A Guide For The Perplexed
- Studio
- Shoebox Productions Inc., Alberta Filmworks Inc., British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC Scotland), Blueprint Entertainment
- Distributor
- BBC, CBC
Synopsis
Marnie is researching Michael Scot and Tantallon Castle, and finds herself having to explain both computers and the Internet to the Shoebox Zoo, who have been sleeping for centuries. Dad interrupts her research and when he sees she is looking up Michael Scot, he mentions that he's seen a book of his at the University of Edinburgh Library. He's surprised by Marnie's interest in it, but promises to get it for her.
The next day, Marnie pleads with Laura to accept her apology for what happened at St. Giles. Her attention is then drawn away when Ms. MacKay asks for suggestions for the next field trip, but it is hearing the voice of Michael Scot that truly distracts Marnie. He tells her to suggest Tantallon Castle, and the whole class gets excited about going, except the strange John Roberts.
After school, Marnie tries to tell Laura about hearing Michael Scot's voice, but doesn't want Laura to think she's weird. Marnie decides the best way to explain is to show Laura the Shoebox Zoo. The girls sit in Marnie's bedroom and just before Marnie wakes up the Shoebox Zoo, the doorbell rings. It's John Roberts, and to the dismay of Marnie and Laura, Dad invites him to stay for tea!
As they eat, John excuses himself to use "the facilities". Instead, he quietly goes to Marnie's bedroom, looking for the Shoebox Zoo. As they panic and try to escape, John Roberts turns into none other than Toledo the Shapeshifter!
The next day, Dad takes Marnie to the university library, where Michael Scot inexplicably appears to give Marnie another of his books- A Guide for the Perplexed- and says it may help her find the Book of Forbidden Knowledge.
The next day, Marnie pleads with Laura to accept her apology for what happened at St. Giles. Her attention is then drawn away when Ms. MacKay asks for suggestions for the next field trip, but it is hearing the voice of Michael Scot that truly distracts Marnie. He tells her to suggest Tantallon Castle, and the whole class gets excited about going, except the strange John Roberts.
After school, Marnie tries to tell Laura about hearing Michael Scot's voice, but doesn't want Laura to think she's weird. Marnie decides the best way to explain is to show Laura the Shoebox Zoo. The girls sit in Marnie's bedroom and just before Marnie wakes up the Shoebox Zoo, the doorbell rings. It's John Roberts, and to the dismay of Marnie and Laura, Dad invites him to stay for tea!
As they eat, John excuses himself to use "the facilities". Instead, he quietly goes to Marnie's bedroom, looking for the Shoebox Zoo. As they panic and try to escape, John Roberts turns into none other than Toledo the Shapeshifter!
The next day, Dad takes Marnie to the university library, where Michael Scot inexplicably appears to give Marnie another of his books- A Guide for the Perplexed- and says it may help her find the Book of Forbidden Knowledge.
Characters
Wolfgang the Wolf, Bruno the Bear, Edwin the Eagle, Ailsa the Adder.
Characters (Live-Action): Grandpa, Marnie's Dad, Marnie McBride, John Roberts, Michael Scot, Professor Toledo, McTaggart, Storyteller, Becky, Aurora Dexter, Nathaniel
Characters (Live-Action): Grandpa, Marnie's Dad, Marnie McBride, John Roberts, Michael Scot, Professor Toledo, McTaggart, Storyteller, Becky, Aurora Dexter, Nathaniel
Credits
Directing
- Director
- Grant Harvey, James Henry, Justin Molotnikov
Writing
- Writer
- Martin Stellman
Voices
- Voice
- Simon Callow (Wolfgang the Wolf), Alan Cumming (Bruno the Bear), Rik Mayall (Edwin the Eagle), Siobhan Redmond (Ailsa the Adder)
- Vocal Talent (Live-Action)
- Paul Coeur (Grandpa), Jason Connery (Marnie's Dad), Vivien Endicott-Douglas (Marnie McBride), Maxi Moffat (John Roberts), Peter Mullan (Michael Scot), Tony Donaldson (Professor Toledo), David McKay (McTaggart), Bill Paterson (Storyteller), Kelsey Collins (Becky), Natascha Girgis (Aurora Dexter), Gordon Tootoosis (Nathaniel)
Crew
- Co-Creators
- Brian Ward, Claire Mundell, Justin Molotnikov
Companies and other credits
- Special Effects: Calibre Digital Pictures
- Special Effects: Elements Special Effects Ltd
Production notes
Combined live action and animation, with CGI used for animal figurines.
Filmed in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Because the BBC was so impressed with this series, a second season was in production before the first had aired.
The character of Michael Scot is based on a real person of that name who lived from about 1175 to 1230. His descendants include author Sir Walter Scott.
Filmed in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Because the BBC was so impressed with this series, a second season was in production before the first had aired.
The character of Michael Scot is based on a real person of that name who lived from about 1175 to 1230. His descendants include author Sir Walter Scott.