Stanley And The Dinosaurs

Based on Syd Hoff's 1962 children's book, this latest effort from gifted animator John Matthews is once again a splendid mix of superb puppet animation and exceptional story value. Told in a rhythmic rap by an elder dinosaur to a younger one, the story focuses on the importance of creative thought in solving problems. Living in a dank, musty cave with what are basically a bunch of slobs, Stanley is always thinking about new and different ways to improve the tribe's lot. Grouchy and skeptical, the cavemen constantly deride Stanley for his innovative ideas (such as using a lever to move a large boulder, rather than breaking one's back; or howling Strauss's "Blue Danube Waltz" at the moon, as opposed to telling yet again the same story around the campfire.) When, after another night of bug bites and cold, Stanley suggests that there might be a better way to live, his fellow cavemen tell him to take a hike, and Stanley goes off to build the first house. The house raising, with the aid of dinosaurs is the highlight of the film, as Stanley sings "I Wonder Why," a beautiful paean to curiosity with clever lyrics ("If we don't bathe, why do we smell?"). Eventually, the cavemen come to see that Stanley's way of thinking has definite material and spiritual benefits. A superb children's video; highly recommended. (Available from: Churchill Films, 12210 Nebraska Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90025.)