Long-legged dad

Long-legged dad (original title Watashi no ashinaga ojisan), is broadcast on Italy 1 from Monday to Friday at 7,55 am. The cartoon, based on the novel of the same name by Jean Webster and produced by Nippon Animation - Fuji Television was broadcast for the first time on Italia 1 in 1991, is divided into 40 episodes each lasting 30 minutes and is part of the project World Masterpiece Theater.
In the college run by Miss Luppett, Judy He eagerly awaits the arrival of the Charity Committee, which will have to choose which of the older children will benefit from a scholarship to go to high school. Unfortunately what should have been a decisive day for our young friend turns into a small disaster, due to her distraction and exuberance ... but the last word has not yet been said!

In fact, the delay of the president of the Committee, a hasty meeting-confrontation and a theme, will change the life of Judy Abbott! Since the mysterious gentleman, after having read the composition, amazed by the brilliant humor, sensitivity and keen spirit of observation of the young girl, decides to tutor her and keep her studying, with the sole condition of remaining anonymous. Informed by Miss Luppett, Judy chases her benefactor down the hall to see him in person and thank him: instead he will find projected on the wall only a shadow, with long legs, a cylinder and a stick in his hand. A fascinating and significant shadow for the little girl: that of Long-legged dad (officially the John Smith)! The generosity and sensitivity of the young girl will emerge immediately, in fact, before abandoning forever the orphanage and her friends - rather than buying new clothes, necessary to adequately face her new lifestyle - Judy buy a gift for each of them. Her gesture, at first misunderstood (Sally's scene will deeply sadden Judy), is understood and they will all go to the station to greet their friend one last time: in the carriage of Tommy's adoptive parents' van, they will shout out greetings more affectionate than ever. Arrived in the beautiful, as hectic, New York, then in the prestigious Abramo Lincoln High School, Judy makes the acquaintance of the gentle and calm Sally Mc Bright and the haughty and unconventional (unfounded good!) Julia Pendentol, her roommates and future friends for the skin. Not only! Our friend embarks on a brilliant school career, discovering her talent as a writer.
Since the generous guardian (with whom Judy maintains a close and affectionate correspondence) sends her to spend the summer holidays in the countryside, she will meet the young man Jervis Pendentol, with whom they will make a beautiful friendship, which over time will blossom into a delicate and profound love. At first this feeling will be hampered by the Pendentols (due to Judy's humble origins), but her strength will triumph over everything and everyone! In fact The cartoon will end with the marriage of Judi and Jervis, after she has discovered that John Smith e Jervis Pendelton I'm the same person. This discovery will occur on the occasion of the last day of high school (graduation day), when John Smith's secretary informs Judy of the serious illness of her beloved guardian. Desperate she rushes into the big house, where it happens that ... Here I stop so as not to spoil the romantic ending: please, don't miss it!

by Helga Corpino

All characters and images of Papa Gambalunga are copyright Nippon Animation / Fuji Television and of the right holders. they are used here for cognitive and informative purposes.