Babes in Toyland

Babes in Toyland is a delightful musical comedy fantasy that was released in 1961. Directed by Jack Donohue, the film stars Ray Bolger, Tommy Sands, and Annette Funicello. The movie is a colorful, whimsical adaptation of "The Toyland Mystery," a play by Glen MacDonough, and includes imaginative screenplays, lively musical numbers, and engaging characters.

The main character of the story is Tom Piper, played by Tommy Sands. Tom is a young man who lives in Mother Goose Village with his girlfriend, Mary Contrary, played by Annette Funicello. Tom is a bit of a dreamer and doesn't have much direction in life, but he loves Mary and wants to marry her. However, the evil Barnaby (played by Ray Bolger), the owner of the toy factory, has other plans for Mary. He wants to marry her himself and become the ruler of Mother Goose Village.

Barnaby tries to win Mary's hand by offering her a large sum of money, but she refuses his offer. Seeing that his plan has failed, Barnaby hatches a new scheme. He decides to destroy the magical Toyland in order to increase toy sales. To accomplish this, he hires two bumbling henchmen, Gonzorgo and Roderigo, to steal the magic bo-peep staff from Tom's mother.

In the middle of the night, Mary hears strange noises coming from the forest and decides to investigate. She follows a group of toys into the mysterious woods and discovers Toyland, a magical land full of enchanting creatures and colorful toys. It is here that she meets the Toymaker, an elderly man who creates all of the toys in Toyland. With the help of the Toymaker and his assistant Grumio, Mary sets out to save Toyland from Barnaby's evil plan.

The rest of the movie is a delightful adventure that takes Mary and Tom through Toyland's various magical settings. Along the way, they encounter fairies, life-size mechanical toys, and a number of other whimsical characters who help them in their quest to save Toyland. Meanwhile, Barnaby is hot on their trail, seeking to thwart their plans.

The musical numbers in Babes in Toyland are a highlight of the film. Annette Funicello's performances are charming and delightful, and Tommy Sands sings with a lively energy that underscores Tom's optimism and youthful spirit. The film's most memorable musical number is "Toyland," a classic tune that has become synonymous with the movie. The song is a tribute to the magical world of Toyland, and its catchy melody and spirited lyrics have made it a beloved classic.

Overall, Babes in Toyland is a delightful family film that brims with imaginative visuals, fun musical numbers, and engaging characters. The film may not be a cinematic masterpiece, but its charm and whimsy are infectious, making it a timeless classic that is sure to delight audiences for generations to come.