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Post by atomsmasher on Mar 4, 2021 0:27:56 GMT
Guess the big news, at least for me, is the brand new CATWEAZLE feature film. Currently the trailer is only in German, but it certainly looks amazing. They're definitely honoring the TV series and the late great Geoffrey Bayldon. The actor and styling looks so much like him. Hope this gets an English language release. Thoughts?
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Post by atomsmasher on Mar 4, 2021 0:45:21 GMT
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Post by Carol Barnes on Mar 4, 2021 11:09:27 GMT
No, it is not fantastic, this has caused a lot of heartache for the Carpenter Estate and it has NOT been approved by them at all. Nor do they want Kip's name associated with it! I so wish I could put on here to our members exactly what I know about this project but I can not for confidentiality reasons and I certainly do not want to put more problems in the family's way by spilling it and getting them sued. This SHOULD only be for the German audience only not a worldwide audience (thank goodness) Well that is of course unless they go against what their intentions were supose to be at the beginning. I am sure that some one will shove it on you tube or suchlike which will be sad, but some people who don't really "get" Catweazle might like it of course. I remember Geoffrey saying once that in series 2 where he is with the sculptor and they get plaster all over each other, he said I hated that. Catweazle is not slapstick. Kip would be as upset as his daughter is with it as am I. If you read the blurb it states, it is based on the British original but goes it's own way and plays to the strength of the actor! If after it has been shown, I really hope I get permission to say more.
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Post by ChasWeazle on Mar 4, 2021 14:51:47 GMT
There's only ONE Catweazle... and that's Geoffrey Bayldon (and all the original actors that appeared in the 2 series).
Geoffrey IS (and always will be) Catweazle.
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Post by Alan Hayes on Mar 4, 2021 15:05:45 GMT
First of all, welcome to the forum atomsmasher. I'm sorry that your first posts inadvertently touched on a rather controversial subject (and you wouldn't know that the German film was a source of controversy). I have nothing against a new version of Catweazle being made and, as I understand it, nor has the Club - it's just a crying shame that when such a project has come to pass it's been a source of upset to Kip's Estate who should have been treated with more respect than seems to have been the case. I don't know the ins and outs of the troubles behind the scenes with this film, but as it seems not to have the support of the Estate, it's for the best that the club isn't seen to promote it.
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creag
Touchwood's Minder
Posts: 4
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Post by creag on Mar 4, 2021 18:32:24 GMT
Guess the big news, at least for me, is the brand new CATWEAZLE feature film. Currently the trailer is only in German, but it certainly looks amazing. They're definitely honoring the TV series and the late great Geoffrey Bayldon. The actor and styling looks so much like him. Hope this gets an English language release. Thoughts? Removed in sympathy with additional comments made around concerns elsewhere in the thread.
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Post by greyweazle1066 on Mar 4, 2021 19:02:36 GMT
Hi atomsmasher and creag welcome, this forum of course is the place for discussion, however I'm not really in a position too offer advice, all I personally would have done is checked out what threads were on this forum before opening one on the German Catweazle film, all the catweazle Fanclub were and are aware that the Germans were in the process of making a film, however this is where it falls at every hurdle, it may on face value look all innocent and a delight that catweazle returns, but it's not BRITISH! and is not what Kip Carpenter intended his creation to be projected forward, I cannot comment on the distress it may be causing the Carpenter family as I don't know the details. Catweazle was filmed in England and should stay in England ,that's really all I know too be the main consensus of any such remake into a feature film, this again was possibly put on the catweazle page on Facebook where people see an advertisement and assume it's sanctioned, again this backs up what many members are saying our club is the official catweazle Fanclub where a lot of research has been done to authenticate true origins of catweazle.
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Post by atomsmasher on Mar 4, 2021 21:39:54 GMT
Sorry to offend anyone. That wasn't my intent at all. I checked as much as I could about a German film here and found nothing. Thought it was interesting and I personally was excited about it. Not at all aware of the politics involved in the making of this film, but it certainly doesn't look bad. Often these things can become truly awful (take Tim Burton's POTA or Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes). So I'm at least thankful for small mercies. I'm a big fan of Catweazle, have been since I was a child in the 70s. I was a huge fan of the comic strip in Look-in and read all the Puffin books. Even converted my son to be a fan, so much so that we both became fan club members. It also started my resurgent interest in all things Catweazle. Even managed to buy some rare Catweazle trading cards from Holland on eBay. Don't take this the wrong way, but it's probably best I don't post anything here again - the angry response wasn't at all what I expected. It wasn't the welcome I expected for a new member that's for sure.
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Post by Carol Barnes on Mar 4, 2021 23:05:57 GMT
You haven't offended anyone atomsmasher, I can assure you of that, and I hope that this response does not stop you posting on here. It's just that it's been all over facebook and I have tried to report to people what I am allowed to say and the big point is that this film has not been done with the backing of the Carpenter estate and for good reason. I personally am in touch with the estate and I know what has gone on leading up to it's production and because I am completely on the side of Kip and his family with regard to this, my heckles go up at the mention of it, plus I had said it time and time again. (as a new member you may not have knowledge of it) and therefore the intention was to let you know that the knowledge we have, means that we do not want to promote it in any way. Plus people are getting the idea of it being shown all over as a worldwide distribution. It is supposed to be for the people of Germany only, no dubbing int English, no dvds or the like. Whether they stick to this, well it remains to be seen. I know the concept of a new Catweazle is stirring up all sorts of emotions and indeed we were involved with the hoped for British Catweazle Film of Kips script (which I was honoured to read ) We know that this would have be something to look forward to. We even filmed Geoffrey as Catweazle (at the age of 92!) in the hopes that he would lead into the film. Some of us even invested in it to back it. Sadly things conspired against it and then Kip passed away and that changed everything completely. I do hope that in time, I will be allowed to explain some more to our members, mayhap at (fingers crossed) the next Catweazle weekend, which is likely now to be in June 2022. So, once again, please don't feel put upon or aggrevieved. You are encouraged to write on here and get involved and I hope you do so very soon. It is just unfortunate that you chose that particular thing to touch upon for your first post, and got that reaction.
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Post by Alan Hayes on Mar 5, 2021 9:50:16 GMT
Don't take this the wrong way, but it's probably best I don't post anything here again - the angry response wasn't at all what I expected. It wasn't the welcome I expected for a new member that's for sure. I fully understand your feelings about the response to your first posts, which is why I tried to explain that you'd inadvertently touched a nerve, through no fault of your own.
I hope you realise that it's the subject that provoked the reaction and not what you said.
Equally, I hope that you'll post more in future. We're a friendly bunch. Really!
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Post by juergenferber on Mar 5, 2021 17:58:21 GMT
Just a little comment - I am from Germany too. For me Geoffrey is the only Catweazle. Even if there can be controversial issues I can only encourage everyone to post here on the forum. I can only confirm what Alan said - " we are a friendly bunch" - all the club members I have met so far at several Catweazle reunions are wonderful people who share their interest and love for Catweazle!
Greetings Jürgen
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Post by exmoordougweazle on Mar 5, 2021 19:54:23 GMT
Hello Atomsmasher........I can but reiterate the comments made by other members before me that the last thing any of us would want to do is put you off from joining in on this Forum and being an active member of the Club. You obviously hold the original series dear to your heart and it is just so very unfortunate that your first message hit a very raw nerve for all the reasons set out in previous posts. It is very sad that it looks as if we will have to wait until next year to gather once again at "Hexwood" and I'm sure that when you come along (whenever it's next held) that you will find us all to be the friendliest, most like minded people you could wish to meet. That has been my personal experience over the last 14 or so years and during that time I've made some friends for life. We all have a great love for Catweazle and all those involved with bringing it to life on our telly screens back in the day, so I hope you will give us a second chance and will grow to understand that our hearts are in the right place. All the best Doug
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Post by londonwizard on Jan 15, 2022 13:11:22 GMT
All I can say is that I'm desperate for some new Catweazle, but this film is all there is, so that fits the bill. I know that the location has been changed from southern England to Germany, and that Catweazle has travelled from the year 1020AD, which was during the time of the mainly German speaking Holy Roman Empire, where he had been imprisoned in a castle. The film features Catweazle's magic wand, although he never used one in the TV series, but perhaps he might have done if there had been a third series. It's in German, which I speak fluently, so no problem there. I learnt from BBC courses, some Berlitz, some Conversaphone, Linguaphone, and free German TV via satellite and the Internet. It's a shame that the Carpenter Estate and the German production company (TOBIS?) couldn't see eye to eye, but that's it. There was a failed attempt at a Catweazle film over ten years ago, which also involved a German company. Actor Otto Waalkes who plays Catweazle is a comedian and musician whose first film "Otto" was released in 1973. He doesn't look like Geoffrey Bayldon, but all the make up makes him look a quite convincing Catweazle. The film hasn't been and never will be released in the UK, because AFAIK no German films are ever released in the UK, due to heavy language based censorship of the mass media. Even dubbed films are heavily criticised. A German language voiced over version of a series called "Heidi" (and possibly a couple of other German language series) was once shown on a UK based TV channel (BBC1?) but things seem to have got worse since then! I liked the trailers, but I don't think they should have used the classic song "It's Magic" by the band Pilot. I plan to buy the DVD of this Catweazle film soon.
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phelings
Catweazle's Apprentice
Posts: 41
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Post by phelings on Jan 16, 2022 22:10:51 GMT
Any German film that would attract a UK audience would get a release in the UK. That few are is nothing to do with censorship of any kind. Dubbed films are generally frowned upon but I would expect a film based on Catweazle aimed at kids would be dubbed and released unless there were other objections like infringement of copyright. I would have thought that if the creators estate didn't give the go ahead then even the name could not be used. And I would have expected LWT/ITV to step in and block its release anywhere. In copyright its not usually a case of "they couldn't see eye to eye but that's it". If the creator or owner of the material doesn't sign an agreement for the remake then the remake would be a breach. I can't think of any reason how any company could just ignore the owner and go ahead. Least of all the threat of being sued should frighten off anyone investing in the production.
The dubbed series of Heidi and other kids shows were aired half a century ago so not really relevant here at all
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Post by londonwizard on Jan 17, 2022 19:45:41 GMT
I’m afraid that I’m not aware of any German films being released in the UK ever! It’s a chicken and egg situation. No, or hardly any TV series released here in German results in not enough interest. The people who decide whether or not to release German films are the same people who have been causing this situation, by blocking their release for decades, or people who were taught everything they know by some people who were blocking German film releases in the UK in the past. Heidi was shown at about the same time as Catweazle, so it’s totally relevant here. Here are some links to another German film also released in 2021, like Catweazle was. This is a Sci Fi film called “I’m Your Man” (Ich bin dein Mensch). It seems to me to be a similar concept to The Outer Limits episode “Valerie 23”. www.amazon.co.uk/Im-Your-Man-Maren-Eggert/dp/B09HZHTVK2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XN4J692I9211&keywords=i+m+your+man&qid=1642446004&sprefix=I%27m+Your+%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1 This film allegedly got a UK release at Curzon Cinemas, but this is the first I’ve heard of that! Perhaps Catweazle was also released in 2021 at Curzon Cinemas only, but with hardly any publicity. After that, the powers that be can claim there’s no demand for any German films at all. I live in London and I’ve just done a search for any German films at all showing in London. There are a couple but only showing at the BFI. I don’t count that as a release.
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phelings
Catweazle's Apprentice
Posts: 41
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Post by phelings on Jan 17, 2022 22:41:48 GMT
I'm assuming you are saying German films are not released in the UK in the modern era so that's why Heidi is irrelevant. The way tv works today bears little relation to how it worked in 1970 either on the BBC who aired Heidi (and the German serial of Robinson Crusoe which showed many times until 1982 in its dubbed English version) or on ITV www2.bfi.org.uk/news-opinion/news-bfi/lists/10-great-german-films-21st-centuryI think the main reason we don't see German or many other foreign language releases in the UK is simply because they are not mainstream or mass market products. However, whether they are or not is a side issue. The fact that the Catweazle remake is German is of no consequence. Wouldn't matter if it was Arabic. It still sounds like a breach of copyright for which ITV need to step in
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Post by Alan Hayes on Jan 18, 2022 11:39:25 GMT
I think the main reason we don't see German or many other foreign language releases in the UK is simply because they are not mainstream or mass market products. However, whether they are or not is a side issue. The fact that the Catweazle remake is German is of no consequence. Wouldn't matter if it was Arabic. It still sounds like a breach of copyright for which ITV need to step in I would be very surprised indeed if the film has not been licensed by ITV and is in that way in breach of copyright. There's no way a multi-million (euro) production would go ahead without some form of licensing of the source material. It seems more likely that it's approved by ITV but not by the Carpenter Estate.
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Post by Carol Barnes on Feb 1, 2022 2:53:41 GMT
The contract was for Germany only including the language, thank goodness. As the way of the world I am sure that unfortunately it wll find its way on to the internet. I am really hoping I am allowed to say more now that its been released. One thing is, I think it mentions Richard Carpenter and the Carpenter estate specificlly asked them not to associate this film with him. In all honesty it's the British backers that won't spend the money. They had a sure fire winner in Kips film script and we had worked out a way to include Geoffrey as Catweazle (for a short period) Getting the required amount to film it in the way it was wanted is expensive, but it annoys me that they have done 2 Worzel Gummidges and tried to bring back a couple. The only one that's worked in my opinion is Basil Brush as he is as near as it could get to the original. This though is my point "Why put money into something that's risky, when there is something staring them in the face that I am sure would have brought the viewers in. Again, I know that behind the scenes there has been enquiries, conversations, and work going on to make it happen, but I am at a loss to know why the money can't be raised especialy when there are so many celebraties that love Catweazle. We were so very close to getting the British film made but where short by a couple of million (peanuts to some business people!) There will always be people trying to keep the idea alive IF some film backer would have a bit of faith! Perha[ps we should start a lottery syndicate going!
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Post by Alan Hayes on Feb 1, 2022 12:50:42 GMT
They had a sure fire winner in Kips film script and we had worked out a way to include Geoffrey as Catweazle (for a short period) Getting the required amount to film it in the way it was wanted is expensive, but it annoys me that they have done 2 Worzel Gummidges and tried to bring back a couple. The only one that's worked in my opinion is Basil Brush as he is as near as it could get to the original. Going off the topic somewhat, I'd say that the BBC Worzel Gummidge starring Mackenzie Crook is as near to perfect as a modern TV recreation can get. It's absolutely delightful. To be honest, I prefer it to the Jon Pertwee version, all told, despite his vibrant performance and the presence of Geoffrey in one of his signature roles - and remember that both are based on a literary source (whereas Catweazle was created specifically for the TV). It's also worth mentioning that the Jon Pertwee Worzel was also a recreation as the first television version was made by the BBC in 1953 and starred Frank Atkinson! (And is long lost.) (And I agree, the remade Basil Brush was pretty decent.)
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Post by BomberCommand on Feb 2, 2022 12:49:13 GMT
I’m afraid that I’m not aware of any German films being released in the UK ever! It’s a chicken and egg situation. No, or hardly any TV series released here in German results in not enough interest. The people who decide whether or not to release German films are the same people who have been causing this situation, by blocking their release for decades, or people who were taught everything they know by some people who were blocking German film releases in the UK in the past. Heidi was shown at about the same time as Catweazle, so it’s totally relevant here. Here are some links to another German film also released in 2021, like Catweazle was. This is a Sci Fi film called “I’m Your Man” (Ich bin dein Mensch). It seems to me to be a similar concept to The Outer Limits episode “Valerie 23”. www.amazon.co.uk/Im-Your-Man-Maren-Eggert/dp/B09HZHTVK2/ref=sr_1_1?crid=XN4J692I9211&keywords=i+m+your+man&qid=1642446004&sprefix=I%27m+Your+%2Caps%2C85&sr=8-1 This film allegedly got a UK release at Curzon Cinemas, but this is the first I’ve heard of that! Perhaps Catweazle was also released in 2021 at Curzon Cinemas only, but with hardly any publicity. After that, the powers that be can claim there’s no demand for any German films at all. I live in London and I’ve just done a search for any German films at all showing in London. There are a couple but only showing at the BFI. I don’t count that as a release. Having a scout at this trailer and it comes over as a bit 'Love Actually' and a bit of 'Two Weddings And A Funeral'. I can only describe it as 'pants' and if the German version of Catweazle has any of this 'slushy goo' in it, I hope and pray it never darkens the steps of any cinemas here. No offence to any would be viewers of the German Catweazle appreciation society!!
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