'The Wizard' by David McKee

Having watched a magic show at the park, Mr Benn decides to pay a visit to the costume shop. After donning a wizard’s cape and pointed hat, he steps through the changing room door and arrives in a wizard’s cave; here he is met by two men, who ask if he will come with them to the Palace to meet their king and queen. Arriving at the royal court of the happy kingdom, Mr Benn learns from the queen that she believes he husband – a short, placid, happy man – is just not ‘kingly’ enough; the queen therefore wants Mr Benn to use his wizardly powers to change him. However, every time Mr Benn tries to transform the king, things do not turn out the way the queen wished for…

Ray Brooks (The Narrator)

Illustrated by David McKee and Ian Lawless
Music by Duncan Lamont (as Don Warren)
Directed by Pat Kirby
Produced by Zephyr Film Productions for the BBC

TX:
UK (BBC 2):
25th March, 1971

Notes:
*Featuring Mr Benn and the Shopkeeper