The magic machine of the title is actually created by supposedly scientific means rather than magical. Disappointingly it just looks like an alarm clock strapped around Willy's waist and is rather perfunctorily employed to spirit him from one historical era to another rather as a blow on the head often does in fiction.
The original creator of the machine, Professor Rasputin Von Rotten, is neurotic rather than evil, motivated less by a desire to actually change history than to just claim the credit from others. (If he was smart enough to create a time machine, surely he should have made a name for himself legitimately?)
The stop-motion animation is very primitive, but you get used to it; while the designs are attractive, the songs lively, and it contains whimsical, mildly satirical interpretations that deflate the likes of General Custer, Buffalo Bill Cody (whose spelling of "Buffalo" has to be corrected by Sitting Bill), King Arthur and King Tut.
All in all a likable, flavourful little trifle.
The original creator of the machine, Professor Rasputin Von Rotten, is neurotic rather than evil, motivated less by a desire to actually change history than to just claim the credit from others. (If he was smart enough to create a time machine, surely he should have made a name for himself legitimately?)
The stop-motion animation is very primitive, but you get used to it; while the designs are attractive, the songs lively, and it contains whimsical, mildly satirical interpretations that deflate the likes of General Custer, Buffalo Bill Cody (whose spelling of "Buffalo" has to be corrected by Sitting Bill), King Arthur and King Tut.
All in all a likable, flavourful little trifle.