The Doughnuts (1963) User Reviews

Good times I wish I could share

[asz-4 · 8/10 · 17 September 2008]

Back in the 70s in my NYC public elementary school if the weather prevented us from going outside for lunch/recess we all happily went to the auditorium to watch a movie. We were treated to either this doughnut movie or The Red Balloon - sometimes both. I still remember the cheers and claps in that huge darkened room when we all saw the doughnut movie come up on the screen. We loved it. (The Red Balloon was great - but sort of depressing...) Anyway- in high school a teacher of ours told us she was in the movie. She treated us to a private viewing. And there she was. Sadly I never saw it again. Wish it were out there to see for myself and to share with my kids. Maybe one day.....

Charming children's short

[fourplusacres · 8/10 · 3 August 2004]

I saw this movie when I worked in a school media center over 10 years ago. I had it on my mind lately and wanted to see if I could find it to show to my own children, but no luck. At least it is listed here. It was a great short film the school children, grades Kindergarten through fifth, loved to watch. It's based on a chapter from "Homer Price" by Robert McCloskey about a doughnut machine that goes wild, involving Homer, his friends, and a town full of various characters. Things get really crazy when a rich woman loses a bracelet, and she thinks it wound up in the doughnut machine! It's been so long since I've seen the movie that I can't remember how it ends- guess I'll have to buy the book!

Mmm...Doughnuts!

[Clownbird · 7/10 · 2 March 2005]

What a great film! Whenever it rained during recess when I was in elementary school, the teachers would dutifully pull out the projector and show this film, The Red Balloon, or Paddle to the Sea. They should be available on DVD in a Rainy Day at Parkway Elementary School box set. Just for me. All three are great childhood films.

I'm surprised "The Doughnuts" is from 1963. I would have pegged it as from the late 1940s or 50s...but then I haven't seen it in 25 years. I only learned the title of it when I happened across an old Scholastic book by Robert McCloskey in which it appears ("Homer Price") - it's merely a chapter of the book where Homer visits his uncle and left in charge of his diner...and a doughnut machine goes haywire.

Does anyone know why this film was made? 1963 seems kind of late for theatrical live- action shorts/featurettes. Wonder if this was produced as a TV pilot and then just sold as a short film...?

Childhood memory

[jenvaden · 18 April 2006]

I watched this movie (among others) in my elementary school during the late 70s and also LOVED it. I have been wondering about it as well. Too bad a copy is not around. It was a great short. I also watched the Magnificent 6 and 1/2 as well as one about a ballade that was taken in or assisted by an urban child. Perhaps it was filmed in NY but I at least think it was a US city. I remember the Mag. 6 & 1/2 was British. As was another short about a boy and a balloon - no dialogue. Great flicks they used to show us on those rainy days. If anyone knows anything about these mentioned films, please post.

Bring back these gems if someone has a copy. Good to know I could at least research it. Thanks IMDb!

Low Production Values, Faithful Adaptation

[DrSivana · 7/10 · 25 February 2011]

Although the acting is not great, the characters at least mostly look right. Audio recording quality (on version I saw) is low.

BUT, faithful to book in look and presentation. The producers were not vain enough to think they could improve on a great children's book writer ... or McCloskey himself made sure it was not messed up.

I think they should have at least gotten a ganglier Homer. This movie is in full color (film, not video tape)

A for effort. B- for Execution.

P.S. Available on YouTube under "The Doughnuts," being before 1964, this work is quite likely in the public domain.

Great little children's film

[DWBWest · 10/10 · 21 August 2004]

Saw this movie many, many years ago in elementary school and I still remember it fondly, although I thought it was called "The Doughnut Shop." A doughnut machine goes crazy and keeps spitting out the sweets, a woman loses a ring in the batter, people search the doughnuts looking for it. I won't spoil it and tell the ending! (Not even sure I remember it exactly.) Doesn't matter, though, this is a fun and obviously memorable movie for children. Not sure where or if it's available now, other than, maybe, some library for school movies. Someone should show it on TV or make it available on video if it's not already. I'm pleased to see I'm not the only one who remembers this film. Whoever made it should be pleased.