Tom P.

This gem of a film aired on Nickelodeon's "Special Delivery" several times in the mid-1980's. I almost passed on seeing it because of the strange animation style (no inking!). It came on before I changed the channel, and when I heard the third verse of the opening song ("on the third day of Matter He structured DNA! Deoxyribonucleic Acid, and He said, "What a very nice day!"), I just *had* to watch it. The musical rewrites are wonderful (I still don't know all the original tunes) and the plot line is wonderfully silly. I believe that this is one of the most wonderfully bizarre movies I have ever seen!

The story is basically "The Pied Piper of Hamlin", but there's some science fiction thrown in for good measure.

I liked the fact that Rick Springfield (who I hadn't heard of before this series!) lived in another universe beyond the blackboard of the classroom. Rick used the gramaphone to communicate with the class before the portal was opened. I remember two episodes: one where Rick was in a "backwards" universe, and he was shouting "Cylinder the Reverse!" until the class figured out how to understand what he was saying. Another involved some people who stole the door from Rick's side of the doorway, but the door in the classroom was still there. The children had to replace the other door before someone closed the doorway, or there would be no way for them to get back. Interesting take on inter-dimensional travel!

This short by Mike Jittlov is one of my favorites ever made. His use of fashion stills to produce a model's full turn is one of the best parts, much like the famous animation of Abraham Lincoln. When the 747 waggles its wings as it comes in for a landing, it sets me giggling, even though I've seen the film many times. The UFOs over LA are impressive, and the animation stand even gets to take a bow! Hard to find, but a must see. Mike is the most talented animator in Hollywood!