Ray Bolger was the highlight of this movie for me. He was absolutely hilarious! I even cited this in one of my essays in college as a prime example of camp in film. There were a few bits that were somewhat haunting though. Maybe not the most suitable movie for small children who are prone to nightmares.

Look.I'm tired of defending this great movie all the time to everyone, if you don't get it you are a mean scrooge.It is time to acknowledge this film for all the great qualities it has. A high standard of professionalism,amazing retro special effects and true faithful rendering of Victor Herbert and Mother Goose. Christmas time would be empty without this charming,quaint, film. It's educational value? It teaches kids about more refined subjects like musical operetta and cultural history rather than what is the latest blow em' up and kill your neighbor video game trend. The music has history rather than flash in the pan theatrics of a current trend (kids raised on this are more likely to be eclectic and informed in their musical taste than kids who stick only to the latest trends)you can tell I am not big on trends. Kids need education and brains, not trends. If I had known that when I was younger I would be better off now.I love all kinds of music. But I love opera(what's opera Doc?)and classical music. This movie can inspire small children along those lines. Plus it is'nt just a fuddy duddy film, it's very populist and quaintly oddball, which is fun.The film is also,like most classic Disney,Very safe, and family friendly(I don't even think there is any cigar smoking here which could be common in older kiddie flicks). Annette Funnicello is also a very clean,safe popular icon image for kids to like, unlike many of the juvenile role models they have today who are constantly getting into trouble(I mean,God,who wants to explain the reckless behavior of a Lindsey,Hilary or a Miley to their kids).But alas,fans of this film,we are alone and out-numbered.Even the Disney studio does'nt care enough to enhance and restore this beautiful gem(still looks great nonetheless).The Hal Roach comedy is incredible and wonderful, but it gets all the accolades and acclaim.This film deserves better treatment. The Hal Roach film is essentially a comedy. Disney's film is what Victor Herbert intended. An operetta.I see more and more people are speaking up on behalf of this much neglected film classic. Keep up the good work. Maybe we can inspire a movement and fight all the boogeyman scrooges who hate this adorable little treasure.God Bless.

Babes In Toyland was one of my favorite movies when I was a little girl. It allowed me the assurance of innocence for a little while longer. And even today.....at the age of fifty, I can watch this movie, close my eyes and be in 'Mary's' place and getting married to Tom....I actually married a 'Tom'. Wish my grandkids could feel that innocence for a little while.....time goes by so quickly. Yes, it was a silly movie...but to a little girl...it was a fantasy....the way movies should be. Dang, I am sounding old! ha-ha The music, the innocent romance...the good verses evil even in the least dangerous of ways, gives a little girl a chance to get away....just for a little while..and wish upon a star.....

Babes in ToylandWonderful classic family musical adventure about a mystical land where a bunch of children find themselves lost in a forest and eventually stumble upon a strange toy factory run by a weirdo. I haven't seen this movie in years and it's hard to remember the entire motion picture! I remember scattered images--such as the bad guy trying to get the beautiful princess to marry him, and the singing trees haunting the children in the woods, and the inside of the toy factory.Marvelous stuff for the kids and their parents.**** / *****