The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon

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The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon
Genre Children's television series
Comedy
Musical
Fantasy
Slice of life
Created byIra Levy
Peter Williamson
Alex Galatis
Based onThe Conserving Kingdom by the Ontario Ministry of Energy
Developed byYTV Studios
Directed byStan Swan
Richard Mortimer
Louise Shekter
Allan Novak
E. Jane Thompson
Sue Brophey
Darrell Wasyk
Shelagh O'Brien (assistant)
Laurie Carstens (associate)
Presented byMark Gordon
Starring Daniel DeSanto
Kirk Dunn
Alex Galatis
Daniel Goodfellow
Natasha Greenblatt
Graham Greene
Anthony Scavone
Asia Vieira
Robin Weekes
Voices ofAlex Galatis
James Rankin
Wende Welch
Sue Morrison
Patrick McKenna
Theme music composer Glenn Schellenberg
Opening theme"The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon", sung by Jackie Richardson
Ending theme"The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon", sung by Jackie Richardson
Composers Glenn Schellenberg
Andrew Zealley
Cam Machinnes
Alex Galatis (song lyrics)
Evelyne Datl
Randy Vancourt
Country of originCanada
Original languagesEnglish
French
No. of seasons5
No. of episodes65
Production
Executive producersIra Levy
Peter Williamson
ProducersIra Levy
Peter Williamson
Breakthrough Films & Television Inc.
Production locations Toronto, Ontario, Canada
EditorsDarren Jennekens
Jay Houpt
Camera setupSteven W. Benson
John Dynes
John Fox
Steve Cruickshank
Ted Hart
Eric Schurman
Kim Stephenson
Tom Swartz
Alfie Kemp
Blair Locke
Running time30 min.
Production company Breakthrough Films & Television Inc.
Original release
Network TVOntario (1993–1995)
YTV (1996–1997)
ReleaseOctober 8, 1993 (1993-10-08) 
September 13, 1997 (1997-09-13)

The Adventures of Dudley the Dragon is a Canadian children's television series which aired on YTV in Canada and on public television stations (through Tampa, Florida PBS member station WEDU) in the U.S. It aired from 1993 to 1997 and later reran until 1999. Made in live-action, it incorporated actors, full body costume characters (notably the titular dragon) and puppets.

Contents

Graham Greene won a Gemini Award in 1994 for his role. [1] He was nominated in 1998 for the episode The Tiny Little Raincloud. [2] Jackie Burroughs was also nominated in 1994 for the same award, this time for performing in the episode High Flying Dragon. [3]

Premise

The series follows Dudley, a dragon who recently woke up from centuries of hibernation and his new 10-year-old friends Matt and Sally, both of whom guide Dudley around the modern world and the trio would learn about environmentalism, friendship and pro-social values. Besides Matt and Sally, Dudley was later joined by other kids, Terry, Julia, Mickey and Laura. Other recurring characters included a laid back frog named Sammy, the Robins, a grouchy apple tree named Mr. Crabby Tree and a lovable caveman.

Cast

Puppets

The remaining puppets were all hand puppets, performed by James Rankin, Sue Morrison, and (in early episodes) Wende Welch.

The kids

Recurring characters

These characters, while mostly portrayed by well-known performers, made several appearances throughout the series.

Guest stars

Episodes

Season 1 (1993)

Episode #TitleSummaryCharactersWritten/directed byOriginal airdate
1"Dudley Finds His Home"Dudley emerges from a 100-century slumber and finds to his horror that everything has changed. It's up to two children (who are as amazed at Dudley as he is about this new world) to convince Dudley that he is still on familiar ground.

First appearances of Dudley, Sally, Matt, Mr. and Mrs. Robin and Sammy.

Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Sammy the Frog
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Stan Swan
2"Dudley's Tea Party"A planned tea party goes awry when all the water around Dudley dries up.

First appearance of Katrina the Whale.

Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Sammy the Frog
Katrina the Whale
Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Richard Mortimer
Louise Shekter (French director)
3"Mr. Crabby Tree"Mr. Crabby Tree gets his first appearance on the show and he ends up leaving Dudley spinning through the tree rings of time! Now, Dudley must try to do what he can do to get back to his own home timeline.

First appearances of Mr. Crabby Tree and Didi the Woodpecker.

Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Didi the Woodpecker
Guest Starring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Written by: Alex Galatis

Directed by: Richard Mortimer

4"Dudley and the Genie"Is it all too good to be true for after Dudley finds a Genie? He really wants Dudley to waste his energy resources.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Sammy the Frog
Guest Starring: Sky Gilbert as the Genie
Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
5"Dudley Meets Mr. Can"When Dudley awakes up of his birthday party, He runs into a nasty demeanour problem from his garbage can. Dudley says he's totally absolved from the blame for making a pile of garbage, but is he? He must find the real truth!Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Guest Starring: Ed Sahely as Clarence the Can
Written by: Susin Nielsen
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Richard Mortimer
Louise Shekter (French director)
6"Dudley Gets a Tummy Ache"Sally is convinced about the fact that Dudley has become poisoned, as a bitter wind comes through!Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Written by: Alex Galatis

Directed by: Stan Swan

7"Dudley Meets a Tiny Giant"A Tiny Giant teaches Dudley several things about insects' relationship with plants.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Sammy the Frog
Guest Starring: Gary Farmer as the Tiny Giant
Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
8"High Flyin' Dragon"Dudley leases a hot-air balloon, and in it, he winds up in a breathtaking hazard.

First appearance of Aggie.

Dudley the Dragon
Mr. Robin
Didi the Woodpecker
Guest Starring: Jackie Burroughs as Aggie
Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
9"Dudley and the Toxin"Dudley goes through one big time of a nightmare thanks to a poisonous substance called Vernon, that's causing it.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Katrina the Whale
Guest Starring: Earl Pastko as Vernon the Toxin
Written by: Susin Nielsen
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
10"Dudley Goes Camping"Dudley and Sally want their camp-out to go swimmingly, but not if the Face of Nature can help it.

First appearance of Rosie the Skunk.

Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Rosie the Skunk
Guest Starring: Jackie Richardson as the Face of Nature
Written by: Robert Sandler and Allen Booth
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
11"Dudley in the Rainforest"Dudley and Aggie are forced into a rainforest on a rescue mission, while trying to describe a lapsing into the normal diatribes.

First appearance of Yammi.

Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Yammi the Frog
Featuring: Jackie Burroughs as Aggie
Written by: Robert Sandler and Allen Booth
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
12"Dudley and the Dodo"What's Dudley doing with a dodo? And what's the dodo doing with the notion that Dudley is his mother? Is this too good to be real? Find out!

First appearance of the Dodo.

Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Sammy the Frog

Didi the Woodpecker
The Dodo

Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)

Season 2 (1994)

Episode #TitleSummaryCharactersWritten/directed byOriginal airdate
13"Dudley and the Gingerbread House"Dudley and Sally don't realize that the troll that they met, is really trying to use them in order to get a horrible "recipe"!

First appearance of the Troll.

Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Sammy the Frog
Guest Starring: Patrick McKenna as the Troll
Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Allan Novak
Louise Shekter (French director)
14"Dudley and the Snowman"Dudley and the others build a snowman and try to prevent him from melting via a refrigerated dome built from old fridge parts, inadvertently producing chlorofluorocarbons. Spring, which the snowman wants to see, does not come as a result of ozone depletion and the snowman acquiesces his fate and requests the dome be shut down.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Guest Starring: Keith Knight as the Snowman
Written by: Alex Galatis

Directed by: Allan Novak

15"Dudley Through the Looking Glass"What Grandpa Robin's mirror shows Dudley is understanding for senior citizens.

First appearance of Grandpa Robin.

Dudley the Dragon
Old Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Grandpa Robin

Sammy the Frog
Old Sammy the Frog
Guest Starring: Marcia Bennett as Old Sally

Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter and Danielle Bouchard (French adaptation)
Directed by: Allan Novak
Louise Shekter (French director)
16"Dudley and the King"It's good to be the king, thinks the King of All Living Things. He is intent on taking down Mr. Crabby Tree, thinking he's nothing but trouble, but Dudley and friends know better.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Mrs. Robin

Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Guest Starring: Jan Rubeš as the King of All Living Things

Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
17"Have Yourself a Crabby Little Christmas"Dudley and friends prepare for Christmas time, but Mr. Crabby Tree plans to ruin the holiday with his crabby apples.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Sammy the Frog
Didi the Woodpecker
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Guest Starring: Geraint Wyn Davies as the Narrator
Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
18"Dudley and the Leprechaun"Nothing but bad luck of the "Irish" here, as a leprechaun does his smoke-and-mirrors act, much to the hindrance of others' health.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Didi the Woodpecker
Guest Starring: Eric Peterson as the Leprechaun
Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
19"Dragons Ahoy!"Dudley is on the voyage that could cost him his life. Something has to be done to cure his "flu." And even if he gets cured, it won't change the people who wish to endanger his health, as we shall soon see and find out what happens.Dudley the Dragon
Matt
Mr. Robin
Katrina the Whale
Featuring: Jackie Burroughs as Aggie
Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
20"Dudley and the Great Race"Two teams of two stage an around-the-world race between a hot-air balloon and a faulty car. It's not so much a need for speed in this duel, as Dudley and Sally learn to their dismay.

Last appearance of Aggie.

Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Jackie Burroughs as Aggie
Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter and Danielle Bouchard (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
21"Dudley Meets Pablo Pickle"Dudley and friends have heard nothing but wonderful stories about the artist Pablo Pickle. What they don't know is that Pablo doesn't care to paint the colour green, much to Dudley's dismay.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Sammy the Frog
Guest Starring: Diego Matamoros as Pablo Pickle
Written by: Luciano Casimiri
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
22"Dudley Makes a Movie"Dudley assigns a role for everyone in the movie he plans to shoot. But something about Sally's role is just not right.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Sammy the Frog
Didi the Woodpecker
Katrina the Whale
Written by: Tess Fragoulis

Directed by: Stan Swan

23"Dudley and Flammo the Magician"A magical musical act comes to the woods and proves to be hazardous. There's no way anyone can confuse "flammable" and "inflammable" when all this is over.

First appearance of Terry.

Dudley the Dragon
Terry
Mr. Robin

Mrs. Robin

Radar the Dog
Guest Starring: Clark Johnson as Flammo the Magician

Written by: Alex Galatis
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
24"Dudley Meets the Alien"An unfriendly alien tries to take command of the woods in general and of Sally and Terry in particular.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Terry
Mr. Robin
Guest Starring: Julian Richings as the Alien
Written by: Siobhan Flanagan
Louise Shekter (French adaptation)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)
25"Imagine That!"Dudley holds another tea party, This time it's complete with big games. It seems that Terry doesn't want to join in, though, thinking their games are too silly.

First official introduction of Terry, despite having already appeared in a few episodes. Last appearance of Didi.

Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Terry

Grandpa Robin
Didi the Woodpecker

Written by: Louise Shekter (English and French adaptations)
Directed by: Stan Swan
Louise Shekter (French director)

Season 3 (1995)

Episode #TitleSummaryCharactersWritten/directed byOriginal airdate
26"The Living Doll"Julia is a doll that has feelings. She also needs Dudley's help to solve a problem.

The first appearances of Julia and Mickey.

Dudley the Dragon
Julia
Mickey
Katrina the Whale
Featuring: Martin Julien and Patrick McKenna as the Troll
Written by: Alex Galatis

Directed by: Sue Brophey

27"The Spooky Castle"It's Halloween Night for Dudley and the company, and everyone dresses up in their costumes! But it seems that Dudley may probably not be ready for what scary things haunts ahead. Sally tells the gang a scary story involving them exploring a spooky old castle. Grandpa Robin teaches Dudley that sometimes it's fun to be scared.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Terry
Julia
Grandpa Robin
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Sue Brophey
28"The Tree House"Once again the leprechaun is out and about, blowing second-hand smoke everywhere, much to the dismay of Dudley and friends. After the leprechaun is caught by Julia, he invites her, Dudley, and Matt to his home inside of a tree. The group find out that the leprechaun's home is filled with cigarette smoke, they want out. Unfortunately, the leprechaun gets a bump on the head, causing him forget his name (the only way for him to use his magic is by saying his name). The only way to escape is by climbing all the way to the top of tree.Dudley the Dragon
Matt
Julia
Mr. Robin
Featuring: Eric Peterson as the Leprechaun
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Sue Brophey
29"The Unhappy Garden"A garden weeps for a clean environment. A friendly butterfly, with help from Dudley and Mickey, tries to solve the garden's dilemma. Along the way, Dudley and Mickey meet a troubled daisy, a silly Venus flytrap, and the Rose Queen.Dudley the Dragon
Mickey
Guest Starring: Erica Luttrell as the Daisy and Diane Flacks as Lola the Butterfly, Venus Flytrap and the Rose Queen
Written by: Tess Fragoulis
Directed by: Dennis Saunders
30"Dudley and the Lion"Dudley and Mickey are taught (with help from their new friend Lou the Lion) the need to be safe. When the two first meet Lou, they help him get a thorn out of his paw. Lou remains loyal to his new pals, and even pitches gives the two a helping hand when their kite gets loose.Dudley the Dragon
Mickey
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Sammy the Frog
Guest Starring: Saul Rubinek as Lou the Lion
Written by: Luciano Casimiri
Directed by: Sue Brophey
31"Mr. Crabby Tree's Really Great Adventure"Mr. Crabby Tree sees a shooting star, and wishes that for one day, he could be able to move around. With the help of Dudley and the gang, Mr. Crabby Tree is able to do every physical activity he always wanted to do, including play tag, do gymnastics, dance, and go fishing (in a different way). The group even throw a surprise party for Mr. Crabby Tree in honor of his special day.

The last appearances of Matt and Katrina.

Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Matt
Terry
Julia
Sammy the Frog
Katrina the Whale
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: E. Jane Thompson
32"Once Upon a Time"Dudley and Mr. Crabby Tree teach Julia the world of imagination hidden in reading books. The three read the story of Little Red Riding Hood. Julia imagines herself and her friends in the story; she and Dudley respectively play "Little Little Red Riding Hood" and "Little Big Red Riding Hood", while Sally portrays their mother, Sammy plays a reluctant Humpty Dumpty, and Mr. Crabby Tree takes on a dual role as the Wolf and the Grandmother.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Julia
Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Stan Swan
33"Dudley and the Caveman"Dudley encounters a caveman who probably dates back further than Dudley. Turns out that caveman is really an unrighteous bully. He steals Dudley's beloved teddy bear, Freddy. Dudley and Mickey attempt to get Freddy back, and in the process, Dudley learns how to deal with a bully.

The first appearance of the Caveman.

Dudley the Dragon
Mickey

Mr. Robin

Mrs. Robin
Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Guest Starring: Martin Julien as the Caveman

Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Stan Swan
34"Dudley's Amazing Journey"There's a whole new world under the surface of the Earth, waiting for Dudley to visit it. He, Sally and Julia journey the centre of the Earth, and reunite with their old friend the Dodo. Meanwhile, Julia learns to be careful when exploring.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Julia
The Dodo
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Stan Swan
35"The Trouble with Bubbles"Look underneath the bubble screen. Has Dudley broken a promise? Grandpa Robin treats Dudley and company to a special lunch of Giggle Soup and Bubble Pie. He has the gang promise not to eat too much of either dish, but Dudley just can't help himself. After flying high with bubbles from too much Bubble Pie, Dudley learns to keep his promise.Dudley the Dragon
Julia
Mickey
Grandpa Robin

Sammy the Frog

Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Peter Williamson and Ira Levy
36"The Red Sneakers"The biggest peace of mind comes from trying your best. Dudley, Sally and Mickey have to learn this in preparation for an athletic adventure, when a genie causes the group's activities to go out of control with a pair of red sneakers.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Julia
Mickey
Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Sky Gilbert as the Genie
Written by: Siobhan Flanagan
Directed by: Stan Swan
37"Dudley and the Lost City"Dudley, Terry and Mickey find a map leading to the Lost City, and decide to follow it. But Terry isn't too happy about Mickey tagging along. While on their journey, the trio also have to search for Mr. Robin, who was also headed for the Lost City. Meanwhile, Terry learns to appreciate Mickey.Dudley the Dragon
Terry
Mickey
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Yammi the Frog
Written by: Luciano Casimiri
Directed by: Stan Swan
38"The Frog Princess"Previously a frog, Princess Pureheart returns to her initial human form after receiving a kiss from an arrogant Prince. She attempts to marry the Prince, but he is immediately turned off by her frog-like behaviour (notably, a bad habit of eating flies). Dudley, Julia and Sammy teach the Princess Pureheart to truly keep a pure heart, and to also respect herself, despite what others may think of her.

The first appearance of the Prince.

Dudley the Dragon
Julia
Sammy the Frog
Guest Starring: Jesse Collins as the Prince and Mary Walsh as Princess Pureheart
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: E. Jane Thompson

Season 4 (1996)

Episode #TitleSummaryCharactersWritten/directed byOriginal airdate
39"The Royal Crown"There is still a dodo lying around, and the Prince wants the dodo's feathers for his crown. As the Dodo is the last of his kind, this really puts him in danger. Eventually, The Dodo has no choice but to leave his home behind. But before he's able to leave, the Prince kidnaps him. It's up to Dudley, Laura, and Mickey to save their feathered friend. Eventually, the Prince learns that the Dodo's feathers are just as important to the Dodo has the Prince's crown is to himself.

The first appearance of Laura. The last appearance of the Dodo.

Dudley the Dragon
Mickey
Laura
The Dodo
Featuring: Jesse Collins as the Prince
Written by: Siobhan Flanagan
Directed by: Steve Wright
40"You and Me and Caveman Makes Three"Dudley and Laura plan a camping trip for just the two of them. But plans change when the lonely Caveman pays the two a visit. Laura warmly invites the Caveman to camp with them, much to Dudley's reluctance. Dudley grows jealous of Laura's attention towards the Caveman, but eventually learns the importance of friendship and respect towards others.Dudley the Dragon
Laura
Grandpa Robin
Featuring: Martin Julien as the Caveman
Guest Starring: Andrew Massingham as the Bear
Written by: Luciano Casimiri
Directed by: Darrell Wasyk
41"Dudley's Birthday Surprise"One of Dudley's favourite days of the year is his birthday. To celebrate, Sally bakes him a strawberry cake with dragonberry icing, Julia wraps presents, and Sammy decorates. At Dudley's party, he blows out the candles on his cake to make a wish and wishes every day could be his birthday. However, the more he wishes for his birthday everyday, the more bossy he becomes to his friends, saying if they don't do what he tells them to do, they can't come to his party. On his third birthday, Sally and Julia decide not to go to his party because of how bossy he's acting. To apologize for being bossy, Dudley throws Sally and Julia a birthday party with the cake they want to eat, the colour decorations they want, and play the games they want to play, making it a happy birthday for both the girls.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Julia
Sammy the Frog
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Peter Williamson
42"Dudley and the Tiny Raincloud"Dudley wants the rain to stop, but that isn't at all what the forest wants. Certainly Mr. Crabby Tree is not pleased by the ensuing dry spell. Dudley, Julia and Mickey upset a tiny raincloud after telling it to go away. The gang learn that Mr. Crabby Tree could deteriorate without any water. They try to do all they can to get the raincloud to return, and when they finally succeed, there's just one hitch: the raincloud doesn't know how to rain. Can Dudley save the day?Dudley the Dragon
Julia

Mickey
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Guest Starring: Robin Duke as the Tiny Raincloud

Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Stan Swan
43"Dudley and the Tooth Fairy"Dudley and Terry are put to the test when a tooth fairy does not have the sugar-coated image they had envisioned. Terry loses his tooth, and is advised by Dudley to put it under his pillow that night for the tooth fairy. Terry is initially skeptical of the tooth fairy's existence, but learns the truth when Chloe pays a visit. Unlike most fairies, Chloe doesn't have her wings, and has to spend the entire night traveling on soar feet. The only way for her to get her wings is to make all of her trips before morning. With the help of Dudley and Terry, Chloe finally becomes the fairy she always wanted to be.

The first appearance of Chloe the Tooth Fairy.

Dudley the Dragon
Terry
Julia
Featuring: Martin Julien as the Caveman and the Troll and Patrick McKenna as the voice of the Troll
Guest Starring: Anne-Marie MacDonald as Chloe the Tooth Fairy
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Peter Williamson
44"Good Knight Dragon"The forest is divided into factions, with Dudley on one side and a Knight his polar opposite–or is he?Dudley the Dragon
Julia
Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Guest Starring: Albert Schultz as the Knight
Written by: Luciano Casimiri
Directed by: Steve Webb
45"Dudley and the Balloon Forest"A mischievous clown coaxes Dudley and Sally to take a Troll's magic spell book. What they get is definitely not a touch of brilliance.Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Featuring: Martin Julien as the Troll and Patrick McKenna as the voice of the Troll
Guest Starring: Linda Kash as Sabrina the Clown
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Peter Williamson
46"Mama Crabby Tree"Dudley and Julia get Mr. Crabby Tree to learn about genealogy and Aboriginal culture.Dudley the Dragon
Julia
Rita the Frog
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Guest Starring: Graham Greene as Mama Crabby Tree and Michelle St. John as Catherine
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Steve Swan
47"Sammy the Flying Frog"Everyone goes on vacation, leaving Sammy alone until he vacates the forest for his own jaunt.Dudley the Dragon
Julia
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin

Sammy the Frog

Written by: Peter Williamson
Directed by: Peter Williamson
48"Junior Robin's Big Day Out"Junior Robin, the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Robin, is suddenly Dudley and Mickey's responsibility.

The first appearance of Junior Robin.

Dudley the Dragon
Mickey
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Junior Robin
Written by: Peter Williamson
Directed by: Peter Williamson
49"Showbiz Dragon"It's a common theme: conduct a show to raise support for the needy. Dudley is ready for his own Live Aid to help the Roin family. But he'll need Laura to step out of her stage fright.Dudley the Dragon
Laura
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin

Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree and Martin Julien as the Caveman

Written by: Peter Williamson
Directed by: Peter Williamson
50"The Prince's New Clothes"TV commercials are deceitful and dishonest about everything, say some. No one takes it to an extreme like Dudley, who wants to fool a Prince with his own brand of Deceit-O-Vision.Dudley the Dragon
Terry
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin

Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Jesse Collins as the Prince

Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Peter Williamson
51"Alphabet Dragon"Dudley makes a wish to his fairy godmother that he go to school. He is confronted with the challenges of learning and how those challenges can be overcome as easy as A-B-C.Dudley the Dragon
Terry
Mickey
Grandpa Robin
Featuring: Anne-Marie MacDonald as Chloe the Fairy Godmother
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Peter Williamson

Season 5 (1997)

Episode #TitleSummaryCharactersWritten/directed byOriginal airdate
52"Dudley and the Cowardly Ghost"Dudley hears stories of a legendary ghost, but when he does meet "Jacob Spookem," he finds this ghost doesn't know how to scare people. It's up to Dudley, Laura, and Mickey to embolden him.Dudley the Dragon
Mickey
Laura
Sammy the Frog
Guest Starring: Greg Thomey as Jacob Spookem the Cowardly Ghost
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Steve Wright
53"Dudley's Big Decision"When Laura and her parents move away from the forest, Dudley seeks the Troll's help to ruin Laura's plans.Dudley the Dragon
Terry
Laura
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree, Martin Julien as the Troll and Patrick McKenna as the voice of the Troll
Guest Starring: Catherine Fitch as the Sprite
Written by: Alex Galatis (story)
Kirk Dunn
and Claire Dunn (teleplay)
Directed by: Darrell Wasyk
54"Mr. Crabby Tree Falls in Love"Who would have believed Mr. Crabby Tree would want to change his ways? He sheds his crabby ways on Valentine's Day in an effort to impress Gabby Tree, a lovely apple tree.Dudley the Dragon
Julia
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Guest Starring: Sheila McCarthy as Gabby Tree
Written by: Alex Galatis (story)
Luciano Casmiri (teleplay)
Directed by: Stan Swan
55"Doggone Dragon"The mischievous Troll takes a turn for the worse as he tries to create a potion that will make him stronger. He turns himself into a dog, much to the delight of Dudley and Mickey. But Mickey will not be happy for long.

The last appearances of the Troll and Rosie.

Dudley the Dragon
Terry
Mickey
Rosie the Skunk
Featuring: Martin Julien as the Troll and Patrick McKenna as the voice of the Troll
Guest Starring: Cliff Saunders as Buster the Dog
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Darrell Wasyk
56"The Royal Cup"It's a Tortoise and the Hare story as Dudley and the Prince race for the Royal Cup. Watch and find out to see who wins!Dudley the Dragon
Terry
Julia
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin

Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Jesse Collins as the Prince

Written by: Alex Galatis (story)
Luciano Casmiri (teleplay)
Directed by: Jesse Collins
57"The Wishing Well"Mr. Crabby Tree wants to roam around. When a wishing well grants him a human body, Mr. Crabby Tree soon regrets it.

The last appearance of Grandpa Robin.

Dudley the Dragon
Laura
Grandpa Robin
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Guest Starring: Jackie Richardson as the Face in the Well
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Stan Swan
58"Cinderella Ha-Ha"The Prince commands a masquerade ball for his own amusement. This is evident when girls are deemed unfunny and are not considered for the ball. Chloe the Fairy Godmother has a plan in store for both the Prince and Julia to learn lessons.

The last appearances of the Prince and Chloe.

Dudley the Dragon
Julia

Mickey
Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Jesse Collins as the Prince and Anne-Marie MacDonald as Chloe the Fairy Godmother
Note: In the credits, Chloe's name is misspelled as "Chleo".

Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Jesse Collins
59"Dudley and the Knight Club"Dudley wants to become a Knight in armor to improve his image. That prompts a knight called Pointdexter to put Dudley through dangerous tests to prove himself worthy of knighthood.

The last appearance of Terry.

Dudley the Dragon
Terry
Mickey
Sammy the Frog
Guest Starring: Peter Keleghan as Sir Pointdexter
Written by: Alex Galatis (story)
Kirk Dunn
and Claire Dunn (teleplay)
Directed by: Darrell Wasyk
60"The Great Dragonberry War "Dudley and the Caveman go to war over care of a dragonberry bush called "Priscilla."Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Laura
Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Martin Julien as the Caveman
Written by: Alex Galatis (story)
Daphne Ballon (teleplay)
Directed by: Stan Swan
61"The Boy Who Cried Witch"The first in a three-part saga finds Mickey making up stories about witches that are out to get everyone in the forest. Part 2 is the next episode below.

The last appearance of Mr. Crabby Tree.

Dudley the Dragon
Mickey
Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Graham Greene as Mr. Crabby Tree
Guest Starring: Mary Walsh as Willomena the Witch and Cathy Jones as Ernestina the Witch
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Steve Wright
62"'The Pumpkin KingIn the second part of the trilogy, Dudley, Laura and the Caveman all desire something badly à la The Wizard of Oz. They travel to the Pumpkin King, who will grant them their separate wishes if they can retrieve the hat of one of the witches who had threatened their habitat in the previous episode. The third and final part is the next episode below. The last appearance of the Caveman.

Episode produced in memory of Dr. Irving Levy.

Dudley the Dragon
Laura
Featuring: Martin Julien as the Caveman, Mary Walsh as Willomena the Witch and Cathy Jones as Ernestina the Witch

Guest Starring: John Neville as the Pumpkin King and Daniel Kash as the Scarecrow
Note: Daniel Tordjman-Goodfellow is listed as playing Mickey, despite being absent from this episode.

Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Steve Wright
63"Spooky Birthday"In the third and final part of the trilogy, Willomena and Ernestina were the twin witches who had victimized Dudley and his friends. Now the two witches want to hold a birthday party. It seems impossible for the witches to agree on even that, and now Dudley and his friends may have to go what's coming up to them, by paying the price and that might cost their lives!

The last appearance of Mickey.

Dudley the Dragon
Julia

Mickey
Laura
Sammy the Frog
Featuring: Mary Walsh as Willomena the Witch, Cathy Jones as Ernestina the Witch, John Neville as the Pumpkin King and Daniel Kash as the Scarecrow

Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Steve Wright
64"Lullaby Dragon"Dudley's plans for a sleepover with his friends seems in jeopardy when he discovers he has lost his comforting teddy bear! Now Dudley will have to look for it!

The last appearances of Laura, Sammy, and Junior Robin.

Dudley the Dragon
Julia
Laura
Mrs. Robin
Junior Robin

Sammy the Frog
Note: Strangely, the end credits list Asia Vieira as Sally, rather than Andréanne Bénidir as Laura.

Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Andrew Ainsworth
65"The Last Dudley"This is the last episode to be produced and aired in the television series. Dudley needs companionship from another dragon. This prompts a fortune-teller called the Great Mezmra to snare Dudley into his side show with the promise that they would find another dragon.

The last appearances of Dudley, Sally, Julia, Mr. and Mrs. Robin, and Yammi.

Dudley the Dragon
Sally
Julia
Mr. Robin
Mrs. Robin
Yammi the Frog
Unnamed Dragon
Guest Starring: Rick Mercer as The Great Mezmra the Fortuneteller
Note: During the final scene, Dudley sees images of his "true dragon friends"; the following characters appear: Chloe the Fairy Godmother (Anne-Marie MacDonald), Mr. Crabby Tree (Graham Greene), Matt (Daniel DeSanto), Terry (Robin Weekes), the Troll (Martin Julien/Patrick McKenna), Mickey (Daniel Tordjman-Goodfellow), Laura (Andréanne Bénidir), the Prince (Jesse Collins), the Caveman (Martin Julien), Julia (Natasha Greenblatt), and Sally (Asia Vieira).
Written by: Alex Galatis
Directed by: Steve Wright

Production

Dudley first appeared in The Conserving Kingdom, a 1982 play made by the Ontario Ministry of Energy, and the rights to the character were bought by Ira Levy and Peter Williamson, partners in Toronto's Breakthrough Films and Television Inc, who produced the show with provincial educational broadcaster TVO. [4] Dudley appeared as a six-story tall float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. [4] The creators have explained that the show does not directly compete with Barney, to which it has been compared and seen as more entertaining for adults, as Dudley was intended for what they claim is a slightly older age group of 3 to 7 years old. [4] Jean Morphee-Barnard, an educational consultant on the show, said that, "We don't want to use violence or insults. We want to avoid stereotyping; girls have to be just as involved as the boys are. And usually our villains are misguided rather than evil." [4] The creators of the show have stipulated that merchandising, such as toys and clothing or food products, should be made from natural fibres or should not include any sugar or preservatives. [4] Series writer and co-creator Alex Galatis was inside the costume for the first two seasons, but later only did the voice. [4]

Broadcast and home media

In 2008, Breakthrough closed a deal with APTN to rebroadcast the show. [5] APTN also broadcast the series in French [6] as Les Aventures d’Arthur le Dragon. [7] In the U.S. it currently airing on Heartland and Retro TV as of 2023.

VHS releases

VHS Tapes released from GoodTimes Entertainment and Malofilm Video.

List of ReleasesEpisodesCompanyRelease Date
The Dragon Tales"Dudley Finds His Home"
"Mr. Crabby Tree"
"High Flyin' Dragon"
Malofilm Video1994
The Fantastic Tales"Dudley Meets the Alien"
"Dudley and the Gingerbread House"
Malofilm Video1994
Have Yourself a Crabby Little Christmas"Have Yourself a Crabby Little Christmas"Malofilm Video1994
The Mystery Tales"Dudley's Tea Party"
"Dudley Gets a Tummy Ache"
Malofilm Video1994
The Travel Tales"Dudley in the Rainforest"
"Dudley and the Great Race"
Malofilm Video1994
Dudley Finds His Home"Dudley Finds His Home" GoodTimes Entertainment April 27, 1995
Dudley's Tea Party"Dudley's Tea Party" GoodTimes Entertainment April 27, 1995
Mr. Crabby Tree"Mr. Crabby Tree" GoodTimes Entertainment April 27, 1995
Dudley and the Genie"Dudley and the Genie" GoodTimes Entertainment April 27, 1995
Dudley Gets a Tummy Ache"Dudley Gets a Tummy Ache" GoodTimes Entertainment April 27, 1995

Les Aventures d'Arthur le Dragon

During the production of the first two seasons of "Dudley", a French version was also produced and aired on TFO (from September 26, 1993 [8] to March 11, 1994) and Canal Famille (from March 11, 1994 [9] to 1995) in Canada and on TF1 and France 3 in France. For the French version, puppeteers Alex Galatis, James Rankin, and Sue Morrison (as well as Patrick McKenna, who played the Troll) continued to portray their characters, with their voices dubbed by French-speaking actors. These actors included Olivier L'Ècuyer, Christian Laurin, and Mireille Dumont. Asia Vieira, Daniel DeSanto, and Robin Weekes were replaced by French actors. The young actors portraying the kids would watch Vieira, DeSanto, and Weekes perform a scene, and then would do their version of the same scene. In addition, most of the Canadian guest stars on the show were replaced by French celebrities, with the exception of Graham Greene, who continued to portray "Mr. Crabby Tree" (with his voiced dubbed by a French actor). [10] As a result of its cancellation, the version was not distributed to other French-speaking nations.

French Cast

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References

  1. "Graham Greene". Native Networks. Smithsonian Institution. October 2005. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  2. "Special Report on the Geminis: And the nominees are..." Playback. Brunico Communications Ltd. January 26, 1998. Retrieved January 22, 2009.
  3. "The 1994 Gemini nominees (page 4)". Playback. Brunico Communications Ltd. February 14, 1994. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Smallbridge, Justin. "Dudley is No Dud". McClean's (February 19, 1996; Vol. 109, No. 8; Page 62) (Accessed Through ProQuest). Rogers Publishing Limited. ProQuest   218452914.
  5. Ball, Ryan (September 19, 2008). "Breakthrough Inks Deals for Betty, Dudley". Animation Magazine. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  6. PDF APTN Fall/Winter Schedule [www.aptncsr.com/files/east.pdf]
  7. "APTN New Entertainment (Drama, Variety, Lifestyle)". Aboriginal Peoples Television Network. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  8. "Horaire du dimanche 26 septembre 1993". La Presse. September 26, 1993.
  9. "Horaire de Canal Famille". Le Soleil. March 11, 1994.
  10. "Les Aventures d'Arthur le Dragon : guide pédagogique". TFO. 1994.
  11. "Olivier L'Écuyer". Chantal David.