Gustav (film series)

Gustav also known as Gustavus (Hungarian Gusztáv, 1964-1977) was Hungarian series of short cartoons (5 minutes) for adults. It was extremely popular in Eastern Europe, where it has achieved cult status.

Each episode tells the adventures of the main character, Gustavus, related to the gray realities of urban life. Characteristic feature of the show was that episodes were independent: for example, Gustavus is sometimes a bachelor, sometimes has large family. In Eastern Europe and Yugoslavia the episodes were broadcast by TV in the 80s, usually as filler airtime. The series was also broadcast in Western Europe and even in New Zealand. In Hungary, some episodes were released on DVD.

Episodes and character development

The first series (68 episodes) was made between 1964 and 1968, silver screen, not a TV screen. The second series (52 episodes) was made between 1975 and 1977 for TV. Pannonia Film Studio produced the series. The main character, Gustavus, was first developed in 1961, in 8 minute cartoon Passion, by Nepp József.