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Mr. Rossi was not your typical type of cartoon. It wasn’t about a group of mechanised warriors taking on an evil foe. It wasn’t about a bunch of cuddly fun loving animals who love everybody unconditionally. It wasn’t even about a bunch of teenage kids and their strangely human like pet investigating mysteries, although it did feature a talking dog. Nope, Mr. Rossi was about an ordinary little man bored of his hum drum life and seeking something exciting to occupy his time.
Sounds pretty dull for a cartoon right? Well, of course it wasn’t purely about an every day man. He was friends with his neighbours talking dog, Harold, and a witch who makes his wishes come true. It was pretty bizarre really, but a generally gentle cartoon full of imagination, as Mr. Rossi would wish for all manner of things and would then go on an adventure with Harold thanks to the friendly witch.
Whilst I distinctly remember watching this show on Children’s ITV whilst doing my homework, which would mean it aired during the 1980’s in the UK, the cartoons were actually made in 1976 as feature length cartoons by Italian animator Bruno Bozetto. The series I remember seeing was entitled The Fantastic Adventures of Mr. Rossi, but this was actually the short film Il Signor Rossi Cerca La Felicità (Mr. Rossi Looks For Happiness) broken down into 20 minute chunks.
I don’t remember an awful lot about the adventures Mr. Rossi went on, but I do remember generally feeling sorry for the poor guy as his dreams slowly broke down around him. Sadly it doesn’t appear to be available on DVD either, so no chance of refreshing my memory that way either. One thing I do remember though was the really laid back theme tune, Viva Viva Happiness, which you can listen to below. Unfortunately the video doesn’t have the rather psychedelic title sequence that accompanied the tune, but at least it’s in English…
December 7th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
Like you I have fond memories of Mr Rossi but the only thing i can remember about the catoon is the theme tune.
February 24th, 2009 at 8:55 am
This was the best cartoon ever, shown on Friday afternoons on ITV at 4:45. Social retards who had their viewing dictated to them by their parents watched Blue Peter whilst this was aired. I have Mr Rossi’s Vacation on DVD get in touch if you’d like a copy.
Viva la felicita…
March 3rd, 2009 at 5:42 am
I want A copy My favorite show when i was a kid
March 9th, 2009 at 5:38 pm
how much for a copy with shipping???
March 9th, 2009 at 5:55 pm
Well mic, looks like you’ve got a bit of a gem there. I’m surprised just how many people remember Mr. Rossi with such fondness! No surprise though, it was a nice cartoon.
August 5th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Wow. I have been askin all my friends if they remember, but no-one seems to have a clue of what i’m going on about. I can still remember the theme tune clearly even though it was a good 25 years ago watching it as a child born in 78.
August 5th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Some times it can be a tad annoying having a good memory for these things, can’t it Miss Joyce 1978? People look at you as if you’re mad and that you’re making it all up!
August 23rd, 2009 at 5:41 am
I think £2 would cover all costs for me to send a copy of Mr Rossi’s Vacation to someone in the UK. Email me here: cocaine_hci@hotmail.com if you’re intersted…
August 24th, 2009 at 4:25 am
I want a dvd as well. How much to send to Israel?
October 27th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Please can I have a copy Mic?
May 18th, 2010 at 12:49 am
Any way you can make one for USA regions? I miss mr. Rossi so much!
June 4th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
Nobody I know remembers Mr Rossi despite it being, quite possibly, the best cartoon ever. The song was great as well, I still sing it to myself even now.
August 10th, 2010 at 12:08 am
Is someone still willing to make copies of whatever is available? My 5 yr old son is pretty keen on Mr Rossi’s dreams.
August 10th, 2010 at 11:18 pm
Wow… I love Mr Rossi, such a shame they don’t run it any more here in the UK. Anyone still able to make a copy they could send to the UK?
Would be greatly appreciated, and I could finally enjoy the show on a TV rather than you tube.
Let me know…
Cheers in advance, Dave =)
February 6th, 2011 at 6:14 pm
god, this theme tune rocks!
November 8th, 2011 at 10:58 pm
I remember seeing him on a tv show called The Great Space Coaster. I think the one I remember best is when he dreams he’s Sherlock holmes and investigates a few cats going to Big Ben in London meowing the Westminster Chime. The chime itself sounded very beautiful.