Watch The Phantom Tollbooth

The Phantom Tollbooth from 1970 is a live-action and animated fantasy adventure film directed by Chuck Jones, based on the popular children's book of the same name by Norton Juster. The movie features an impressive voice cast that includes Butch Patrick, Hans Conried, Mel Blanc, June Foray, and Daws Butler. The story follows a young boy named Milo (played by Butch Patrick) who is bored with his life and overwhelmed with apathy. One day, he discovers a mysterious package in his room, containing a toy tollbooth and a map of a faraway land called "The Kingdom of Wisdom." Intrigued, Milo climbs into his toy car and passes through the tollbooth, beginning his journey through a fantastic world full of weird and wonderful characters.

As Milo travels through the Kingdom of Wisdom, he meets a variety of interesting individuals, including the Lethargarians, the Which, and the Humbug. He also enlists the help of a trusty watchdog named Tock (voiced by Hans Conried) who is part-dog and part-clock. Together, they set out to rescue the Princesses Rhyme and Reason and restore order to the Kingdom of Wisdom, which has fallen into chaos following their banishment.

Throughout the movie, the interplay between Milo and Tock provides some of the most memorable moments. Milo's initial skepticism and detachment are contrasted with Tock's dependable and reliable nature, and their growing bond over the course of the adventure is heartwarming.

One of the movie's standout features is the intricate mix of live-action and animation, which was revolutionary for its time. The film seamlessly blends the real-world elements of Milo and Tock's journey with the imaginative animated worlds they encounter. The animation in The Phantom Tollbooth is exceptionally well done, with stunning visuals and a vivid use of color that bring the strange landscapes and oddball characters to life.

The music is also a highlight of the movie, with catchy songs and memorable melodies that perfectly capture the whimsical mood of the story. The opening number, "Juster's Tipple," is a particularly fun and lively tune that introduces the film's playful tone.

Overall, The Phantom Tollbooth is a classic children's movie that has stood the test of time. It's a charming and imaginative tale that will captivate younger audiences with its colorful animation and fun characters, while older viewers will appreciate the subtle themes of self-discovery, creativity, and learning. The film is a great example of how a children's story can be both entertaining and educational, and it's definitely worth revisiting for anyone who enjoyed the book or has a fondness for old-school animation.

The Phantom Tollbooth is a 1970 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.