In the 1990s, while many remembered Beethoven as a notable movie dog, Soccer the canine actor stood out on television. Soccer became famous for starring as the titular character in the PBS series Wishbone. Over 50 episodes and a finale movie, Wishbone’s Dog Days of the West, the show captivated both children and adults with humorous tales and earnest adaptations of classics such as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robin Hood, and The Phantom of the Opera.
Decades after the series concluded, the creative team is reviving Wishbone through a documentary titled What’s the Story, Wishbone?. The film takes a detailed look into the rise and unexpected cancellation of the beloved show. It is crafted by those who were involved in its inception.
There’s hope that new Wishbone stories will emerge, but for now, the documentary offers a nostalgic revisit. “What’s The Story, Wishbone?” is currently showing on Public Television Stations and will be purchasable on digital platforms on June 10.
I spoke with Betty A. Buckley, producer of both the original series and the documentary. Buckley shared stories from the Wishbone set and insights into the documentary’s creation. She emphasized the importance of respecting children, the target audience, and treating them as deserving viewers. According to Buckley, this respect is why Wishbone remains a cultural icon even decades after its original run.