The Brave Little Tailor and Other Stories: Masterpieces of Animated Puppetry

This is the tale of a little Taylor who became a hero in his time. He begins on a summer morning in Germany with a little Taylor hard at work stitching away. On the workbench behind him, the little Taylor could smell the fresh red and jam he'd laid out on a plate for a snack. It makes him hungry, but he tells himself, this will be a treat. At first, I want to finish this jacket. And so he goes back to work, unaware that he's about to have company. Hey, who invited you? Stop, stop. This is too much. The little Taylor decides to put an end to these pesty flies. The deed done, the little Taylor examines his accomplishment and is amazed to find...

One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven. I kill seven at one blow, seven at one blow. What a man. The whole world should know about this. And so the little Taylor stitches the German words meaning seven at one blow onto a waistband. Now he's ready to go forth into the world and be acclaimed. But the little Taylor doesn't know is that when people see seven at one blow on his waistband, they will come to fear him as a man who killed not seven flies, but seven men at one blow. And this will get him into a lot of trouble. National Educational Television presents a special for children based on classic fairy tales

by Hans Christian Anderson and the brothers Grimm. Here is the first of three stories, the brave little Taylor, by the brothers Grimm. The little Taylor travels for many miles at first day. Finally he sees a castle in the distance and decides to go and offer his services to the king. After all, the king should be happy to have a man who killed seven at one blow. As he approaches, he spies the princess at the wall of the castle and decides to entertainer with a few tricks. Love her. Oh, how clever. A little Taylor is charmed by the princess. He's going to like working for the king, especially if she's around. Hey, you. What do you want?

I've come to enter the king's service. I shrimp like you. You're kidding. Inside the castle, news that a peanut of a fellow wants to offer his services to the king is taken as a great joke. But the laughter soon subsides when they begin to read the words stitched on his waistband. Seven at one blow. It says he struck down seven at one blow. Fear grips the hearts of the king and his courtiers. They think the little Taylor has killed seven men. The jester warns them. They care, take care. If you get into a quarrel with this man, he strikes down seven at one blow. The king ponders what to do. Just then the princess enters, and the little Taylor turns and waves to her.

The princess leaves, and the jester begins a weird rhyme. What shall we do? What in the world shall we do? It must be something. You'll kill you, you'll kill you, you'll kill you. What if we were to? No. That wouldn't work. But there must be something. Yeah, it must be something we can do. Wait. How would it be if we went in and so? You're majesty.

We have it. Send them out to kill the world. Mmm, excellence. Great hero. You are most heartily welcome. We are happy to allow you to prove yourself in my service. Now listen closely. In my forest, it wells a ferocious unicorn. If you can defeat the unicorn, you shall receive half my kingdom and a hand of my daughter in marriage. Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. Yes, indeed. Now, doesn't that seem like a good deal? What do you say? Why a unicorn's child's play for me, seven at one blow. That's my style. You'll see. Lots of luck. Good hunting. What may give you some good advice? Just keep on going.

This isn't for you. Don't worry about me. Worry about that unicorn. And so the little Taylor sets out. Have you ever find and defeat the wild unicorn? How could a man whose only claim to fame his killing seven flies expect to succeed where all the king soldiers have failed? This is indeed a brave little Taylor, but he may not live long enough to prove it. Hi there, little friend. Hey, why don't you come over too? Come. I won't hurt you. I'll go.

Oh. Hello. Uh-huh-huh-huh. You dwarf. You peanut. Where do you think you're going? Good morning to you, sir. Oh. Hello. Uh-huh-huh. You dwarf. You peanut. Where do you think you're going? Good morning to you, sir. I'm on my way to defeat the wicked unicorn. No. A shrimp like you. Uh-huh. That unicorn better watch out. I'd kill seven and one blow. You've been in one blow, huh? Well, we'll see how strong you are. Uh-huh. What do you say to that?

The little Taylor is on the spot. He remembers that she's he brought with him from home. Only one drop. That's easy. Watch what I squeeze out of this. He takes it and squeezes it until the way he runs out. There. Stop that. You beat that. At this point, the little Taylor's new friend comes to his rescue. Together, they agree on a plan to fool the giant. Okay.

That's what we'll do. Watch this. Now, pay close attention and see when that falls down. The little Taylor decides that this is his chance to get away from the giant. He heads for the forest in search of the wild unicorn, leaving the giant waiting for the bird to fall down. You're not gone. Oh, you're not gone. Where are you? You're not gone, baby. Well, why don't you show yourself? Come out and show yourself. I'm here, unicorn.

I've come to capture you. I've come to capture you. I've come to capture you. I'm here, unicorn. I've come to capture you. I capture you. I capture you. I capture you. I capture you. I'm gonna be here, unicorn!

Hey, here I am! Gotcha! You're a unicorn, sire? What a fantastic hero! Get that animal out of here! But it's quite tame, your majesty! Get it out! Out! Out!

The little tailor starts to lead the unicorn toward the door, but stops as he sees the princess. You know, she must be afraid, but beckons to her to come forward. Come, it won't hurt you. See? See how gentle it is? I'm afraid. There's nothing to fear? Oh, it's hurt! The little tailor takes his handkerchief and bandages the horn of the unicorn. There's their pearl unicorn. He is indeed gentle. Fantastic, fantastic!

What a hero! This man is dangerous. How will I ever get rid of him? This will never do. It just won't do. How will we ever get rid of him? We must think of something. The man is a danger to us all. Wait, how would it be if we went into your majesty, sent him to kill the terrible wild boar? Excellent. And so, once again, the little tailor is sent into the forest. This time, to match his wits and strength against the terrible wild boar, no one expects him to come back alive. Oh, I'm alive. Oh, I'm alive.

Oh, I'm alive. Oh, I'm alive. Hey, Mr. Wild Boar. Wake up. Wake up. Very, very quickly. Hey, Mr. Wild Boar. Let's go fast. Slow down. Take it easy. What a ride. What a ride. I'm so fast. Slow down. Take it easy. Whoops, here we go again. Well, here we are, Mr. Wild Boar.

Why don't you come and get me? I bet you'd like to be free. You'd like that. Okay, but if I set you free, no nonsense. Get up, Wild Boar, get up. As a little Taylor heads for the castle, he is unaware that the king and his men are already plotting another scheme to get rid of him. He's here, he's here.

Now, Mr. Wild Boar, I want you to be good. Wait right here till I get back. When the little Taylor enters the throne room, he is surprised to find it deserted. But where's the king? The king had to go into hiding because the evil giants are laying waste to the entire kingdom. You must help us. If you can defeat the giants, you'll get half the kingdom and the princess as well. Don't worry, how to carry those giants. I'm not afraid of them. This time he won't come back.

I assure if he tries to kill the giants, then he definitely won't come back. Oh dear. Don't you worry, Princess. He'll come back. Do you think so? I know so. You'll see. Oh boy. Now I got him. All I got to do is lift the hat and grab a cheek. Where is he? Now where did that shrimp go? He couldn't just disappear. He must be here someplace. All I got to do is look here and there and everywhere. Boosh!

Hey, where you been? I waited three days for that bird to fall down. Oh! You'll have to wait much longer than that. Is that so? Well if you're so strong, help me carry this tree. I bet you can't do that. I bet you can't. All right. I'll take the branches. That's the biggest part. You take the trunk. You realize, of course, for someone as strong as I am, this is going to be child's play. Hut two three. Hut two three. Hut two three. I'm ready. As the giant lifts the heavy trunk and leaves the way, the little tailor jumps on the branches for a free ride. The giant groans under the terrible strain until it lasts and can carry it no further. Well, my friend, I guess we've done it.

Bring on the next tree. Who? No, I'm tired. Hey, what's gone here? One, two, one, two. This is a killer. Very dangerous. We have to get rid of him. How would it be if we don't like this? I'd better be on my card. That night, the two giants invite the little tailor to their house in the forest. They pretend to be friendly and gently tuck him into bed. There's a dream, little man. Good night. Sleep well. Good night. Sleep well. Those giants are up to something.

This will fool them. I'd better hide. Good night. Good night. Good night. Oh, boy. Now we're going to get it. Oh, boy. Morning finds the little tailor asleep in a tree.

He doesn't know it yet, but the two giants are also asleep under the same tree. Little tailor wakes up stretches and then looks about to see where he is. He discovers the two giants and gets an idea of how to use some pine cones to good purpose. Good night. Good night.

Good night. Good night. Good night. Good night.

And so once again, the little tailor has defeated his enemies. He's now ready to announce his victory and claim his reward. This is what's left of the giants. I claim my reward. If the princess will have me. Though truly a great man, perhaps a foreign king or an emperor, something even greater, then will you tell us what you are? Yes, yes I will.

The little tailor answers the king's question by proceeding to sit down and demonstrate his trade. The king and his men that first can't believe their eyes, then slowly to their shock and amazement, they begin to understand what he's doing. Put him in chains, but the little tailor is not without friends. The unicorn and the wild boar appear at the doorway. They charge into the room and the evil king and his men flee into the countryside, never to be heard from again. And so the little tailor and his princess inherit the kingdom, and they live happily ever after. Are any tea children special continues with the second of three classic fairy tales?

The princess and the pea by hands Christian Anderson. Long ago and far away in a tired old kingdom, they lived a tired old king named King Palsy. King Palsy had ruled his kingdom very well for many long years, but now he was quite old and tired, and he wished to let his son, the prince, become the ruler and king. But alas, this could not be, but the prince had no life, and every king must have a wife so she can be the queen. Now the prince was no help at all, or he was having so much fun in the royal garden, feeding peas to the swans,

that he hadn't even thought of looking for a princess to become his wife. We must find a princess for my son to marry. Come, we'll tell him right away in Yeshua Majesty. But your Majesty, who should the prince marry? I really don't care just as long as he likes her. Whoops, think it easy. Your Highness, your father would like to discuss some important matters of state with you. Oh, don't rush me. Don't rush me. I'm tired. I must sit down. My son, you've got to go and search the kingdom for a wife, but father, I'm afraid to go out. What if I get lost? Can't they bring such a girl to me here?

Well, what do you think? This could be done, your Majesty. Then it's settled. But whoever it is, she must have the beauty of the heavens. And she must be clever, respectable, and as sensitive as I am. She said it's all well and good, but who will be able to tell if she's all that sensitive? Now let me see. Ah, put a pea under the mattress of her bed. You, she feels this. She's the right one. Whoops. Oh, losing. We're going to need it. Oh, God, find me a maiden in my kingdom who is suitable to be queen. And bring it to the palace at once. Go now, hurry. And so it is that all the power and majesty of the kingdom

is to be decided by something as small and commonplace as a pea. Now finding a bride for the prince is not an easy task. It is several hours before the gods return with their first maiden. A charming peasant girl. Oh, this is a grand place. And then the inspection begins. Is she beautiful enough, respectable enough, clever enough? And is she most of all sensitive, ever so sensitive? I'm looking for the prince who's looking for a wife. Father, what do I do now? What do you think? You welcome her. You're sure around the palace. Welcome, fair maiden. Would you care to take a tour of the palace with me?

Why, thank you, prince. They get only as far as the kitchen when trouble arises. Now, this young lady is very much at home in the kitchen. And the prince, well, he is all thumbs. I burned myself. It's too hot to pick up. Don't you worry about a thing, princey. I'll take care of it. Fair. In the corner, a servant boy is busy plucking feathers from a chicken for dinner. Oh, dear, my allergy again. Bear there, laddy. That's a lot of work. Let me help you.

This won't take long. See? It's easy. The prince is shocked. Whoever heard of a princess who can pluck a chicken, horrified. He runs from the room. The prince has had a close call. Unbelievable. Horrible. What is it, my son? Unbelievable. Isn't she the one? No. Why not? Because how can a queen be? She's a chicken plucker. Guards! Not there, idiots. Over here. Find another prince as fast.

It is dull in court the next few days, as the guards scour the countryside for a bride worthy of the prince. Finally, they return with another maiden. A spirited girl with an eye for romance and adventure. I understand you're looking for a queen. Hear that, my son. She wants to be queen. Go on. Show her around the castle. The only problem is that her bearing and manner are so forceful that she frightens the poor prince. Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Clumsy. I would like to show you the world. What, prince? Do you know it yourself? Of course I know the world. Well, then, the world is an exciting place. Where do we start? This is a picture of that's Cupid, stupid.

Come, show me your world. These are my swans. They eat only from my hand. I've seen a swan. Let's go on. If we stay here, we'll never get to see anything exciting. The prince is running out of breath and things to show. But the princess impatiently leads him on. Wait, wait. This is our family coat of arms. I thought you were going to show me the world. We're at the end of it. Oh, your palace garden is your world. But mine is much more interesting. Well, look at that sun. Do you think it shines only for you and your garden? Oh, farewell, my prince. I like my world much better. Oh, dear. Oh, dear.

Shall no one ever sleep on the pea. Well, my son, is she the right one? She's not here, you are. She's not here. Well, my son, is she the right one? Is she the right one? She's left me father. What's stupidity? I thought she was a clever girl. Who can that be? Oh dear. I hope she's not coming back. Get out of my way. Let me look. Get out of my way. Let me look. It is a princess.

Another possible bride for the prince. She certainly seems respectable enough. Beautiful enough. But is she clever and sensitive enough? The old king can hardly contain his excitement. Perhaps this is the one. Well, come fair, mate. Did I say something wrong? Well, she certainly seems delicate. The servant thinks as he carries her to the couch. But is delicate the same as sensitive? One thing is certain. She's very different from anyone they've ever encountered before. The old king is anxious to find out who this maiden is. Welcome. May I inquire your name? Princess Prim. But I'm too weary to talk about it. I'm King Paul V.

Really? And this is my son. He wants to get married. Well, how fortunate. So do I. Won't be. She wants to get married. Ouch! My foot. I'm too weary to talk about it now. I need sleep. And so the stage is set for the great test involving the pea. My dear son. Are we ever lucky? But is she really a princess? Think about the pea. Early tomorrow morning we'll know for sure. Will Princess Prim be able to feel this tiny pea underneath a pile of mattresses? Could anyone be that sensitive? The prince skillfully places the pea. Places? The pea.

Evidently the prince is going to need some help in skillfully placing the pea under the mattresses. Ouch! My hand! Get off! Get off! Sorry about that, your Majesty. We'll never mind. Just get him out of there. At last it's done. The test is ready. And here's the princess. Your bed is ready. Princess Prim. The prince leads her to the ladder. Ouch! There, that's better. Pleasant dreams, Princess Prim. Early next morning, the king and prince are surprised to find Princess Prim awake and fully dressed.

Good morning, Princess. Did you sleep well? Dreadfully, there must have been a bit rock in my bed. It bruised me back and blew up over. My son, this is a woman you can marry. Only a real princess could be so sensitive. Maybe there was a rock in her bed. No, it was just a pea. I thought maybe they tricked me. What a great day the coronation is, especially for the old king, where he's finally turning over all the burdens of his office. But father, I don't really want to be king. If I say you're the king, you're the king. Don't worry, I'll take care of your swans. It'll be a pleasure.

The fateful pea was put on display for all to see. And there were those who said that someone must have told the princess about the pea under the mattress. But who could have told her? The fateful servant? The old king, now living his days in retirement? We shall probably never know. We'll be finally free. Are any tea children's special concludes with the Master Thief, a fairy tale by the brother's grin? One day, an old farmer and his wife are out working near their cottage, just as they have done every day for years and years.

They have only each other to care for now. They're only son having run away many years ago, never to be heard from again. For this hard-working, honest couple, this seems like just an ordinary day. But something very special is about to happen. Ah, good morning, madam. Would you kindly get me a drink of cool water? Yes, yes. You must be thirsty from your travels. Tell me, farmer, haven't you any children to help you with your work? No, I once had a son, but he'd nothing but nonsense in his head. He went off to see the world. I couldn't stop him. Would you still recognize your son if he stood before you now? Oh, my son.

Truly, you are my son. But what have you become after all these years? A Master Thief. A Master Thief. Oh, how terrible. If our Lord the Count hears of this, you'll have you hanged for sure. Hanged? Nonsense. I'm off to see the Count right now. So, a Master Thief, huh? Through your lordship, I every right you should be hanging from the gallows right now. But you are my god, son, and I'm inclined to be merciful. Still, I'd like to put your skill to the test. My Lord, just think of something, anything. Make it as difficult as you wish, and if I can't do it, then deal with me any way you please. Very well then.

Steal my favorite horse right out of its store. But if you can't pass the test, you'll swing from the gallows like an ordinary thief. It's a deal with your lordship. I'll have the horse by morning. Hmm. We'll see about that. God! To get ready for the task of stealing the Count's horse, the Master Thief goes shopping in the marketplace. An old lady vendor tries to sell him different things, but the thief has something special in mind. That night, the Count's entire guard is on duty at the stable. It is bitter cold, and the soldiers have only a small fire to keep them warm.

Men, who your pulse march, keep a sharp watch. And remember, we're guarding the Count's favorite horse against that Master Thief. We've got to be on our toes tonight. The Master Thief appears, and begins to put his plan into action. He dawns the disguise of an old woman. Follow me. Stay glued to that horse. There's no way he can steal it. It's your audit. Oh dear. Oh dear. It's a cold night for old dogs.

Oh dear. Captain, look there. Who's that? Oh, never mind that old hag. It's a Master Thief we're looking for. Come closer, woman, and warm yourself by the fire. Thank you, son. It's a cold, cold night. Oh, come on in. No one is allowed in. We're guarding the Count's horse. Warm, so nice and warm here. What have you got in that cast there, your old hag? Find this wine in the kingdom. Let me taste it.

Give it here. Oh, that's good. Go ahead. Pour another. Certainly, Captain. While the Captain looks away, the Master Thief shakes sleeping powder into his drink. There. Perhaps you like a sip too, son. Hey, what's going on out there? I want some too. Don't forget above me. Oh, that's good. What are you looking at? Get back to your watch, your miserable pack. Here, finish this. It's empty.

That's no fair. How about a sip for all of us? Come on, Elmer. Hey, old woman, take the others a sip too. If you say so, Captain, I do indeed say so. The Master Thief goes into the stable to give some wine to the others. Soon the sleeping potion takes effect. One by one, the guards fall asleep. Is everyone asleep? Sweet dreams, my friends. This is going to be a stop.

Let me see. Just a little hook here and a little hook. There and a rocker by the bee up in the air. When you wake up, the horse won't be there. You hold the rope and please do not fail. I'll take the horse and leave you this tale. Hey, what's this? Where's the horse? What? What's this? Sleeping beauty. Get up, you love. You let that horse get away. The horse. I'd say man, glad to see you're awake and lively.

Keep a good one. I'll first get up. Take your post. We have to guard the Count's horse. The next morning finds the count at the breakfast table waiting for his wife to join him. I'm my. This all looks very appetizing. Good morning, my dear. At your service, your lordship, you rascal, you won this time, but I have another test for you. Your lordship has only to command.

Tonight, you must steal the bed sheet from under my wife and the ring from her finger. And if you fail, I know. I'll hang. That night, the master thief cuts down the body of another thief from the gallows and exchanges clothes with him. Listen, friend. Together, we're going to play a little trick on the count. I promise it'll be fun. That master thief can trick my gods, but he'll never trick me. The door is locked and I'll barricade him. I've got my pistol, and I'm ready. Now, you lie there. I could go to the fellow. Oh, dear. Oh, dear. Someone's coming. Oh, dear. Oh, quiet, woman.

Why, Joe? No, boy, it's not a bad shot. I think I got him. I think I got him. Stay here in bed. I'll go see. Thanks for the use of your hat, friend. Now, where could he? Oh, look what I've done. I did shoot him. I really shot him. Out there, my own godson shot by my own hand. If only he hadn't been a master thief. He was a scoundrel, but I was fond of him. I'll bury him myself. Ah-ha. Now, to disguise myself as the count.

Oh, wrong hand. Ergissa, the thief is dead. Oh, give me your bed sheet, so I can wrap the poor fellow in it. In you go, master thief. We'll give him your ring to remember us by. Well, if he had to go, at least it's cheaper than a hanging. Oh, whoops. Excuse me. What's up? No. Your rascal, your oak. You fell in. Well, your lordship, their lies, your property. Oh, can't you see it? Go ahead. Take it. Let me down. Let me down. Let me down.

Who dragged you out of the grave in which I myself buried you? It wasn't me, you buried. But that poor thief from the gallows. You are an odd thief, but you won your case. This time, you'll get away with your skin. But I recommend you use your talents to better purpose. Or if I ever catch you stealing again, you'll hang from the gallows. I promise, your lordship, you'll never catch me stealing again. Oh, you forgot something. Oh! Well, friend, now you're lying in the Count's Garden, buried by the Count himself. Still, I wouldn't want to share it with you.

Farewell. Oh, forgive me. I almost stole your hat. I'm not sure if I'll have a good idea. I'm not sure if I'll have a good idea. I'm not sure if I'll have a good idea. I'm not sure if I'll have a good idea. I'm not sure if I'll have a good idea.

Hey, here I am. Gotcha. I'm not sure if I'll have a good idea. I'm not sure if I'll have a good idea.

I'm not sure if I'll have a good idea. I'll have a good idea.