Knock Three Times

1 9 6 8 (UK)
4 x 25 minute episodes

Debuting on Sunday 4 August 1968 in the Heyday Theatre slot, this four-part Sunday teatime children’s adventure series from London Weekend Television starred 15-year-old Jack Wild (by this time internationally famous as the Artful Dodger in Lionel Bart’s 1968 musical Oliver!) teamed with young Sally-Ann Jones (three years his junior but the same height) as twins Jack and Molly.

Comedienne Hattie Jacques starred as their Aunt Nancy, a magical lady who led the children off into a world of fun and fantasy.

The series started at the children’s 12th birthday party, presided over by Nancy. Later, when the twins were in bed, Molly had a dream about one of her presents, a pumpkin-shaped pin cushion, which turned into a spooky rolling pumpkin (played by diminutive character actor Norman McGleen).

Molly followed the pumpkin which knocked three times against a tree to reveal an entrance to a magical world where it transpires that the pumpkin is actually an evil wizard or goblin imprisoned in this form.

The rest of the serial was devoted to Molly’s fantasy world, where she and Jack became involved in all sorts of adventures.

Two stars from Please, Sir! appeared in the series; Eric Chitty and Liz Gebhardt.

Aunt Nancy/Miss Papinjay/Lydia
Hattie Jacques
Jack
Jack Wild
Molly 
Sally Ann Jones
Dad/Admiral
Gordon Rollings
Mum/Queen Irene
Maureen O’Reilly
Grandad/King
Erik Chitty
Aunt Phoebe/Witch
Rosamund Greenwood
Cliff/Sentry/Watchmaker
Richard O’Callaghan
Cissie/Green Girl
Liz Gebhardt
Witch
Rosamund Greenwood
Grey Pumpkin
Norman McGlen
Goblin
Ian Trigger
Wilbur
William Shearer

Episodes

The Other Side of the Tree | In Search of the Black Leaf | The House in the Wood | Two Grey Pumpkins