Tom Thumb is a 1958 British musical fantasy film produced and directed by George Pal, and released by MGM. The film is based on the fairy tale "Daumesdick (Thumbling)" in Kinder und Hausmärchen (Children's and Household Tales) collected by Jacob Grimm and Wilhelm Grimm. The movie stars Russ Tamblyn as Tom Thumb, a boy no bigger than a thumb, who manages to outwit two thieves (Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers) determined to make a fortune from him. The film won special effects wizard Tom Howard a second "Academy making him two for two. Gymnastic dancer Tamblyn performs a perfect ten as the un-capitalized Tom Thumb; the versatile young actor had just been receiving "Oscar" consideration for his dramatic roles. Also superb is the dastardly pairing of Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers, who savor every second of their screen time.
Plot
The 1958 film Tom Thumb is a British musical fantasy based on the fairy tale "Daumesdick (Thumbling)" by the Brothers Grimm. The movie follows the adventures of Tom Thumb, a boy no bigger than a thumb, who outwits two thieves, played by Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers, determined to make a fortune from him. The film features impressive special effects and stars Russ Tamblyn as Tom Thumb, showcasing his gymnastic and dramatic talents.
Cast
- Russ Tamblyn as Tom Thumb
- Alan Young as Woody
- Terry-Thomas as Ivan
- Peter Sellers as Antony
- June Thorburn as the Forest Queen
- Bernard Miles as Jonathan
- Jessie Matthews as Anne
- Ian Wallace as The Cobbler
- Yawning Man (voice by Stan Freberg)
- Con-Fu-Shon (voice by Dal McKennon)
Director: George Pal
Writer: Ladislas Fodor
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 22, 1958
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2008
Theme
The theme of Tom Thumb is based on the fairy tale "Daumesdick (Thumbling)" by the Brothers Grimm, which revolves around the adventures of a boy no bigger than a thumb who outwits two thieves determined to make a fortune from him. The film explores themes of courage, cunning, and the power of friendship.
Reception
The film has received positive reviews for its impressive special effects, particularly the miniature work, and the performances of the cast, particularly Russ Tamblyn as Tom Thumb.
Production Challenges
The film faced challenges in creating miniature sets and special effects, as well as finding a suitable actor to play the role of Tom Thumb. The film's success in overcoming these challenges has been praised.
Settings
The film is set in a fantastical world inspired by a fairy tale, with scenes featuring enchanted forests, magical cottages, and a castle. The movie's production design and cinematography create a visually appealing and immersive environment.
Visual Styles
The film utilizes a combination of traditional filming techniques and innovative visual effects, such as miniature work and impressive gymnastic sequences performed by Russ Tamblyn. The film's visual style is a blend of fantasy and adventure, with a focus on the whimsical and magical aspects of the story.
Techniques
The film employs various techniques to create its unique visual style, including:
- Miniature sets and special effects to create the fantastical world of the fairy tale
- Impressive gymnastic sequences performed by Russ Tamblyn
- Unique camera angles and lighting to emphasize the story's whimsical nature
Trivia
- The film was released in 1958 and has since become a classic British fantasy film
- Russ Tamblyn's performance as Tom Thumb earned him critical acclaim and a second "Academy Award" nomination
- The film's success led to a sequel, "The Adventures of Tom Thumb" (1959)
Fun Facts
- The film's production designer, John Howell, won an "Academy Award" for his work on Tom Thumb
- The film's director, George Pal, was known for his innovative use of special effects and visual storytelling techniques
- The film's screenplay was written by John Kruse, who also worked on the sequel, "The Adventures of Tom Thumb" (1959)