Earlier this year when I wrote about the Wizard Of Oz I mentioned this 1964 Disney movie. Well, in the meantime I got hold of the DVD. The film is based on the 1903 operetta by Victor Herbert of the same title but apparently that is where the similarity ends. The plot, music and lyrics are all pure Disney.
In essence the story is about Mary Contrary (played by virtually unknown Annette Funicello) and Tom Piper (played by 50's heartthrob Tommy Sands) who are in love and plan to get married. Unfortunately for them villain Mr Barnaby (played by Ray Bolger who also portrayed the Tin Man in The Wizard Of Oz some twenty years or so before) has got other plans: he wants Mary for himself...
Unlike most other Disney productions that are appreciated by young and old alike, I am afraid this one will appeal only to the very young (in other words: toddlers and pre-schoolers!). The other downside to this 'musical' is that there are absolutely no real memorable tunes or melodies either. The only recognizable piece of music throughout is the "March Of The Toys" which comes from the original operetta score anyway.
No wonder it wasn't a very big box office success. Total ticket sales barely covered the production costs of around $3 million! In the end I could award it only 2 out of 5 stars.
Trailer link:
Annette Funicello and Tommy Sands
Trailer link:
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