Rupert and the Frog Song (1985)

In his matching scarf and trousers, “Rupert” bids goodbye to his mum and dad and heads off up the hill for a walk. It’s here that he discovers the kingdom of the frogs. Only they are allowed in without leashes, indeed there are even guard frogs on duty to preserve their sanctuary. He’s brave, though, so ventures in just in time to hear a rendition of their assembled voices performing their own fantasia “We All Stand Together”. The guard frogs don’t prove to be so very effective though, as two cats and a peckish owl have also gatecrashed their concert, but luckily our friendly bear is on hand to prevent any undue munching! This is really all about five minutes or so in the middle when the frog chorus perform to some vibrant and lively animation of themselves, a visiting soprano (fish) and deliver a song that cannot help but raise a smile - especially if you remember Paul McCartney producing it and it getting to number three in the UK charts. It is quiet surprising that this rarely sees the light of day nowadays, I’d have though it would make for a perfect Christmas quarter hour.