One Wish Too Many

My Dad used to take this movie out of the library system on 16mm (back in the days before video) and show it to us and the children in the neighborhood in our garage, projected on a screen. As I grew older I remembered the film but not the title. We called it "The Magic Marble" (which actually is a better title!) not "One Wish Too Many". Courtesy of IMDb members I recently discovered the correct title and managed to obtain a video transfer of the film. So exactly 40 years after I had first seen this film I finally saw it again.

While it certainly has its charms, especially the performances of the little children, the photography doesn't hold up as well. It is rather dreary, taking place somewhere in an unattractive suburb of London. I felt sorry for the little girl who lived with her grandmother but was too poor to afford a doll. And the little boy got into all kinds of trouble with the magic marble. I kept wondering: why doesn't he wish for something better than new curtains for his mother? How about asking for world peace?

The ending was kind of cute however, making it look like a sequel had been planned, but as far as I know nothing was made. It's a fun premise for a film however. Definitely could use an updating, but maybe it would be too innocent for children today. Oh well...

7 out of 10, mostly for nostalgia's sake and the clever premise of the film, plus the children's performances.

I saw this film over 35 years ago, but it has stuck in my mind ever since. It tells the story of a boy who finds a magic marble which grants his wishes. He uses it to get revenge on some children who had been bullying him at school and to make raise his image amongst his schoolmates. As is often the case in stories involving items which grant wishes, his poor choice of wish eventually creates more trouble than help. It endeavors to show that taking revenge on bullies is not the necessary answer to their bullying and in itself may result in a worse outcome. It manages to do this in a very entertaining manner, which relates to the mindset of young children.

I saw this film in the Regal Cinema in Altrincham in about 1958 or 1959 during the kids' Saturday morning session. It was a mighty push and shove to get in, then some old Tom and Jerries - a bit ancient even then - maybe a bit of American Sci-fi of the shiny metal suit and death ray variety from the 1940's.- a few Bugs Bunnies and then a feature film - That was it - a good tanner's worth -(two and a half new pence). Kept us off the streets for and hour or two in those days before Saturday Morning Kids TV (or if, I remember correctly, Saturday Morning TV at all - at least in the UK.) Actually I only remember the bit at the end of this film with the out of control steam roller - I won't spoil it - but I'm still waiting for the sequel! But it must have been some movie as I think it's just about the only thing I remember from my Saturday morning kids' matinées.

I must have been between 4 and 6 years old when I first saw this movie on TV. For years, I believed it was a color film, but in reality, our TV was only black and white. The idea of making a wish with a magical ball left a lasting impression on me and has stayed with me ever since. I often fantasized about owning an object that could grant me the same kind of power. The way that marble met its end is something I've never forgotten. It's remarkable how deeply a film like this can impact you at such a young age. I searched for the movie title countless times over the years, and in the end, it was ChatGPT that finally gave me the correct answer.

I saw this movie about 60 years ago in germany when I was about 6 years old. Ever since I've been looking with great hopes for my magic marble. Came across this movie title with instant happy memories flashing in my head. ... am still looking.

I can't wait to see this movie again. Of course, like always, it will not have the same effect on me than sixty years ago. However, it will bring back memories from my childhood. I wish this review wouldn't require at least 600 or more characters, instead would let us simply use a few good words with impact to feed our loving past memories that we adore so much!