Belle and Sebastian (1965 TV series)


Belle and Sebastian is a 1965 French TV children's serial based on the 1965 novel Belle et Sébastien by Cécile Aubry. It was 13 episodes long and starred Aubry's son Mehdi as Sebastien, whilst Aubry appeared as the episode host and co-directed episodes with Jean Guillaume.

Synopsis

Six-year-old orphan Sebastian and his friend, six-year-old Pyrenean bitch Belle, live in the French Alps with the villagers of Belvédère.

Production

It was filmed as a live-action show in black-and-white in France under its original name in 1965. In 1967 it was dubbed and the title was anglicised. It first appeared in the UK on BBC1 on Monday afternoons, running from 2 October 1967 to 1 January 1968. Shown in the time slot after Blue Peter, it was repeated several times and became an important ingredient of school holiday television. Filmed in and around the village of Belvédère in Alpes-Maritimes, its authentic locations, sensitive writing, and winning performances by the actors, makes it an enduring classic. Its deep theme is the power and importance of love. The part of Sebastian was played by Mehdi El Glaoui, Cécile Aubry's son from her marriage to a Moroccan man.

Reception

The serial spawned two further 13 part colour film sequels 'Sébastien parmi les hommes' retitled 'Belle, Sebastian and the Horses' by the BBC and 'Sébastien et la Mary-Morgane' which was not broadcast by the BBC.
The Scottish indie pop band Belle and Sebastian took their name from the TV series.

Cast