One Wish Too Many (1956) *solved*

[skipper]

Hi All,



I was happy to come across this site as I am a firm believer that old films are the best. The storylines are carried by the actors and not special effects. They rely on acting skills and not computers. I once asked my best friend: Why is that when I see a B/W film starting on tv I think I am going to enjoy this? His reply was: Because you probably will!



I have a question for anyone out there that can help me. In the 1960s I saw a film about a young boy who found a small crystal ball and when he rubbed it it had magic powers. He was able to do various things by just rubbing the crystal. I have never seen the film again and have been trying to find it. Does anyone remember it and its name?



It was based in England. It is one of the lost films of the great British film era.

[MrT]

I think this film was from 1956 - "One wish too many" - but it features a magic marble rather than a crystal. I have a copy of the film and will check.



Best wishes

Mike (MrT)

[skipper]

It might well have been a marble. The two vivid scenes I remember is that in one the boy changed his entire living room with it and mum was not pleased. The other is that near the end he dropped it and was crushed by a roller. I hope its the one. Many thanks for your response and I shall wait for the verification.

[MrT]

Yes the film is definetly "One wish too many", directed in 1956 by John Durst. Running time is just 56 minutes and the cast is unremarkable, although it does have a rare acting role for vocalist / dj Sam Costa as a schoolmaster.



Best wishes

Mike (MrT)

[skipper]

Many thanks, Mike. Finally after all this time it has resurfaced! I now hope that I can find it. It's shorter than I remember, maybe this is why it has disappered - not regarded as a feature.



Best Regards,

Don (skipper)

[Tony Pendrey]

This was a Children's Film Foundation production and won Best film (Childrens), at the 1956 Venice Film Festival.



It certainly has not disappeared and can be found on video.



A word of warning though. If you have very found memories of this film from your childhood, as I do, then best leave it that way.



This is not a film that has stood the test of time very well.



Cheers.

[skipper]

Thanks Tony. I do have fond memories of it. All these years it has remained on my mind.



Regards,

Don.