Le meravigliose favole di Andersen

My father-in-law bought this on DVD for our young boys to watch, (aged 4 & 2, as I write). I believe this DVD version was released under the title "Cartoon Classic" and it probably cost $1! The first time I saw the film, I saw the "trippy" opening titles and a little of the film some way through, (where Hans gives his father the red leather that ends up being the princess' shoes) and found Uncle Olie a little freaky. On a second viewing, (all the way through, this time), the Uncle Olie character is not so freaky, and the whole film is very nicely done, though the sound quality is a little off and the opening titles are still very trippy.

I saw this film on TV back in the early '80's. The fantasy-ography about the childhood of Hans Christian Anderson is a work done with the same level of attention that one would see in the works done by Walt Disney.

The adventures and stories of the young boy are the only things that transcend the animation in this work. The film blends some of the story elements of Anderson's works with his childhood -- specifically THE RED SHOES -- and the selfish daughter of the town mayor. The score of this film is wonderfully moving -- equal to that of a genuine opera. The boy's telling of the final sequence -- THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL -- was so emotionally moving, that it brought tears to my eyes. Of all the films about Hans Christian Anderson, this one is without question, one of the best. It puts the Danny Kay version to shame by comparison.

AT LAST! It's on DVD/video.

This was a strange little film. I say 'little', but it seemed much longer than its 72 minutes. I repeatedly fast-forwarded through bits of it, the pacing dragged so unnecessarily. As is typical in Japanese productions, the script was trite and under-written, and numerous sequences and characters were superfluous and annoying.

It did, however, have moments of brilliance. Some of the animation was quite nice, and the art was really lovely in several sequences. The music wasn't bad, either. The final scenes concerning the Little Match Girl might actually have been longer ( and welcomely at the expense of some of the irritating comedic portions ).

This, again, was a $1 DVD from Wal-Mart, and the transfer to the DVD was often blurry. I'm wondering if it was 'digitally trashed' like so many animated dvds.

"The World Of Hans Christian Anderson"is the third film remake of the life story of Denmark's most famous storyteller and philosohper.And it's the most enchanting of the three.Here the film looks back at young Hans' efforts to try and earn enough monies to attened the Opera.By trying to have his father create and enter his new line of shoes at the Odense shoe festival.But The corrupt mayor of Odense is only interested in another cobbler's entry.Hence.Poor Mr.Anderson's(The voice of Mr.Anderson is performed by Gil Mack)entry is ignored.Hand tries to work at various jobs to get the monies for the opera.But his efforts fail.So the poor lad and his cat:"Casper"are forced to listen to the opera out side the operahouse.But Hans sad life is aided by a kindly father godfather:"Uncle Oley"(performed with charm,wit and whimsey by Chuck McCann).Who shows the boy that he doesn't need to see the opera to create his own fund.When the opera is disrupted by the pair of red shoes.That Mr.Anderson is forced to give to the spoiled and abusive daughter of the mayor forces the hideious girl to dancing nonstop into the streets and everyone follows the girl.Everyone except an unhappy little boy.Who is missing the opera.Hans cheers little fellow up with one of his stories:"The Poor Little Match Girl".By the time that he finishes the story for the unhappy little kid.Hans is hailed by the Mayor of Odense(The voice of the mayor is performed by Lionel Wilson)and the King's Royal ambassedore.The Royal Ambassedore sends a message to his majesty.Telling about Hans' talents as a storyteller and the king bestows unto the boy a scholarship to the Danish Royal Academy to study reading,writting and drama.Hence The boy is on his way to a long and successful career as the world's most famous author.The film doesn't have alot of great songs.But it does have some charming characters and the story is warm,funny and imaginative.The most memorable characters in this animated tale are McCann's"Uncle Oley"and WIlson's Corrupt but loveable rouge of a pollitician.This animated musical fantasy may not be in the same league as Sam Goldwyn's l952 live action musical semi/fantasy with Danny Kaye and Rankin/Bass'"The Daydreamer!"? But on it's own merrits.It's a wonderful little musical fantasy that captures the charm,fancy and the wit of Anderson and McCann.Bravo Chuck!

This film was apparently released in English by United Artists in the US. After the UA logo, the film opens with "Hal Roach Studios presents a Sean Productions adaptation." The DVD was released in 2004 by Digiview Productions as "Cartoon Craze presents The World of Hans Christian Anderson" and I purchased a copy at Wal-Mart for 99 cents. The transfer quality is fairly poor, slightly out of focus and somewhat grainy with distorted audio, but it is a cute film and well worth the 99 cent investment. A note to music collectors, the ending credits feature a duet with Ron Dante and Linda November.

Steve Fuji