**SPOILERS** Young Peter Fry (Dean Stockwell) is left alone when his parents go off to fight in WWII. He's left with lovable Gramps (Pat O'Brien). His parents are killed in the war and he becomes a war orphan. He reacts with anger--and then wakes up one morning to find her hair turned green! He soon discovers it was turned green so people will notice him and listen to him as he delivers a message--war is bad for children. **END SPOILERS**
The Technicolor cinematography is beautiful and I applaud the message (especially in these times) but I personally found the movie simplistic and heavy-handed. I also thought Stockwell's character was obnoxious and there were two songs in the film that made me want to cut off my ears BUT kids will probably love this. It's made for them anyways--this is not an adult film. The acting is so-so. Stockwell is just OK (although I give him credit for taking the role) and O'Brien seems uncomfortable in his role. The only ones who pulls off any acting are Robery Ryan and Barbara Hale (looking stunning in color) as a teacher. She also has a great scene where she subtly points out to her class that there's nothing wrong with green hair. Also Stockwell's hair color doesn't look that strange in this day and age. I give this a 7 for the color and the message.
The Technicolor cinematography is beautiful and I applaud the message (especially in these times) but I personally found the movie simplistic and heavy-handed. I also thought Stockwell's character was obnoxious and there were two songs in the film that made me want to cut off my ears BUT kids will probably love this. It's made for them anyways--this is not an adult film. The acting is so-so. Stockwell is just OK (although I give him credit for taking the role) and O'Brien seems uncomfortable in his role. The only ones who pulls off any acting are Robery Ryan and Barbara Hale (looking stunning in color) as a teacher. She also has a great scene where she subtly points out to her class that there's nothing wrong with green hair. Also Stockwell's hair color doesn't look that strange in this day and age. I give this a 7 for the color and the message.