Mary, Mungo, and Midge
BBC Television, 1969
BBC Television, 1969
Mary, Mungo, and Midge is a charming British children's television series created by the Catholic animator and cartoonist John Ryan (1921-2009). Ryan came from a distinguished Catholic family. His uncle was Bishop Finbar Ryan, OP, of Port of Spain, Trinidad, while his brother was the Dominican philosopher Father Columba Ryan, OP. John Ryan himself served as the cartoonist for the London-based Catholic Herald for many decades.
Mary, Mungo, and Midge is a charming British children's television series created by the Catholic animator and cartoonist John Ryan (1921-2009). Ryan came from a distinguished Catholic family. His uncle was Bishop Finbar Ryan, OP, of Port of Spain, Trinidad, while his brother was the Dominican philosopher Father Columba Ryan, OP. John Ryan himself served as the cartoonist for the London-based Catholic Herald for many decades.
Mary is a young girl who lives with her mother and father on the top floor of a well-kept tower block in a busy town. Her voice is provided by John Ryan's daughter, Isabel. Mungo is Mary's wise, kindly, and easy-going dog, while Midge is her curious and excitable pet mouse. Each 15-minute episode celebrates the small, everyday wonders of childhood rather than relying on high-stakes drama or conflict.
Created as part of the BBC's long-running Watch with Mother strand, Mary, Mungo, and Midge introduces young viewers to familiar aspects of everyday life, from city streets and hospital visits to outings at the seaside. It does so with warmth, optimism, and quiet confidence. There is no violence, no frightening content, and nothing inappropriate for young children. The stories acknowledge everyday hazards while keeping them at a safe distance — the animals, rather than the children, explore potentially dangerous places such as building sites. Throughout, the series quietly promotes family life, responsibility, kindness, and an appreciation for the ordinary joys of childhood. Only 13 episodes were ever produced, but all are available to watch on YouTube.
