Paul Sutherland
Creator
Biography
Television producer Paul Sutherland, alongside friend Dave Ellison, created and produced the beloved Canadian children's program "Tales of The Riverbank" from 1960 to 1963. Using live rodents like 'Hammy The Hamster' and 'GP' for guinea pig, 'Martha Mouse,' 'Matthew Mouse,' and 'Roderick Rat,' the show portrayed their daily lives as if they were human—living in houses, driving cars, and inventing gadgets. Cheese was used to trick the rodents into acting for filming. Originally produced in Toronto, the series was picked up by the BBC in England. It ended in 1963 but was revived as "Once Upon A Hamster" in the 1990s on Canada's YTV. Sutherland, a former journalist and CBC broadcaster, was also known as a narrator, aviator, sailor, diver, and writer for the 1966 film "The Scribe." He passed away in May, 2004, at 73.
Known For
This beloved family series follows the exciting adventures of Hammy the Hamster and his woodland friends.
Once Upon a Hamster
"Hammy Hamster," created by CBC film editors David Ellison and Paul Sutherland in 1959, initially turned down by CBC, found success with the BBC, leading to thirteen episodes. Following international sales, Canada's CTV picked up the series after it won the Canadian Film Awards. The show, known for unique storytelling and effects, featured animal transportation via various means. Although Sutherland voiced many characters, his voice was replaced for UK and European markets. A second colour series, "Hammy Hamster's Adventures On the Riverbank," narrated by Johnny Morris, aired in the 1970s and was sold to 34 countries. The franchise spawned two syndicated sequels, "Hammy Hamster" and "Once Upon a Hamster."