The Daydreamer is a wonderful piece of artfully combined live-action and stop-motion animation, also combining several classic folk tales. But what stuck in my mind since I first saw it in 1967 was Hayley Mills' poignant vocal on "Wishes & Teardrops", among the most intimate and affecting performances I have ever heard, an overlooked gem. Mills has a brittle vibrato which uncannily matches the undersea motif of her character, the Little Mermaid, and combined with the faintly comic bubble sounds in the background and lush orchestral accompaniment to her unusual surprisingly powerful alto range reminiscent of Karen Carpenter, and a thoroughly natural and idiomatic interpretation, produces a powerfully intimate connection reinforced by a superlative lyric impeccably matched to a captivating musical theme and a perfect choice of 3/4 waltz time signature, so evocative of the sea, a musicality reminiscent of Debussy's La Mer. Although this apparently represents Ms. Mills' sole adult commercial musical work, for me it's easily worth a lifetime of contribution to the universe of music. Almost half a century later, it still feels as if I'm hearing it for the first time.

Viewed this film many years ago and it always was a great film for children and adults. The cast of actors were all veterans of the screen, namely: Jack Gilford, Ray Bolger(The Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz) and Margaret Hamilton(The Wicked Witch from the Wizard of Oz) and the king of Horror, Boris Karloff (Frankenstein Monster). It also featured the voices of: Burl Ives, Tallulah Bankhead, Terry-Thomas, Victor Borge, Ed Wynn, Patty Duke and Robert Goulet. Karloff was the menacing voice of "THE RAT" in this internationally produced, live-action puppet fantasy. It is a MUST SEE to find out the complete story and ending.

Delightful musical feature with thought-provoking lessons for both children and adults alike. A magical opening with Ritchard's "Sandman" sets the tone for an equally magical adventure through the mind of Hans Christhian Anderson. A memorable all-star cast accompanied by a whimsical score (who could resist "Isn't It Cozy Here!!"??). Not as good as Rankin/Bass' classic Christmas specials, but a winner, nonetheless.

Out of all the animated features that Arthur Rankin and Jules Bass produced throughout the 1960's and 1970's for that manner,this one entitled "The Daydreamer" was very stale for its premise,and one of the most boring. This one which features claymation and live action sequences.It concerns a boy and his wanderings around the dreams of being with the characters (based on an anthology of stories by Hans Christian Anderson) to find adventures whereever he goes. The only thing that saves this film is Maury Laws' brilliant score along with several of the songs in which the characters that lend their voices to the songs can't save this film,and it loses interest very quickly. Great for the kids,but for older children and adults,be forewarned. If you liked good children's material from the team of Rankin and Bass,I highly suggest getting a tape of "Rudolph:The Red Nose Reindeer",and be satisfied.