Gabrielle and the Doodleman (Children’s Film Foundation)
Date: 1984
Director: Francis Essex
Production Company: The Elstree (Production) Company Ltd., Children's Film and Television Foundation (CFTVF)
Stars: Matthew Kelly. Eric Sykes, Windsor Davies, Anna Dawson, Lynsey De Paul, Gareth Hunt, Josephine Tewson, Bob Todd, Prudence Oliver
Location(s): Hertfordshire, London
Region(s): London E-G, South East E-L
Storyline:
A character from her computer games helps raise the spirits of a young paraplegic.
Additional Information:
Page compiled by Phil Wilkinson
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- Capture 1
- 23 Dec 2025
During the title sequence, the camera begins to zoom in on Mrs. Briggs (Josephine Tewson) as she waits to cross the road with Gabrielle (Prudence Oliver). Randolph Avenue at the corner of Elgin Avenue in W9.
Still a crossing point to Maida Vale tube station. SJ
- Capture 2
- 'Now' required
Cut to a shot of Boys playing football on grass below a tower block.
- Capture 3
- 'Now' required
The camera pans with the ball as it's kicked to score a goal bringing wheelchair bound Gabrielle and Mrs. Briggs into frame.
- Capture 4
- 'Now' required
Reaching their destination, Mrs. Briggs enters a video shop to purchase a new computer game for Gabrielle.
- Capture 5
- 23 Dec 2025
Transported from a fantasy land populated by Genies, Wizards and Fairy Godmothers to help Gabrielle through a difficult time, Operator 700, the Doodleman (Matthew Kelly) arrives in the real world. Maida Vale station at the corner of Elgin Avenue and Randolph Avenue.
Taken from the roundabout at the junction of the two avenues. SJ
- Capture 6
- 23 Dec 2025
Crossing the street, the Doodleman makes his way to Gabrielle's home and into her Acorn BBC Micro computer. Randolph Avenue seen from Elgin Avenue.
Shame about the very blue coverings! SJ
- Capture 7
- 'Now' required
Granting her a wish, the Doodleman transports Gabrielle to a land where two Knights are about to joust. Land to the west of All Saints Pastoral Centre on Shenley Lane at London Colney, Hertfordshire.
- Capture 8
- 'Now' required
The Knights present themselves to the King and Gabrielle. Beyond the trees stands the Grade II* listed All Saints Pastoral Centre.
- Capture 9
- 'Now' required
As the King in her dream, her father Mike (Gareth Hunt) turns to Gabrielle and asks where her Champion is. A field to the west of the All Saints Pastoral Centre with the Comper Chapel in the right background.
- Capture 10
- 'Now' required
Gabrielle points to a tent where the Doodleman stands comically dressed and ill prepared to meet the Black Knight. All Saints Pastoral Centre at London Colney in Hertfordshire.
- Capture 11
- 'Now' required
In another dream sequence featuring a performance of Cinderella on ice, the Doodleman skates out of the pantomime and down a flight of steps.
- Capture 12
- 'Now' required
The story ends after the Doodleman brings Gabrielle and her Father closer together.