Mr. Benn

Popular British children's animation series. Mr Benn is the ordinary, bowler-hatted office worker who lives in the ordinary suburban street of Festive Road. However, when he tries on a costume in a mysterious shop, he steps out of the changing room into a different time and place, appropriate to his apparel. His adventures include him being a spaceman, a pirate and a cowboy.

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Created By

David McKee

Status

Ended

Original Name

Mr. Benn

First Air Date

February 25, 1971

Last Air Date

January 1, 2005

Seasons

Episodes

Language

English

Production Companies

Zephyr Films

Networks

BBC Two

S01E14

The Gladiator

Seeing some workmen busy repairing his road, Mr Benn is reminded of the Romans, who built very good roads. He heads for the costume shop and tries on a Roman Gladiator’s outfit; stepping through the changing room door, Mr Benn arrives in ancient times, by a road under construction. One of the workers is Mr Benn’s old friend, Smasher Lagru**, who explains that they are building the road to lead to the Emperor’s Arena. Just then the Emperor himself arrives, and, having approved of the workers’ handiwork, he invites Smasher and Mr Benn to accompany him on a visit to watch the Gladiators fight each other – and the lions – in the Arena. Mr Benn sees this as an opportunity save the lives of the combatants, and to show the Emperor that fighting is silly…

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