Sooty – the movie!
Furry favourite and pals set to hit the big screen
THEY were a stalwart of kids’ telly in the 1970s and ’ 80s – but now Sooty and Sweep could be causing havoc at a giant screen near you.
Plans are under way to make a feature film about the popular puppets to mark their 70th anniversary next year.
Richard Cadell bought the rights to the characters a decade ago for around £1 million.
He now intends to turn the exploits of silent, naughty yellow teddy bear Sooty and his friends Sweep and Soo into a film.
“We’re working on a full feature-length theatrical movie,” he said.
“It has been a few years in the pipeline but we are getting there.
“It’s a multi- million pound movie with big stars.
“It’s a tough game, the movie business, but it is a challenge we are winning.
“It will be a real family movie with celebrity cameos.
“We plan to have it ready for next year’s anniversary, if not make it then.”
Sooty and Sweep creator Harry Corbett came up with the idea for the puppet act during a visit to Blackpool’s North Pier in 1948, where he saw a little teddy bear in a joke shop.
He bought it for his kids – and Sooty was born.
He then auditioned for a local talent competition and was spotted by a BBC producer.
Sooty has been entertaining children for decades – the show first aired on the BBC in 1955 before moving to ITV in 1968.
Sooty and Sweep delighted Scots fans on a whistle- stop tour last week. They caused chaos during an appearance on STV 2’s Five Live on Friday when they sprayed Gun rocker Dante Gizzi in the face with a water pistol then soaked presenters Susie Cormack Bruce and Ewen Cameron. The TV favourites were yesterday performing at Greeno ck’ s Beacon Arts Centre before meeting up with kids after the show. C add el said: “Sooty loves Scotland and we had a Scottish breakfast, and Sooty’s favourite –a Tun no ck’ s Caramel Wafer.”