Main content
This programme is not currently available on Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ iPlayer

Paddington: The Man Behind the Bear

With readings by Hugh Bonneville, animation and contributions from celebrity fans, this film looks at the beloved character of Paddington and tells the story of his unassuming creator Michael Bond.

Featuring specially filmed readings and narration by Hugh Bonneville, this film celebrates how Paddington became such a well-loved character for generations of readers and film fans. It is also the story of his unassuming creator Michael Bond.

With a mix of archive, animation, interviews and some surprising encounters, it tells the tale of how a little Peruvian bear called Paddington found a home in Britain and went on to enchant the world.

The film includes interviews with Michael Bond’s family and some famous admirers, among them Stephen Fry, Heston Blumenthal, Lauren Child, Bernard Cribbins, Valerie Singleton and Jeremy Clarkson. Animated sequences based on Peggy Fortnum’s original illustrations also help bring this captivating story to life.

There are fascinating insights into how Michael Bond's own life influenced the values and character he gave to Paddington, from Michael’s personal encounters with refugees during the war to witnessing the arrival of the Windrush generation in postwar London.

Entertaining sequences that Paddington would approve of include a trip to see his close relatives at the zoo, an exclusive endorsement from the Peruvian ambassador, Heston Blumenthal performing a Paddington-inspired culinary magic trick and Jeremy Clarkson revealing how his parents made a fortune selling unofficial Paddington dolls.

The film is also a nostalgic trip to the golden age of British TV - a time when Bill and Ben and Muffin the Mule ruled the roost, and Michael Bond was a camera supervisor on a brand new children’s show called Blue Peter. Bond later teamed up with the genius behind The Magic Roundabout to bring us The Herbs and, of course, the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ television version of Paddington.

Following Paddington’s rise to become the world’s most recognisable, well-loved bear, the film sees how Paddington worked as a Unicef children’s champion and, with the help of cast and crew, follows his unstoppable career in the movies.

Ultimately, the film offers a warm celebration of how Michael Bond gave Paddington values of decency and understanding shaped by his own upbringing and experiences in postwar Britain, and, in doing so, created a bear the whole world has come to love.

59 minutes

Last on

Sat 30 Dec 2023 11:00
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Two

Clips

See all clips from Paddington: The Man Behind the Bear (5)

Music Played

Timings (where shown) are from the start of the programme in hours and minutes

  • 00:04

    Nick Urata

    Duel With Facilities

  • 00:18

    bloodsimple

    Death From Above

  • 00:24

    D Lime

    London Is The Place For Me (feat. Tabago Crusoe)

  • 00:32

    Sidney Torch, New Century Orchestra

    Barnacle Bill

  • 00:55

    Nick Urata

    Arrival In London

  • 00:58

    Nacio Herb Brown

    Singin' in the Rain

    Singer: Gene Kelly.

Credits

Executive Producer Richard Bright
Narrator Hugh Bonneville
Producer Eric Haynes
Interviewed Guest Jeremy Clarkson
Interviewed Guest Bernard Cribbins
Editor Gary Scott
Interviewed Guest Konnie Huq
Assistant Producer Louise Arthur
Interviewed Guest Heston Blumenthal
Production Manager Claire McCluskey
Interviewed Guest Valerie Singleton
Production Coordinator Susan Scott
Interviewed Guest Lauren Child
Animator Ross Hogg
Interviewed Guest Paul King
Composer Francis MacDonald
Interviewed Guest Stephen Fry
Interviewed Guest Simon Farnaby
Interviewed Guest Rosie Alison
Interviewed Guest Karen Jankel
Interviewed Guest Sue Bond
Interviewed Guest Brenda Bond
Interviewed Guest Tobago Cursoe
Interviewed Guest Peter Joseph
Interviewed Guest Barry Macey
Interviewed Guest Lucy Edwards
Director Eric Haynes

Broadcasts

Featured in...

  • Cultural Icons

    Explore the work of iconic musicians, writers and artists.

  • Festive Documentaries

    From historical festivities to the world of the snow wolf, all the stories of the season.

  • Uplifting Arts

    Celebrating the power of art to thrill, surprise and inspire.