Alice Through the Looking Glass (1966)

Better Late Then Never

best movie i've ever seen.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

If you want a faithful adaptation of Through the Looking Glass look to the BBC adaptation or the Natalie Gregory adaptation(which covers both Alice in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass), as other than the title and the characters- and to a lesser extent Humpty Dumpty's Song Twas Brillig- this musical version is probably the least faithful version to the book. Every adaptation however does deserve to stand on its own, and stands on its own this version does, despite its infidelity to the book it is very pleasing in its own right. In fact, my only complaints are some corny and too-family-friendly dialogue and the random throwing in of the three witches which didn't really do anything for the story. Of all the versions of Through the Looking Glass it's this one that's the most beautiful visually, there is a reason why the costumes won an Emmy, the photography while slightly TV quality is still professional and the sets really do have a sense of wonder(did The Wizard of Oz influence it by any chance?). It felt like a nostalgic hearkening back to all the great TV network adaptations of the time(look to the Mary Martin version of Peter Pan for reference), and that was really nice. The music and songs right from the opening title sequence bring a great deal of charm to the adaptation and move the story forward, I Wasn't Meant to Be a Queen will bring great amusement- same with The Backwards Alphabet- though Some Summer Day, Alice is Coming to Tea and Keep on the Grass are very whimsical and the Jabberwock Song is creepy. The story does have an episodic nature like the book does and while not as wonderfully weird or humorous there is plenty of fun, charm and heart to be seen. Judi Rolin is a very enchanting Alice and more than holds her own against the all-star cast, her solo song is sublime and so are her vocals, her chemistry with the Lester of Roy Castle is very sweet. Agnes Moorhead is an imperious Red Queen- she sings Two Sides of Everything surprisingly well- and an unrecognisable Ricardo Montalban touches the heart as the White King, this version's most sympathetic character I feel. Nanette Fabray clearly is having the time of her life as the White Queen, Tom and Dickie Smothers are hilarious, the Humpty Dumpty of Jimmy Durante is over-the-top and egotistical as he should be and not but not least Jack Palance is a frightening and deliciously sneeringly over-the-top Jabberwocky(almost as scary as the Jabberwocky in the Natalie Gregory adaptation). In conclusion, if you want a faithful adaptation of Through the Looking Glass look elsewhere but if you want something with great production values, songs and performance this version should definitely fit the bill. 8/10 Bethany Cox

I suppose Carroll purist would have a problem with all this. they usually find fault with all the 'Alice' entertainments, even the faithful ones. Lewis Carroll's 'Through the Looking Glass' book is basically thrown out the window in favor of a more congenial television variety show approach. like all the adaptations of Carroll in entertainment, the original approach works. the result is a lot of nostalgic fun.Judi Rolin is a total delight as 'Alice'. she certainly has a Strong singing voice and a lot of likable charm. the rest of the cast is a lot of fun too. especially Nanette Fabray as the White Queen and Tommy and Dickie Smothers are hilarious and perfectly cast as the Tweedle boys.people shouldn't let the looseness of the adaptation to prejudice them against this charming show. if you want a faithful adaptation of Carroll they are out there and are very good. there are several faithful versions of Carroll's work so i have no problem with the films and entertainments that take liberties with the interpretation. 'Alice' is a very inspiring work and it seems to inspire cleverness in pretty much all the adaptations(and i've pretty much seen em' all) so relax and enjoy the WHOLE 'Alice' experience. as far as 'Alice' goes, it's all good.the LATIMES referred to this show as "one of the bright spots in television history and deserves to become a perennial". i couldn't agree more.

I searched for years for a copy of this wonderful show, it is just as good as I remembered it! Judi Rolin is a magical Alice-she relates to the residences of Looking Glass Land as if they were everyday people and it really makes the story! (I really wish I knew what happened to her-she should have been a star!) Ricardo Montalban is funny but tender as the really brave White King, while the musical numbers with Agnes Moorhead and Nanette Fabray just "sing". A real treat is a rare American appearance of Roy Lester, whose chemistry with Judi Rolin in both a fantastic acrobatic number and the fight scenes with a hysterical Jack Palance really make this a memorable family show! To those who remember the great shows and films that used to air after the Thanksgiving Parades-this show will bring back such memories (especially Sabastian Cabot hosting "Alice" and singing a beautiful Thanksgiving Hymn)! If you can find a copy-share it with your loved ones!

This may not be the "Alice" adaptation for Carroll purists (You'd have to go to the TV production of earlier this year for that), but it IS entertaining, and the cast DOES seem to be having a good time with it. Judi Rollin, just 20 at the time, is a terrific Alice, with a fine singing voice. One wonders why her career never went beyond the early '70's. Ricardo Montalban brings his usual effortless charm to the White King, and Nanette Fabray is hilarious as his scatterbrained Queen (Her number, "I Wasn't Meant to Be a Queen," is a howl). Agnes Moorehead is her usual imperious self as the Red Queen, and Jimmy Durante is, well, Jimmy Durante as Humpty Dumpty. Most delightfully over-the-top performance is Jack Palance, wearing this spangled Bob Mackie concoction, as the Jabberwock. Composer Moose Charlap was obviously hoping to repeat his "Peter Pan" success with his songs here, and, if they don't have the charm of the ones he wrote for Mary Martin, et. al., they come pretty close, as arranged by the great Don Costa. An Emmy nominee for Best Children's Special, and a Grammy-winner for Best Children's Album, this is an overlooked treasure. As I say, not for Carroll purists, but not bad!