Plot Details: This opinion reveals major details about the movie's plot.

This is my entry into duamco's First Review W/O. The objective is to be the first to submit a review of a particular product. See his member page for details and a list of entries.

I was really quite surprised to find that no one had previously reviewed the enchanting 1958 special effects extravaganza, Tom Thumb, a musical fantasy based on the Grimm Fairy Tale. Although it features a 6 inch tall lead character, the real star of the show is director and special effects pioneer George Pal, (War Of The Worlds-1953) and his brilliant display of spectacular (for that time period) special effects. In fact, the film won an Academy Award for special effects.

The story follows the basic fairy tale formula. A kindly woodcutter (Bernard Miles) is offered three wishes by the Forest Queen (June Thorberg) in agreement for sparing her favorite tree. The Woodsman and his wife (Jessie Mathews) initially waste the wishes on mundane treats like a sausage to spice up their meager dinner of cabbage. However, the Forest Queen grants their fondest wish, a son, in the form of a 6 inch boy, they call Tom Thumb. (Russ Tamblyn)

Tom is befriended by a musician, Woody, (Alan Young) who becomes romantically involved with the Forest Queen. Two creepy villains (Terry-Thomas/Peter Sellers) intrude on Tom's otherwise idyllic world, exploiting his youthful gullibility and tiny stature, to help them pilfer gold coins from the town's treasury. When Tom arrives home with one of the gold coins, his parents are arrested for the robbery. However, Tom and Woody come to their rescue just in the nick of time, resulting in the typical fairy tale ending.

Admittedly, the plot of this film is quite sketchy, and relies on the basic fairy tale formula of good versus evil, with good, naturally, winning out in the end. The pacing is also a little slow, with over half of the 98 minutes of running time consisting of musical and dance numbers. Despite the formulaic plot, Tom Thumb is a very colorful and entertaining special effects display.

Although the special effects are pretty primitive as compared to the modern day computer generated effects, Pal uses stop motion animation and puppets, as well as oversized furniture, and long range photography to achieve miniaturization, and thrilling scenes of singing and dancing toys, like the Yawning Man and Confucius doll. The photography is so sharp and vivid that a few scenes come pretty close to achieving a 3-D effect. Russ Tamblyn (West Side Story) delivers a charming performance as the tiny hero, displaying his dancing and gymnastic skills. Terry- Thomas and Peter Sellers deliver deliciously over-the-top performances as the villainous characters, Ivan and Tony. Alan Young and June Thorburg are nothing short of delightful as Woody and the Forest Queen.

While Tom Thumb would likely be considered a children's film by today's standards, children in the late 1950's would likely be frightened by the animated toys and villainous treatment of Tom's parents. The musical effects of the film add a nice dimension to the animation, with a spirited soundtrack of songs written by Peggy Lee and Fred Spielman.

In spite of it's rather sketchy and formulaic plot, Tom Thumb is an engaging adventure with extraordinary special effects and choreography. It's a not so grim fairly tale that is now available on DVD for the entire family to enjoy; a true Hollywood classic.



Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 9 - 12