For Release: March 26 , 2007
Some of t he most charming small mammals in literature team up with the world's most exasperating amphibian to pursue their merry adventures in Masterpiece Theatre "The Wind in the Willows , " based on Kenneth Grahame's beloved children's classic. The program airs Sunday, April 8 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET1 and Thursday, April 12 at 9/8 p.m. CT on KET2 .
Dispensing with animation, Masterpiece Theatre relies on the striking animal instincts of actors, which is only proper, since Grahame's story features animals acting like people -- like slightly barmy Edwardian-era gentlemen, to be exact.
British comedian Matt Lucas ("Casanova") stars as gadget-crazed Mr. Toad, the irresponsible scion of a great fortune that he squanders on boats, a caravan, motorcars and a snazzy wardrobe.
Toad's bosom buddies are the stern Badger, played by Bob Hoskins ( Hollywoodland ); easy-going Ratty, played by Mark Gattis ( Match Point ); and shy but loyal Mole, played by Lee Ingleby ( Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ).
In t he story 's opening episode, as they gently row downriver, Ratty t ells Mole , "Believe me, my young friend , there is NOTHING -- absolute ly nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
But this dreamy mood is broken by the maniacal entrance of Toad, who darts past in his latest toy, a racing scull. Toad later loses all self-restraint when he encounters his first motorcar. He absolutely must have one; and a s soon as he wrecks it, another, and another and another! At wits' end about how to reform their incorrigible friend, Ratty and Mole appeal to Badger, braving the carnivorous weasels in the Wild Wood to reach his den.
There, the three conspire to keep Toad under house arrest at Toad Hall, but the crafty creature eventually escapes, and a life of crime ensues , involving auto theft, prison and a getaway at breakneck speed aboard a locomotive!
Masterpiece Theatre "The Wind in the Willows" is a produced by Box TV for BBC, in association with Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, WGBH/Boston and NBDtv. More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org.