The Marvelous Toys Of Dr. Athelstan Spilhaus

From his collection of over 3,000 toys, scientist and inventor Athelstan Spilhaus has selected 115 to share with viewers in this wonderful and, yes, marvelous video showcase. Ranging from automata to wind-ups, from 19th-century French toys to Japanese productions from the 1980s, this eye-opening extravaganza features a number of one-of-a-kind toys that have been lovingly fixed by Spilhaus. Each toy is presented from several different angles, and accompanied by Spilhaus' wry commentary. Viewers will see the first walking toy ever made, the phonograph toy with Uncle Sam kicking the Kaiser, a wondrous machine which plays eight tunes and is designed to teach canaries a varied repertoire of songs to sing, and a host of other strange and delightful toys. A video key accompanies the program which gives countries and dates for each of the toys shown. And while the key and the commentary do not always coincide precisely, only purists will complain. The sights and sounds are so rich that academia simply doesn't enter into it. This unique program is highly recommended. (Available from: Concept Associates, 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 1214, Bethesda, MD 20814; 1-800-333-8252.)