Captain Zeppos - Other Belgian Series

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The television programme Kapitein Zeppos is © VRT. Adventurer makes no attempt to assume or supercede copyright. Copyright remains with the copyright holders.

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The late 1950s to the 1970s were a golden era for Belgian children's television. Here is a quick run-down of the major serials produced. Our sincere thanks to Joeri and Robin of the Wordt Vervolgd website and Alex Hetwer of the VRT archive for much of the detail presented here and to Marcia of for book cover images.

Please note that the archive details given are for information only - unless a serial has been released on DVD officially, the site owners of Adventurer do not have recordings of these serials. If you wish to see a programme again that is not officially available, please contact the VRT home video section to request a DVD release.

Bolletje en Bonestaak (1955) Saturdays from 26th March 1955, 5.00-5.30pm Adapted by Tone Brulin from a children's book written by A.M. de Jongh. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele and directed by Tone Brulin. With: Jef Burn (Bolletje) and Jos Symons (Bonestaak). Number of Episodes: Unknown Original Format: Live/Videotape Archive Status: Lost/wiped
Jan zonder Vrees (1956) "John Without Fear" Saturday 7th January 1956 A dramatisation of the life of Jan zonder Vrees, the 15th Century Count of Flanders, adapted by Louis de Groof from the Constant de Kinder novel. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele and directed by G. Dijckhof-Ceunen and Bert Struys. With: Jef Bruyninckx (Dokus), Roger Coorens (Jan zonder Vrees) and Polly Geerts. Number of Episodes: Unknown Original Format: Live/Videotape Archive Status: Lost/wiped
Schatteneiland (1957) "Treasure Island" Friday 4th January 1957 Louis de Groof's adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novel. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele and directed by G. Dyckhoff-Ceunen, Bert Struys and Piet van de Slype. With: Alex Wilequet (Jim Hawkins), Dries Wieme (John Silver), Marcel Peeters (Jim's friend), Walter Cornelis (Walter Cornelissen), Jo Dua, Cara Van Wersch. Number of Episodes: Unknown Original Format: Live/Videotape Archive Status: Lost/wiped
Reis om de wereld in 80 dagen (1957) "Around the World in 80 Days" Thursdays from 5th September 1957, 5.30-6.00pm Jules Verne's famous novel adapted by Louis de Groof. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele and directed by Lode Verstraete. With: Senne Rouffaer (Phileas Fogg), Cyriel Van Gent (Passepartout), Jef Burm and Roger Coorens (Agent). Number of Episodes: Unknown Original Format: Live/Videotape Archive Status: Lost/wiped
Professor Kwit (1958) Saturdays from 1st November 1958, 5.00-5.30pm Writer Louis de Groof's first original work in the youth series centres upon Professor Kwit, a character in the Don Quixote mould. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele and directed by Lode Verstraete, Lode Hendrickx and Marc van Cauteren. With: Alex Van Rooyen (Professor Kwit), Paula Sleyp (Sofie) and Willy Van Heesvelde (Nolf). Number of Episodes: Unknown Original Format: Live/Videotape Archive Status: Lost/wiped
Manko Kapak (1959) Saturdays from 28th November 1959, 5.00-5.30pm Manko Kapak, the last Inca king, writes his biography in prison, dedicating it to his son. The story starts in his youth, at a time when the Inca Kingdom was at its height and draws to a close with the conquest by the Spanish. Written by Lo Vermeulen and Karel Jeuninckx, produced by Rik Van den Abbeele and directed by Bert Struys. With: Erik Struys (Manko as a child), Senne Rouffaer (Manko as a young man), Jan Gorissen (Manko as an old man), Jef Demedts (Amaru, son of Manko Kapak) and Jan Matterne (Pizarro). Number of Episodes: 12 Original Format: Videotape Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: Kinescope film (captured on film from a television screen)
Het geheim van Killary Harbour (1960) "The Secret of Killary Harbour" Wednesdays from 28th September 1960, 5.00-5.30pm A serial in which Sally (Magda Kleyne) and Luc Donkers try to solve a mystery in a small Irish harbour town. Written by Louis de Groof, produced by Rik Van den Abbeele and directed by Bert Struys. With: Wies Andersen (Luc Donkers ), Magda Kleyne (Sally), Jan Matterne (Mic), Cyriel Van Gent (Tom), Frank Aendenboom, Gella Allaert, Raymond Bossaerts, Jef Ceulemans, Jo Nupie (Moeder) and Dora van der Groen. Number of Episodes: 16 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Tijl Uilenspiegel (1961) Wednesdays from 4th October 1961, 5.30-6.00pm A historical series with Senne Rouffaer as Tijl Uilenspiegel. More details about the real Tijl Uilenspiegel can be found at . Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele, directed by Bert Struys and written by Lo Vermeulen an Karel Jeuninckx. With: Senne Rouffaer (Tijl), Elvire De Prez (Nele), Anton Peters (Lamme Goedzak), Dora Van der Groen (Soetkin), Vik Moeremans (Gielen), Fons Derre (Sander), Jan Gorissen (Dargonne), Frank Struys (Wittekop), Walter Cornelis (Generaal Dumouriez), Frank Aendenboom and Jef Ceulemans. Number of Episodes: 15 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Zanzibar (1962) Wednesdays from 26th September 1962, 5.30-6.00pm In a deserted cove, Mark Verhelst (Wies Andersen) - a 19 year-old boy studying to be a ship's engineer - discovers a shipwreck. Together with some friends, he wants to restore the ship to make it seaworthy. They call the ship 'Zanzibar'. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele, directed by Bert Struys and Jan Gorissen. With: Wies Andersen, Raymond Bossaerts, Frank Aendenboom, Rita Lommé, Cyriel Van Gent, Magda Kleyne and Senne Rouffaer. Number of Episodes: 11 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
De tijdscapsule (1963) *"The Time Capsule"* Wednesdays from 6th October 1963, 5.30-6.00pm A science fiction series which takes place in the year 2500, a time when men and women can live for up to three hundred years. Peter Bergen, an archaeologist, is sent to the past in a time machine which he activates with his pocket watch. He travels to the Middle Ages to save Isolde, the daughter of a witch, from being burned at the stake. He falls in love with her and they continue their journey together. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele, directed by Senne Rouffaer and written by Lo Vermeulen and Karel Jeuninckx. With: Eddy Burgman (Peter Bergen), Elvire Deprez (Isolde), Ward de Ravet (P.P. Rubens), Marcel Hendrickx (Hendrik) and Cyriel Van Gent (Agent). Number of Episodes: 16 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Kapitein Zeppos: Belderbos (1964) "Captain Zeppos: Belderbos" Wednesdays from 21st October 1964, 5.00-5.25pm This was the most successful of all Belgian youth-series. The mysterious and secretive Kapitein Zeppos arrives in Belder to inherit Belderbos, a castle near the town. However, others have plans for the castles, its lands and, most importantly, what lies beneath the Estate. Written by Louis de Groof, directed by Senne Rouffaer. With: Senne Rouffaer (Kapitein Zeppos), Raymond Bossaerts (Ben Kurrel), Vera Veroft (Ariane), Ward de Ravet (Baral), Truus Demedts (Rita), Henriette Cabanier (Oma), Cyriel Van Gent (Gust) and Fik Moeremans (Pukkel). Number of Episodes: 15 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Johan en de Alverman (1965) "Johan and the Alverman" Saturdays from 23rd October 1965, 8.25-8.50pm A tale of fantasy and magic set in the 17th Century. Johan Claeszoon (Frank Aendenboom) is a young student doctor who meets a strange creature in the Nekkersbos (Nekkers Forest): the Alverman of Avalon (Jef Cassiers). He gives Johan a magical ring called Fafiefoernik. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele, directed by Senne Rouffaer and written by Lo Vermeulen and Karel Jeuninckx. With: Frank Aendenboom, Jef Cassiers, Ward de Ravet, Fanny Winkler, and Cyriel Van Gent as Don Cristobal de Bobadila. This series was transmitted in Italy (as 'Gianni e il Magico Alverman'), the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and Germany. Number of Episodes: 16 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Axel Nort (1966) Wednesdays from 26th October 1966, 5.00-5.30pm Driving his Citroën 2PK, Detective Axel Nort (Nand Buyl) fights crime and injustice. With the help of Dirk Talboom (Johnny Voners), a criminology student, he pursues a gang of diamond smugglers. With: Nand Buyl (Axel Nort), Johny Voners (Dirk Talboom), Jan Reusens (Sam Suffie), Denise De Weerdt (Barbara), Vera Veroft (Bia), Rita Derre (Neppie), Christiaan Van Damme (Mark) and Marcel Hendrickx (police Chief Talboom). Written by Louis de Groof and directed by Senne Rouffaer. Number of Episodes: 16 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Midas (1967) Wednesdays from 1st November 1967, 5.00-5.30pm Inventor Peter Paracelsus discovers, like the legendary King Midas, a formula to make gold. Two criminals, Renée and Blabber, are highly interested in this chemical process. Rik Andries, in the starring role, would later go on to play De Kat in a popular youth-series made in 1973. The DVD '50 Jaar Televisie - Deel 1: 1953-1969' contains rare behind the scenes footage of the making of Midas. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele, directed by Senne Rouffaer and written by Lo Vermeulen and Karel Jeuninckx. With: Rik Andries (Peter Paracelsus), Kris Smet (Renée) and Jef Cassiers (Blabber). Number of Episodes: 16 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Kapitein Zeppos: De Eglantier (1968) Kapitein Zeppos: Tweng (1968) "Captain Zeppos: The Wild Rose / Tweng" Wednesdays from 16th October 1968, 4.00-4.30pm Two eight-part serials broadcast over sixteen weeks, which carry on the story of Kapitein Zeppos, the hero of the 1964 youth-series. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele, directed by Jef Demedts and written by Louis de Groof. With: Senne Rouffaer (Kapitein Zeppos), Raymond Bossaerts (Ben Kurrel), Vera Veroft (Mrs. Zeppos), Cara Van Wersch (Aunt Cara), Jackie Morel (Hugo Brems), Bruno Rouffaer (Frank Brems), Henriette Cabanier (Oma), Cyriel Van Gent (Gust), Leo Haelterman (Mizernak), Piet Bergers (Elias), and Alex Cassiers (Clovis). Number of Episodes: 16 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Fabian van Fallada (1969) Wednesdays from 29th October 1969, 6.20-6.50pm Fabian van Fallada, a lieutenant in the Austrian Hussar Army, is falsely accused of theft and condemned to the gallows. Luckily, escapes from prison with the help of Mammelies de Crébillon. She has a magic mirror called Fierlefijn and a midget Knudde who can change into a talking horse. A gang of robbers lead by the Werewolf has ravaged the region. Together with the beautiful Anne, the minstrel Wannes and the ex-gang member Kasper, Fabian tries to unmask the Werewolf. Considered one of the best historical youth series, this series was immensely popular at the time of broadcast. Directed by Senne Rouffaer and written by Lo Vermeulen and Karel Jeuninckx. With: Jef Demedts (Fabian van Fallada), Fanny Winkeler (Mammelies de Crébillon), Kris Smet (Anne), Walter Moeremans (Wannes), Jan Reusens (Kasper) and Louis Vervoort (Knudde). Number of Episodes: 13 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Keromar (1970) Wednesdays from 24th February 1971, 8.45-9.15pm The Kerts are a peaceful people living in Neropal. One day their peaceful existence is brutally disturbed when the Bolts arrive. The Bolts intend to conquer Neropal but there's one Kert, Worban, who possesses an arrow which never misses its target. It is made of finroen, a special ore. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele, directed by Senne Rouffaer and written by Louis de Groof. With: Mike Verdrengh, Annelies Vaes, Senne Rouffaer, Ann Petersen, Nand Buyl and Jan Decleir. Number of Episodes: 13 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Het Zwaard van Ardoewaan (1971) *"The Sword of Ardoewaan"* Wednesdays from 5th January 1972, 6.00-6.30pm This was the first series to be made in colour. When the twin brothers Huoon and Morholt return home after two years, they discover that the town of Ardoewaan has fallen victim to a strange disease. There have been many fatalities and the twins' father is amongst the dead. 'Bragnit', the legendary sword of Ardoewaan, decides that Huoon is the new Lord. Directed by Senne Rouffaer and written by Lo Vermeulen and Karel Jeuninckx. With: Jef Demedts (Huoon / Morholt), Vera Veroft (Freda), Roger Coorens (Karanog), Chris Lomme (Rikki), Ward de Ravet (Gorneval), Vik Moeremans (Grim), Leo Madder (Wezel) and Ann Petersen (Elspet). Number of Episodes: 13 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Bart Banninks (1972) Adventure serial directed by Jef Ceulemans. With: Jef Mennekens (Dr. Maas), Bart Peeters (Bart Banninks), Kaatje Peeters (Kaatje), Stijntje Peeters (Stijntje), Suzanne Van Boeckel (Mother), Frans Van der Straeten (Kalas), Cara Van Wersch (Aunt Lotje), Martientje Wouters (Martientje). Number of Episodes: 13 Original Format: Videotape Archive Status: Lost/wiped - 16mm film inserts exist at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film (inserts only)
De Kat (1972) *"The Cat"* Wednesdays from 17th January 1973, 6.10-6.40pm A mysterious masked man who goes under the name 'the Cat' has set himself the task of fighting environmental pollution. His enemy: the companies and individuals who are destroying the environment. One of his opponents is the company 'Afval' (Garbage). Very popular at the time due to the subject. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele, directed by Senne Rouffaer and written by Louis de Groof. With: Rik Andries (David De Kat), Jeanine Schevernels (Helena), Domien De Gruyter (Oskar Dias), Max Schnurr (Tristan) and Jan Jaap Janssen (Albert). Number of Episodes: 13 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Magister Maesius (1973) *"Master Maesius"* Wednesdays from 2nd January 1974, 5.25-5.55pm In 1524, Irena from the planet Balmodor is sent by the 'crystal creatures' to investigate the Earth. She has to figure out why Earthlings are so unpredictable. Irena meets Magister Maesius a scholar from Zarren. Directed by Jef Ceulemans. and written by Lo Vermeulen and Karel Jeuninckx. With: Willy van Heesvelde (Magister Maesius), Jef Demedts (Graaf Renier Van Nevele), Ann Petersen (Katrijn), Nora Tilley (Irena), Ivo Pauwels (Geeraert), Marieke van Leeuwen (Elza), Jan Verbist (Hugo van Craendonck) and Alex Cassiers (Kapitein Capuyt). Number of Episodes: 13 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Tim (1974) Wednesdays from 1st January 1975, 5.30-6.00pm Tim is a history student who writes a thesis about magic. He travels to Salem, a place where strange things take place and gets in contact with the 'Mumsels', weird characters. Produced by Rik Van den Abbeele, directed by Jef Ceulemans and written by Louis de Groof. With: Bob de Moor (Tim), Rik Andries (Mirko), Dirk de Batist (Gregor), Manu Verreth (Bodo), André Roels (Casimir), Chris Lomme (Ilona), René Verreth, Magda Cnudde, Tuur De Weert, Sien Diels, Lut Tomsin and Mark Willems. Number of Episodes: 13 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Robin de Robot (1975) *"Robin the Robot"* Wednesdays from 5th November 1975, 5.30-5.45pm Fax is a highly imaginative professor who loves to tinker with all kinds of electronic devices. He designs a robot for his housekeeper, to help her in all kinds of domestic tasks. The scoundrels Linke and Slome are interested in this handy robot and they plan to steal it from the professor. At first they see it as an easy job, but it soon becomes a difficult one. Apart from the Robot, the eccentric Fax also designed several other machines amongst them a smoke machine and an automatic moneychanger. Written by René Struelens and directed by Gie Lavigne. With: Jan Reusens (Professor Fax), Lia Lee (Serafien), Albert Willekens (The Robot), Gaston Berghmans (Linke) and Leo Martin (Slome). Number of Episodes: Unknown Original Format: Videotape Archive Status: Lost/Wiped
Rogier Van Ter Doest (1976) Wednesdays from 4 February 1976 Grand Duke Eremboud van Dordenaere is a weak monarch who fills his days with miniature painting. In reality, the country is led by his two council members, Willem and Gerolf. These men use terror to enforce their rule and aim to increase their wealth on the back of the poor farmers. Captain Rogier Van Ter Doest tries to help the farmers. Directed by Jef Ceulemans. and written by Lo Vermeulen and Karel Jeuninckx. With: Robert Borremans, Tessy Moerenhout, Hugo Van den berghe, Jackie Morel, Karel Vingerhoets, Ugo Prinsen, Mandus De Vos, Marijn De Valk, Sien Eggers and Tuur De Weert. Number of Episodes: 13 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film
Circus Rondau (1976) Wednesdays from 5 January 1977 After the sudden death of the director, the circus is now lead by the young Silvia. She also takes care of the orphan Jo. Written by Louis de Groof and directed by Jef Ceulemans. With: Rosemarie Bergmans (Silvia), Leo Beyers (Mr. Morris), Marc Bober (Stefan), Dolf de Winter, An Nelissen, Ivo Pauwels (Lukas), Ann Petersen (Zulma), Joris Van den Eynde (Paul), Manu Verreth, René Verreth, Ria Verschaeren, Nolle Versyp, Mandus de Vos, Frank Vuga (Jo) and Arnold Willems. Number of Episodes: 13 Original Format: 16mm film Archive Status: Exists complete at the VRT Archive Format: 16mm film

With a few exceptions, Circus Rondau marked the end of the golden age of Belgian youth-series. In the Eighties and Nineties, there were Merlina, Postbus X and Interflix, three more classic detective stories. The first, Merlina ran for 102 episodes and was immensely popular. The VRT still repeats it regularly.