Babes In Toyland (1961)

Set in the mythical town of Toyland where all the storybook characters live, Tom Piper (Tommy Sands) and Mary Contrary (Annette Funicello) are about to be married. But the evil Barnaby (Ray Bolger) has the groom kidnapped so he can have Mary to himself! Very loosely based on the 1903 operetta by Victor Herbert and directed by Jack Donohue (MARRIAGE ON THE ROCKS). This Walt Disney production is the second film adaptation of BABES IN TOYLAND, it was previously filmed in 1934 with Laurel and Hardy. In addition to altering the operetta's plot, much of the original lyrics have been jettisoned though most of Victor Herbert's music remains. As to the film itself, it still might appeal to very young children but adults will have a hard time of it. It's too treacly. On the plus side, it's shot in vivid colors and the choreography by Tom Mahoney is lively. With Ed Wynn, Tommy Kirk, Mary McCarty, Henry Calvin, Gene Sheldon and Ann Jillian.