The happiest memories in the life of a child of the 50s would have been the experience of going to a movie with his/her parents and enjoying the grandeur of the cinema, housed in a very large hall with long ceiling fans, hanging and twirling above, throughout the show. Pulling mother's hand, the trip to the small Queen's Cinema at Geylang was a thrill as the screen unfolded to reveal, Hans Christian Andersen, the movie.
Today it's taken for granted, as children of all ages can just view movies at home from the TV, DVD, UTube or in the glamorous movie theatres in air-conditioned comfort.
Personally, one of the greatest movie stars in the 50s was a man who could do almost anything. He was a dancer, a singer, an actor, a great comedian but most of all he was loved by the younger audiences all over the world when they watched him in action on the 'silver screen'.
He starred in many movies but Hans Christian Andersen, released in 1952, was one of the best loved. Ah yes, the early 50s, way, way back when movies were movies and songs were songs. Find out more if the reader wishes, from the websites about Hans Christian Andersen and the man who played this wonderful story teller from Northern Europe. There are nearly one million hits on the net if the name DANNY KAYE is keyed in.
This particular movie was one of the earlier musicals to hit the cinemas in Singapore and like many of his movies, Danny Kaye displayed his numerous talents and skills as a showman. Some of the best children's songs come from this movie, Wonderful Copenhagen, Thumbelina, The Ugly Duckling and I'm Hans Christian Andersen. So if you are a parent check Mr. Kaye out on UTube.
This posting is dedicated to my grandson Joshie, who learnt many songs as a 2 year old. His first songs were Russ Hamilton's, Little One and of course, Anderson's Thumbelina and Frankie Laine's Mr Froggie Went To Town.
Original article: Andy Lim Collection
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