''Hans Christian Andersen'', also known as ''Paramount Pictures Presents Hans Christian Andersen'' and known in Japan as , is a Japanese

anime is hand-drawn and computer-generated animation originating from Japan. Outside of Japan and in English, ''anime'' refers specifically to animation produced in Japan. However, in Japan and in Japanese, (a term derived from a shortening of ...

anthology series An anthology series is a radio, television, video game or film series that spans different genres and presents a different story and a different set of characters in each different episode, season, segment, or short. These usually have a di ...

based on the legendary stories of

Hans Christian Andersen Hans Christian Andersen ( , ; 2 April 1805 – 4 August 1875) was a Danish author. Although a prolific writer of plays, travelogues, novels, and poems, he is best remembered for his literary fairy tales. Andersen's fairy tales, consist ...

which aired on

Fuji TV JOCX-DTV (channel 8), branded as and colloquially known as CX, is a Japanese television station based in Odaiba, Minato, Tokyo, Japan. Owned and operated by the it is the key station of the Fuji News Network (FNN) and the Fuji Network S ...

from January 3 to December 26, 1971. It consists of 52 episodes and was produced by

Mushi Production or Mushi Pro for short, is a Japanese animation studio headquartered in Fujimidai, Nerima, Tokyo, Japan. It previously had a headquarters elsewhere in Nerima. The studio was headed by manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Tezuka started it as a rivalry wit ...

and Zuiyo Enterprise. Third entry in the ''Calpis Comic Theater'', a precursor of the

World Masterpiece Theater was a Japanese TV anime staple that showcased an animated version of a different classical book or story each year from 19:30 to 20:00 on Sunday on Fuji TV. It originally aired from 1969 to 1997 and from 2007 to 2009. Commonly abbreviated to ...

series. Zuiyo Enterprise, would split in 1975 into

Nippon Animation is a Japanese animation studio. The company is headquartered in Tokyo, with chief offices in the Ginza district of Chūō and production facilities in Tama City. Nippon Animation is known for producing numerous anime series based on works of ...

Company, Ltd. (which employed some of the anime's production staff and continued with the World Masterpiece Theater franchise) and Zuiyo Company, Ltd., which retained the rights of the series along with Mushi Production.

Premise

The series has been broadcast three years after '' The World of Hans Christian Andersen'' (''Anderusen Monogatari'', 1968), an eponymous and thematically similar feature length movie produced by

Toei Animation () is a Japanese animation studio primarily controlled by its namesake Toei Company. It has produced numerous series, including '' Sally the Witch,'' '' GeGeGe no Kitarō,'' '' Mazinger Z'', '' Galaxy Express 999'', '' Cutie Honey'', '' Dr. Sl ...

. The film and the series also have in common composer Seiichirō Uno, lyricist Hisashi Inoue, screenplay writer Morihisa Yamamoto and voice actress

Eiko Masuyama is a Japanese actress and narrator. She works for Aoni Production. She is most known for originating the roles of Fujiko Mine (''Lupin III''), Honey Kisaragi (''Cutie Honey''), and Bakabon's Mama (''Tensai Bakabon''). Early life Eiko Masuyama ...

. In the TV series, some Andersen tales were each told in one episode, while others were told over several episodes. For a total of 31 storylines spanning 52 episodes. Two pixies were used as a framing device (a gimmick later reused in ''

Grimm's Fairy Tale Classics ''Grimm's Fairy Tale Classics'', also known as ''Grimm Masterpiece Theater'' (グリム名作劇場 ''Gurimu meisaku gekijō'') in the original version and ''The Grimm's Fairy Tales'' (in Australia and New Zealand), is a Japanese anime antholo ...

''). The many different staff members were encouraged to vary their styles, often taking liberties. Several episodes were serious and dramatic, others light-hearted. In English-speaking countries the series was released in the 1970s by

Paramount Television The original incarnation of Paramount Television was the name of the television production division of the American film studio Paramount Pictures, that was responsible for the production of Viacom television programs, until it changed its name ...

under the title ''Hans Christian Andersen''. ATLAB Australia was hired to dub the anime. The English adapation by Noel Judd kept the original jazz-rock Japanese musical score, while often altering some character names and dialogues, sometimes in order to change overly sad endings (as in episode 5). Episodes from the English dub are currently extremely difficult to find. The English adaptation of the series also served as a basis for dubs that aired in other countries outside Japan during the 1980s, such as Italy (in Syndacation), Germany (

Sat.1 Sat.1 is a German free-to-air television channel that is a part of the ProSiebenSat.1 Media Group. It is considered the first privately owned television network in Germany, having been launched in January 1984 as ''PKS'' ''(Programmgesellscha ...

and Kabel.1), Catalonia ( TV3), Bulgaria ( BT1), Mexico ( XEQ-TV Canal 9), Greece ( ERT and ET3) and in the Middle East ( Kuwait Television).

Synopsis

In order to sign up to the University of the Fairy Land, it's necessary to collect 101 magic cards that appear out of nowhere when a good deed is performed. The pixies Bubbles and Bingo (Candy and Zukko in Japanese), have the opportunity to appear in the world of Andersen's fairy tales to try to modify the endings for the better: they will therefore try to intervene in the plots of fairy tales to change the course, but without much success.

Cast and characters

Source: *

as , Bubbles in English dub, a clumsy but romantic female shapeshifting apprentice pixie, who dreams to become a princess. Similar in appearance to a pig, she has thick blonde hair, a tail of the same color and wears a burgundy bodysuit. Masuyama also voiced Anna, the little match girl in the last episode. *

Yasuo Yamada was a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator. Career Yamada left the faculty of literature of Waseda University, and had performed in many stage, radio, and television productions. He appeared in performances of plays by Hisashi Inoue. His ...

as , Bingo in English dub, Bubbles' mischievous male pixie companion who constantly teases her. He has brown curly hair, a tail of the same color and he's completely naked. *

Minori Matsushima was a Japanese actress, voice actress and narrator that worked for Aoni Production. She was most known for the roles of Candice White Adley ('' Candy Candy''), Hiyoko Isu (''The Song of Tentomushi''), Alexandria Meat (''Kinnikuman''), Sayaka ...

– Ugly Duckling (eps. 1–2), Rudy (eps. 38–40) * Ranko Mizuki – Mother Duck (eps. 1–2) *

Kei Tomiyama , better known by his stage name , was a Japanese actor, voice actor, and narrator born in Anshan, Manchukuo. Tomiyama was affiliated with Aoni Production and Production Baobab. Tomiyama is best known for his roles in '' Tiger Mask'' (Naoto ...

– Tom (ep. 6), Fisherman Wong (eps. 11–12), Swallow (eps. 9–10) * Yoshiko Yamamoto – Mouse (ep. 6), Ketty/Karen (eps. 42–43) *

Michiko Hirai Michiko Hirai (平井道子, ''Hirai Michiko'', September 9, 1935 – July 3, 1984) was a Japanese actress and voice actress from Tokyo. She worked for Theater Echo. She is most known for originating the roles of Sally in '' Sally the Witch'', ...

– Ming Ming (eps. 11–12), Betty Ball (ep. 20), Helga (eps. 22–23), Princess B (ep. 22), Little Mermaid Aqua (eps. 31–33), Marte (ep. 48), Evil Snow Queen (eps. 50–51), Anna's Mother (ep. 52) * Kosei Tomita – Sultan (ep. 6), Emperor of China (eps. 11–12) * Kuri Yoko – Thumbelina (eps. 7–10) *

Natsuko Kawaji is a feminine Japanese given name. Possible writings Natsuko can be written using different kanji characters and can mean: *夏子, "summer, child" *懐子, "reminiscence, yearn, child" *捺子, "press, print, affix a seal, stamp, child" *奈� ...

– Johanna/Lisa, Thumbelina's Mother (eps. 7–10) * Junko Hori – Witch (eps. 7–10) * Ichiro Nagai – Kuppe (eps. 7–10) * Terue Nunami – Lady Mouse (eps. 9–10), Sea Witch (ep. 32), Princess No. 3 (eps. 31–33) *

Junpei Takiguchi , better known by his stage name , was a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator from Chiba Prefecture. Besides his many narration and dubbing roles, he was also known for his roles in '' Time Bokan'' (as Perasuke), '' Yatterman'' (as Dokurobe ...

– Mole (eps. 9–10) * Hiroko Maruyama – Flower Prince (ep. 10) * Yoshiko Ohta – Shepherdess Ellen (eps. 13–14), Young Ole (ep. 24) * Sumiko Shirakawa – Chimney Sweep Chris (ep. 13–14), Peter/Johann (eps. 27–29), Carl (eps. 42–43) * Mahito Tsujimura – Satyr (eps. 13–14), Hans/Larson (eps. 42–43) * Koji Yada – Chen, Ellen's Grandfather/Stepfather (eps. 13–14), Viking King (ep. 21–23) *

Masako Nozawa is a Japanese actress, voice actress and narrator. Throughout her life, she has been affiliated with Production Baobab, 81 Produce and self-owned Office Nozawa; she is also affiliated with Aoni Production. Her late husband, Masaaki Tsukada, ...

– Marco (ep. 15) * Kimie Nakajima – Woman (ep. 15) * Kinto Tamura – Painter Angelo (ep. 15), Sea Lion (eps. 31, 33) * Nobuyo Oyama – Top (ep. 20) * Masato Tsujii – Marsh King (eps. 21-23) * Haruko Kitahama – Cassandra/Selima (eps. 21–23) * Kazuko Makino – Viking's Wife (eps. 21-23), Sister A (ep. 22) *

Makio Inoue Makio may refer to: * Makio, grind used in Aggressive Inline Skating * ''MakiO'', the yearbook of Ohio State University The Ohio State University, commonly called Ohio State or OSU, is a public land-grant research university in Columbus ...

– Prince Arsid (ep. 23), Travelling Companion (eps. 27–29) * Michiko Nomura – Ilze (ep. 24), Gerda (eps. 50–51) *

Toshiya Ueda was a Japanese voice actor who worked for 81 Produce. He died on February 8, 2022, at the age of 88. Filmography Television animation *''Jungle Emperor'' (1965) (Lion A) *'' Sabu to Ichi Torimono Hikae'' (1968) (Rihei) *'' Andersen Stories'' ...

– Ole the Dream-god (ep. 24) *

Keiko Tomochika Keiko may refer to: * Keiko (given name), a feminine Japanese given name * Emperor Keiko * Keiko (orca), a performing killer whale best known for the film ''Free Willy'' ** "Keiko" (song), a single by Lucerito dedicated to Keiko the orca * Keiko (m ...

– Maru Maru (ep. 24), Princess Milene/Frida (ep. 33) * Sachiko Chijimatsu – Mary/Lily (ep. 27–29), Princess No. 2, 4 (eps. 31–33) *

Masashi Amenomori was a Japanese actor and voice actor. Death Amenomori died of cirrhosis on April 9, 1984. At the time of his death he was represented by Aoni Production. Notable voice work *'' Ai Shite Knight'' (Juliano) ''final role'' *'' Gatchaman'' (Debu) ...

– Circus Owner (eps. 27–28), Anna's Father (ep. 52) *

Akio Nojima is a Japanese actor, voice actor and narrator from Nishitōkyō, Tokyo. His sons, Hirofumi Nojima and Kenji Nojima, are voice actors and his other son Satoshi is a nature writer. He was formerly affiliated with Tokyo Actor's Consumer's Coopera ...

– Prince (eps. 31–33) *

Osamu Saka is a Japanese actor and voice actor, who is managed by talent agency Aoni Production. He was born in Osaka, Osaka Prefecture. Filmography Television animation ;1960s *'' Gigantor'' (1963) – Gavan *'' Kamui the Ninja'' (1969) – Sukumi ;1 ...

– King Neptune (eps. 31–32) * Kineko Nakamura – Nanny/Grandmother (eps. 31–33) * Itoko Kikuchi – Princess No. 1, 5 (eps. 31–33) *

Keiko Yamamoto , born August 7, 1943, is a Japanese voice actress from Osaka Prefecture. Many of her roles have been older women, young boys, or tomboyish young girls. Filmography Anime television series * Akado Suzunosuke – Akadō Suzunosuke * Andersen ...

– Ib as a Child (eps. 35–36) * Taichiro Hirokawa – Ib (eps. 35–36) * Hiroko Suzuki – Christina (eps. 35–36) * Junji Chiba – Jeppe, Ib's Father (eps. 35–36), Storyteller (ep. 49) *

Noriko Ohara , better known by her stage name , is a Japanese actress and voice actress. She was previously represented by Aoni Production, then Production Baobab, but is now freelance. Her son is Sunrise animator . She is best known for the roles of Nob ...

– Ferone the Ice Maiden (eps. 38–40) * Miyoko Aso – Ferone's Nanny/Vertigo (eps. 38–40) * Masako Ebisu – Babette (eps. 38–40) * Ryusuke Shiomi – Babette's Father (eps. 38–40) * Koichi Kitamura – Carl's Father (eps. 42–43) * Toshiko Maeda – Carl's Mother (eps. 42–43) * Gentarō Inoue – Johann/Andy (eps. 42–43), King Frederick (eps. 46–47) *

Yoshiko Matsuo Yoshiko is a feminine Japanese given name. Possible writings The name Yoshiko can have a variety of different meanings depending on which kanji characters are used to write it. Over 200 possible variations of the name exist. Some of the most comm ...

– Eliza (eps. 45–47) * Kohei Miyauchi – Eliza's Father (eps. 45–47) * Kazue Takahashi – Evil Queen Carla (eps. 45–47), Kirt/Kirk (ep. 49) * Shingo Kanemoto – Bad Priest (ep. 47) * Reiko Muto – Psyche/Cassandra (ep. 49)

Additional English voices

* Barbara Frawley * Beryl Marshall * Derani Scarr * Jane Harders * Jinx Lootens * Noel Judd * Phillip Hinton *

Robin Stewart Robin Stewart (9 October 1946 – 22 November 2015) was an English actor, game show host and reporter who was best known for playing Mike Abbott, the son of Sid James' character Sid Abbott in the 1970s sitcom '' Bless This House''. Early life ...

* Roy Hartley

Episodes

Music

All songs in the series are composed and arranged by

Seiichirō Uno Seiichirō, Seiichiro, Seiichirou or Seiichiroh (written: 誠一郎, 清一朗 or 征一郎) is a masculine Japanese given name. Notable people with the name include: *, Japanese tennis player *, Japanese footballer *, Japanese footballer *, Japan ...

, and written together with Hisashi Inoue and Morihisa Yamamoto. Opening theme "Mr. Andersen" (ミスターアンデルセン) by Taeko Sakurai with Young Fresh Ending theme 1) "Candy's song" (キャンティのうた, ''Kyandī no Uta'') by

with Young Fresh (eps. 1–2, 5 and 6–52 in even-numbered episodes) 2) "Zukko's song" (ズッコのうた, ''Zukko no Uta'') by

with Young Fresh (eps. 3–4 and 7–51 in odd-numbered episodes)

Releases

The series has been released both on VHS and DVD in Japan. In 2005,

Nippon Columbia , often pronounced ''Korombia'', operating internationally as , is a Japanese record label founded in 1910 as Nipponophone Co., Ltd. It affiliated itself with the Columbia Graphophone Company of the United Kingdom and adopted the standard UK C ...

released the entire series on DVD, celebrating Andersen's 200th birth anniversary. A selection of episodes (in no particular order) was first released in January, 2005, as 5 single DVDs: "The Ugly Duckling", "The Little Mermaid", "The Red Shoes", "The Wild Swans" and "The Little Match Girl" along with "The Snow Queen". The DVD-BOX was released in 3 volumes from March of the same year. (BOX 1 as the above-mentioned 5-disc set on March 23, 2005; BOX 2 as a 4-disc set on June 29, 2005, and BOX 3 as a 5-disc set on September 28, 2005). On December 17, 2008, "Complete BOX", a set of all 14 volumes, was also released. Due to the release method mentioned above, the episodes order of each volume doesn't always match the actual broadcasting order. The original soundtrack album by Seiichirō Uno was also re-issued as a 2-disc CD, containing also songs not used in the series. With the exception of a 5-episode DVD issued in Germany, the series has never been released on home-video abroad.

International titles

*Andersen Stories (Literal English) *Hans Christian Andersen (English) *Paramount Pictures Presents Hans Christian Andersen (Alternative English) *Le fiabe di Andersen (Italian) *Pixi in Wolkenkuckucksheim (German) *Las fábulas de Hans Christian Andersen (Spanish) *Τα Παραμύθια του Άντερσεν (Greek) *لمياء وتابعها شيكو (Arabic) *アンデルセン物語 (Japanese)

References

External links

* *
''Andersen Monogatari''
at

the Big Cartoon DataBase The Big Cartoon DataBase (or BCDB for short) is an online database of information about animated cartoons, animated feature films, animated television shows, and cartoon shorts. The BCDB project began in 1997 as a list of Disney animated feat ...

*
Andersen Monogatari
' at Fernsehserien.de
Official website
{{World Masterpiece Theater Animation anthology series 1971 anime television series debuts Fuji TV original programming World Masterpiece Theater series Television shows based on fairy tales Television shows based on works by Hans Christian Andersen Adventure anime and manga Fantasy anime and manga Children's manga