Be sure to grab your ticket and head to the big tent for this next film. The first film of the 1960s, we get to experience all the ins and outs that take place within the life of a traveling circus. For this project, I’m focusing on the story itself, including dialogue, character development, any subplots, how a story presents itself, the speed at which it moves, if it slows down unnecessarily, etc.
A Brief Summary
Toby is a 12-year-old orphan who runs away and joins a traveling circus, believing that his aunt and uncle think him a burden. He works under Harry Tupper, the greedy concessionaire and makes friends with Ben, the strong man, and Mr. Stubbs, the chimp. After an accident leaves an opening in the child equestrian act, Toby takes the open spot and, with Mr. Stubbs, becomes a great success. Along the way, he discovers that his aunt and uncle really do care about him and he is finally reunited with them. Includes fireworks, peanuts, and lots of “little elephants”.
What works
- I liked the pacing of the movie. Everything that was shown on the screen had a reason for being there and helped keep the story moving, which I greatly appreciated.
- With Toby as the main character, and as a child, it could have been easy to go either over- or under-the-top on the messes that Toby finds himself in. But I was happy with the fact that Toby felt real and his problems felt genuine.
- I loved the main circus performers/workers. If I ran away from home and joined a circus, I’d want to join up with those characters. With Colonel Castle as the ringmaster, I think it would be an enjoyable time.
What may or may not work
- I didn’t quite like the ending. Don’t get me wrong, the ending itself was adorable and full of all the happy feels (and I do mean all of them). But because it was such a happy ending, I’m left wondering a big “What’s next?” Toby is reunited with his aunt and uncle, is now a star in the circus (with Mr. Stubbs) and while they are super proud of him, there’s no notion of what happens next.
- I’d like to think that Toby stays on in the circus, doing what he enjoys and providing even more money for his family. With him wanting to stay/leave, though, being such a crucial part of his motivation throughout the film, I wanted that clear confirmation. But it would have taken up time and (possibly/probably) taken away from the fun of Toby’s final performance in the movie, so I guess I can live without it.
Honorable Mentions
- “You’ve heard of Toby Tyler, haven’t you?” “Gosh, I didn’t know who he was.” “It’s a little late for apologies.” – Sam Treat to Ajax after Ajax was being a bit of a jerk to Toby. I applauded his response.
Side Questions
- Is Ajax the new concessionaire helper? I don’t think so, but if the new peanut boy at the end of the film ISN’T Ajax, then what happened to him? Did he get fired after his injury?
Would I watch this movie again?
- I would, yes, by myself, though if I were to watch with others, it would probably need to be with friends or family who had either a) seen it already or b) enjoyed older Disney movies. It was cute, definitely, but it might be seen as too simple, perhaps even too boring by current audiences.
If you’ve seen Toby Tyler, what are some of your thoughts? Share in the comments below!
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