Who doesn't love a good fairy tale?
Director George Pal handles this centuries-old folk story so competently that it's fun for kids and grownups alike.
I enjoyed the aging couple at the center of this film, a woodcutter (Bernard Miles) and his wife (Jessie Matthews) who light candles to remind each other to be kind: "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath."
The couple had yearned for a child until the Forest Queen (June Thorburn) sends them the most miniscule of sons.
Delightfully outgoing Tom (Russ Tamblyn) brings joy to his mom and dad, who accept him as he is. Indeed, no one fixates on Tom's tininess -- a fine example of appreciation of uniqueness.
I enjoyed the notion of the queen's three wishes: "The wishes belong to you and your wife -- don't be hasty!" How many of us take such care with the wishes of our lives?
The movie's extended song-and-dance sequences -- one in the play room (undoubtedly an inspiration for "Toy Story") and another in the town square, are long and overdone. However, I did enjoy the subplot of the two bumbling thieves, played entertainingly by Terry-Thomas and a puffed-up Peter Sellers, which culminates with a rather startling scene with the "Town Lasher."
After the toy-room spectacle, I just kind of listened to this movie, looking up at choice moments. It was pleasant enough for me.
I liked this little trip back to childhood, and its musical inspirations. "Why did you fade away, never my love to be?"
Director George Pal handles this centuries-old folk story so competently that it's fun for kids and grownups alike.
I enjoyed the aging couple at the center of this film, a woodcutter (Bernard Miles) and his wife (Jessie Matthews) who light candles to remind each other to be kind: "Let not the sun go down upon your wrath."
The couple had yearned for a child until the Forest Queen (June Thorburn) sends them the most miniscule of sons.
Delightfully outgoing Tom (Russ Tamblyn) brings joy to his mom and dad, who accept him as he is. Indeed, no one fixates on Tom's tininess -- a fine example of appreciation of uniqueness.
I enjoyed the notion of the queen's three wishes: "The wishes belong to you and your wife -- don't be hasty!" How many of us take such care with the wishes of our lives?
The movie's extended song-and-dance sequences -- one in the play room (undoubtedly an inspiration for "Toy Story") and another in the town square, are long and overdone. However, I did enjoy the subplot of the two bumbling thieves, played entertainingly by Terry-Thomas and a puffed-up Peter Sellers, which culminates with a rather startling scene with the "Town Lasher."
After the toy-room spectacle, I just kind of listened to this movie, looking up at choice moments. It was pleasant enough for me.
I liked this little trip back to childhood, and its musical inspirations. "Why did you fade away, never my love to be?"