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Russ Tamblyn, Alan Young, Terry-Thomas, Peter Sellers, Jessie Matthews ... see more see more... , June Thorburn , Bernard Miles , Ian Wallace , Peter Butterworth , Barbara Ferris , Stan Freberg , Dal McKennon , Peter Bull , Dom DeLuise , George Pal

Producer/animator/special-effect maven George Pal made his feature-film directorial bow with the colorful MGM musical fantasy Tom Thumb (the title of the film was spelled in lower case in the opening ... read more read more...credits, and in all studio publicity material). Russ Tamblyn stars as the teeny-tiny titular protagonist, while veteran musicomedy favorite Jessie Mathews and stellar character actor Bernard Miles portray Tom's normal-sized parents. Journeying to the Village, Tom is pounced upon by villains Ivan (Terry-Thomas) and Tony (a corpulent Peter Sellers), who intend to exploit our 5 1/2-inch-tall hero. In-between his misadventures with the villains, Tom helps to expedite the romance between young forester Woody (Alan Young) and the magical Forest Queen (June Thorburn). Throughout, the special effects and oversized sets are first-rate, as are the "puppetoons" sequences featuring such delightful characters as The Yawning Man (voice by Stan Freberg). Written by several hands, the film's songs are hummable, if not particularly memorable. It is said that some children in the audience in 1958 were genuinely frightened by the more horrific aspects of the story (including the threatened execution of Tom's parents); it may be, however, that the adults were more scared than the kids. Incidentally, while most of Tom Thumb was filmed in MGM's London facilities, the special effects were produced in Hollywood, requiring Russ Tamblyn to do a lot of travelling. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Flixster Users

58% liked it

3,657 ratings

Critics

100% liked it

6 critics

G, 1 hr. 35 min.

Directed by: George Pal

Release Date: December 22, 1958

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DVD Release Date: October 3, 2000

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Stats: 102 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (102)

  • xxdebxx
    November 3, 2011
    xxdebxx
    "Make way for the town lasher"
    A rich, vibrant musical fantasy based on the Brothers Grimm`s fairy tale that is delightfully fun to watch. Russ Tamblyn plays the diminutive boy Tom who comes to liven up the days of a childless middle-aged couple, a woodcutter and his wife who ar... read moree granted three wishes by a very beautiful blonde fairy, the Forest Queen (June Thorburn). But then a pair of dastardly villains (played by Terry-Thomas and Peter Sellers) use the boy to steal some gold coins and his foster parents is accused of the theft. Now it`s up Tom Thumb has to save the day by exposing the real thieves. There is also a romantic subplot involving a local musician (Alan Young) who is in love with the immortal Forest Queen and doesn't realize that he can turn her into a mortal via a kiss.

    A terrific movie for kids to see! As for the adults, it is sure to appeal to the inner child in each of us! The Yawning man/song almost put me to sleep as well.....almost lol!
  • PinkMinkPrincess
    November 3, 2011
    PinkMinkPrincess
    Delightful Old Musical Grimm Fairytale about a Six Inch Boy. Loved it as a child, now my Inner Child appreciates it even more.I would love to see a remake of this by Tim Burton with Johnny Depp as Tom Thumb.I do have a question:Is Tom Thumb, played by Russ Tamblyn , Amber Tamblyn... read more's Father or Grandfather? Just Curious.If so I wish she'd Sang & Danced in the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, LOL I know this is not really a review more like observation, thought, & question.My friend xxdebxx is watching at the same time, I'll let her give you her much anticipated "Super Reviewer" review she's an excellent reviewer
  • outlawrahul
    September 27, 2006
    outlawrahul
    a classic.. watched it wen i was 4 years old.. and still remb the quote"each peach pear plum in comes tom thumb"

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Critic Reviews

Nell Minow
December 29, 2010
Nell Minow, Common Sense Media

Fun musical adventure for the family. Full Review

March 26, 2009
Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Susan Granger
October 28, 2007
Susan Granger, www.susangranger.com

No review available.

Emanuel Levy
July 31, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Carol Cling
January 23, 2004
Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal

No review available.

Brian J. Arthurs
October 18, 2002
Brian J. Arthurs, Beach Reporter (Southern California)

No review available.

Nell Minow
January 1, 2000
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies

No review available.

Geoff Andrew
June 24, 2006
Geoff Andrew, Time Out

Click to read the article Full Review

May 24, 2003
Film4

Click to read the article Full Review

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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