La Boîte à Surprise

* "La Boîte à Surprise" is a television program for young people in Quebec (Canada) broadcast from 1956 to 1972 on Radio-Canada. Each program features different guests and is made up of two segments: one part features clownish or whimsical characters, the second, more educational, deals with music, literature, arts and crafts, etc. The first segment is a series of short films, with a focus on the theme of the show. The show has had two main hosts: Monsieur Surprise (playded by Pierre Thériault from 1956 to 1960 and from 1965 to 1967), and Surprise (played by Guy Mauffette from 1960 to 1964) . During the 1964-1965 season, in the absence of a permanent host, it was one or other of the characters from "La Boîte à Surprise" who hosted the show. Although some of the famous characters were created in the theatre and have been known in other shows previously (such as 'Fanfreluche' and 'Le Pirate Maboule'), it was in this show that the television careers of such popular characters as Sol, Marie Quat'Poches, Grujot et Délicat, La Ribouldingue, O.K. Sheriff, Michel le Magicien and many others began. The character Picolo, created for television in the summer of 1956, also joined the show. Bobino also appeared in the 1958-1959 season. 'Monsieur Surprise' hosted a new show from September 6, 1967. This 15-minute programme entitled 'Monsieur Surprise présente' was broadcast at 10.30 a.m. from Monday to Friday. Monsieur Surprise presented short films such as Poly, La Maison de Toutou, Le Crayon magique, Saturnin, Le Manège enchanté, Les Aventures du Chevalier bleu, etc. In October 1967, the format of "La Boîte à Surprise" is modified. Henceforth, Monsieur Surprise no longer did the animation and only one series per episode was presented. Each episode begins with the credits of "La Boîte à Surprise". For the 1968-1969 season, Radio-Canada decided that each series would begin with its own credits.