Paddington Bear was first introduced to children in Michael Bond's 1958 book, "A Bear Called Paddington" and the subsequent Paddington Bear series has sold over 35 million copies and been translated into 40 languages. The antics of the little bear from Darkest Peru, whose perfect manners and good intentions frequently lead to comical mishaps and moments of high chaos, have captured hearts the world over and the stories are now internationally recognized as modern children’s classics.
It's perhaps surprising that it has taken so long for Paddington Bear to be made into a film. Following several incarnations for the small screen - including a hugely successful 56-episode British television series which began in 1975, designed and directed by Ivor Wood for FilmFair with the distinctive narration of Michael Hordern - this particular "Paddington" marks the very first time that author Michael Bond has given his blessing for his beloved characters to be brought to the big screen.
