Reviewers Say
Appreciated for its educational content on fairy tales.
Seen as a charming and accessible documentary for families.
Praised for its thoughtful exploration of folklore's cultural impact.
Google audience: Information regarding specific Google user reviews is not readily available for this title.
Fun Fact
The documentary features insights from numerous folklorists and authors, highlighting the collaborative effort to explore the vast landscape of fairy tales.
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