Alice in Wonderland (1985) (TV)

Director:

Harry Harris

Writers:

Lewis Carroll (novels)
Paul Zindel (teleplay)

Release Date:

9 December 1985 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Family | Fantasy | Musical

Tagline:

The Stunning Adaptation Of A Family Classic!

Plot:

T.V. movie based on the classic story by Lewis Carroll.

Plot Keywords:

Jabberwocky | Monster | Rabbit | Chess | Talking Flower

Awards:

Nominated for 5 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 nomination

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Natalie Gregory	...	Alice
Sheila Allen	...	Alice's Mother
Sharee Gregory	...	Sister
Red Buttons	...	The White Rabbit
Sherman Hemsley	...	Mouse
Donald O'Connor	...	The Lory Bird
Charles Dougherty	...	The Duck
Shelley Winters	...	The Dodo Bird
Billy Braver	...	The Eaglet
Scott Baio	...	Pat - The Pig
Ernie F. Orsatti	...	Bill (The Lizard) (as Ernie Orsatti)
Sammy Davis Jr.	...	The Caterpillar / 'Father William'
Scotch Byerly	...	Fish Footman (as Scotch Byerley)
Robert Axelrod	...	Frog Footman
Martha Raye	...	The Duchess

Also Known As:

Alice Through the Looking Glass (USA) (video title (second part title))

Runtime:

187 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Metrocolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

South Korea:All | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company:

Irwin Allen Productions

Trivia:

Natalie Gregory and Sharee Gregory are sisters in real life, but they also play sisters in the movie.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: When the Jabberwocky is flying and you see a close-up of him you can see a wire visible on his back.

Quotes:

Duchess: Do you think I'm ready for gravel groveling?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Resident Evil (2002)

Soundtrack:

Off With Their Heads

A treat worth its time.

Some people loved this rendition of Lewis Carol's work, others completely hated it. It was by no means a stunning success. I could spend the next several lines explaining what went wrong and what went right, but I won't. This isn't that type of movie.

I recommend this for a very simple reason. The movie is full of great talent. Great performances? Not really. But great talent. The enjoyment of this movie is watching some of the true greats in playful roles. If you watch this expecting great acting performances and great cinematic moments with inspiring music then you are a fool. It was never meant to be anything more than a delightfully fun experience with great moments. (Sammy Davis Jr. as the Catapillar is a great example.)

I can't describe this any other way than to say that Harry Harris got some of the most recognizable faces of Hollywood to put on stupid costumes and act crazy. Even if you don't recognize many of the names on the cast list you should watch it anyways. Several faces will be familiar without your knowing their names.

My major criticism (and warning) many of the songs are very hokey. In some scenes its damn annoying. Most people who demonize this film attack the music first and hardest. Its up to you to sit through the musical numbers you don't like and enjoy the rest of the film. IF you accept this adaptation for what it is and watch it for the right reasons, I guarantee you will be pleased you spent the time.