The Flying Dogtor
| Company type | Television series |
|---|---|
| Industry | Animation, Television |
| Founded | 1962 |
| Defunct | 1964 |
| Fate | Ended |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Animated television show |
The Flying Dogtor is a pioneering Australian animated TV show produced by Crawford Productions between 1962 and 1964. Broadcast on the Australian Television Network, which was later renamed the Seven Network, the storyline follows the adventures of the Great Dogtor Dane, a Great Dane who runs a flying medical clinic servicing remote areas of the Australian outback. This concept was inspired by the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.
The series was conceived and scripted by the notable Melbourne architect Robin Boyd.
Characters
- The Great Dogtor Dane – known as the Flying Dogtor
- Granny Goanna
- Liz Lizard
- The bush children: Colin Kanga, Polly Possum, Katie Koala
- Crafty Carson Carpetbag – a cunning snake from Steamy Swamp
- Elvis Eagle – the bodgie bird
- Old Man Redback
Production
Under the production leadership of Hector Crawford, animation work was carried out by Joy Murray and Janice Male, graduates of Melbourne Technical College (present-day RMIT University). Camerawork was managed by Ian Crawford. All character voices were performed by Melbourne radio figure Roly Barlee. Psychological insights for scripts and character creation were provided by Dr E.A. Murray, a psychologist, alongside school counsellor Jean Lawson.
The theme tune was composed and played by Horrie Dargie and his quintet. Additional audio components included sound effects sourced from a 78 rpm library, narration, and simple effects combined into the final soundtrack.
A distinctive animation technique featured a moving paper airplane approximately high, which was pulled across the frame by an electric motor-driven device engineered by Robin Boyd to produce a unique visual style.
Episode list
The series comprises 52 episodes, with several preserved at the National Film and Sound Archive, including:
- The Great Doctor Dane
- Crafty's Secret Hideout
- Fire!
- Fireworks
References
- Helleur, I. "A canine Kildare is star of TV series", PIX, 8 August 1964.