Wombling Free

Wombling Free is a British film released in 1977, steeped with the charming idiosyncrasies of the 70s era. The film was directed by Lionel Jeffries and featured David Tomlinson, Frances de la Tour, and Bonnie Langford in leading roles. This live-action movie is based on a beloved British children’s TV series "The Wombles", a creation of author Elisabeth Beresford. The movie encapsulates the heartwarming aura of the TV series, while it leads you into a beautiful world, where life-enhancing messages are subtly blended with an engaging narrative.

The narrative follows the endearing Wombles, a tribe of intelligent, resourceful creatures who are bipedal burrowers. These creatures are unseen by humans and they make their home in the Wimbledon Common in London. The Wombles are characterized by their earnest commitment to maintaining cleanliness and tidying up any litter they come across. They are little environmental warriors with a mission - to keep the earth clean.

David Tomlinson plays the role of Roland Frogmorton, a quirky and eccentric inventor. Frances de la Tour plays the role of Julia Frogmorton, Roland's wife who is both amused and baffled by her husband's strange inventions. And Bonnie Langford plays the child character Kim Frogmorton, a preteen girl who, unlike the grown-ups, has the ability to see and interact with the Wombles.

The film captures the highly imaginative world of the Wombles from the perspective of Kim. Unlike the adults in her life, who are caught up in their own idiosyncrasies and the mundane aspects of human existence, Kim recognizes the magical presence of the Wombles living in the outskirts of her world. She feels a sense of exhilaration and camaraderie with these quirky creatures which sets the basis for a lot of engaging episodes in the narrative.

The wit possessed by each character infuses humor into the storyline. Each scene is characterized by quirkiness, reason, and endearing interactions among the characters. In particular, Tomlinson’s performance as the zany, well-meaning, and often misunderstood inventor leaves audiences with moments of laughter and sympathy. Meanwhile, the voice artists for the Wombles provide depth and distinctiveness to each character, making them unique and memorable.

The narrative subtly highlights the role of humans in leading to pollution and other environmental crises, and the consequent importance of recycling. A central theme is the one of vision - in this case, the ability to 'see' beyond the normal, it becomes a subtle critique on adult myopia, and how children often truly see the world in all its magic and beauty.

On a technical note, the film combines both live-action and puppetry to paint an immersive picture that draws in its audience. Moreover, the costume design of the Wombles is commendable, complete with the fuzzy fur, distinctive Womble noses, and oversized hands.

Wombling Free is a musical journey as well, with its narrative interwoven with songs - both fun and soulful - which lend a joyful rhythm to the story. Mike Batt, who had previously composed the soundtrack for the TV series, also scores the music for the film. The film’s soundtrack even includes the popular song "The Wombling Song", which audiences may remember from the TV series.

Wombling Free is the cinematic realization of a cherished children’s book series and a popular animated television show. It provides a delightful way to step into a world where big principles are shown in a beautifully simple way. It is perfect for a younger audience with its amusing characters and situation-based humor. However, it also provides food for thought for the adults, urging them to reconsider their habits and the impact they have on the environment.

In conclusion, Wombling Free stands as an extraordinary cinematic attempt of its times, to amalgamate puppetry, live-action performances, and an ecological message into an entertaining package. It encapsulates the charm of the era it represents and invites audiences to embark on an endearing and fantastical journey with the unforgettable characters. Whether you're seeking a dose of nostalgia or an enlightening message, Wombling Free offers both in an enticing 70s package.