Heidi, Girl of the Alps

Aired: 1974

A TV anime produced by Zuiyo Eizo, based on Johanna Spyri's "Heidi" (1880-1881). Five-year-old orphan Heidi is sent to her gruff grandfather Alm-Onji in the Swiss Alps by aunt Dete. The misanthropic grandfather opens his heart to the pure-hearted Heidi, who lives happily with goat-herding boy Peter and the white goat Yuki. Sent to wealthy Sesemann family in Frankfurt as a companion for wheelchair-bound Clara, she suffers in the city before recovering in the Alps. The climactic miracle of Clara walking again is one of Japanese anime's most iconic moments. Directed by Isao Takahata with scene design by Hayao Miyazaki and animation direction by Yoichi Kotabe, this Calpis Manga Theater entry was the precursor to World Masterpiece Theater. 52 episodes.

©ズイヨー