Larry Mann Movies
Four stories from Hans Christian Andersen appear in The Daydreamer, a feature using the Animagic process that uses live action combined with stop-motion puppets. Included are "The Little Mermaid," "The Emperor's New Clothes," "Thumbelina," and "The Garden Of Paradise." Songs and dances compliment an international all-star cast of voices used for the characters. Ray Bolger, Margaret Hamilton, Burl Ives, Hayley Mills, Boris Karloff, Cyril Ritchard, Patty Duke, Terry-Thomas and Victor Borge join Ed Wynn in his second-to-last screen role. This was the last film in which fans would hear the voices of Sessue Hayakawa and Tallulah Bankhead. Director Jules Bass provided the lyrics, with Murray Law providing the music for this entertaining children's fantasy. ~ Dan Pavlides, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Cyril Ritchard, Paul O'Keefe, (more)
- 1965
The title of this episode refers to a magical prescription conjured up by Aunt Clara. Samantha would be wise to follow Clara's advice; as the result of exposure to a black Peruvian rose, Sam has lost her magical powers. Even worse, she has broken out in bizarre square blotches (which are supposed to be green, but photograph as black.) Written by Bernard Slade, "Take Two Aspirins and Half a Pint of Porpoise Milk" originally aired on October 21, 1965. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Elizabeth Montgomery, Dick York, (more)
- 1965
As if inventing a time machine weren't enough to enshrine him in the pantheon of great minds of history, in this puppet cartoon, professor Rasputin von Rotton is planning on using it to claim credit for the achievements of the greats of history, from the cavemen to Buffalo Bill. The professor's monkey has been following the development of this plan with great concern and manages to escape and turn over the plans to Willy McBean, who is charged with the task of saving history. ~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Larry Mann, Billie Richards, (more)
- 1963
Light on characterization and storyline, this routine wartime drama by director Robert Totten deals with a group of American soldiers and Italian partisans active in northern Italy during World War II. As the war continues around them, the two groups are first fighting separately. The American army patrol is bravely holding out against the Germans, but they are loosing men right and left and will not be able to continue like this for long. Meanwhile, the partisans are fighting their own battles. The two different sectors finally join forces, and for once the Germans have something to worry about. ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Larry Mann, Victor French, (more)
- 1954
Every baby boomer worth his salt is familiar with the classic NBC puppet series Howdy Doody, which ran from 1947 to 1960. But how many of those "boomers" outside the continental United States are aware that a second version of Howdy Doody existed, this one produced in the Toronto, Ontario studios of the CBC. Telecast three times a week beginning November 15, 1954, the Canadian Howdy Doody bore a few similarities to the American original, with its own Clarabell the clown (played by veteran voice-over artist Alfie Scopp) and the familiar puppet lineup of Howdy and Heidi Doody, Mayor Phineas T. Bluster, Dilly Dally, the Flubadub, and Captain Scuttlebutt. What set this version apart was its uniquely Canadian setting (the "great north woods," courtesy of a studio backdrop) and such above-the-border characters as Papa La Touke and Princess Haida (human) and Percival the Parrot (marionette). And instead of the American version's Buffalo Bob Smith, the Canadian Howdy Doody was emceed by a quasi-Mountie character named Timber Tom -- who, at one juncture, was portrayed by future Star Trek stalwart James Doohan. The CBC edition of Howdy Doody was telecast until June 26, 1959; the American version remained on the air only one year longer. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- James Doohan, Peter Mews, (more)
