The Three Lives of Thomasina

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland











Year Released:1964
Michael's Movie Grade:A+

                                                   HistoryThe Three Lives of Thomasina marks the second Disney theatrical feature film to be directed by Don Chaffey, who had previously directed Greyfriars Bobby. Similarly the movie was written by Robert Westerby, who wrote Greyfriars Bobby.

The sets were reused from an episode of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color called The Horse Without a Head: The 100,000,000 Franc Train Robbery. The episode had also been directed by Don Chaffey.

This movie was based off a book by Paul Gallico, and he was allowed to visit the set. It is reported that him and Walt didn't get along very well. Despite this Walt did refer to the author as his friend when this film was shown on Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color in 1965.

The film did not do very well at the box office and while critics thought the film had its charms, they also felt it was too slow paced and unexciting. A review in the New York Times stated that the film was mostly just for little girls. Variety simply said "it lacks excitement".

                                                                       

                                                 Review
Incredibly fascinating movie, that is very intelligent and even casts a spell over its audience.

One thing that really makes this movie stand out is the characters. These are extremely well thought out and complex characters. This is especially true of Andrew McDhui. This character could easily come off as an evil character. Yet he is not evil here. He has turned very cold and lost his faith in both humanity and God. He does cruel things because his heart is so hardened. However as the movie goes on we can see that underneath it all he has a good heart. Also to see what his daughter Mary McDhui is going through is one of the most heartbreaking things in any Disney film. These characters are real to us and because they are so real we believe the fantasy elements without question.

Adding to make this movie so good is its leisurely pace. While I'm sure this slower pace might be a fault to some, to me it gives the film much of its charm. Much of this film feels rather relaxing to watch. Heavily due to the pace, you feel that you are actually visiting this small town and simply spending time with the people there. Even though you have never seen these characters before this gives it almost a feeling of visiting old friends. You feel as if you are just spending some quality time with these characters. This makes you leave the movie completely satisfied and thankful for the wonderful experience.

This is simply an incredible movie and one that every Disney fan must see. Unfortunately the movie can be a little hard to find (unless you belong to the Disney Movie Club), but it is so worth the search.                                                                 


                                                                                  Film CreditsDirector: Don Chaffey.
Writer: Robert Westerby.
Based on a Book by Paul Gallico.
Cast: Karen Dotrice (Mary McDhui), Patrick McGoohan (Andrew McDhui), Susan Hampshire (Lorin MacGregor), Laurence Naismith (Reverend Angus Peddie), Jean Anderson (Mrs. MacKenzie), Wilfrid Brambell (Willie Bannock), Finlay Currie (Grandpa Stirling), Alex Mackinzie (Tammas), Vincent Winter (Hughie Stirling), Denis Gilmore (Jamie McNab), Charles Carson (Doctor Strathsea), Ruth Dunning (Mother Stirling), Ewan Roberts (Constable McQuarrie), Oliver Johnson (Mr. Dobbie), Francis de Wolff (Targu), Nora Nicholson (Old Lady), Gwen Nelson (Ms. McCloud), Jack Stewart (Birnie), Matthew Garber (Gordie McNab), Rita Webb (Gypsy Granny).
Voice: Elspeth March (Thomasina)
Producers: Walt Disney, Hugh Attwool
Music: Paul J. Smith
Cinematographer: Paul Beeson
Editor: Gordon Stone
Songwriters: Richard and Robert Sherman
Art Director: Michael Stringer
Makeup Artists: Harry Frapman, Frank Turner
Hair Stylist: Betty Sherriff
Production Manager: Peter Manley
Unit Manager: Basil Appleby
Special Effects Artists: Ub Iwerks, Jim Fetherorlf
Casting: Maude Spector.
 Wardrobe Mistress: Brenda Dabbs
Assistant Editors: Robin Clarke, Barry Peters
Assistant Directors:  Dennis Bertera, Terence Churcher, Richard Jenkins, Terry Marcel, Clive MidwinterSound Artists: Jonathan Bates, Gordon K. McCallum, C.C. Stevens.

Resources UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057579/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Three%20Lives%20of%20Thomasina%20%28The%29

-Michael J. Ruhland