Movies for Children to Inspire Play with Various Themes

[Wesley Myers]

The Adventures of Sir Lancelot (1956 - 1957)

In all of Arthurian legend, the most famous of the Knights of the Round Table is undoubtedly Sir Lancelot. This series, painstakingly researched by the History and Literature Departments of Oxford University, re-creates some of the notable exploits of the famous knight, as well as the deeds of the other members of King Arthur's court.

As to those stories, it's clear that this series was aimed at a young audience. In short order Lancelot 'adopts' young Brian to serve as his squire, and Brian proceeds to steal the show. Each week will dish up another problem for Lancelot to solve, and Brian's help will be essential.

Given this youthful focus, and the mores of the time, it's no surprise that this series delivers peril without tragedy, and combat without bloodshed. Humorous moments are plentiful, and any flirtation between Lancelot and Guinevere is strictly courteous (in the original sense of the word).

Ask and you shall receive - LOL.  Here is a series that was on television in 1956 and 1957.  It is public property today so you can find the full series sold by various companies that specialise old television series' and for a very inexpensive price.

imdb.com - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048841/

Trailer - none found ...

Themes - Knights

[Wesley Myers]

The Buccaneers (1956 - 1957)

Captain Dan Tempest was an ex-pirate who received a pardon from the King and turned privateer after his stronghold of New Providence was taken over by Crown soldiers. Tempest and Lt. Beamish, the Crown-appointed deputy governor, were uneasy allies, fighting the Spanish privateers who were ravaging the Caribbean.

This is a good and enjoyable series, even if it is quite anti-Spanish and pro-British.  There is a 'token' Spaniard on the "good guys" side, though.  It is fun for all ages - even if not as high budget as a movie - it is a television series for youth after all from the 1950's.

imdb.com - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048850/

Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gZ9zbETDOY

Themes - Pirates

[Wesley Myers]

William Tell (1958)

I remember seeing the TV series of William Tell in the late 50s when I was at school, and I thought it was great then, with Conrad Phllips as William, and Willoughby Goddard as the Fat Villain lol. and the real excitement for a 30 minute series was superb for the time and obviously aimed at a child audience. I then saw a re run of the series on sky in the 90s and it was still really good entertainment even for adults. I even saw a very early appearance of Michael Caine in a minor role (Just shows you eh) and quite a few other actors who become better known later in their careers. Well worth a look for anyone who likes a good simple adventure jaunt from a long while ago which I think has kept it's bite through the years.

This is a good series as well.  However, like The Buccaneers bias raises its head again.  This time in post-war Britain the Germans are, well, treated like Hollywood "Germans" with all the bias you've come to sadly expect.

imdb.com - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0158441/

Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsTVwJaYUZU

Themes - Knights

[Wesley Myers]

The Adventures of Robin Hood (TV Series 1955–1960)

A long-running series of adventures featuring Robin of Locksley--Robin Hood--and his group of Sherwood-Forest-based freedom fighters. Robin and his men protected England from the evil machinations of Prince John while good King Richard was away at the Crusades. The series was primarily intended for children.

This is the famous long-running Robin Hood series with Richard Greene.  Since it was made in England the actors actually have more appropriate accents than many later Robin Hood shows we have been subjected to.

imdb.com - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047706/

Trailer - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekwtuE0zyOs&feature=related

Themes - Knights

[Playmoholics]

We recently streamed the movie "How to Train Your Dragon" when Amazon offered it for $0.99.  My daughter loved it so much that we watched it 2 times in 24 hours.  I thought about how to create a play experience with Playmobil and decided on the Barbarian Fort and the new small blue dragon.  She is smitten!

My 2-year loved that movie. We had a family movie night and he watched it back to back. We have a ton a vikings and dragons, so you can imagine how much fun we have with this theme too 

Great suggestion 

[Wesley Myers]

Asterix and Obelix

Animation

1. 1967 – Asterix the Gaul (Astérix le Gaulois)

In the year 50 BC Gaul is occupied by the romans - nearly. But the small village of Asterix and his friends still resists the Roman legions with the aid of their druid's magic potion, which gives superhuman strength. Learning of this potion, a Roman centurion kidnaps the druid to get the secret formula out of him.

2. 1968 – Asterix and Cleopatra (Astérix et Cléopâtre)

Popular animated hero Asterix and his faithful sidekick Obelix travel to ancient Egypt to help Cleopatra build a new summer home. Cleopatra and Julius Caesar have made a bet, with Caesar wagering the project cannot be completed in a few weeks time. With the help of a magic potion, Asterix comes to the rescue of the Queen of the Nile as Caesar and an angry architect plot against them.

3. 1976 – The Twelve Tasks of Asterix (Les Douze travaux d'Astérix)

The Gauls have the chance to become the new masters of the Roman empire if they can solve twelve tasks set by Julius Cesar

.

4. 1985 – Asterix Versus Caesar (Astérix et la surprise de César)

Obelix falls for a new arrival in his home village in Gaul, but is heartbroken when her true love arrives to visit her. However, the lovers are kidnapped by Romans; Asterix and Obelix set out to rescue them on a dangerous journey that will involve gladiators, slavers and beauracracy - and a personal encounter with the Emperor himself, Julius Caesar...

5. 1986 – Asterix in Britain (Astérix chez les Bretons)

The diminutive Asterix and his rather larger companion Obelix, warriors of the last village in Gaul still free after the Roman invasion, set out on a mission to deliver a barrel of their druid's famous magic potion to help Asterix's cousin in Britain fight off the invading Roman army.

6. 1989 – Asterix and the Big Fight (Astérix et le coup du menhir) (book of the film: Operation Getafix)

When the druid Panoramix is attacked by some roman soldiers, Obelix drives them away by throwing a menhir on them - which accidentally hits Panoramix. After this the druid has lost his memory and can not remember the formula of his magic potions, especially the one which gives superhuman strength.

7. 1994 – Asterix Conquers America (Astérix et les Indiens — produced in Germany as Asterix in Amerika)

8. 2006 – Asterix and the Vikings (Astérix et les Vikings)

9. 2014 – Asterix: The Mansions of the Gods (Asterix: Le Domaine des dieux)


This series of animated films is based upon the French graphic novels of the same name.  There are live-action films, as well, but these may not be (aren't) appropriate for younger audiences as like many modern films based on what were in the past childrens books and movies and tv shows, these include very un-modest dress of women and are far from any positive example that should be set for girls.  Mind you, some of the animation is not much better ...

imdb.com - http://www.imdb.com/find?s=all&q=asterix+and+obelix

Sample - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piOZoYvaDdY&feature=related

Themes - Egyptians, Romans, Vikings, Western (Indians), Medieval (Barbarians)

[Wesley Myers]

The Magic Sword (aka The Seven Curses of Lodac; aka The Sorceror's Curse) (1962)

The son of a sorceress, armed with weapons, armour and six magically summoned knights, goes on a quest to save a princess from a vengeful wizard.

Despite the low rating on imdb.com, this movie is actually a very good one for younger children.  One of the best things is you can view it for free on youtube (link below)!

imdb.com - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056211/

amazon.com reviews - http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Sword-Basil-Rathbone/product-reviews/B00094ARW8/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

Movie Online - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xeu31FV-OU

Themes - Knights, Magic, Magic Castle, Fairytale Castle, Dragon Castle

[Wesley Myers]

The Boy and the Pirates (1960)

Young boy is magically transported back in time to a pirate ship on the high seas.

Another childrens adventure fantasy by Bert. I Gordon, the guy who brought us The Magic Sword (above).  Just so you know, there is one scene where a pirate is run through on a sword and you can see some red dye on his hands - other than that it is pretty tame (some threats of violence by the pirate who ends up getting run through).

imdb.com - http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053672/

amazon.com reviews - http://www.amazon.com/Crystalstone-Pirates-Midnite-Movies-Feature/product-reviews/6301967313/ref=cm_cr_dp_all_helpful?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending

Trailer - could not find one 

Themes - Pirates

[WarriorOfToys]

Ohh!
What about the Sharpe series?
Or have we already posted that...

[Wesley Myers]

Ohh!
What about the Sharpe series?
Or have we already posted that...

It is a fantastic series and I, for one, am a personal fan - but it is not really for children at all.  Playmobil never really did a Napoleonic theme either - even though we have bits and bobs here and there.