The Daydreamer (1966)

Very disappointing...

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

While it is a pity that the story wasn't told with more visual finesse, this is trivial compared to our real-world problems. It takes a good movie to put that into perspective.

It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.

I'd wanted to see this rather badly for years - maybe that was the reason, when I finally got my hands on the DVD, that it was a let-down. Too-high expectations. It's nice to see the Rankin/Bass team NOT cashing in on a holiday, of course. We're treated to an all-to-brief bit of Jack Gilford's "imitation of a pot of pea soup coming to a boil" that was one of his signature pieces, early in his career. The vocal talents are, for the most part, a delight: Tallulah Bankhead as the Sea Witch has a field day with the little she has to work with; Ed Wynn, as the unclothed Emperor, is very funny, though at times he sounds like he's reading from the script, while Terry-Thomas is perfect as the first tailor; Victor Borge, though, seems a bit subdued as his partner; Boris Karloff, perfect as the Rat, makes full use of his mellifluous voice and long experience in radio and voice-over work.But those are the real hi-lights. The rest sort of fade out of memory. There are some extremely effective sequences - the Little Mermaid's journey to the lair of the Sea Witch, for example, would have had me under my seat, if I'd seen it in the theater as a child - but many of the other voice actors (well, all of them really) seem wasted in their roles. The performances are fine, but it's like being at a buffet where you only get a small taste of the delicacies - you want more.I think that's part of the problem here. Another is the number of Anderson stories drawn upon - none of them has the time to build any depth, and none of them provides a real sense of resolution. Added to that is the parade of stars. Ray Bolger as the Pieman - the point of this was... what? He doesn't get to do much of what made him a great performer.All of which is to say that THE DAYDREAMER isn't a bad little film - but it isn't a very good little film either.

I've always enjoyed Rankin Bass produtions, but this has to be my favourite. The other Rankin/Bas works, are great, but a bit sterilzed so that nothing goes out of bounds. The daydreamer was the first vehicle where Rankin/Bass could be a little loose and have fun, and it was aimed at all ages. I love Ray Bolger weaving in and out of scenes at random, throwing a pie here and there. It was a very clever movie, and by far outshines R/B's monster party.

Out of all the animated features that Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass produced throughout the 1960's and 1970's for that manner,this one entitled "The Daydreamer" was very stale for its premise,and one of the most boring. This one which features claymation and live action sequences.It concerns a boy and his wanderings around the dreams of being with the characters (based on an anthology of stories by Hans Christian Anderson) to find adventures whereever he goes. The only thing that saves this film is Maury Laws' brilliant score along with several of the songs in which the characters that lend their voices to the songs can't save this film,and it loses interest very quickly. Great for the kids,but for older children and adults,be forewarned. If you liked good children's material from the team of Rankin and Bass,I highly suggest getting a tape of "Rudolph:The Red Nose Reindeer",and be satisfied.

I've always admired the work of Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass. Very few people's Holiday Seasons would be complete without "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer," "Frosty the Snowman," et. al. Similarly, their only other feature film, 1967's "Mad Monster Party," has acquired a considerable cult following over the years, with Tim Burton and William Castle among its many admirers.Which is what makes "The Daydreamer" such an incredible disappointment by comparison. The animation is incredibly sloppy, by comparison to their TV work during the same period. Paul O'Keefe was a repugnant little brat on the "Patty Duke Show" and he makes an even less appealing Hans Christian Anderson. Among the only bright spots in the live action cast are Ray Bolger and Margaret Hamilton, almost thirty years after "Wizard of Oz," proving themselves as talents that can shine in a broom closet. An all-star cast tries hard during the animated segments, but even they can't bring uninspired material to life. When you consider that the best part of the film is the Al Hirschfeld-designed opening credits, that's a sad commentary.In sum, "Daydreamer" is the only blot on Rankin and Bass' otherwise distinguished careers, and long-time fans, like myself, can forgive them this one transgression.