Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller

Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller

Year: 1988

Runtime: 105 mins

Language: English

Director: Michael Rubbo

FamilyFantasy

Tommy Tricker’s mischievous pranks set off an unexpected adventure when his best friend Ralph, an avid stamp collector, uncovers the secret of “stamp travel.” Using a magical stamp, Ralph journeys around the globe to locate the enigmatic Charles Merriweather, a man who vanished from the stamps for 75 years.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller (1988)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller (1988). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1913; 1980s

The tale references a boy from 1913 whose hidden stamp collection matters seven decades later, placing part of the story in the early 20th century. The main adventure unfolds in the late 20th century, with cross‑continental mail travels and a modern context that contrasts with the historical backstory. This time span shows how the stamp mystery transcends generations and geography.

Location

Montreal, Canada, Sydney, Australia, Hangzhou, China

The story begins in Montreal, Canada, where Ralph James lives and his stamp obsession takes root. The action travels to Sydney, Australia, centered around a stamp shop and the chase that follows. Hangzhou, China becomes a pivotal stop as Ralph is mailed across the world, revealing the global scale of the adventure.

🇨🇦 Canada 🗺️ City setting 🇦🇺 Australia 🇨🇳 China

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:00

Main Characters – Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller (1988)

Meet the key characters of Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller (1988), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Ralph James (Lucas Evans)

Ralph is a timid stamp enthusiast with a stutter who assumes a quiet life in Montreal. His curiosity drives him to chase the hidden stamp book, even when faced with danger and the scheming Tommy. Over the course of the adventure, Ralph grows braver, more resourceful, and learns the value of friendship and perseverance.

🧭 Growth 🗂️ Stamp Collecting 🤝 Friendship

Tommy Tricker (Anthony Rogers)

Tommy is a cunning stamp exchanger and con artist who manipulates Ralph for profit. He is charming and persuasive, yet his greed creates real danger for the group. His arc shows the lure of deceit and the consequences it brings, ultimately testing his own discipline.

🕵️ Deception 🎭 Mischief 🧩 Manipulation

Nancy James (Jill Stanley)

Nancy is Ralph’s resourceful sister who pushes the quest forward and supports Ralph’s courage. She helps decipher clues in the stamp book and remains loyal even when the plan grows risky. Her practicality keeps the group grounded while the adventure unfolds.

🤝 Loyalty 🗺️ Resourcefulness 🧭 Determination

Mr. Bronson (Thomas Karle)

Mr. Bronson is an elderly stamp collector who embodies a bridge to the past. He reacquires the original Bluenose and serves as a catalyst for realizing the Charles Merriweather mystery. His presence adds a sense of history and mentorship to Ralph’s journey.

🧭 Wisdom 🏦 Collector 📜 History

Cheryl (Catherine Wright)

Cheryl is the granddaughter of the former stamp-shop owner in Sydney who becomes a cautious ally to Ralph. She ultimately helps guide him to the next leg of the journey and represents the cross-generational bridge in the story. Cheryl’s involvement underscores collaboration beyond youth.

🗺️ Adventure 📚 Books 🤝 Helpfulness

Mai Ling (Han Yun)

Mai Ling is a Chinese classmate who assists with translation of Nancy’s postcards and helps Ralph navigate the journey. She acts as a cultural mediator and moral support, reinforcing that courage and trust can cross language barriers.

🌏 Cross-cultural 🗺️ Translation 💬 Communication

Chen Tow (Chen Yuan Tao)

Chen Tow is a Hangzhou boy who joins the journey by serving as a link between Ralph and the Stamp’s wider network. His involvement highlights the international scope of the quest and the importance of collaboration across borders.

🧭 Guide 🌊 Travel 🤝 Friendship

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:00

Major Themes – Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller (1988)

Explore the central themes of Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller (1988), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🗺️ Adventure

The film follows a bold quest across cities and countries as Ralph pursues a priceless stamp collection. The stamp riddle and shrinking into stamps push the characters into uncharted territory. Each new locale intensifies the sense of discovery and danger, keeping the pursuit relentlessly active.

🤝 Friendship

Ralph’s journey relies on alliances with Nancy, Albert, Mai Ling, and Cheryl, who provide support and courage. Their teamwork helps navigate traps set by Tommy and keeps the mission from dissolving into solo bravado. The relationships highlight loyalty, trust, and shared purpose in the face of deception.

🕵️ Deception

Tommy Tricker manipulates those around him to chase the stamps for his own gains. The story explores manipulation, disguise, and the consequences of scheming, contrasting outright villainy with moments that reveal deeper motives. Deception catalyzes the adventure and tests the protagonists’ resolve.

✨ Imagination

The magical riddle that lets someone shrink into a stamp turns everyday mail into a portal for fantasy. The film treats imagination as a real force capable of shaping outcomes, not just a child’s game. This sense of wonder underpins Ralph’s courage and the story’s sense of possibility.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:00

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Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller Summary

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Tommy Tricker and the Stamp Traveller Timeline

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