Pinocchio in Outer Space |
Belgium / USA • 1965 • 71m •
   • Directed by: Ray Goossens. • Starring: Peter Lazer, Arnold Stang, Jess Cain, Conrad Jameson, Mavis Mims, Ray Owens, Minerva Pious, Norman Rose..   After being turned into a real boy in the original story, Pinocchio gets turned back into a puppet by the Blue Fairy after he starts misbehaving again. In an effort to redeem himself and regain his boyhood, he decides to take on a mission to stop Astro, a giant space whale destroying the planet's satellites.
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Review:
The theme of a destroyed but great culture undone by its technology was haunting. Giant creatures jumping out at me was also a new experience. Back then I had not seen Forbidden Planet but watching Pinocchio now I note that the walk through towering Martian technology is strongly reminiscent of the still functioning Krell laboratory depicted in the 1955 classic. Even some of the sound effects are similar.
I also find it fun that the film makers tried also to be educational by adding various space facts while admonishing children to apply themselves to school. In short it was a lot of fun, especially Arnold Stang as "Nurtle the Turtle" an alternative to Jiminy Cricket. (I can not say all the shows I have heard his voice in but others of my generation will know him.) Of course the film also improbably mixes in fantasy and magic, including a whale who can propel himself through space with his spout. But for me it all worked. Probably a bit dated for older kids today but the young and the young in heart will still enjoy this animated morality tale.
Review by tadrearick from the Internet Movie Database.
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