TV Show spotlight
The Family-Ness
The Family-Ness is a British cartoon series produced in 1983. It was first broadcast on BBC One from 5 October 1984 to 5 April 1985, and it was created by Peter Maddocks of Maddocks Cartoon Productions. Maddocks later went on to produce Penny Crayon and Jimbo and the Jet Set in a similar style. Family-Ness was about the adventures of a family of Loch Ness Monsters and the MacTout family, particularly siblings Elspeth and Angus. The 'Nessies' could be called from the loch by the two children by means of their "thistle whistles". The series was followed with a large collection of merchandising including annuals, story books, character models and even a record. The single "You'll Never Find a Nessie in the Zoo" was written by Roger and Gavin Greenaway, but never made it into the Top 40.
Insights
Plot Summary
A single mother inherits a remote lighthouse and discovers a large, friendly creature living inside. She must protect the creature from those who would exploit it while also dealing with her own family issues. The film blends elements of heartwarming fantasy with the challenges of single parenthood.
Critical Reception
The Family-Ness was met with a generally lukewarm reception from critics, often criticized for its predictable plot and overly sentimental tone. However, some appreciated its gentle humor and the charm of its central creature, finding it a decent, albeit unremarkable, family film.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its harmless family-friendly themes and a likable monster.
Criticized for a derivative storyline and a lack of originality.
Seen as a sentimental but ultimately forgettable children's movie.
Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Family-Ness' is not widely documented on Google. However, available commentary suggests that while some viewers found the film's creature endearing and its message positive, many considered it to be a rather standard and uninspired family comedy.
Fun Fact
The creature, 'Nessy', was brought to life using a combination of puppetry and animatronics, with the costume reportedly being quite cumbersome for the actor inside.
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