A loose adaptation of
Charles Kingsley's 1863 book of the same name, the film is notable for its blending of live action and animation, which likely doesn't seem as special now as it did back in the late 70s. Set in 1850 in England, it's the story of twelve-year-old Tom (
Tommy Pender), apprentice to a cruel chimney sweep (
James Mason). When Tom is blamed for something he didn't do, he escapes to an animated fantasy world, which gives the film its name.
The animation side of things is colourful and the primary moral lesson is straightforward and easily understood, but there's some broad cultural stereotyping that may seem crude by today's standards.
Billie Whitelaw plays multiple roles, which doesn't make a lot of sense, but she brings a welcome level of real-world wonder to what at times is a pretty grim way of life.
3 transformations out of 5
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