Catweazle (ITV, 1970-1971), which ran for 26 episodes, is a charming and uniquely eccentric children’s fantasy series that has captured the imaginations of viewers for generations. Created by Richard Carpenter, the show follows the adventures of an 11th-century Saxon wizard who is accidentally transported to 20th-century England. Its blend of historical fantasy, slapstick humor, and genuinely heartwarming moments made it a standout show for children and adults alike. The show is remembered fondly for its memorable characters and its quirky and offbeat tone.
The series stars Geoffrey Bayldon as Catweazle, an inept and somewhat cowardly wizard who is equal parts obsessed and terrified by what he perceives as the “magic” of the modern world. He is accidentally transported to modern-day England by a failed magical spell, and from there he has a series of encounters with local schoolboy Carrot (Robin Davies). Carrot tries to help Catweazle understand the modern world, but Catweazle, with his bizarre interpretations of everyday objects and his belief that electricity is “sun fire” often makes for humorous situations. The core of the show rests on the relationship between the two characters and the series is always very funny and full of charm.
What makes Catweazle so special is its wonderful central character. Catweazle is a truly original creation, and Geoffrey Bayldon delivers a performance that is both hilarious and heartfelt. He brings a mix of childlike wonder, naivete, and genuine fear to the role. He is completely out of his element in the modern world, and his misinterpretations of everyday objects are a constant source of comedy. Whether he’s trying to use a telephone as a magic device or attempting to make a sandwich by throwing bread in the air, Catweazle is always a source of entertainment.

Richard Carpenter’s writing is witty, intelligent, and full of charm. He creates a world that is both fantastical and relatable. The show is also very well-produced, with effective use of locations and a memorable opening theme by Bob Sharples. The costumes and sets create a convincing picture of both the 11th century and the 1970s, which adds to the enjoyment of the program. The show is generally quite light-hearted, with only a few dramatic moments.
Robin Davies is also excellent as Carrot, providing a much-needed grounding in the reality of the situation, and his performance is natural and engaging. The supporting cast are also very good, with actors such as Charles Tingwell as Mr. Bennett, the owner of the farm where Carrot lives, and Neil McCarthy as Sam Wood the farm hand. The show benefits from some great performances that support the central characters very well.
The second season of Catweazle saw some notable changes. While Geoffrey Bayldon continued in the title role, the character of Carrot was replaced by a new schoolboy, Cedric Collingford, played by Gary Warren, at the time quite well known for his role in movie version of The Railway Children. The location also changed from the farm setting of the first season to a new setting at a stately home in the English countryside. While the second season retained much of the same charm and humor of the first, the changes in cast and setting did alter the overall dynamic of the series, and many fans prefer the original dynamic with Robin Davies as Carrot. The second season is still enjoyable, but the first is often held in higher regard.
While Catweazle is primarily aimed at children, its appeal is far from limited to that audience. The show’s humor, its well-developed characters, and its imaginative storylines make it enjoyable for viewers of all ages. It’s a show that doesn’t talk down to its audience and is consistently charming and funny.