Gumnutz: A Juicy Tale
| Company type | Animated film |
|---|---|
| Industry | Film animation |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Animated adventure movie |
Gumnutz: A Juicy Tale is an Australian animated adventure movie released in 2007, co-directed by Clive Harrison, Margaret Parkes, and Jane Schneider. It earned a nomination for Best Music for Children's Television at the 2008 APRA Music Awards.
Plot
Claude begins working at the Gumnut Juice Factory owned by his Uncle Kelvin. Kelvin receives an important order from the entrepreneur Peer Point J. Marino, which has the potential to secure a significant business deal. Meanwhile, Hotshot Charlie, a rival, plans to outmaneuver Kelvin by stealing the factory’s secret sweetening recipe and sends his assistant Franky to obtain it.
Bunsen the Cobra, Hotshot’s apothecary, is unable to decode the formula. Subsequently, Hotshot sends his henchmen—the Wedge trio (Smash, Squash, and Slap)—to kidnap Kelvin. Claude uncovers evidence pointing to Badde Manor as Kelvin’s location. Hotshot gains possession of a riddle book containing clues to the formula; Claude and Peppa infiltrate the manor to make copies.
Following the riddle’s guidance, Claude and Peppa encounter Darwin Platypus, who discloses the secret recipe—unfortunately overheard by Hotshot. Hotshot captures them all, but Bunsen switches sides and orchestrates their escape. Back at the factory, Claude employs Kelvin’s unique instrument to summon Cicadas vital for production.
With assistance from his friends, Claude prevents Hotshot's sabotage attempt on the factory and rescues Kelvin from Badde Manor with help from Ghoulie Gilly. Bunsen then exiles Hotshot and his henchmen to the Arctic. Once Kelvin is safe, the factory fulfills Marino’s order, securing the contract.
Characters
- Claude – An anxious and occasionally awkward orphaned numbat fascinated by insects. Voiced by Jamie Croft.
- Peppa – Claude’s energetic and athletic numbat best friend, skilled in tennis and hockey. Voiced by Ines Vaz De Sousa.
- Uncle Kelvin – A koala who acts as guardian to Claude and Peppa; owner of the Gumnut Juice Factory with hopes of passing his business on to Claude. Voiced by Keith Scott.
- Larry – A brilliant lizard mechanic responsible for running factory machinery. Voiced by Ian Bliss.
- Peer Point J. Marino – A ram businessman placing substantial orders for Gumnut juice. Voiced by Ian Bliss.
- Hotshot Charlie – A sly fox intent on dominating Kelvin’s enterprise; revealed as the cause behind Claude and Peppa’s parents' deaths. Voiced by Ian Bliss.
- Franky – The spider assistant working for Hotshot. Voiced by Ian Bliss.
- Bunsen – A cobra apothecary who attempts to analyze the secret recipe but defects after uncovering Hotshot’s treachery. Voiced by Ian Bliss.
- Percy – A pelican serving multiple roles including lifeguard, detective, police officer, and traffic controller. Voiced by Shane Withington.
- Ghoulie Gilly – A Scottish mouse from a spooky forest recruited by Claude for Kelvin’s rescue mission. Voiced by Keith Scott.
- Grampala – The forgetful grandfather of Claude and Peppa. Voiced by Keith Scott.
- Darwin Platypus – Discloses the secret Gumnut juice formula to Claude and Peppa. Voiced by Ian Bliss.