Tales of the Riverbank
"Hammy Hamster," created by CBC film editors David Ellison and Paul Sutherland in 1959, initially turned down by CBC, found success with the BBC, leading to thirteen episodes. Following international sales, Canada's CTV picked up the series after it won the Canadian Film Awards. The show, known for unique storytelling and effects, featured animal transportation via various means. Although Sutherland voiced many characters, his voice was replaced for UK and European markets. A second colour series, "Hammy Hamster's Adventures On the Riverbank," narrated by Johnny Morris, aired in the 1970s and was sold to 34 countries. The franchise spawned two syndicated sequels, "Hammy Hamster" and "Once Upon a Hamster."
39 episodes
- 1. Hammy and Roddy Go FishingThe first of this new series of films introduces the Hamster, who Is a newcomer to the miniature world of the Riverbank. He meets the Wise Old Frog and makes friends with Roderick the Rat, who takes him on a very exciting fishing tripCCJul 3, 1960
- 2. Turtle and Frog Speed TrialIn this episode the Hamster and Roderick Rat become involved in a speed-trial between the Turtle and the FrogCCJul 10, 1960
- 3. Hammy Encounters a River MistIn this episode the Hamster encounters a river mist for the first time and is rescued by Roderick the RatCCJul 17, 1960
- 4. Hammy Meets a StrangerWhile Roderick the Rat is away visiting his uncle, the Hamster encounters a stranger in the wild-wood and proves himself to be the bravest of the animals along the riverbank.CCJul 24, 1960
- 5. Hammy and the Stolen EggsHammy is unjustly accused of stealing Mrs. Hen's eggs, but with the help of the Guinea Pig and Roderick the Rat he is able to find the real culprit.CCJul 31, 1960
- 6. Hammy and Roddy Give a PartyRoderick the Rat and the Hamster give a party, at which the Guinea Pig arrives in a most unexpected fashionCCAug 21, 1960
- 7. A Ride in Guinea's JeepAutumn comes to the Riverbank and Hammy and Roderick begin to feel restless. When Guinea Pig offers them a ride in his jeep, Hammy is delighted, but Roderick is not so happyCCAug 28, 1960
- 8. Hammy's New HomeMr. Turtle shows the Hamster a strange craft drifting downstream, and it isn't long before Hammy makes himself a brand-new homeCCSep 4, 1960
- 9. Hammy Meets the SkunkAll the animals run away when they hear that the Skunk has come to stay in their neighbourhood. As usual, it is left to the Hamster to make friends with the new arrival.CCSep 18, 1960
- 10. The Night the Moon Came Down to BatheRoderick tells Hammy about the night when the moon came down to bathe in the river.CCSep 25, 1960
- 11. Hammy Settles Down for WinterThe Hamster settles down for his winter sleep and dreams of all the people he has met and the adventures he has known along the Riverbank.CCOct 2, 1960
- 12. Hammy Catches a Strange FishRoderick the Rat teaches the Hamster how to fish and is rather surprised by his friend's catch.CCOct 25, 1961
- 13. Hammy and Roddy Prepare for a PartyRoderick the Rat and the Hamster suddenly decide to give a party but, first of all, they have to prepare Roderick's house.CCNov 8, 1961
- 14. Hammy Builds a RaftWhen the Hamster sails upstream on his new craft, he finds the company of Turtle very useful.CCNov 23, 1962
- 15. A Contest with the WindRoderick the Rat discovers that It isn't easy to run against the Wind.CCNov 30, 1962
- 16. A-Diving We Shall GoHammy realises his wish to go down and talk to the fish.CCDec 7, 1962
- 17. The BirdwatchersThe Hamster finds that it is a lot easier to climb up trees than it is to climb down.CCDec 14, 1962
- 18. The Squeaking StoryA mystery of the Riverbank is solved with the help of Guinea Pig's oil-can.CCDec 21, 1962
- 19. The AeroplaneGuinea completes his first test flight, and the Riverbank Air Mail Service it inaugurated.CCJan 4, 1963
- 20. Summer StormHammy's nephews set out to visit him, but run into trouble on the way.CCJan 11, 1963
- 21. The Golden FlowerGuinea, Roddy, and Hammy discover a treasure trove.CCJan 18, 1963
- 22. The Golden Flower: Part 2Hammy's treasure grows at an alarming rate.CCJan 25, 1963
- 23. The Moon is GreenHammy takes a flight to the moon to see if all the stories he has heard about it are true.CCFeb 1, 1963
- 24. Down to the Depths IndeedHammy's diving bell is brought into operation once more.CCFeb 8, 1963
- 25. Rat's New BoatEvery animal along the Riverbank is wondering why Roderick is being so unsociable. It is left to Hammy to discover the reason.CCFeb 15, 1963
- 26. The BubblersThe Hamster's nephews, Herbie and Bertie, carry out a daring raid on the Rat's house.CCFeb 22, 1963
- 27. The Looking GlassHammy is rescued by Turtle from an excess of vanity.CCMar 1, 1963
- 28. The Old MillHammy, Roderick, and Guinea discover the source of a mysterious noise.CCMar 8, 1963
- 29. The Monster: Part 1Hammy goes for a day's fishing, with strange results.CCMar 15, 1963
- 30. The Monster: Part 2Roderick, Hammy, and Guinea find the Rat's fishing-rod and a new acquaintance as well.CCMar 22, 1963
- 31. Moving Day for GuineaThe Guinea Pig takes proud possession of the old water-mill.CCMar 29, 1963
- 32. The Jumble SaleRoddy and Hammy make Turtle change his mind about one of his discarded possessions.CCApr 5, 1963
- 33. CampingThe Hamster nephews get into difficulties when they leave Hammy's house to camp in the wildwood.CCJul 12, 1963
- 34. Guinea Pig Races the WindRoderick the Rat teaches Guinea Pig a lesson when he boasts too much.CCJul 19, 1963
- 35. Turtle's Tin CansTurtle's little hoard comes in useful when Guinea has trouble with his water-wheel.CCJul 26, 1963
- 36. Roderick's BirthdayThe Rat receives a mysterious parcel from his Uncle Gepetto.CCAug 2, 1963
- 37. The Musical BoxUncle Gepetto's birthday present to Roderick produces an unusual problem.CCAug 9, 1963
- 38. Footsteps in the SnowWhile Guinea enjoys himself with his sledge, Hammy and Roddy solve a mystery.CCAug 16, 1963
- 39. The CircusThe friends of Roddy, Hammy, and Guinea witness one of the most daring spectacles ever seen along the Riverbank.CCAug 23, 1963
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Tales of the Riverbank
"Hammy Hamster," created by CBC film editors David Ellison and Paul Sutherland in 1959, initially turned down by CBC, found success with the BBC, leading to thirteen episodes. Following international sales, Canada's CTV picked up the series after it won the Canadian Film Awards. The show, known for unique storytelling and effects, featured animal transportation via various means. Although Sutherland voiced many characters, his voice was replaced for UK and European markets. A second colour series, "Hammy Hamster's Adventures On the Riverbank," narrated by Johnny Morris, aired in the 1970s and was sold to 34 countries. The franchise spawned two syndicated sequels, "Hammy Hamster" and "Once Upon a Hamster."
Creators and cast
- Created by
- Paul Sutherland, David Ellison
Maturity rating
Not yet rated.
Audio languages
English
Where to watch
Not currently listed on any streaming, rental or purchase service.
Details and artwork from TMDB. Availability from JustWatch and can change without notice.
