Expert: Mel - 7/19/2004

Question
Hi Mel,

I'm not sure if you'll be able to help as I've had no luck from anyone whatsoever on this!

Around 15 - 18 years ago I used to watch a film on Betamax video that I think was something to do with Mark Twain, well he was definitely in it at some point. The film was all done with plasticine or something of that type and also had a bit with Adam and Eve in and all types of strange things and I think they were in a spaceship at some point.

For the past couple of years I've been trying to find out the name of that film, but I can't find it anywhere. As I said, this is very vague but if by any chance you could help it would be fantastic!!

Many thanks
Becky

Answer
Hello Becky,

The film you are referring to was called "The Adventures of Mark Twain" and came out in 1986. It was 86 minutes long and featured the voice of James Whitmore as Mark Twain. It was made in "Claymation" and the storyline was as follows:

"Based on elements from the stories of Mark Twain, this feature-length Claymation fantasy follows the adventures of Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher, and Huck Finn as they stowaway aboard the interplanetary balloon of Mark Twain.

Twain, disgusted with the Human Race, is intent upon finding Halley's Comet and crashing into it, achieving his "destiny." It's up to Tom, Becky, and Huck to convince him hat his judgement is wrong, and that he still has much to offer humanity that might make a difference.

Their efforts aren't just charitable; if they fail, they will share Twain's fate. Along the way, they use a magical time portal to get a detailed overview of the Twain philosophy, observing the "historical" events that inspired his works."


Here is a viewer's review of the film:

"What a shame this movie didn't have the support of the marketing muscle of Disney behind it - this thoughtful and beautifully animated adventure story should be among the most celebrated children's films but instead languishes in almost total obscurity.

Set on a flying steamship destined to go into space and meet Hayley's comet, the film lovingly and very cleverly distills the spirit of Twain's best work into a 90-minute film. Twain himself, Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer are there, all wonderfully animated in clay - the facial gestures in particular are brilliantly done, blending perfectly with the voices for believable characters. And some of the sequences, the hilarious Adam & Eve sections and particularly the Mysterious Stranger scene, are among my personal favourites in all cinema.

In short, seek it out if you can, give it a chance, and allow yourself to be enchanted and hopefully your kids too!"


Glad to be of help. Cheers........Mel.