Phantom Tollbooth 1969 Reviews

Is this film awful?

No.

It should have been an excellent film.

The book by Norton Juster is a clever allegory creating a novel out of fanicful wordplay.  So I want a movie that is nearly as good as the book. This doesn't come close.

  MGM spent a few dollars on it (animated movies are never cheap) and hired one of the best, Chuck Jones, to direct it. He's one of the legendary animation directors who brought his own distinct style and grace to the Warner Brothers cartoons he was associated with (Bugs, Daffy, etc.). He also helped create the Roadrunner series. MGM let Chuck assemble perhaps the...

I had this book read to me in 4th grade. I rediscovered it as an adult. I read it to my husband who enjoyed it as much as I. The pages sparkel with wit and word plays from the very beginning with a host of wonderful characters.

It starts with a package delivered to Milo. It is large for a small package and small for a large one and is for no special occasion. It contains 1 tollbooth with assorted precautionary signs,to be used in a precautionary manor,coins and a map.

Thus begins an adventure, a romp through make believe with a watch dog named tick who can only tock, a spelling bee who s-p-e-l-l-s- ...