Davey and Goliath

Synopsis

Davey and Goliath is a stop-motion children’s television series that first debuted in 1961. Centered on a young boy named Davey and his faithful dog Goliath, the show uses simple, gentle stories to explore moral and religious lessons grounded in Christian values. Produced as an explicitly faith-oriented program, each episode follows Davey as he encounters everyday dilemmas—about honesty, courage, friendship, forgiveness, and tolerance—and learns a thoughtful, age-appropriate lesson often guided by family, friends, or a voice of conscience. The production is notable for its handmade puppet animation and straightforward storytelling style, which emphasize clarity and accessibility for young viewers. While very much a product of its time in tone and pacing, Davey and Goliath has been remembered for its earnest approach to ethical instruction and for offering parents an explicitly values-driven program for children.

Cast

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  Hal Smith

• Dick Beals

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  Norma MacMillan

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  Ginny Tyler

Reviews

Critical and audience responses to Davey and Goliath have generally been mixed and reflective of the series’ explicit religious mission and period style. On IMDb the series holds a user rating of 7.5/10, indicating a solid degree of appreciation from viewers who value its sincerity, moral clarity, and nostalgic stop-motion aesthetic (IMDb: 7.5/10). Many viewers and family-oriented commentators praise the show for being wholesome and straightforward, citing its gentle pacing and clear ethical messages as strengths for young audiences and parents seeking faith-based programming. Supporters also often note the charm of the handmade puppetry and the show’s commitment to teaching kindness, honesty, and responsibility.

At the same time, critics and modern viewers frequently point out the program’s didactic tone and occasionally simplistic approach to complex issues. Some reviews describe episodes as heavy-handed in delivering religious or moral instruction, and contemporary commentators sometimes find certain episodes dated in their cultural assumptions or portrayals. Because Davey and Goliath was produced for a specific religious audience, reviewers who prefer more ambiguous or secular children’s storytelling often consider it less suitable for general audiences. Aggregated critic platforms such as Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic do not list an official Tomatometer or Metacritic score for the original 1961 series, so most available assessments come from user ratings, retrospective pieces, and family-media commentators rather than broad critic consensus. Overall, reception balances appreciation for the series’ heart and craft with recognition that its overtly didactic and period-specific elements will not appeal to every modern viewer.