Arthur and friends embark on a drama-filled adventure airing January 26 on PBS KIDS and available on DVD January 27.
Ever wonder what secrets and stories your family history holds? This is the question posed to everyone’s favorite aardvark and his friends in “Fountain Abbey,” an all-new, Downton Abbey-inspired episode of Arthur, premiering January 26 on PBS KIDS. “Fountain Abbey” will also be available on DVD January 27 through PBS Distribution.
In the drama-filled “Fountain Abbey,” Muffy finds herself absolutely devastated when she learns her great-great grandmother, Mary Alice, wasn’t royalty at all. She was a common maid -- oh, the indignity! However, through reading Mary Alice's diary, Muffy is transported back in time to the famous English estate where her ancestor worked. There she discovers the surprising story behind her humble roots.
"An abbey in jeopardy, a lady's maid causing trouble, and the Dowager Countess unimpressed by all,” says Carol Greenwald, senior executive producer of Arthur. “Sound familiar? We hope ‘Fountain Abbey’ will be a show the whole family can enjoy together!”
“PBS is committed to engaging families with content that is educational and entertaining and this new episode of Arthur is no exception,” comments Lesli Rotenberg, General Manager, Children’s Media, PBS. “’Fountain Abbey’ promises to delight not only children, but an entire generation of Arthur fans that grew up with the series and can appreciate the humor and fun of the Downton Abbey-inspired references.”
The “Fountain Abbey” story is paired with “Arthur Calls It,” a story in which Arthur must deal with peer pressure from his classmates, causing him to doubt his decision to call his best buddy Buster “out” during a baseball game. Is that a foul play, or should Arthur stick to what he believes is right?
The week of Arthur continues with funny storylines about everyday life and tongue-in-cheek homages to The Wizard of Oz and The Tell-Tale Heart. In each episode, the characters learn valuable lessons about honesty, empathy, and determination.
Produced by WGBH, the Emmy Award-winning PBS KIDS series Arthur explores childhood challenges with heart and humor, while teaching problem-solving and pro-social skills.
The Arthur: Fountain Abbey DVD is priced at $6.99 with a run time of approximately 56 minutes. Available January 27, the DVD includes the following four stories:
- “Fountain Abbey” – Muffy’s devastated when she learns her great, great grandmother Mary Alice wasn’t royalty, but a common maid. The indignity! However, Mary Alice’s old diary reveals a more interesting story.
- “Arthur Calls It” – Pressure from his classmates has Arthur doubting his decision to call Buster out during a baseball game. Will he succumb to peer pressure, or stick with what he believes is right?
- “Whip. Mix. Blend.” – When Rattles’s mom starts dating Archie Vanderloo, Rattles finds himself spending lots of time with Archie’s kids. The problem is, Rattles doesn’t have anything in common with these twins! Can this blended family learn to get along?
- “Staycation” – Arthur offers to babysit so that his parents can enjoy some peace and quiet in the backyard. What could go wrong? With D.W. on the loose…just about everything!
DVD special features include printable coloring pages and activities.
Source: PBS KIDS
Formerly Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network, Jennifer Wolfe has worked in the Media & Entertainment industry as a writer and PR professional since 2003.
