I love Kevin Corcoran's acting in the first place, but this is most likely my favorite movie with him STARING! What sets this one above the rest is it does NOT rely on a sound-track to keep the interest of the viewers. Toby is an orphaned boy being raised by his aunt and uncle. His uncle tells him he is a burden, so Toby joins the circus. What makes this movie most entertaining is Toby's horse training! As I said, this movie does not rely on a sound-track to keep the interest of the viewers, but in fact it is this very aspect that makes it a charm! As Toby is trained to ride a horse, you see him fail, fail, learn, learn some more, then eventually succeed! All the time, the only thing you hear is the trot of the horse!
16 Reviews
Brings back fond memories
kidboots17 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I loved "Toby Tyler"!!! I can remember it being my brother's birthday treat movie and mine was "Pollyanna". My memories of seeing "Toby Tyler" at the local cinema are vivid. We drove across Taren Point Bridge to the Oakley Picture Theatre on a sunny Saturday afternoon. Having a Golden Book and also a Whitman comic helped keep Toby Tyler in my mind . Also when it was shown on Disneyland but I had not heard of it for about 40 years. Then a cable station we had called the Disney Channel showed it and I was able to view it. The bright vivid colours of those Disney films bought memories flooding back.
Kevin Cochran came from a family of actors - his sister Donna had had minor success in films and Noreen was in the TV series "Bachelor Father" with John Forsythe. May be that explains why such an irritating child actor could be such a success.
When the circus comes to town Toby Tyler (Kevin Cochran) has stars in his eyes. He runs away to join the circus after his Uncle tells him he is "no kin to us - nothing but a millstone 'round our necks". He is taken on by Harry Tupper, who runs the refreshment stand, and gives Toby the princely sum of 50 cents a week. Harry Tupper has the reputation of treating his helpers mean so Ben, the strong man, keeps a look out for him. Toby meets a clown with a family of dogs and a lovely bareback rider, Jeanette and her uppity partner Ajax.
Mr. Stubbs, the chimp, raids Toby's refreshment box and gets sick. Against orders Ben lets Mr. Stubbs ride atop the wagon when the parade goes into town. When there is an accident Ben is sacked and Toby rescues Mr. Stubbs - he is in the sheriff's office shooting up the town. After disarming him Toby is given full responsibility for the chimp.
When Ajax is showing off (riding without his safety harness) he falls off and Toby, who has bragged that he has ridden horses on the farm is ordered to take his place. After some funny rehearsal scenes he goes on at the next town and is a big hit. He also finds out that Mr. Tupper has been hiding letters that his Aunt Emma has written. His uncle is sick and the farm is too much for them - they want him back.
Toby runs away from the circus and Mr. Stubbs follows him. When Toby thinks a passing hunter (James Drury) has killed Mr. Stubbs he is taken back to the circus where he is reunited with a much nicer Uncle Daniel and also his Aunt Emma.
It was a very entertaining film and in those times there were no forgettable songs to slow down the action.
Kevin Cochran came from a family of actors - his sister Donna had had minor success in films and Noreen was in the TV series "Bachelor Father" with John Forsythe. May be that explains why such an irritating child actor could be such a success.
When the circus comes to town Toby Tyler (Kevin Cochran) has stars in his eyes. He runs away to join the circus after his Uncle tells him he is "no kin to us - nothing but a millstone 'round our necks". He is taken on by Harry Tupper, who runs the refreshment stand, and gives Toby the princely sum of 50 cents a week. Harry Tupper has the reputation of treating his helpers mean so Ben, the strong man, keeps a look out for him. Toby meets a clown with a family of dogs and a lovely bareback rider, Jeanette and her uppity partner Ajax.
Mr. Stubbs, the chimp, raids Toby's refreshment box and gets sick. Against orders Ben lets Mr. Stubbs ride atop the wagon when the parade goes into town. When there is an accident Ben is sacked and Toby rescues Mr. Stubbs - he is in the sheriff's office shooting up the town. After disarming him Toby is given full responsibility for the chimp.
When Ajax is showing off (riding without his safety harness) he falls off and Toby, who has bragged that he has ridden horses on the farm is ordered to take his place. After some funny rehearsal scenes he goes on at the next town and is a big hit. He also finds out that Mr. Tupper has been hiding letters that his Aunt Emma has written. His uncle is sick and the farm is too much for them - they want him back.
Toby runs away from the circus and Mr. Stubbs follows him. When Toby thinks a passing hunter (James Drury) has killed Mr. Stubbs he is taken back to the circus where he is reunited with a much nicer Uncle Daniel and also his Aunt Emma.
It was a very entertaining film and in those times there were no forgettable songs to slow down the action.
Yes, the movie strays
Sparrow_in_flight28 January 2004
But not quite as much as some make out...the circus characters in the book were not that grotesque, not was Toby in an orphan's home, constantly being punished for dishonesty. And, he did become a star, in a sense, on horseback. However, he was a glutonous boy who runs away to the circus, for no reason other than his own selfish ones. He does have a hard life. And his riding on the horses lasts for only about a day, but for that day, he and the girl who rode with them were required to do encores of their performances,
Anyways....the story is cute. Yes, Mr. stubbs lives in the movie, but that is typical Disney giving a happy ending, and is to be expected. Watch it for fun, not because you want to compare it to the book. Personally, I like both.
Anyways....the story is cute. Yes, Mr. stubbs lives in the movie, but that is typical Disney giving a happy ending, and is to be expected. Watch it for fun, not because you want to compare it to the book. Personally, I like both.
Pollyanna's brother
dbdumonteil17 October 2007
This Disney production was released at about the same time as "Pollyanna".Both heroes have problems with their families: Pollyanna is taken in by her auntie Polly Harrington a good but proud woman who thinks that money can buy everything;Toby has to escape from the farm where he lives with his uncle and his aunt -who are far from being as rich as Polly but who are finally good people-.The subtitles reads "ten weeks with a circus" and that's exactly what it is.
Toby takes refuge in a circus where he will meet people from a world he does not know:he becomes good friend with Mr Tibbs ,the chimp and falls in love with the beautiful rider;but his job is to sell peanuts,and Monsieur Ajax,Mademoiselle Jeannette's partner ,always laughs at him.Toby's dream is to become part of the show but he stands no chance till....
A nice memory from your childhood from long ago.
Toby takes refuge in a circus where he will meet people from a world he does not know:he becomes good friend with Mr Tibbs ,the chimp and falls in love with the beautiful rider;but his job is to sell peanuts,and Monsieur Ajax,Mademoiselle Jeannette's partner ,always laughs at him.Toby's dream is to become part of the show but he stands no chance till....
A nice memory from your childhood from long ago.
When the circus comes to town
bkoganbing3 June 2012
Walt Disney who certainly liked to make films that take place in earlier simpler times like when he was young has Toby Tyler set during the era before World War I at the turn of the last century. Kevin Corcoran plays young Tyler who is an orphan and foster child of his uncle and aunt Tom Fadden and Edith Evanson. When the circus comes to town he neglects chores and when they tell him he's 'millstone around their necks' young Corcoran runs away.
The rest of the film tells of Toby's adventures with the circus where he first works for concessionaire Bob Sweeney who has a really nice role as a not so lovable carny who takes really bad advantage of Toby. Fortunately he does not stay under Sweeney's tutelage and makes some real friends in circus strongman Henry Calvin and clown Gene Sheldon.
Calvin and Sheldon were from the Disney TV show Zorro and Sheldon played Guy Williams's dumb valet Bernardo. Sheldon was a great pantomime comedian and rarely spoke in his performances on stage, film, or in Zorro. He's great here, but it was nice to hear him. Broke a bit of the illusion, almost like having Harpo Marx talk.
And Toby also meets young equestrian performers Dennis Oliveri and Barbara Beird. Beird likes him, but Oliveri is rather full of himself, really odd for someone so young. Toby gets his chance as a performer and to escape Sweeney when Oliveri gets injured showing off.
As this is a Disney film naturally it all works out in the end for everyone but Sweeney. And when you see the film I think you'll agree with me that he got off very lightly indeed.
Toby Tyler holds up very well after over 50 years, still a nice children's classic.
The rest of the film tells of Toby's adventures with the circus where he first works for concessionaire Bob Sweeney who has a really nice role as a not so lovable carny who takes really bad advantage of Toby. Fortunately he does not stay under Sweeney's tutelage and makes some real friends in circus strongman Henry Calvin and clown Gene Sheldon.
Calvin and Sheldon were from the Disney TV show Zorro and Sheldon played Guy Williams's dumb valet Bernardo. Sheldon was a great pantomime comedian and rarely spoke in his performances on stage, film, or in Zorro. He's great here, but it was nice to hear him. Broke a bit of the illusion, almost like having Harpo Marx talk.
And Toby also meets young equestrian performers Dennis Oliveri and Barbara Beird. Beird likes him, but Oliveri is rather full of himself, really odd for someone so young. Toby gets his chance as a performer and to escape Sweeney when Oliveri gets injured showing off.
As this is a Disney film naturally it all works out in the end for everyone but Sweeney. And when you see the film I think you'll agree with me that he got off very lightly indeed.
Toby Tyler holds up very well after over 50 years, still a nice children's classic.
Entertaining Family Film
jfgibson7315 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I knew absolutely nothing about this movie when I picked it up off the library shelf. I thought my daughter might watch a few scenes just because she likes the boy from Old Yeller and Swiss Family Robinson. She put it on, and we watched from start to finish, and we've re-watched several times since. It is pure fun, just an enjoyable family film that has somehow been forgotten.
Part of what children will like is the animals, especially the chimp Mr. Stubbs. They got some great moments out of him. As an adult, I enjoy it as a period piece. There were some scenes that took place on the Main Street of an early 1900s small town that looked great. The circus workers were colorful characters and very likable. Kevin Corchoran does an amazing job as a kid who runs away to join the circus and has his ups and downs along the way. The story takes place in a more innocent time, and there was a charm in seeing how people might have dealt with these situations in a more innocent time. For example, the nastiest thing the villain does is hide the boy's mail from him. Most of the traveling workers are honest, hard working people, and the movie presents a fairly chaste image of this life. However, there are some moments that some parents may object to, particularly those who are sensitive to images of firearms in family films. Other than one or two non-pc spots, this is a harmless movie that is totally free from irony or the snide, wisecracking characters that fill family movies today.
Part of what children will like is the animals, especially the chimp Mr. Stubbs. They got some great moments out of him. As an adult, I enjoy it as a period piece. There were some scenes that took place on the Main Street of an early 1900s small town that looked great. The circus workers were colorful characters and very likable. Kevin Corchoran does an amazing job as a kid who runs away to join the circus and has his ups and downs along the way. The story takes place in a more innocent time, and there was a charm in seeing how people might have dealt with these situations in a more innocent time. For example, the nastiest thing the villain does is hide the boy's mail from him. Most of the traveling workers are honest, hard working people, and the movie presents a fairly chaste image of this life. However, there are some moments that some parents may object to, particularly those who are sensitive to images of firearms in family films. Other than one or two non-pc spots, this is a harmless movie that is totally free from irony or the snide, wisecracking characters that fill family movies today.
I am not the only baby-boomer who wants this on DVD
eebarnett19 October 2006
Michael Eisner seemed to market every Disney film on video then he re-leased them again on DVD. This is one of the films that I love but it just hasn't been released.
Hey, Robert Iger, this movie is special to LOTS of people. Please release it to the new generation of children who have never seen "Toby Tyler."
I saw this movie first in Lake Tahoe, CA, while on vacation with my parents. I am 49 now and I would still watch it many times--if I could only find it.
Classic Disney--family oriented, familiar cast from other Disney films, great storyline.
If it ever comes out on DVD, I will run to buy it as soon as I know about it.
Hey, Robert Iger, this movie is special to LOTS of people. Please release it to the new generation of children who have never seen "Toby Tyler."
I saw this movie first in Lake Tahoe, CA, while on vacation with my parents. I am 49 now and I would still watch it many times--if I could only find it.
Classic Disney--family oriented, familiar cast from other Disney films, great storyline.
If it ever comes out on DVD, I will run to buy it as soon as I know about it.
Fails to entertain
r96sk22 June 2020
Despite a pleasing cast, 'Toby Tyler' fails to entertain.
It's an OK premise, with a cute 'friendship' between boy and chimp. However, I just didn't enjoy it for large portions; it's quite plain. That's not to say it's a bad film, I just wanted a more satisfying 95 minutes.
Kevin Corcoran, at this point in his career at least, isn't a great actor it must be said. I don't dislike him though, just nonplussed about his performance. At least his character is written better than he is in 'Savage Sam'.
Henry Calvin is great in this, as Ben. He's likeable in the 'Zorro' films too, I appreciate what he gives here. One of his co-stars from those aforementioned productions, Gene Sheldon, is also a joy in the role of Sam. Bob Sweeney, portraying Tupper, is also good.
I hold no hard feelings with this, it's just I believe Disney have done far better live-action films up to this point.
It's an OK premise, with a cute 'friendship' between boy and chimp. However, I just didn't enjoy it for large portions; it's quite plain. That's not to say it's a bad film, I just wanted a more satisfying 95 minutes.
Kevin Corcoran, at this point in his career at least, isn't a great actor it must be said. I don't dislike him though, just nonplussed about his performance. At least his character is written better than he is in 'Savage Sam'.
Henry Calvin is great in this, as Ben. He's likeable in the 'Zorro' films too, I appreciate what he gives here. One of his co-stars from those aforementioned productions, Gene Sheldon, is also a joy in the role of Sam. Bob Sweeney, portraying Tupper, is also good.
I hold no hard feelings with this, it's just I believe Disney have done far better live-action films up to this point.
Most Under-appreciated Disney Film of Them All
Geff7 May 2005
You can't find this one to buy anywhere. I finally found it at Moviehunter.com. It was a thrill to see the most important film of an eleven-year-old's life. I saw this film when I was eleven and never forgot it. I sat in the movie theater all day and saw it three consecutive times. You could do that back then. I would have seen it a fourth time, but I had to go home for dinner. This is a sweet, warm, loving, exciting adventure film about a boy joining the circus and making new friends, including a mischievous chimp and a dishonest boss. It's the old Disney style all the way. It's great for kids, and there's nothing negative to say about it. Too bad Disney doesn't realize it and re-release it and make it available on DVD and VHS. Barbara Beaird is a blonde 12-year-old in this film, and she was the first puppy-love of my young life. I always wonder what ever happened to her. Kevin "Moochie" Corcoran steals the show, or maybe I should say the chimp does.
Joined The Circus Like I Wanted To
boblipton8 April 2022
Well, Ringling Brothers has closed down, so kids can't run away and join the circus, like Toby Tyler. I suppose as a practical matter I couldn't when I was a kid, although I enjoyed books like Elephant for Rent. At any rate, it seemed possible, especially with bright Technicolor juvenalia like this.
Kevin Corcoran is mildly annoying as the star, but the supporting adult cast as varieties of scoundrels, are engaging.
Kevin Corcoran is mildly annoying as the star, but the supporting adult cast as varieties of scoundrels, are engaging.
The animal attractions and carny performers play second fiddle to a kid with marbles in his mouth...
moonspinner553 August 2010
James Otis Kaler's book becomes too-glossy Walt Disney saga of a spotless, overly-polite orphan boy from a rural town who runs away from his uncle's farm and attaches himself to a traveling circus. He makes himself useful as a concessions salesman before joining the horse-riders in the center ring, garnering friends for the first time (some of whom only see dollar signs in the lad's untapped potential). Disney skimps a bit on the big top fun while loading up the plot with various characters, including a hateful uncle who manages a complete change of heart by the finale (what is the message of this movie...that success is the best revenge, particularly if you're an orphan?). We do get clowns and a parade, plus a chimp who reacts to everything like a human would; however, the central figure is played by the leaden Kevin Corcoran, a Disney favorite, who can barely read a line. The youngster has a consistent look of bewilderment on his face and is generally unable to carry the more dramatic scenes proposed by the tale (if you do watch, see if you can count how many times Corcoran stumbles over the name "Mr. Tupper"). There's a regrettable moment wherein the audience is made to think an animal is killed by a hunter's rifle, while the subplot about Toby Tyler's financial worth is never quite resolved. A few scenes of color and merriment, but the elements of the story (basic as they are) are bungled. *1/2 from ****
Why aren't these old movies available?
acbottomley11 July 2003
My 7 year old grandson was held spellbound by Toby Tyler. I'd love to buy him his own copy, but it's not available. I'd be thrilled to see Disney release a lot of their archival films. How about a DVD starring Jiminy Cricket? I can still hear Jiminy singing "I'm No Fool". "Seabiscuit" is riding a wave of current popularity, but I still remember Nautilus, Disney's "The Horse With the Flying Tail". A recent commercial on T.V. features rabbits multiplying out of control, but way back when there was a Disney short cartoon about multiplying guinea pigs. It would be great if future generations of children could savor and enjoy these little cinematic gems.
Toby Tyler DVD
green_laurie28 January 2007
If you do a search using the phrase "Toby Tyler on VHS" you will find an ebay site that has some Toby Tyler DVDs on sale. I purchased a VHS copy of Toby Tyler a few years ago and still enjoy watching it. It is one of my favorite Disney movies. I agree with the other comments that this movie was done very well with a minimum of background music. Disney movies such as this might also be available on Amazon.com. I have been successful in obtaining other Disney movies on VHS or DVD such as the 40th Anniversary DVD of Mary Poppins, The One and Only Genuine Original Family Band, etc. I hope this helps. Good luck with your search.
Good Family Film
aimless-4620 January 2008
"Toby Tyler" (1960) is one of my earliest movie memories. In combination with the film Whitman Publishing released a book of the screenplay, which differed considerably from the source novel, managing to lighten up the story.
Most boys (at least in my class) were at first reluctant to see the film because it's star, Kevin "Moochie" Corcoran, had pretty much ruined the "Spin and Marty" serial when he was added to the cast after the first season. We also had suffered through his "too cute" acting in "Old Yeller". Rare is the child actor who was more irritating to his contemporaries. But "Moochie" was just a hammy kid who did what the director wanted; and fortunately the director of "Toby Tyler" dialed down the standard "Moochie" cuteness for his first staring role.
The film was the perfect escape for boys. Running away with the circus was almost as good as getting to spend the whole summer riding horses on the Triple "R" Ranch. Plus Toby's protector was Ben Cotter, our old friend Sgt. Garcia from "Zorro". Mr. Stubbs the chimp is given the "too cute" supporting role that "Moochie" normally played, which was most likely an attempt to expand the target audience to include pre-teen girls. It worked as the film entertained the entire family.
The story involves Toby's efforts to move from peanut vendor to circus performer. He eventually replaces a snotty boy in a bareback riding act. His partner is Mademoiselle Jeanette (Barbara Beaird), my first crush and most likely the reason that I remember the film so fondly.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
Most boys (at least in my class) were at first reluctant to see the film because it's star, Kevin "Moochie" Corcoran, had pretty much ruined the "Spin and Marty" serial when he was added to the cast after the first season. We also had suffered through his "too cute" acting in "Old Yeller". Rare is the child actor who was more irritating to his contemporaries. But "Moochie" was just a hammy kid who did what the director wanted; and fortunately the director of "Toby Tyler" dialed down the standard "Moochie" cuteness for his first staring role.
The film was the perfect escape for boys. Running away with the circus was almost as good as getting to spend the whole summer riding horses on the Triple "R" Ranch. Plus Toby's protector was Ben Cotter, our old friend Sgt. Garcia from "Zorro". Mr. Stubbs the chimp is given the "too cute" supporting role that "Moochie" normally played, which was most likely an attempt to expand the target audience to include pre-teen girls. It worked as the film entertained the entire family.
The story involves Toby's efforts to move from peanut vendor to circus performer. He eventually replaces a snotty boy in a bareback riding act. His partner is Mademoiselle Jeanette (Barbara Beaird), my first crush and most likely the reason that I remember the film so fondly.
Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.
Why Does No One EVER Mention The Fact That Kevin Corcoran Does His Own Stunt Work?!
johnstonjames19 July 2010
Warning: Spoilers
come on everybody! is everyone blind or something? KEVIN CORCORAN DOES HIS OWN STUNT WORK HERE. so do the other two children. i have read many reviews like Leonard Maltin's and even looked at the wikipedia for this film and nobody points this obvious fact out. i mean what a thing to leave out. if you don't at least mention this you are not giving Kevin Corcoran the true credit he deserves for his outstanding performance. if one more person writes a review of this film without mentioning this i'm gonna scream "foul"! you might really like the film but if you don't mention this you are being too forgetful, unobservant, and unfair.
hopefully one day this minor children's classic will get the good treatment it so richly earns and deserves. it is definitely one of Disney's very best from the studio's golden age. it is very solid film making and even though there might be better films, few films have achieved this kind of neat and tidy perfection. every little element works beautifully.
not to mention the film is very cute with an abundance of simple heart. i was surprised to find out the book was so unpleasant. i read 'Toby Tyler' when i was about nine yrs old but i don't seem to remember anything about the book. i certainly didn't remember it was that dark. but i'll take that reviewers word for it. the books themselves are usually darker and grittier than their Disney film adaptations which tend to be more wholesome. i always remembered the film better because i saw the film a few times first. i remember loving the film but not having much of an opinion about the book. probably because i was afraid of it or something.
besides an amazing performance by the film's lead, Kevin Corcoran, the film also highlights the wonderful Henry Calvin and Gene Sheldon, two of my favorite Disney performers. they were both cute and funny when teamed up as Laurel and Hardy look alikes for 'Babes in Toyland', but their performances here resonate more warmth and realistic human appeal. especially Calvin, who i think should have been nominated for this. but Disney films were not taken seriously in the "actor" categories back then. Kevin Corcoran should have at least been given a special "outstanding juvenile performance" award.
it's also fun to see veteran Disney Composer/conductor Oliver Wallace in a cameo role as the circus band leader.
love the heck out of this film. i first liked it because of the cute monkey 'Mr. Stubbs', but now i appreciate so much more about it's timeless appeal and cheery message. this is one of those Disney "feel good" movies that always reminds me why i am such a "Disney groupie, fanatic".
hopefully one day this minor children's classic will get the good treatment it so richly earns and deserves. it is definitely one of Disney's very best from the studio's golden age. it is very solid film making and even though there might be better films, few films have achieved this kind of neat and tidy perfection. every little element works beautifully.
not to mention the film is very cute with an abundance of simple heart. i was surprised to find out the book was so unpleasant. i read 'Toby Tyler' when i was about nine yrs old but i don't seem to remember anything about the book. i certainly didn't remember it was that dark. but i'll take that reviewers word for it. the books themselves are usually darker and grittier than their Disney film adaptations which tend to be more wholesome. i always remembered the film better because i saw the film a few times first. i remember loving the film but not having much of an opinion about the book. probably because i was afraid of it or something.
besides an amazing performance by the film's lead, Kevin Corcoran, the film also highlights the wonderful Henry Calvin and Gene Sheldon, two of my favorite Disney performers. they were both cute and funny when teamed up as Laurel and Hardy look alikes for 'Babes in Toyland', but their performances here resonate more warmth and realistic human appeal. especially Calvin, who i think should have been nominated for this. but Disney films were not taken seriously in the "actor" categories back then. Kevin Corcoran should have at least been given a special "outstanding juvenile performance" award.
it's also fun to see veteran Disney Composer/conductor Oliver Wallace in a cameo role as the circus band leader.
love the heck out of this film. i first liked it because of the cute monkey 'Mr. Stubbs', but now i appreciate so much more about it's timeless appeal and cheery message. this is one of those Disney "feel good" movies that always reminds me why i am such a "Disney groupie, fanatic".
Disney Adaptation Strays Far from the Original
schweinhundt19677 December 2003
I've mentioned elsewhere that Disney's adaptations of famous works sometimes avoid the dark and dreary messages of the original works.He wished,it seems,to provide wholesome family entertainment.IN this regard,he succeeded.But,after seeing this film,as I did when it first came out,I was horrified when I got around to reading Kahler's book.Let's see the differences.
1.)Toby,in the story,is a sly,fat, lazy glutton,who leaves a brutal orphan's home in order to avoid doing his chores,and being punished for dishonesty.He joins the circus,and wages an undercover war against the evil management.
2.)The circus is a dreary,run down dump,managed by vicious alcoholics who beat and cripple children.Toby,consequently,starts a guerrilla war against them.
3.)The people who work in the circus,when they aren't brutal bullies,are among the most grotesque characters in Victorian American fiction.
4.)Toby DOESN'T become a star on horses.Mr.Stubbs isn't a cute chimp,but a mangy,pathetic,morose old monkey.And the hunter does kill him.
5.)The story ends with the manager of the orphanage taking Toby back.And you get the feeling that all will not be well.
So,while the film adaptation sticks to some of the facts,the underlying message has been avoided.
1.)Toby,in the story,is a sly,fat, lazy glutton,who leaves a brutal orphan's home in order to avoid doing his chores,and being punished for dishonesty.He joins the circus,and wages an undercover war against the evil management.
2.)The circus is a dreary,run down dump,managed by vicious alcoholics who beat and cripple children.Toby,consequently,starts a guerrilla war against them.
3.)The people who work in the circus,when they aren't brutal bullies,are among the most grotesque characters in Victorian American fiction.
4.)Toby DOESN'T become a star on horses.Mr.Stubbs isn't a cute chimp,but a mangy,pathetic,morose old monkey.And the hunter does kill him.
5.)The story ends with the manager of the orphanage taking Toby back.And you get the feeling that all will not be well.
So,while the film adaptation sticks to some of the facts,the underlying message has been avoided.
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