Scouse The Mouse (lost unreleased animated musical TV film based on children's album; 1977)

Storyboard from the film

Status: Lost

Scouse The Mouse was an animated musical television film based on the story by actor Donald Pleasence. A book written by Pleasence and a cast album were both released in 1977.^[1] The album featured narration by Pleasence and featured musical performances by Ringo Starr as the title character, Adam Faith, Barbara Dickson, Ben Chatterly and Lucy and Polly Pleasence.

History

In 1977, the children's album Scouse The Mouse was released with an accompanying book. The project was the brainchild of actor Donald Pleasance, who wrote, directed, & narrated the album. Other actors on the album included Adam Faith, Ben Chatterley, Barbara Dickson, Lucy Pleasance, Rick Jones and ex-Beatle Ringo Starr as the titular mouse. The album's cover and book featured illustrations from British animator Gerald Potterton (known for his work on Yellow Submarine and Heavy Metal.

The story involves Scouse emigrating from Liverpool to New York City to perform live at Carnige Hall. The album completed a three-album deal Starr had with Polydor Records in the UK and was never released outside of that country.

Animated TV special

An animated TV special was planned for screening in the UK on ITV. To date, very little details have emerged about the production other than Pleasence and Starr's involvement. However, due to a strike in 1978, the special was delayed and ultimately shelved.^[2] Since its initial announcement and cancelation, the special has never been screened or released in any home video format. To date, no footage leaked of the special and details about its production remain extremely vague.

On November 21st, 2020 - storyboards from the special were listed on eBay with an asking price of £500.00. The seller claimed that one of the producers was his step-father and that the drawings were found in his loft.^[3]