Tom Thumb (1958)

A nice children's picture where the story of Tom Thumb is brought to the screen and Russ Tamblyn, who was Oscar nominated the year before for the blockbuster "Peyton Place," and who also appeared in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," that same year was perfect for the part of small Tom.Granted as a wish by his childless parents, Tom immediately sings and dances his way into the hearts of the viewers.Peggy Lee must be given credit for writing the songs for this film and Terry Thomas and Peter Sellers steal the film with their villain roles.A little tedious at times, especially near the film's end, the picture brings joy to our youngsters.

The talented RUSS TAMBLYN does a superb job of singing, dancing and acting while playing the title role of the miniature boy presented as a gift to a woodsman and his wife by a woodland spirit. They treat him as their own son and the film revolves around his misadventures after his parents are wrongly accused of a crime and he must find the real culprits (TERRY-THOMAS and PETER SELLERS) in time for a happy ending.The trick photography is marvelous, the toys that come to life are inventive and fun, the interaction between Tom and all the other townspeople is well done--and this was all before the CGI effects we have today.There's a lot of charm to several musical numbers, especially one called "Yawning Man," and all of the song-and-dance numbers are done in rollicking style. Songstress Peggy Lee wrote several clever songs.Well worth watching, a family film that can be enjoyed by adults or children. Tamblyn's talents are given full reign in this one.

George Pal directed this colorful production based on the tale by the Brothers Grimm involving a woodcutter and his wife who are granted a succession of wishes--though their request for a little boy goes somewhat awry when a thumb-sized young man shows up on their doorstep! Very silly story tends to test the boundaries of whimsical fantasy, and Russ Tamblyn as tom thumb is forced to shout out all his lines (which quickly wears out his welcome), but it's certainly an eyeful that may enchant older children. Peggy Lee's songs are enjoyable, Peter Sellers pops up in a supporting role, and the Oscar-winning visual effects are a lot of fun. **1/2 from ****

Average musical almost redeemed by Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers as the villains as well as by special effects that surpassed most of those of the 50s.The Peggy Lee songs do not come near matching those of The Lady and the Tramp. The dance numbers are not well choreographed. Alan Young, an acquired taste at best, stumbles through his role as Woody.Still, it's not a complete failure as a movie. Russ Tamblyn is energetic, the Forest Queen is pretty, and the story is sweet.The IMDb tells me that I need 10 lines in a review. I'm sure the powers that be are much too young to have read the short zingers in _Time_ and _The New Yorker_ of 50 to 60 years ago.