April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
Entertainment Column
Teletubbies have tele-tummies
They are the Teletubbies. The four round-bottomed creatures with antennae on their heads and TV screens in their tummies star in a British-produced children's series airing on WMHT, channel 17, and other PBS stations.
If you have a child who is just learning to walk, you know all about Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa-Laa and Po, furry little beings who occupy an otherwise uninhabited land where odd things appear in the sky -- like a Sun Baby, who shines and giggles the day away.
Weird world
If you don't have a child under four, you might still have an inkling who the Teletubbies are. From the scant knowledge you have gleaned from toy stores, they might even make you nervous. While Barney had the same effect on many adults, he might seem supremely normal next to the Teletubbies, whose bizarre world includes a pinwheel that broadcasts short subjects into the stomachs of the foursome, psychedelic special effects and guitars that fall from the blue.The Teletubbies are very hot among toddlers, including my granddaughter Meaghan. Products featuring the pot-bellied creatures were big items on Christmas lists. In fact, Meaghan has been hugging her Laa-Laa doll throughout the winter.
To see what the fuss is about, I tuned in to some recent episodes and laughed every time one of them fell down. That's because a clown horn honks when they land on their behinds, a sure-fire way to coax a smile from me. (While I hasten to add that I laugh at Benchley and Twain, I also admit I always find it amusing when a horn honks if someone squeezes their nose. Please mail your psychiatric evaluations to the Emmett Kelly Institute for Broad Yucks and Big Shoes.)
One more time
So what is it about this show that appeals to little ones? Nothing much seems to happen, hallucinations occur all the time and TV literally becomes part of the human physique. When the pinwheel spins a film into Po's tummy, for example, we see human toddlers doing toddler things, like running around a park or singing a song.And then we see it again. As my wife Mary explained to me, "This is perfect for that age group. They like to see things over and over." So the brief film is immediately repeated to the delight of the applauding Teletubbies. Then they engage in some related skit that involves more repetition. Even when they say goodbye, they say it twice.
With their baby voices, cuddly physiques and little movies, the Teletubbies have everything tykes want. Who knows? After a few more generations' worth of evolution, humans might lose their little toes but gain a Sony in place of their navels....
Roll tape
Young people who are well beyond the Teletubbies might like to know that The Christophers have announced their 12th annual contest for college students. They can win thousands of dollars for producing a video on the theme of "One Person Can Make A Difference." The top prize is $3,000, a nice piece of change for struggling students.In addition to the dough, however, the students will see their winning entries (which must be five minutes or less) on "Christopher Closeup," which is broadcast throughout the U.S. and in 166 foreign countries.
Previous winners have employed all sorts of styles: drama, comedy, documentary, music and even animation.
The deadline for entries is June 18. For details and rules, check out the Christopher website (www.christophers.org) or write them at 12 E. 48th St., New York, NY 10017.
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