White Horses was an upbeat, bright and breezy European light entertainment series that was ideal for Summer holiday viewing. In Germany it was known as Ferien in Lipizza (Holiday in Lipizza) and had a different theme tune to the Jackie Lee one we associate it with in Britain. The show was mainly aimed at girls. Boys used to run screaming from the room with their hands over their ears as soon as the opening theme came on but I am sure many would have continued to watch. To be fair, after a while and a couple of beers, and a while longer, and another beer, the tune does grow on you a bit. I read once that Jackie Lee added the additional harmonies herself when she had some spare time in the studio. She is probably right to be pleased with it.
The episode plots were generally uncomplicated with young Julia (Julka) zooming around the countryside on her favourite horse Borej, becoming involved in all sorts of simple adventures. Julia had no female competition in the show to spoil her command of events at the Lipizza stud farm, which was run by Uncle 'firm but fair' Dimitrij with his square jaw and shiny set of gnashers. He was almost as good looking as his horses. The male characters generally doted on Julia and she had a reliable friend and confidant in the person of harmless, lovable, bumbling Stanko. It is good to see a happy Helga Anders in this show, her life seemed to take a turn for the worse in later years. This is a good way to remember her.
White Horses is often compared with Follyfoot but really shouldn't be. Follyfoot was a more thoughtful drama dealing with main character Dora's youthful attempts to cope with loneliness and find her place in the world. She gained comfort caring for rescued horses. Julia also loves horses but spends her time happily bouncing around on screen like a Spring Gazelle.
When the youngest member of our family reaches ten years old l will sit her in front of the television with no prior information and put White Horses on to see if it still works it's magic. If she turns around and says: "Hey! What's this rubbish? I hate horses. Where's my Ipad?" l will be a bit disappointed. Expect a report back in eight years.
For some time only episode thirteen was known to exist in English, however I understand that the sound tapes have been recovered and the series is now available on DVD in the English language. I will look forward to watching as I remembered it. You can still probably also find the series in German with English subtitles. I already have this version.
The episode plots were generally uncomplicated with young Julia (Julka) zooming around the countryside on her favourite horse Borej, becoming involved in all sorts of simple adventures. Julia had no female competition in the show to spoil her command of events at the Lipizza stud farm, which was run by Uncle 'firm but fair' Dimitrij with his square jaw and shiny set of gnashers. He was almost as good looking as his horses. The male characters generally doted on Julia and she had a reliable friend and confidant in the person of harmless, lovable, bumbling Stanko. It is good to see a happy Helga Anders in this show, her life seemed to take a turn for the worse in later years. This is a good way to remember her.
White Horses is often compared with Follyfoot but really shouldn't be. Follyfoot was a more thoughtful drama dealing with main character Dora's youthful attempts to cope with loneliness and find her place in the world. She gained comfort caring for rescued horses. Julia also loves horses but spends her time happily bouncing around on screen like a Spring Gazelle.
When the youngest member of our family reaches ten years old l will sit her in front of the television with no prior information and put White Horses on to see if it still works it's magic. If she turns around and says: "Hey! What's this rubbish? I hate horses. Where's my Ipad?" l will be a bit disappointed. Expect a report back in eight years.
For some time only episode thirteen was known to exist in English, however I understand that the sound tapes have been recovered and the series is now available on DVD in the English language. I will look forward to watching as I remembered it. You can still probably also find the series in German with English subtitles. I already have this version.