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"I'm always the bride... and never the bridesmaid."
Inspired by the story by Hans Christian Andersen, this
adaptation of Thumbelina is very true to the original story. Carrie Fisher is perfect in the title role. The pretty thumb-sized
girl is kidnapped from her home and several interesting characters try to trap her into matrimony: first an ugly toad (Donovan
Scott) then an antiquarian mole (Burgess Merydith) and finally a handsome flower prince (William Katt). The cast is
full of talent and they all seem to be enjoying themselves. One of my favorite actors, David Hemmings, does the narration
for the episode and adds both warmth and wonder to the production.
The special effects aren't bad, but do seem dated. The swallow
costume looks rather ridiculous, but that's a minor setback. The musical score in this episode is one of the strongest
in the series, and even features two original songs. Burgess Merydith and Carrie Fisher both got the opportunity to
sing, Carrie does an okay job but Burgess was obviously having a ball. Definately recommended.
Trivia:
- The song Carrie Fisher sings with the Swallow,
"Come Away With Me" was originally sung by her mother, Debbie Reynolds, in the film "How the West was Won."
- Maryedith Burrell who plays the Beggar Woman also wrote the screenplay.
- David Hemmings, who narrated this episode, also voiced a character in The Snow Queen.
QUOTES:
PRINCE: I'm the Flower Prince, the bravest of all the flower angels. You don't suppose we could keep
the hiding behind the leaf just between us?
THUMBELINA: Oh, Mr. Mole is a fine gentleman,
and very learned. But, his name is Mortimer!
THUMBELINA: I dreamt that my mother dreamt
of me. Or, I dreamt that I was in my mother's dream. Well, really, we dreamt of each other.
Episode 12 (3-4)
Air Date: June 11, 1984
Carrie Fisher...........................Thumbelina
William Katt.........................Flower Prince
Burgess Meredith.................Mortimer Mole
John Pielmeier.....................Mr.
Fieldmouse
Conchata Ferrell...........Thumbelina's Mother
Maryedith Burrell..................Beggar Woman
Lu Leonard............................Mother
Toad
Donovan Scott......................Herman Toad
Gary Schwartz..............................Fish #1
Mitchel
Young Evans......................Fish #2
Stan Wilson......................Voice of Swallow
David McCharen............................Swallow
Nathan Stein................................Courtier
Victoria Woodbeck.........................Courtier
John Terlesky................................Courtier
Susan Ursitti.................................Courtier
Produced by Fredric S. Fuchs and Bridget Terry
Written
by Maryedith Burrell
Directed by Michael Lindsay-Hogg
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