Tom Thumb (1958)

Follows a boy, no bigger than a thumb, who manages to outwit two thieves determined to make a fortune from him.

Director:

George Pal

Writers:

Ladislas Fodor (screenplay), Jacob Grimm (based on a story from the pen of) (as the Brothers Grimm)

Stars:

Russ Tamblyn, June Thorburn, Peter Sellers

Won 1 Oscar. Another 5 nominations.

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Russ Tamblyn	...	Tom Thumb
Alan Young	...	The Lover: Woody
June Thorburn	...	The Lover: Forest Queen
Terry-Thomas	...	The Villain: Ivan
Peter Sellers	...	The Villain: Antony
Bernard Miles	...	The Parent: Jonathan
Jessie Matthews	...	The Parent: Anne
Ian Wallace	...	The Cobbler
Peter Butterworth	...	Kapellmeister
Peter Bull	...	Town Crier
Stan Freberg	...	Yawning Man (voice)
Dal McKennon	...	Con-Fu-Shon (voice)

Storyline

In a mythical land, woodcutter Jonathan agrees not to chop down the oldest tree in the forest in return for three wishes granted by the Forest Queen. After he wastes two wishes bickering with his wife, the third brings them Tom, a thumb-sized child. The couple dote upon him, but are unable to protect him when, on his way to the village, the innocent Tom falls in with villainous Ivan and Tony.

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Plot Keywords:

disappearing woman | tied to a post | false accusation of theft | bag of gold | gold coin | 

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Taglines:

He's Tiny but Terrific! Yes, exactly 5 1/2 inches high...

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Genres:

Family | Fantasy | Musical

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 December 1958 (UK)

Also Known As:

El pequeño gigante

Filming Locations:

MGM British Studios, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, England, UK

Company Credits

Production Co:

Galaxy Pictures Limited

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min 92 min (TCM print)

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color (Eastmancolor) (uncredited)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

During the song "Talented Shoes" the Cobbler refers to "seven league boots". These appear frequently in European folklore, allowing the wearer to cover seven leagues with one step. They are used prominently in the French version of the story, "Le Petit Poucet" by Charles Perrault.

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Goofs

When Ivan and Antony abandon Tom Thumb to the Black Swamp, the characters, seen from the rear, are clearly played by different, much younger men.

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Quotes

Ivan: There are two crooks here - and both of them are you!

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Crazy Credits

Opening credits are shown on the pages of a book, which a male hand is turning. The first couple we see are shown through a magnifying glass, a reference to Tom Thumb's size.

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Connections

Referenced in Bullet (1996)

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Soundtracks

Talented Shoes
(uncredited)
Music by Fred Spielman
Lyrics by Janice Torre

User Reviews

charming

One of most seductive musicals from 1950 period. first - for story. well known . and so new. second - for performances. three - for special effects, lovely, nice and...provocative, nostalgic and fascinating. not the less - for choreography. but the basic motif for be gratefull to George Pal is the recreation of the flavor of childhood. this must be, maybe, the first word for the invitation to see it. because it is a fairy tale, and not only adaptation of one . so, delightfull . or charming. or magic. especially for Peter Sellers. not ignoring Russ Tamblyn as Tom Thumb the perfect.