Adventure
Duration
120 minutes

Quick Summary

In this whimsical children’s adventure, a runaway chimney sweep unexpectedly discovers a bizarre, hidden underwater world in vivid colour and imaginative set design, filled with wonder. The picture showcases performances by James Mason and young Tommy Pender, bringing the fantastical tale to life.

About This Program

The Water Babies is a programme produced in the form of a movie, it's aimed at a younger audience. Classified as a children's adventure, it offers a fantastical narrative that centres on an unlikely hero. The story is set against a backdrop that blends everyday life with a touch of the extraordinary, inviting viewers to follow a journey that begins on familiar streets. The narrative follows a chimney sweep who has run away from his duties and, while wandering, discovers a strange underwater realm. This hidden world is portrayed as both mysterious and inviting, providing the central setting for the adventure. As the sweep navigates this aquatic environment, he encounters the oddities that define the realm, driving the story forward. The Water Babies stars James Mason alongside Tommy Pender, who bring the characters to life within this whimsical tale. Their performances anchor the film’s adventurous tone, guiding the audience through the underwater discoveries and the sweep’s escapades. As a children’s adventure, the programme balances intrigue with a sense of wonder, using its modest cast to convey a story that moves from the streets above to the depths below. Presented as a single programme rather than a series, The Water Babies delivers its narrative in a concise format, allowing the adventure to unfold without interruption. Its focus on a youthful protagonist and the fantastical underwater setting makes it a suitable choice for family viewing, offering a straightforward yet engaging escape into an imaginative world.

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The Water Babies broadcasts on Together TV +1 at 1:45pm, Saturday, 31 January 2026.

Channel Numbers:
Freeview90

Production Details

Year1978
Runtime81 mins
DirectorLionel Jeffries

Cast & Crew

LJ
BW
Billie Whitelawas Mrs Doasyouwouldbedoneby
SG
JG
Joan Greenwoodas Lady Harriet
PL
Paul Lutyas Sladd
TP
JM
James Masonas Grimes
DT
David Tomlinsonas Sir John
BC
Bernard Cribbinsas Masterman