Pollyana

History and Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland

Michael's Movie Grade:A+
Year Released:1960

                                                    History
Walt Disney planning to use actor John Mills as the lead in the future Disney film Swiss Family Robinson (a role he would get). Because of this he went to see a British film entitled Tiger Bay. However not only was John Mills in the movie but also his daughter Hayley Mills (Tiger Bay being her first film). Walt was not only impressed by John Mills but was equally (if not more impressed) with Hayley. He soon signed Hayley up for a contract. Pollyanna seemed to be the perfect vehicle for her and so it was natural that this would be her first film for Disney (and her first American film). 362 girls were considered for the role before Hayley, but Walt was not happy with any of them. Pollyanna was another debut, it was also the first feature film directed by David Swift. David Swift started working at Disney as an animator in the late 1930's. Most of his work was as an assistant animator to animation legend Ward Kimball. He would leave Disney in the late 1940's and do a lot of work for Television. He would create the show Mr. Peepers. He would also direct episodes of shows like Wagon Train, The Rifleman and Alfred Hitchcock Presents. This was his first project back at Disney. He would later also direct The Parent Trap for Disney. You can see David Swift in a brief role as a fireman in Pollyanna.

Pollyanna had the biggest name cast for a Disney film since 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. Included in this all star cast was Jane Wyman, Karl Malden, Agnes Moorehead, Nancy Olson and Adolphe Menjou. Nancy Olson was personally called by Walt, and she came out of a five year break from films to appear here. Pollyanna was the last film Adolphe Menjou appeared in. Also appearing in this film was an established Disney star Kevin Corcoran, who had already been in Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, and Toby Tyler or Ten Weeks at the Circus, as well as episodes of The Mickey Mouse Club TV show.

Pollyanna was one of the longest Disney films at this time. Because of this David Swift wanted to trim the movie by 20 minutes. Walt however refused to let Swift cut anything from the film.

Pollyanna was hailed by critics as one of the greatest Disney live action films. However it did not fare as well at the box office. Walt personally attributed this to the name of the film scaring off too many male movie goers.

                                                              Review

Incredibly moving film. One of the most moving live action Disney films.

What really makes this movie come to life is how great the characters are. None of the characters are one dimensional. They are all really well thought out. They all are faulted (including Pollyanna), but are all very good people inside. Because of the complexities of these characters, they feel like real people. Because of how real they feel, the emotional scenes become very powerful. It doesn't hurt that every character is cast perfectly. Even though the actors are big names, it feels like you are watching the characters instead of the actors.

This film may be very sentimental, but that sentiment is never forced. This sentiment feels very natural. This film also features an amazing feeling of small town Americana that could only be from Disney. This film has in my mind one of the most emotional moments in Disney history. I won't give away what it is but this scene never fails to make me cry.

Overall an amazing movie and a must watch for all fans of Disney.

Film Credits

Director: David Swift

Writer: David Swift

Based off the book by Eleanor H. Porter

Cast: Hayley Mills (Pollyanna), Jane Wyman (Aunt Polly), Richard Egan (Dr. Edmond Chilton), Karl Malden (Reverend Paul Ford), Nancy Olson (Nancy Furman), Donald Crisp (Mayor Karl Warren), Agnes Moorehead (Mrs. Snow), James Dury (George Dodds), Reta Shaw (Tillie Lagerlof), Leora Dana (Mrs. Paul Ford), Edward Platt (Ben Tarbell), Anne Seymour (Mrs. Amelia Tarbell), Mary Grace Canfield (Angelica), Jenny Egan (Mildred Snow), Gage Clarke (Mr. Murg), Ian Wolfe (Mr. Neely), Nolan Leary (Mr. Thomas), Edgar Dearing (Mr. Gorman), Paul Frees (Barker), Stephanie Gorman (Singer), Tim Graham (Orphanage Worker), Harry Harvey (Editor), Jon Lormer (Mr. Geary), Hans Mobus (McEnerney), William Newell (Mr. Hooper), Charles Seel (Train Conductor), David Swift (Fireman), Arthur Tovey (Fishing Booth Attendant)

Producers: Walt Disney, George Golitzen                                                               

Music: Paul J. Smith

Cinematographer: Russell Harlan

Editor: Frank Gross

Art Directors: Caroll Clark, Robert Clatworthy

Set Decorators: Emile Kuri, Fred M. MacLean

Costume Designer: Walter Plunkett

Assistant Director: Joseph C. Behrn

Sound Artists: Robert O. Cook, Dean Thomas

Hair Stylist: Ruth Sanifer

Makeup Artist: Pat McNalley

Special Effects: Ub Iwerks

Matte Artists: Peter Ellenshaw, Albert Whitlock, Jim Fetherolf

Resources Used

The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054195/?ref_=rvi_tt

http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Pollyanna

-Michael J. Ruhland

Kidnapped

History and Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland













Michael's Movie Grade:A-
Year Released:1960

                                               History
Kidnapped was the first Disney film to be made in Britain since Rob Roy: The Highland Rouge. This film while directed by a British born director was also directed by a director who had been previously working with the Disney company in the U.S.. Like Disney's first British film, Treasure Island, Kidnapped was also based off a book by British author Robert Lewis Stevenson. Though various press releases stated that director/screenwriter Robert Stevenson was related to author Robert Lewis Stevenson, the director later said that there was no truth in these statements.

The cast of the film would also be primarily British (like in the previous Disney British films), with one exception. The big exception would be James MacArthur, who had previously stared in The Light in the Forest and Third Man on the Mountain. One of the main stars of Kidnapped was Peter Finch a big name actor in Britain at this time. Finch had previously played the Sherriff of Nottingham in The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men (a previous Disney British film). Kidnapped was also the feature film debut of actor Peter O' Toole, who would of course go on to a great career after this. He was cast in this film because he could play the pipes.

This film was also the first Disney film for producer Hugh Attwooll who would later work on such Disney films as Greyfriars Bobby: The True Story of a Dog, In Search of Castaways, The Three Live of Thomasiana, The Moon Spinners, The Fighting Prince of Donegal, Candleshoe, The London Connection, Unidentified Flying Oddball, and The Watcher in the Woods.

Some of those who worked on this film would also be connected to other movie versions of Robert Louis Stevenson's book. The cinematographer for this film, Paul Beeson and producer Hugh Attwooll would later work on a 1971 film version. Actor John Laurie had previously been in a 1956 film version. Duncan Macrae would later be in the 1963 film version.

British critics really liked the film due to it's faithfulness to the book. However American critics found this movie slow and boring. It was not that popular at the box office.

                                                    Review
Fantastic adventure film.

This film abounds in atmosphere and great characters. Again like all the Disney films of this era the film looks great. The film is simply very lovely to look at. However the characters are just as fascinating here. Especially of note is Alan Breck Stewart, who is a very well written and acted character. He is far from a cookie cutter hero. He is a good man, but he also has many demons, that he never fully conquers. Nearly as well done is David Balfour. David is a very likable hero. He is generally a very good guy, but he can be pushed too far and is sometimes reluctant to be the hero he needs to be. The complexities and contradictions in these characters help make them both more fascinating and relatable. What really makes both the characters and the atmosphere work so well in this film is that the movie takes it's time and doesn't rush things. We spend time getting to know these characters and the world around them instead of rushing into action scenes. In fact this film is pretty low on action. There is much less of it here than in most Disney adventure films. Despite this though the movie rarely becomes boring.

Overall a fantastic film that deserves much more attention.

                                                                             Film Credits

Director: Robert Stevenson
Writer: Robert Stevenson
Based on a novel by Robert Lewis Stevenson
Cast: James MacArthur (David Balfour), Peter Finch (Alan Breck Stewart), Bernard Lee (Captain Hoseseason), John Laurie (Ebenezer Balfour), Niall MacGinnis (Mr. Shaun), Finlay Currie ( Cluny Macpherson), Miles Malleson (Mr. Rankeillor), Duncan Macrae (Highlander), Andrew Cruickshank (Colin Campbell), Peter O'Toole (Robin MacGregor), Alex Mackenzie (Ferryman), Oliver Johnston (Mr. Campbell), Norman Macowan (Tinker), Eileen Way (Jennet Clouston), Edie Martin (Woman on bridge), Abe Barker (Donald Dhu MacLaren), Richard Evans (Ransome), John Pike (Cabin Boy)
Producers: Walt Disney, Hugh Attwooll
Music: Cedric Thorpe Davie
Cinematographer: Paul Beeson
Editor: Gordon Stone
Art Director: Carmen Dillon
Set Designer: Vernon Dixion
Costume Designer: Margaret Furse
Makeup Artist: Stuart Freeborn
Hair Stylist: Florrie Hyde
Production Manager: Fran Ernst
Assistant Directors: Peter Manley, Ian Goddard, Eric Rattray
Story Sketch Artist: Don DaGradi                                                               
Special Effects: Peter Ellenshaw
Cameraman: Alan Hume
Casting: Maude Spector
Dialect Advisor: John Breslin

Recourses Used
The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053994/?ref_=rvi_tt
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Kidnapped

-Michael J. Ruhland

Toby Tyler or Ten Weeks With a Circus

History and Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland

























Year Released:1960
Michael's Movie Grade:B

                                         History
After the huge unsuspected success of The Shaggy Dog, it seemed natural for Charles Barton to come back to direct another live action comedy for Disney. Not only had Charles Barton directed The Shaggy Dog for Disney but he had also directed episodes of Disney's Zorro TV show. My fellow Abbott and Costello fans might know Charles Barton for directing some of the best Abbott and Costello films, including Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein and The Time of Their Lives. Barton was not the only one returning to Disney for Toby Tyler. Also returning was child actor Kevin "Moochie" Corcoran who had previously been in Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog and The Mickey Mouse Club TV show. Also appearing in this film is Gene Sheldon and Henry Calvin from Disney's Zorro TV show. This would be the only Disney production Gene Sheldon would speak in as he usually played pantomime characters. This films credits state "Introducing Ollie Wallace". This is a joke as Oliver Wallace was a regular composer for Disney films. This film is the only time he acted in front of the camera (though he was the voice of Mr. Winky in the Disney animated feature The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad), appropriately enough he played the band leader here.

Much of this movie was shot at the Golden Oak Ranch. This is a ranch that the Disney studio still owns to this day. Other Disney films with scenes shot at this ranch include Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, The Parent Trap, Follow Me Boys, The Santa Clause, The Princess Dairies II, Pirates of the Caribbean II, and Pirates of the Caribbean III.

Toby Tyler was a huge success with critics. The critics loved the sweet simplicity of the story and this was one of the best reviewed Disney movies in years. The film did fairly well at the box office, but nowhere near how well The Shaggy Dog did the previous year.

The circus wagons used in this film would later be used for Disneyland parades.

                                                Review
Sweet, Charming simple movie.

The beauty of this film lies in it's simplicity. This simplicity works so much because it brings a childlike angle to a film about childhood. This movie works so well because it speaks directly to our inner child. This film is wish fulfillment for the inner child in all of us. We all wanted to be like Toby and have the adventures he had, and part of us still does.

Also the acting in this film is great. Henry Calvin was especially fantastic in this film but everybody was quite good. The direction for this movie was laid back, just the kind of direction a film like this should have. Also like all the Disney films of this era, this movie is lovely to look at.

On the downside is the monkey Mr. Stubbs. Despite the film's efforts, this character is not funny, sympathetic or particularly appealing. When this monkey is used for comedy he simply isn't funny at all. One emotional scene in this film doesn't work as well it should because the audience never really connected with this character. There is sadly too much of this character in an otherwise very enjoyable film.

Overall this movie is a sweet charming film that resonates with the child in all of us, and despite Mr. Stubbs' best efforts it is definitely a very good watch for all Disney fans.

                                                        Film Credits
Director: Charles Barton
Writers: Lillie Hayward, Bill Walsh
Based on the novel by James Otis Kaler

Cast: Kevin Corcoran (Toby Tyler), Henry Calvin (Ben Cotter), Gene Sheldon (Sam Treat), Bob Sweeney (Harry Tupper), Richard Eastham (Colonel Sam Castle), James Drury (Jim Weaver), Barbara Beaird (Mademoiselle Jeanette), Dennis Olivieri (Monsieur Ajax), Edith Evanson (Aunt Olive), Tom Fadden (Uncle Daniel), Ollie Wallace (Bandleader), Babs Graham (Aerialist), Del Graham (Aerialist), Dave Knupp (Aerialist),  Chet Brandenburg (Circus Worker),
William Challee (Jailbird), William Newell (Jailbird), John Cliff (Roustabout), James Dietrich (Circus Worker),  'Eddie Spaghetti' Emerson (Clown), Abe Goldstein (Clown), Duke Johnson (Clown), Harry C. Johnson (Clown), Ben Frommer (Audience Member), Sam Harris (Audience Member), Bob LaWandt (Audience Member), Ruth Lee (Audience Member), Robert Shayne (Audience Member), Olan Soule (Audience Member), Jess Kirkpatrick (Sherriff), Herbert Lytton (Townsman), James McDonald (Drummer), Michael McGreevey (Concession Worker), William Meader (Audience Member), Howard Negley (Ticket-Taker), Henry Rowland (Cook)
Producers: Bill Walsh, Walt Disney
Music: Buddy Baker, William Schaefer
Cinematography: William Snyder
Editor: Stanley E. Johnson
Art Directors: Carrol Clark, Stan Jolly
Costume Designers: Gertrude Casey, Alice Davis, Chuck Keenhne
Makeup Artist: Pat McNalley
Effects Artists: Ub Iwerks
Matte Artists: Peter Ellenshaw

                         Recourses Used 
The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054390/
thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Toby%20Tyler
http://goldenoakranch.com/

-Michael J. Ruhland

                                  

Third Man on the Mountain

History and Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland

Year Released:1959
Michael's Movie Grade:A-

                                               History

When Walt and his family went on a vacation in the Swiss Alps, he became inspired to make a film that takes place there and would be shot there. After reading a book called Banner in the Sky by James Ramsey Ullman (who appeared in an uncredited cameo in this film), he decided that that book would be perfect for a Disney film. This film would become Third Man on the Mountain.

This film would be a return to Disney for director Ken Annakin, who had previously directed The Story of Robin Hood and His Merrie Men and The Sword and the Rose for Disney. He would later direct Swiss Family Robinson for the studio.

Two of the main stars had also worked for Disney previously. James MacArthur had previously been in The Light in the Forest and Janet Murno had previously been in Darby O Gill and the Little People. This was both of their second appearance in a Disney film. Both of them also did their own mountain climbing in the movie. James Donald who played James MacArthur's uncle also did some climbing. James MacArthur would in fact sneak off on a day he had off, to climb the Matterhorn himself. MacArthur and Murno both had no accidents while climbing, but James Donald fell and injured himself. At least one day of shooting these scenes would have to be called off early due to fog. A professional mountain climber and guide named Gaston Rbuffat was hired to help supervise the mountain climbing scenes. Rbuffat would also meet with the Walt and the story department for a week in Burbank. This was no Rbuffat's first time working on a film he had previously directed a 1955 French documentary on mountain climbing called  Etoiles Et Tempetes. Georges Tairrez who was the photographer on that film help photograph some of the scenes that took place on the mountain in this film. However the main cinematographer for Third Man on the Mountain was Harry Waxman. This is one of the only two Disney films Waxman would be the cinematographer for (the other would be Swiss Family Robinson).

One scene with James MacArthur and Janet Murno walking through a field of flowers caused some difficulty. There was only one week they could shoot this scene. This was due to when the flowers bloomed. They also needed to find a field big enough for the scene. Ken Annakin would later state that he couldn't have taken the time to do this scene right if it hadn't been for Walt, who allowed him all the time he needed to make this scene as good as it could be.

This film while forgotten by many today would become the main inspiration for the Matterhorn ride in Disneyland. The Casey Jr. train ride was originally going to be a rollercoaster, however it was latter decided that that ride would work better as a slower moving ride. However after this happened Walt still wanted to make a roller coaster for Disneyland. Visiting during the scenes that were being shot on the actually Matterhorn, Walt felt that this would be a perfect roller coaster for his theme park. The Matterhorn would become the first roller coaster in Disneyland.

Third Man on the Mountain received good reviews from critics, but did poorly at the box office. Walt however considered this movie one of his favorites.

                                          Review
Fantastic film,

What really makes this film work so well is just how likable of a character Rudi is. This is done both through the writing and James MacArthur's performance. This film takes it's time and truly gets to really know Rudi and like him before rushing into the more suspenseful scenes of the film. Because of this the more suspenseful scenes are extremely exciting. These scenes work so well not just because they are so well done but also because of we like the characters in the scene.

Most Disney films from this time are very good looking, and this film is no exception. In fact this is one of Disney's best looking live action films. Considering the beautiful places this film was shot and the talent behind this film this should come as no surprise. This film is absolutely breathtaking and every scene is simply lovely to look at.

On top of these virtues the acting is top notch. Everybody in this film gives a fantastic performance. particularly notable are the two young leads James MacArthur and Janet Murno, who are near perfect in this film.

Overall this is a top notch film and a must watch for fans of Disney. And of course it also brought us one of Disneyland's best rides and that's not too shabby either.

                                                                       Film Credits
Director: Ken Annakin
Writer: Eleanore Griffin
Based off a book by James Ramsey Ullman
Cast: James MacArthur (Rudi Matt), Janet Munro (Lizbeth Hempel), Michael Rennie (Captain John Winter), James Donald (Franz Lerner), Hubert Lom (Emil Saxo), Laurence Naismith (Teo Zurbriggen), Lee Patterson (Klaus Wesselhoft), Walter Fitzgerald (Herr Hempel), Nora Swinburne (Frau Matt), Ferdy Mayne (Andreas), Helen Haye (Tourist), James Ramsey Ullman (Tourist)
Producers: Walt Disney, Bill Anderson, Alan Jaggs
Music: William Alwyn, Muir Mathieson
Songwriters: Franklyn Marks, 'By' Dunham, G. Haenni, Tom Adair
Cinematographers: Harry Waxman, Georges Tairrez
Editor: Peter Boita
Production Designer: John Howell
Production Manager: Basil Keys
Assistant Directors: Gerry O'Hara, Otto Plaschkes, Gaston Rébuffat
Property Man: Eddie Fowlie
Matte Artist: Peter Ellenshaw
Sound Artists: Chris Greenham, Tom Otter

Resources Used
The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
The Imagineering Field Guide to Disneyland by The Imagineers
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053352/
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Third%20Man%20on%20the%20Mountain
http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/title/92905/Third-Man-on-the-Mountain/articles.html

-Michael J. Ruhland