'Rainbow Brite;' Let's Go to Rainbow Land

As a child, a favourite of mine was the bright and colourful world of Rainbow Brite. A young girl called Wisp is brought to a grey, dull land, with a mission to bring colour to the fictitious world, by locating the Sphere of Light. She befriends a furry Sprite creature called Twink and a horse called Starlite. They come across a baby, who Wisp discovers is the key to her mission. The adventure begins…

Wisp rescues the seven Colour Kids, who have been trapped by the King Of Shadows. The Colour Kids then help Wisp to bring colour and rainbow to the grey land. Each Kid is in charge of their own colour, which they spread across the land, making the entire land bright, colourful and beautiful. Wisp is renamed Rainbow Brite. The land becomes Rainbow Land.

Rainbow Brite was first introduced in 1983, by Hallmark Cards, USA. The animated series began in 1984, with the debut on June 24th, 1984, with "Peril In The Pits." In 1985, a film was released by Warner Brothers, Rainbow And The Star Stealer.

The original American TV commercial, which advertised the Rainbow Brite doll, starred child actress Heather O’Rourke, from the Poltergeist films.

Hallmark licensed Mattel in 1984 to produce their dolls, toys, and other merchandise. There was lots of merchandise to collect, including sleeping bags, dolls outfits, cups, and duvets, plus a hugely popular sticker album! There were also books, stationary, clothing, videos of the animated series, colouring books, costume jewellery, puzzles, suitcases, a breakfast cereal, records, cassettes, comic books, slippers, curtains, bicycles and much, much, more.

Rainbow Brite was a very clever girl, full of strength, bravery and she never gave up. Her loyal friend was the Sprite, Twink. Twink is left in charge whenever Rainbow Brite went away. He was originally a red Sprite, until the villain Murky Dismal removed his colour, leaving him white.

Starlite was the faithful friend of Rainbow Brite, who had one powerful back kick, which could help get them out of tricky situations. Starlite was fast, strong, and sailed through the rainbows and skies. It had been known for Starlite to be jealous of other horses, if competition was shown!

The Colour Kids—Red Butler. Charming, dashing, adventurous, daring Red. He was always ready to help anyone in distress. He was in charge of the colour Red. He was also one skilled trumpet player. Red’s personal Sprite was Romeo, who was one very affectionate Sprite.

Lala Orange was in charge of the colour Orange. This girl was romantic, stylish, flirty and feminine, who always meant well. Her Sprite was called O.J. Lala had a secret crush on Red Butler.

Buddy Blue, athletic and valiant, who was in charge of the colour Blue. He loved sport, exercise, health and a good diet. When he was not being active he could be found meditating. He also played the tuba. His Sprite was called Champ.

Canary Yellow; Yes Canary was in charge of the colour Yellow! Canary had a sunny, cheerful personality, who was a skilled flautist and a good dancer. Canary’s Sprite was named, Sparks.

Patty O’Green. Patty was mischievous, lively and loved jokes. She loved life, nature, and playing her clarinet. Yes, you’ve guessed it, Patty was in charge of Green! Her Sprite was called, Lucky.

Indigo, yes in charge of the colour Indigo, and, get this, cooler shades of Purple too! Indigo was dramatic, creative, a performer, who longed to be an actress. She also played the drums. Hammy Sprite was her Sprite, the name came from Indigo ‘hamming’ it up, as the budding actress did!

Shy Violet, as her name suggested was shy, though she always spoke up when she had advice to offer. She was in charge of the colour Violet and warmer shades of Purple. Violet was an intellectual and resourceful. She really enjoyed reading and writing too. I.Q. Sprite was her Sprite.

Rainbow Brite, Twink, Starlite and the Colour Kids, protected Rainbow Land from the villains… The Dark Princess, Murky Dismal, Monstro Murk, Robot Brite, Lurky, Glitterbots, The King of Shadows, Sgt Zombo and Count Blogg.

Rainbow Brite had seven Colour Kids friends, however in the film and some later animated episodes, Tickled Pink showed up unexplained! She was in charge of looking after the pastel colours. Tickled Pink is one talented baton swirler. She had no personal Sprite.

Rainbow Brite and her adventures with her friends was always a treat to watch. Which of the villains would be on the scene? Who would be trying to steal the colour? Brave Rainbow Brite and her team of loyal friends would always save the day and save Rainbow Land and all of its beautiful colours. Just wonderful for a little girl's imagination.