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tom thumb (1958)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
24 December 1958 (UK)
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Tagline:
The Wonderful Musical Adventure
Plot:
The Forest Queen grants the wish of Jonathan, the woodcutter, and his wife, Anna. | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Won Oscar.
Another 5 nominations
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NewsDesk:
User Comments:
Good things do indeed come in small packages.
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Cast
(Complete credited cast) | Russ Tamblyn | ... | Tom Thumb |
| Alan Young | ... | Woody |
| June Thorburn | ... | Forest Queen |
| Terry-Thomas | ... | Ivan |
 | Peter Sellers | ... | Antony |
| Bernard Miles | ... | Jonathan |
| Jessie Matthews | ... | Anne |
| Ian Wallace | ... | The Cobbler |
| Peter Butterworth | ... | Kapellmeister |
| Peter Bull | ... | Town Crier |
| Stan Freberg | ... | Yawning man (voice) |
 | Dal McKennon | ... | Con-Fu-Shon (voice) |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
98 min | 92 min (TCM print)
Language:
Color:
Color (Eastmancolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)
Certification:
UK:U |
Portugal:M/6 |
USA:Approved (certificate #18198) (original rating) |
Canada:G (video rating) |
USA:G (re-rating) (1970) |
Australia:G |
Finland:S |
West Germany:6
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
In addition to being an accomplished dancer, Russ Tamblyn also studied acrobatics and gymnastics. It is Tamblyn, not a stunt double, doing the many athletic moves.
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Soundtrack:
Are You a Dream
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FAQ
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Woodcutter Honest Jonathan is granted three wishes by the forest queen as gratitude for not chopping down a mighty oak tree. Returning home he excitedly tries to tell his wife about the wishes, but an argument ensues and during the course of which, the three wishes are foolishly wasted. Realising the folly of their waste, they both sadly ponder on the absence of a son in their life, no matter what size he be. Jonathan muses that perhaps the queen would grant them one more wish, even a small one........
Based on the Brothers Grimm story, "tom thumb" may just be the most undervalued musical ever made in the 1950s. Not having a Region 2 DVD release yet is not helping its cause, and quite frankly that's something of a disgrace. "tom thumb" has everything a family musical should have. A fantastical fairytale full of colour, vibrant song and dance, and a warmth to cheer the bluest of hearts. With the athletic and vibrant Russ Tamblyn taking the lead as Tom, and villains portrayed with such gleeful caddishness by Peter Sellers and Terry-Thomas, the film was always going to start from a good footing. Add in Tom Howard's Academy Award winning effects, Gamley & Jones' whimsical score and the zippy direction from Ray Harryhausen mentor, George Pal. Well what's the excuse for not letting this film into yours, and your children's life?
The story unfolds in a blaze of glorious art design and pupetoon effects. As Tamblyn roams around his little world, the makers blend over-sized sets with animation and real life choreography. Yeah its a little creaky now, but this is still magic, a hark back to a time when it was hard work to craft such a fusion of incredible delights. There's a main sequence as Tom brings the toys to life {you see a toy without a child is as bad as a child without a toy}, a truly wondrous segment of film that deserves classic status. Fit to sit alongside the moment Gene Kelly danced with Mickey Mouse in Anchors Aweigh, this sees Tamblyn trip the light fantastic around, and with, numerous articles and childhood toys beloved by so many in the past. Then there is the talented shoes, a mortality romantic sub-plot, and yes,! the good against evil thematic so rich and potent with many a fairytale that has been spun. It's all good, really it is.
Am I biased because it was a childhood favourite? You can bet your last Cent, Penny or Euro that I am indeed! But I know this one truth. I have shown this to various age groups over the years, and not once has this film finished and not been met with smiles and even happy tears on occasions. Because ultimately it delivers the joy to the children, and to the children in us all. And that be the truth your honour.
Doo be doo be doo 9/10