Boxoffice (Jan-Mar 1962)

iiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiffiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiif iinin ' Babes in Toyland’ (BV) Voted January Blue Ribbon Award By VELMA WEST SYKES ^NOTHER Disney picture has been voted the Boxoffice Blue Ribbon Award as an outstanding film suitable for whole-family entertainment. This time it is “Babes in Toyland” which has been chosen as the Januai'y winner. The motion picture version, based on the original operetta by Victor Herbert and Glenn McDonough, is in live action with some animation effects and makes use of time-honored Mother Goose characters which come to life on the screen. Admittedly its major attraction for adult members of the family is in their enjoyment of the impression it makes on the young members whom they bring to see it. The delight of a child in fantasy is a touching reminder of one’s own juvenile enthusiasms. Boxoffice reviewed “Babes in Toyland in its issue of December 11, saying in part: “Like a gaily be-ribboned, brightly colored Christmas package, Walt Disney’s first live-action musical, based on the familiar opei’etta with music by the immortal Victor Herbert, is ideal holiday fare which will delight and entertain the kiddies and the nostalgic-minded oldsters . . . Jack Donohue has directed the fairytale fantasy to stress the songs, dances, slapstick and updated inventive humor, including a marvelously mechanical toymaker and a magic “poof” gun which reduces everything to toy size.” The public is supporting it at the boxoffice in key city first run houses with a gross of 213 per cent of average business. Why “Babes in Toyland” was voted the Award is indicated by these and other comments by National Screen Council members on their ballots: This first live-action musical is typical Disney and completely delightful. — Carmen King Reilly, Nat’l Chm. D.A.R. MP Committee, Garden City, N.Y. . . . “Babes in Toyland” is a rare delight for children and the young in heart. — Malcolm Miller, Knoxville Journal . . . Walt Disney rings the bell every time on family filmfare. — Judge J. May, Florida Times-Union, Jacksonville. Walt Disney should be commended for the outstanding contribution of his films for family entertainment the past year. — Mrs. Wayne F. Shaw, N.S. U.S.D. of 1812, Lawrence, Kas. (He won five Blue Ribbon Awards in 1961! That’s a record. — V.W.S.) For family entertainment, Disney outdistances them all. “Babes in Toyland” has the touch of Walt’s genius and is technically superior to anything on the list. — A. B. Covey, Alabama TO A, Montgomery . . . This time the public chose for me. Both in Niagara Falls and in Buffalo I saw long lines of children and adults waiting to get into the theatre to see “Babes in Toyland.” — Dorothy R. Shank, Station WJJL, Niagara Falls. Children and adults alike enjoy the beautiful music and all the storybook characters. — Mrs. Carl M. Sauer, Indianapolis NSC Group ... A beautiful picture, well acted, lovely music and one all ages can enjoy. — Mrs. Arthur B. Davis, Springfield (Mass.) MPC. “Babes in Toyland,” based on the popular operetta with music by the immortal Victor Herbert, is delightful entertainment for the whole family. — Mrs. Arretus F. Burt, Metropolitan Church Fed., St. Louis. Once again Walt Disney brings joy to the screen. The plot is pure fairy-tale invention, but it is acted in magic style by a rollicking group of supporting players. — Mrs. E. B. Barnett, Indianapolis NSC Group . . . “Babes in Toyland” is splendid entertainment with an excellent cast, well directed and a beautiful picture for the family. — Mrs. A. D. Kerwin, Greater Detroit MPC. “Babes in Toyland” is wholesome, entertaining amusement for the whole family, especially the younger ones. — Mrs. Jean Mullis, WOMPI, Atlanta. Barnaby Tom Piper The Toymaker Mary Contrary Gonzorgo Roderigo Grumio The Cast ... Ray Bolger Tommy Sands Ed Wynn Annette Henry Calvin Gene Sheldon . Tommy Kirk Mother Goose Boy Blue Willie Winkie Bo Peep The Twins . Mary McCarty Kevin Corcoran . Brian Corcoran Ann Jilliann Marilee Arnold, Melanie Arnold Production Staff Produced by Walt Disney Directed by Jack Donohue Screenplay by Joe Rinaldi, Ward Kimball, Lowell S. Hawley Based on the Operetta by Victor Herbert, Glenn McDonough Director of Photography Edward Coleman, A.S.C. Music by George Bruns Based on the Original Musical Score by Victor Herbert Libretto & Lyrics by Mel Leven Orchestration by Franklyn Marks Tommy Mahoney .. Carroll Clark, Marvin Davis Assistant Director Austen Jewell Set Decoration Emile Kuri, Hal Gausman Assistant to the Producer Louis Debney Toy Sequence Bill Justice, Xavier Atencio Animation Effects Joshua Meador Film Editor Robert Stafford, A.C.E. Costumes Designed by Bill Thomas Sound Supervisor Robert O. Cook Color by Technicolor Choreography by Art Direction RAY BOLGER, TOP VILLAIN BARNABY, IS FOLLOWED BY HIS CONFEDERATES, HENRY CALVIN AND GENE SHELDON MARY McCARTY (MOTHER GOOSE) IS TROUBLED BY THE NEWS WHICH TROUBLES MARY CONTRARY (ANNETTE) ED WYNN AS THE TOYMAKER EXAMINES THE INVENTION OF CHIEF ASSISTANT (GRUMIO) TOMMY KIRK iiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiii This award is given each month by the National Screen Council on the basis of outstandng merit and suitability for family entertainment. Council membership comprises motion picture editors, radio and TV film commentators, representatives of better films councils, civic, educational and exhibitor organizations.