Big John, Little John
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Big John, Little John
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| Episodes: | 13 |
| Year: | 1976 |
| Country: | United States |
| Seasons: | 1 |
| Seasons Breakdown: | (1) 13 |
| Category: | Environmental |
| Colour: | Yes |
| Format: | SERIES |
| Company: | D'ANGELO-BULLOC-ALLEN PRODUCTIONS/ REDWOOD PRODUCTIONS / NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANY (NBC) |
| Creator: | SHERWOOD SCHWARTZ |
| Run Time (mins): | 30 |
| Language: | English |
| Type of Show: | Live Action |
| Status: | Ended |
| Broadcaster: | |
Summary
BJLJ was a Saturday‑morning children’s comedy series centred on John Martin, a middle‑aged science teacher employed at Madison Junior High School. Martin’s life is irrevocably altered after he discovers the long‑mythologised “fountain of youth” and inadvertently consumes its water. The substance produces an unusual side effect: at unpredictable and often inconvenient moments, Martin temporarily transforms into a twelve‑year‑old boy. These involuntary regressions frequently lead to confusion, with Martin occasionally being mistaken for one of the school’s students.
Martin’s wife, Marjorie, and their son, Ricky, are privy to his condition. To conceal the transformations from the wider community, they introduce the youthful version of John as “Little John,” purportedly the visiting nephew of “Big John” and a temporary student at Madison Junior High. Meanwhile, Martin attempts to utilise the school’s science laboratory to develop a cure for his affliction, all while ensuring that his condition remains hidden from the school’s strict principal, Bertha Bottomly.
Although the transformations occur without warning, Martin experiences a brief tingling sensation moments beforehand, allowing him limited opportunity to retreat from public view before the change takes place. The series follows his efforts to balance his professional responsibilities, family life, and ongoing attempts to reverse the effects of the fountain’s water.
Cast
(Big) John Martin HERBERT EDELMAN , (Little) John Martin ROBBIE RIST, Majorie Martin JOYCE BULIFANT, Ricky Martin MIKE DARNEL, Bertha Bottomly OLIVE DUNBAR, Homer KRISTOFF ST. JOHN, Valerie CARI ANNE WARDER.