Winner 1986

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

Churchill Films, ABC Television Entertainment

There seems to be a continuing crisis in American television. A medium founded on its appeal to children is largely abandoning this crucial audience to the interests of toy and junk food manufacturers. Rarely is the toolbox of television production utilized to build stories for children that include compassion, humor and a true sense of wonder. The Mouse and the Motorcycle has all of these elements and more. Producers John Matthews and George McQuilkin have faithfully adapted Beverly Cleary’s popular children’s book by using the exciting new “dimensional animation” technique. The result is a highly realistic combination of live and animated action plus a personalized children’s tale of friendship, responsibility and compassion. For a program of exceptional merit for children, a Peabody Award to Churchill Films and ABC Entertainment for The Mouse and the Motorcycle.