Pinocchio (1940)

Made just before the start of WWII, this feature finds us in the capable hands of "Jiminy Cricket" as he narrates us through this tale of "Geppetto" - an old carpenter who lives his life vicariously through his creations. The "Blue Fairy" visits the old man one night and gives life to one of his creations "Pinocchio" - with "Jiminy" being given his conscience... All is going well until he has to go to school; en route to where he is waylaid by a foxy character who entices him with tales of success on the stage. Needless to say, nothing goes to plan and he embarks on a series of adventures that put him, "Jiminy" and his father in considerable peril. This is a much more complex storyline than you might expect; there is plenty of joy and fun, but also a darkness that provides food for thought for children and parents alike. The wonderful, Oscar winning, score is the best in the Disney repertoire and the characterisations are engaging. If it has any flaws: the dialogue - there is too much of it; it is possibly just a little too long and finally - I just didn't really like "Pinocchio" much as a little boy - a bit too thoughtless and selfish. That said, of course, he is only a few months old!!! Great stuff!