This film is part of Free
In the Kitchen
If you can't stand the heat, Charley, get out of the kitchen and spread your message
Overview
Poor Charley cat: he suffered so we didn't have to. A public information short for adults on this subject might involve a hungry toddler by the stove, a hand reaching up, and a quick cut away to a screaming mother. Such shock tactics were avoided in this much celebrated series for young children, and the larger than life figure of Charley is the one to come closest to peril. Luckily, he is sensible enough to learn a lesson and share it.
Animator Richard Taylor, who conceived and designed the series, had worked in the industry for 20 years before the Charley films. He began his career at the innovative Larkins Studio before leaving to set up his own studio in 1965. His bold, experimental and yet often very simple design sense was perfect for public information shorts. He also produced the animation for the popular BBC children's series Crystal Tipps and Alistair (1971-74), and taught for many years at the Royal College of Art.
Related
Mingo & Jerry, Thea and Jerry Mingo & Jerry, Thea and Jerry
Home movie 1931 1 mins Silent Location: Llandegfan
Mingo, Jerry and Thea: names of the dogs or people seen? Either way, they will be connected, for sure, with Isla Johnston of Bryn Mêl, Glyngarth, Anglesey, who shot the footage.
Hot Dogs Hot Dogs
Documentary 1970 10 mins Location: Bingley
The quirks of a whippet race, with novices in winklepickers learning from the old hands, all fully elucidated in broad West Yorkshire dialect.
Firewatch Dog Firewatch Dog
Government sponsored film 1943 1 mins
An English Bull Terrier warns wartime cinema goers to put their cigarettes out with more care.
Pwtan the Kitten Pwtan the Kitten
Home movie 1960 2 mins Silent Location: Pwllheli
Gardener’s nightmare: a kitten at large in a flower bed!
Farming Scenes at Little London Farming Scenes at Little London
Amateur film 1935 12 mins Silent Location: Little London
Little disturbs the peace in Little London - despite some foxhunting, polo and the Second World War!
Ginger Tom Ginger Tom
Amateur film 1950 1 mins Silent Location: Winspit
Oh to be Ginger Tom the cat and while away the hours!
Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A Starve Acre - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 24 mins
Daniel Kokotajlo talks to Nia Childs about Starve Acre, his folk horror about a couple digging deep into grief in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.
Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A Sky Peals - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2024 30 mins
Sky Peals director Moin Hussain and lead actor Faraz Ayub talk to Tomisin Adepeju about their magic realist drama.
Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell Inside the Archive: The Early Films of Michael Powell
Documentary 2024 42 mins
Documentary exploring the BFI National Archive’s role in rediscovering and remastering the early films of Michael Powell.
Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels Inside the Archive: The Riviera Revels
Short documentary 2024 12 mins
Bryony Dixon, curator of silent film at the BFI national archive, explores the origins of a series of comic travelogues, and Michael Powell's involvement in making them.
New Perspectives: Oldboy New Perspectives: Oldboy
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Discover why Dan George of Northumbria University believes everyone should experience Oldboy at least once.
New Perspectives: Wings of Desire New Perspectives: Wings of Desire
Short documentary 2024 4 mins
Trixie Parkin-Christie of Northumbria University offers fresh insight into why Wings of Desire remains essential viewing.