Jack and the Beanstalk TV Special (DVD)

Gene Kelly paired up with animation powerhouses (and familiar friends) William Hanna and Joe Barbera to produce this magical, musical blend of live action and animation that's Chock-full of showstoppers courtesy of composers James Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn. Gene is on hand to lend his voice and dance to the proceedings as Jeremy, the magical bean seller. Bobby Riha debuts as young Jack, while Ted Cassidy lends his voice to the Giant. With help from costume design courtesy of Alex Toth, production design by Theobold Holsapple and Hal Mohr handling the camera for the live-action sequences the viewers' disbelief is charmingly suspended with delight. And Gene's song and dance numbers don't hurt!

• action
• adventure
• family
• musical