Voices of the Savannah – The 1992 anime series

January 4 2024

"The voices of the savannah" (大草原草原小さな天使ブッシュベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビーベイビー daisana tensa tensa tenshi The series is based on the 1992 novel “The Bushbabies” by Canadian author William Stevenson. It is part of Nippon Animation's “World Masterpiece Theater” (Sekai Meisaku Gekijo) project, known for its anime television series that adapt classic children's books.

The anime, while maintaining the main plot of the novel, has some significant differences. For example, the bushbaby puppy in the anime is called Murphy, while in the novel he is Kamau. Other differences include the context in which Murphy/Kamau is found, the number of Jackie's siblings, the absence of some characters from the novel in the anime (such as the poachers Michael and John), and differences in the course of events and character traits , like Jackie's appearance.

In Japan, the series was broadcast for the first time by Fuji Television starting from 12 January 1992. In Italy, it was broadcast for the first time on Italia 1 from 10 April 1994, with repeats on Canale 5 and, later, new broadcasts on Italia 1 and Hiro.

This series has also been broadcast internationally, with broadcasts in several countries such as Canada, France, Spain, Germany, Austria, the Philippines, the Arab world and Malaysia. The English version was edited by TVOntario from 1993 to 1995.

Voices of the Savannah - the animated series

The story of “The Voices of the Savannah”

“Voices of the Savannah” tells the story of Jackie Rhodes, a thirteen-year-old English girl who lives an extraordinary experience in Kenya, at the foot of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, in 1964. Jackie's life is immersed in the wild and fascinating nature of 'Africa, where his father Arturo plays a fundamental role as superintendent of the reserve, protecting the animals from poachers.

Jackie's fate takes an unexpected turn when her brother Andrea discovers a young bushbaby in trouble. This little animal, named Murphy, has tragically lost his mother and is in a desperate situation. Jackie's compassionate heart ignites: she decides to take care of Murphy, becoming her savior and faithful friend to her.

In this period, Kenya is going through a crucial historical moment, celebrating its recent independence from English domination. This social and political change has a direct impact on Jackie's family. With the progressive inclusion of local personnel in place of the English, Jackie's father loses his job. The family is then faced with the difficult decision to return to England.

The story reaches a critical point in the port of Mombasa, where an unexpected incident changes the course of events. Jackie realizes that she has lost the document needed to get Murphy out of the country. In an act of love and dedication, Jackie chooses to leave the ship to free Murphy, but her fate has other plans: the ship leaves without her.

Here comes Kim, Jackie's father's loyal assistant. In the ensuing confusion, Kim is mistakenly perceived as a kidnapper, turning an already complicated situation into an international drama. Despite her difficulties, Kim remains at Jackie's side, determined to help her.

Their adventure across the savannah becomes a journey of survival and discovery. As Jackie teaches Murphy how to navigate the wild, she in turn learns valuable lessons about nature and the importance of letting go of those you love. Their journey is a fabric of emotions, challenges and personal growth, culminating in the touching farewell between Jackie and Murphy, as she prepares him to return to nature, her true home.

“Voices of the Savannah” is more than just an animated series; it is a story of courage, love and respect for the natural world, full of exciting adventures and touching moments that remain etched in the viewer's heart.

Characters

Jacqueline Rhodes (Jackie): A 14 year old girl, born and raised in Kenya. Jackie is a sunny and determined figure, with a strong bond with nature and animals. Her closest friend is Murphy, a bushbaby she rescued and raised. The decision to bring Murphy with her to England, despite the advice of her brother, marks her attachment to the African land and her indomitable will.
Arturo Rhodes (Arthur Rhodes): Jackie's father, a man devoted to protecting Kenya's wildlife. As superintendent of the reserve, he fights against poachers. Arturo is a man of principles, tied to his family and his work. His life takes a hit when he loses his job following Kenya's independence, but he remains determined to do what is right.
Kim (Tambo): A former Kenyan army soldier, Kim is Arturo's faithful assistant. Despite the hierarchical relationship with the Rhodes family, Kim is genuinely fond of them, especially Jackie. His decision to protect Jackie demonstrates his courage and integrity, despite the complex social and racial dynamics of Kenya at the time.
Andrea Rhodes (Andrew Rhodes): Jackie's older brother, Andrea is a boy who prefers to experience adventure in Africa rather than study in England. His passion for nature and animals is reflected in his aspiration to become a veterinarian, inspired by Dr. Hanna Kaufmann.
Penny Rhodes: Jackie's mother, a woman with a hobby of painting, who offers an artistic and sensitive look at life in Africa.
Hawa: The young girl who works for the Rhodes family. Her relationship with Jackie is unique, as she is the only indigenous person to address Jackie as "you", reflecting a particular bond and familiarity that goes beyond the confines of work.
Hanna Kaufmann: The young and talented veterinarian of the reserve, who inspires Andrea to pursue a career in veterinary medicine.
Kate Addleton: Jackie's classmate and great friend, whose personal history is marked by family tragedy caused by poachers.
Laisa Addleton: Kate's mother and owner of a coffee plantation, whose fate changes drastically after her husband's death.
Micky (Micky Bill): Jackie's school bully who, despite his behavior, shows deep affection for her and Murphy. Her role in Jackie and Kim's journey to the savannah reveals a more complex side of her character.
Murphy: The bushbaby saved by Jackie, who becomes a symbol of the bond between man and wild nature.
Michael and John: The poachers who pose the constant threat to wildlife and the Rhodes family, with a story that is tragically intertwined with that of the main characters.

These characters, with their stories and relationships, weave the rich narrative mosaic of "The Voices of the Savannah", offering a profound look at life in Kenya during a period of great historical and social changes.

Data Sheet

Gender: Adventure, Drama
Type: Anime TV series
Author: William Stevenson (based on the novel “The Girl and the Galagon”)
Regia: Takayoshi Suzuki
Subject: Akira Miyazaki
Film script: Hiroshi Saitô, Kôzô Kuzuha, Makoto Sokuza, Nobuaki Nakanishi, Takayoshi Suzuki, Tsuyoshi Kaga
Character design: Hiromi Kato, Shūichi Seki
Music: Akiyoshi Miyakawa
Production studio: Nippon Animation
Original network: Fuji TV
First TV in Japan: January 12 – December 20, 1992
Number of episodes: 40 (complete series)
Format: 4: 3
Length of an episode: 24 minutes