A list of stories in British weekly girls' comic School Friend, published between 1950 and 1965 by the Amalgamated Press and Fleetway Publications.
Always Together Published: 25 May to 23 December 1963 Artist: Tom Kerr Orphans Beth and Tim Coombs try to make their way in Victorian era London and avoid being put in separate workhouses.
Babs and the Family Published: 26 November 1960 to 22 September 1962 Artist: Cecil Orr Babette Briand relates the antics of her madcap family. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.
Ballet Comes to the New Town Published: 12 October 1963 to 1 February 1964 The Mariane School of Ballet in Dorlington - including Gaye Farrel and her friends Dave, Bob, Sylvia, Joe, Jill and Laurie - prepare to put on a ballet to remind the young people of the new town about the charms of its older institutions.
Bessie Bunter
Published: 25 May 1963 to 23 January 1965 Artist: Cecil Orr Bessie Bunter is an oversized, gluttonous and none-too-smart pupil boarding at Cliff House School. One page humour strip. The character of Bessie (sister of Billy Bunter) was previously in the original School Friend; continued in June.
The Boy Who Guarded Faraway Isle Published: 5 May 1956 to 9 March 1957 Artist: Reginald Ben Davis Trudy Lomax is secretary to Professor Simpson on an expedition to search for a Roman galley in the South Seas, and soon becomes fascinated with the strange native boy Daron. Later reprinted in June. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.
Candy and the Mystery Speed Boy Published: 9 May to 24 October 1959 Mayberry School pupils Candy Duncan and Sheila Lang find an errand to pick up old bikes for a charity event quickly becomes complicated when a motorcyclist begins leaving them cryptic notes.
Carol of Honeysuckle Ranch Published: 9 July 1955 to 7 January 1956 In the 1880s, Carol Wayne returns to her hometown of Redwood after a year at boarding school, finding that her luckless grandfather has built up a mountain of debt. She resolves to raise money to prevent his beloved Honeysuckle Ranch being sold.
Cherry and the Children Published: 25 May 1963 to 23 January 1965 Artist: John Armstrong Cherry Bryant looks after siblings Sue and Tim - as well as Boxer the dog - while her mother works at a cigarette factory, keeping them all safe despite the quartet always getting into scrapes. Continued from Girls' Crystal, continued in June.
Cherry's Alpine Schooldays Published: to 7 May 1955 Newly arrived at Alpine School, Cherry Lee soon receives a mysterious music box and some unusual instructions to decipher. Soon she has a whole group of friends helping her crack the case - before the sinister Vincent Van Dorn can. Front cover strip. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #108 as "Cherry Comes to Alpine School".
Claire, Special Agent Published: 26 August to 23 December 1961 Artist: Robert MacGillivray Claire Raymend uses her wits to keep vital secrets out of the hands of foreign agents.
Companion to Cleopatra Published: 12 September to 28 November 1953 Artist: W. Bryce-Hamilton In ancient Egypt, talented musician Charmion is taken under the wing of the kind Queen Cleopatra, but has to deal with jealous maid of honour Tharna and her scheming father. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #66.
Companion to the Millionaire's Daughter Published: 11 October 1958 to 4 April 1959 Realising his daughter Betty Lou is turning into a spoilt brat, California millionaire Harvey Q. Wilchester hires a nice English girl to keep her on the straight and narrow.
Dancers in Secret Published: to 4 March 1961 Artist: Reginald Ben Davis Famous ballet star Madame Irina is framed for stealing a ruby and goes into hiding. Trained by a masked expert at Falconburg Castle, Janice Shaw soon realises her teacher is none other that Irina, and vows to keep her secret and clear her idol's name.
Denise and the Scarab Ring Published: 20 May to 26 August 1950 Visiting Egypt to see her Uncle Mark, Denise Fraser is entrusted with a scarab ring which soon sees her targeted by the so-called Moon of the Desert; thankfully, the heroic Sheik Haroun is on hand to keep her safe.
Dilly Dreem, the Loveable Duffer Published: 20 May 1950 to 23 January 1965 Artist: Dora Broderick Scatter-brained schoolgirl Dilly frequently gets the wrong end of the stick and causes good-natured confusion. A long-running one-page humour strip. In the 13 April 1963 issue, shortly before the merger with Girls' Crystal the strip was renamed "Dilly Dreem's Schooldays" and printed in colour on the back cover. It remained there until 21 March 1964. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #267 and #279.
Dolly Diddle's Jolly Riddles Published: 29 September to 29 December 1962 Artist: Robert MacGillivray Upbeat Dolly irritates passers-by with her wordplay. Front cover strip.
Ella and the Enchanted Garden Published: 21 May to 10 September 1960 Ella Saunders finds some refuge from her miserable foster-mother Mrs. Leech when she befriends Carol Cunliffe, who invites Ella around to her spacious and beautiful gardens. However, Mrs. Leech's brother steals Carol's necklace, and Ella resolves to get it back for her friend.
Flame the Outlaw Horse Published: 24 March to 21 July 1951 Wyoming girl Jean Gray begins competing in cross-country horse races on the magnificent stallion Flame.
Fleurette - Brave Daughter of France Published: 10 July to 13 November 1954 When Nazis occupy France, village girl Fleurette Bonnard helps Maquis fighters to safety - using her job as a bakery girl as a cover. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #63 and Princess Picture Library #86.
Flight to Adventure Published: 28 October 1961 to 3 February 1962 Artist: Jack Hardee Julie Roger is excited enough at becoming an air stewardess, and finds her first flight has the former president of Cartania on board. Things then become even more dramatic when the plane is hijacked. Front cover strip. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.
Flights of Fancy Published: 28 March to 5 September 1964 After winning £5000 on her Premium Bond, Fancy Riley gives up teaching to follow her dream, buy a plane and become a pilot.
Four Winds Ranch Published: 8 April to 19 August 1961 Artist: Reginald Ben Davis Left in charge of Four Winds Ranch in Oklahoma after her father's premature death, Shiree Hudson stands firm against those who would try to drive her off.
The Gay Cavalier Published: 20 May to 22 July 1950 Artist: W. Bryce-Hamilton In 1644, Celia Harcourt helps young Cavalier Roger de Stacey complete a mission for her father.
The Gay Princess
The Gay Young Dancers of Harmony Theatre Published: 2 November 1957 to 9 August 1958 When Lisa Borrelli's dance school is hit by lightning and burns down, four of her pupils renovate a dilapidated theatre to raise funds to buy her a new site. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.
Gaye and Mr. X Published: 4 March to 20 May 1961 Gaye finds herself drawn into aiding a secret agent known as Mr. X against the schemes of the Baron and his niece Olga. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.
Grey Mask - Lola's Gallant Helper Published: 10 March to 16 June 1951 Visiting her brother in Mexico, dancer Lola Dering finds herself taken by the heroic outlaw Grey Mask
Her Dream Dog of the Moors Published: 16 August 1958 to 28 February 1959 Artist: E.C. Julien Nona Lorne's dreams seem to come true when she meets a stray dog that takes an instant shine to her; however, she must keep the animal secret from her uncle, who is prejudiced against dogs after an accident which killed his wife.
Her Secret Mission for King Charles Published: 1952 to 21 March 1953 Artist: W. Bryce-Hamilton During the height of the English Civil War, the noble Cavalier Sir Geoffrey Deepwood is sent on a vital mission for King Charles. After Sir Geoffrey is injured, his resourceful daughter Valerie must get a vital sword past the Roundheads. Reprinted as "The Sword of Freedom" in Princess in 1967. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #84 as "Valerie and the Sword of Freedom", redraw by Artur Horowicz.
Island Feud Published: 9 September to 30 December 1961 Artist: Bill Mainwaring Two families compete to find treasure on an Italian island - but children Nina Gasperi and Carlo Albanesi find they have common ground, and want to avoid the bitter competition. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.
Jane and the Ghostly Hound Published: 1960 Artist: Robert MacGillivray A hound called Carlo helps Jane Stedman uncover a plot to murder widow Mrs. Farnfield
Janet's Jungle School Published: 7 June 1958 to 10 January 1959 Working with her uncle at a village in Indochina, Janet sets up a school for the local children - and grabs the attention of jungle boy Kendru. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.
Jill Crusoe Published: 20 May 1950 to 23 January 1965 Writer: Johnny Johnson Artist: Reginald Ben Davis Jill Blair and young friend Sally become marooned on Paradise Isle, and make fast friends with native girl M'Lani, a leopard called Katzi and a parrot called Polly. Awaiting rescue, they soon find out that not all passing ships are helpful. Initially introduced in 1950's "Jill Crusoe, Castaway", Jill and her friends went on to become one of School Friend's most popular features, returning in "Friends of Paradise Island" the following year. In 1952 this became the long-running "Jill Crusoe and the Mystery Schooner", which morphed into "Jill Crusoe and the Land of the White Queen" into 1953. "Jill Crusoe and the Golden Bell" ran from 1954 to 1955, and in 1959 it was "Jill Crusoe and the Stranger from the Sea". The story also featured in Schoolgirls' Picture Library #36 and #45.
Jon of the Jungle Published: 22 December 1951 to 14 June 1952 Joining her uncle's expedition to the African jungle searching for a lost ancient city, Dinah Meredith becomes fascinated by a primitive local boy called Jon. Also in Schoolgirls' Picture Library. Translated into French and published in Filette by Société Parisienne d'Édition.
Judy of Juniper Creek
Judy Swims to Fame Published: 21 May to 24 September 1960 Artist: Robert MacGillivray Judy Malvern wants to become a champion swimmer, but must keep her training from her uncle who is embittered after his wife died in a bathing accident.
Julie's School at Silver Creek Published: 28 March to 7 November 1953 At the tail end of the 19th century, Julie Crawford travels to Buffalo Springs to take up a post as school mistress, but soon gets caught up with dashing outlaw Kit Kennedy.
Katy of Cedar Creek Published: 22 June 1957 to 18 October 1958 Artist: Reginald Ben Davis With her family's ranch at risk of takeover by the evil Crowley, Katy Jackson resolves to master the wilful horse Duke and win the Grand Prix to alleviate the financial concerns of herself, her brother Tommy and her little sister Dodo. Modified and reprinted as "Judy of Juniper Creek" between 30 May and 16 November 1964.
Kim the Wonder Dog Published: 2 September 1950 to 6 January 1951 Canadian girl Pam's Alsatian Kim is such a marvel he is targeted by thieves - who reckon without the pair's determination.
King Arthur's Secret Published: to 1955 Hired as a governess by affable Cornishman Mr. Farnfield, Sandra Mayhew soon gets involved in intrigue when the household's scheming butler Crichton gets amiable tutor Roderick fired. The sacked academic then writes to Sandra, telling her of a mysterious link to King Arthur which explains Crichton's odd behaviour.
Legend of the Trolls Published: 26 December 1964 to 23 January 1965 Ingrid Jansen meets strange creatures living near Jarheim in Norway.
Lola's Golden Quest
Lonesome - the Horse That Won Her Heart Published: 1959