10 March 1984 (1984-03-10) – 24 December 1998 (1998-12-24)
James the Cat is a 1984 British animated children's series created by Kate Canning and produced by Jan Clayton with Grampian Television.[1][2] It chronicles the many events which take place at the Cornerhouse (number 104) between James and his new animal friends. Fellow characters include Mrs. Lavender, a snail; Frieda, a kangaroo; Citroen, a French frog; Rocky, a dimwitted rabbit; and Dennis, a pink fire-breathing Welsh-accented Chinese dragon. There is also a beehive in the garden at the Cornerhouse. Next door are Ma and Pa Rat, and their rat children.[3]
Description
The programme changes quite a bit between the 2 series. In the first, James is a newcomer to the garden at the Cornerhouse, and must learn to live with the other animals there. In the first episode of the second series, James becomes a diplomat (though sometimes he is referred to as a VIP). In subsequent episodes, he and the others travel to distant lands or receive important visitors.
Home media
There were two VHS tapes released by Tempo Video.
VHS Name
Catalogue Number
Release Year
Episodes
James the Cat and Friends
V9005
1987
Friends
Rock Garden
The Corner House
The Inventor
The Takeover
Art Attack
Treasure
The Greedy Caterpillar
Out and About with James the Cat
V9006
1987
Kites
Lunch
James G.P.
The Seaside
Arfur Mark
The Thunderstorm
Sums
The Big Top
Screen Entertainment also released one VHS tape.
VHS Name
Catalogue Number
Release Year
Episodes
James the Cat: Neighbours
SE 9002
1988
Neighbours
Tea for Toad
The Confused Goose
Playground
Bee Bop
Pa Rat's Problem
Water-works
The Dentist
Slim Chance
The Birthday Party
Reception
Common Sense Media described the series as "Sophisti-catted tales best for older preschoolers".[4]