Ok, so when I voted I gave it a low score, but that was cause Terror of Tiny Town has very little cinematic merit. But put all that aside and wind your sense of humour down a couple of notches and this movie is a "rootin, tootin, shootin" good time. I mean come on! They walk UNDER the saloon door! They ride ponies! It takes two midgets to play the bass! The bartender can't seem to chug his beer without outbursts of laughter! Plus- midgets fighting- funny! Add to that the fact that not a single one of the midgets can act and you've got 63 minutes of fun! Ok, so I realize that this movie is so politically incorrect that "little people" everywhere are either laughing themselves to death or up in arms. But that shouldn't stop us from enjoying an entirely midget western with multiple ear shattering musical numbers and the barest traces of a plot. But like I said before- midgets-Funny!
60 Reviews
Wow...
babeth_jr31 July 2007
This movie is a cult classic. The main reason it is a classic, of course, is that the cast is made up entirely of little people (or midgets, as they were referred to back in the 1930's, when this movie was made.)
I can only imagine some bigwigs in Hollywood sitting around the boardroom table, and someone saying, "Hey...let's make a western musical with an all midget cast!" and everyone chiming in and saying, "Yeah, that's a great idea!". I mean, what were they thinking? Now let me start off by saying I have nothing at all against little people. But the premise for this movie is pretty bizarre. Was it meant to be serious, or taken as a joke? It is exploitation of the midget actors, making fun of them, or was it meant to be a serious attempt at a western musical, just starring little people? These questions go mainly unanswered.
I think the actors performed with all seriousness in their roles, even though it seems to me that the script was poking fun at them, having them ride miniature ponies (which is hilarious to see) and having them walk under normal size barroom doors and the like.
Other than the cast being made up entirely of little people, there is nothing to distinguish this movie from the hundreds of other westerns made during the 1930's...low budget, cheap sets, terrible acting and atrocious songs (The song, "The Wedding of Jack and Jill", is unintentionally a howler). I think everyone should see this movie at least once. It happens to be a part of a 20 movie DVD compilation put out by Mill Creek Entertainment entitled "Cult Classics". It has the notorious movies "Reefer Madness", "Cocaine Fiends", "Sex Mad" and "Terror of Tiny Town", as well as many others included in the set. Most of these movies are exploitation films of the thirties and they are a gas to watch.
I can only imagine some bigwigs in Hollywood sitting around the boardroom table, and someone saying, "Hey...let's make a western musical with an all midget cast!" and everyone chiming in and saying, "Yeah, that's a great idea!". I mean, what were they thinking? Now let me start off by saying I have nothing at all against little people. But the premise for this movie is pretty bizarre. Was it meant to be serious, or taken as a joke? It is exploitation of the midget actors, making fun of them, or was it meant to be a serious attempt at a western musical, just starring little people? These questions go mainly unanswered.
I think the actors performed with all seriousness in their roles, even though it seems to me that the script was poking fun at them, having them ride miniature ponies (which is hilarious to see) and having them walk under normal size barroom doors and the like.
Other than the cast being made up entirely of little people, there is nothing to distinguish this movie from the hundreds of other westerns made during the 1930's...low budget, cheap sets, terrible acting and atrocious songs (The song, "The Wedding of Jack and Jill", is unintentionally a howler). I think everyone should see this movie at least once. It happens to be a part of a 20 movie DVD compilation put out by Mill Creek Entertainment entitled "Cult Classics". It has the notorious movies "Reefer Madness", "Cocaine Fiends", "Sex Mad" and "Terror of Tiny Town", as well as many others included in the set. Most of these movies are exploitation films of the thirties and they are a gas to watch.
Fun at half the size
Pegasus-530 October 1998
This movie has all the classic elements usually found in westerns of the 1930's - 1950's. The dashing hero, the fair damsel in need of rescuing, the despised villain, singing, dancing, the big chase scene. It's all here. But, the one thing that separates this movie from any other western is the cast. 100% midgets. Yep, this entire movie is cast with actors under the height of 4 feet 8 inches, with a couple of fellas who just might make three feet.
The hook of this movie is the fact that it's all midgets. The dialog and actions could be found in any western made in this time period. Nothing is outstanding about this movie, but then nothing is bad about it. It's just something different. Although, you haven't seen a true chase scene until you see a group of guys chasing each other on Shetland ponies.
The hook of this movie is the fact that it's all midgets. The dialog and actions could be found in any western made in this time period. Nothing is outstanding about this movie, but then nothing is bad about it. It's just something different. Although, you haven't seen a true chase scene until you see a group of guys chasing each other on Shetland ponies.
It really isn't that bad
Leofwine_draca10 September 2015
THE TERROR OF TINY TOWN enjoys something of a cult reputation as one of the "worst films ever made" and is notorious for being a musical western enacted solely by dwarf actors (or midgets, as they're credited in the opening titles). However, this isn't that bad at all; it comes across as a distinctly average but mildly enjoyable western with the added novelty of having the entire cast populated by dwarf actors.
It's fair to say that the acting isn't a strong point here, but the dwarfs certainly are enthusiastic performers and you can't fault their efforts in that respect. The musical scenes fare less well due to the high pitched nature of the voices, but the cattle rustling plot is more interesting and there's even a little romance to be enjoyed here. THE TERROR OF TINY TOWN is a unique film, yes, but in many ways it's all rather predictable and ordinary for the era. There are far, far worse films out there too.
It's fair to say that the acting isn't a strong point here, but the dwarfs certainly are enthusiastic performers and you can't fault their efforts in that respect. The musical scenes fare less well due to the high pitched nature of the voices, but the cattle rustling plot is more interesting and there's even a little romance to be enjoyed here. THE TERROR OF TINY TOWN is a unique film, yes, but in many ways it's all rather predictable and ordinary for the era. There are far, far worse films out there too.
The first (and last) all-midget western!
preppy-321 January 2009
One wonders who thought this would be a great idea--a western done straight with all midgets. Plot-wise this is like any other B western--two neighboring ranchers suspect each other of rustling their cattle. The Hero (that's how he's billed in the cast--Billy Curtis) of one ranch falls in love with the Girl (Yvonne Moray) of the other ranch! And the Villain (Little Billy) tries to frame the Hero.
The plot is as old as the hills and every single Western cliché is firmly in place. Also there are songs! The movie opens with the entire town singing a nauseating song about how happy they are! There's there's a saloon vamp (Nita Krebs) who squeaks out a few more (and very badly too). The acting is truly horrendous and (cinematically speaking) this movie is worthless. After the initial novelty of the midgets wears off this is pretty lame stuff. Still it moves quick and is only about an hour long. Also there are some good action scenes--if you can get past the midgets riding ponies instead of horses! I give this a 3 because it does have its moments and you have to admire the fact that the whole movie is played straight.
The plot is as old as the hills and every single Western cliché is firmly in place. Also there are songs! The movie opens with the entire town singing a nauseating song about how happy they are! There's there's a saloon vamp (Nita Krebs) who squeaks out a few more (and very badly too). The acting is truly horrendous and (cinematically speaking) this movie is worthless. After the initial novelty of the midgets wears off this is pretty lame stuff. Still it moves quick and is only about an hour long. Also there are some good action scenes--if you can get past the midgets riding ponies instead of horses! I give this a 3 because it does have its moments and you have to admire the fact that the whole movie is played straight.
"Seems to me, I smell somethin' that should be buried, smelly like a polecat."
classicsoncall10 October 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Since adding the Encore Western Channel to my cable TV lineup I've been overdosing on that particular genre, so I thought I'd take a break to check out a four disc, twenty movie DVD package I picked up from Mill Creek Entertainment. It's called 'Cult Classics', and the title that immediately called out to me was "Terror Of Tiny Town". Wouldn't you know it, the darn thing turned out to be a midget Western. No, not a short feature, but a movie with an all midget cast! It came out the same year as another novelty Western featuring an all Black cast called "Two Gun Man From Harlem".
The principle is pretty much the same here. Take your standard 'B' oater, pit your white hat hero against a dastardly villain, and populate it with nothing but midget actors. What's sort of cool in the story is the early misdirection which seems to implicate Tex Preston (Billy Platt) as a cattle rustler before it's revealed there's a third party villain working the Preston's against the Lawson's. Bat Haines (Little Billy Rhodes) is as nasty a villain as you'll find in any John Wayne, Roy Rogers or Durango Kid picture, even to the tune of keeping the local sheriff in his pocket.
The hero of the piece, Buck Lawson is played by Billy Curtis in his very first film role. Obviously he caught someone's eye to recommend casting him as the mayor of Munchkin Land in 1939's "Wizard of Oz", from there going on to a rather prodigious movie career. Western fans will note the resemblance between the young Curtis in 'Tiny Town' and the sixty four year old actor who was made mayor of Lago by The Stranger in "High Plains Drifter". To his credit, Curtis did his best to stay away from roles that denigrated little people, and did a credible job here.
Still, it's hard watching the picture not to crack up every now and then over inadvertently funny scenes like the midget cowboys riding on their Shetland ponies, or walking into a saloon under the swinging door. The movie opted to drift back and forth between a normal adult size world and a miniature one to achieve different effects; the scene I thought was exceptional was the one that played out with the runaway stagecoach built to little people scale. Some of the goofier scenes involved pint size singers whose voices were obviously dubbed.
"The Terror of Tiny Town" won't make anyone's best films list, but you know, it really shouldn't be on anyone's worst list either. Take it with a grain of salt and you'll probably be entertained. A couple questions need answering though. Why was that penguin in the middle of the movie? And if a regular cowboy fires a six-shooter, does a midget use a three-shooter?
The principle is pretty much the same here. Take your standard 'B' oater, pit your white hat hero against a dastardly villain, and populate it with nothing but midget actors. What's sort of cool in the story is the early misdirection which seems to implicate Tex Preston (Billy Platt) as a cattle rustler before it's revealed there's a third party villain working the Preston's against the Lawson's. Bat Haines (Little Billy Rhodes) is as nasty a villain as you'll find in any John Wayne, Roy Rogers or Durango Kid picture, even to the tune of keeping the local sheriff in his pocket.
The hero of the piece, Buck Lawson is played by Billy Curtis in his very first film role. Obviously he caught someone's eye to recommend casting him as the mayor of Munchkin Land in 1939's "Wizard of Oz", from there going on to a rather prodigious movie career. Western fans will note the resemblance between the young Curtis in 'Tiny Town' and the sixty four year old actor who was made mayor of Lago by The Stranger in "High Plains Drifter". To his credit, Curtis did his best to stay away from roles that denigrated little people, and did a credible job here.
Still, it's hard watching the picture not to crack up every now and then over inadvertently funny scenes like the midget cowboys riding on their Shetland ponies, or walking into a saloon under the swinging door. The movie opted to drift back and forth between a normal adult size world and a miniature one to achieve different effects; the scene I thought was exceptional was the one that played out with the runaway stagecoach built to little people scale. Some of the goofier scenes involved pint size singers whose voices were obviously dubbed.
"The Terror of Tiny Town" won't make anyone's best films list, but you know, it really shouldn't be on anyone's worst list either. Take it with a grain of salt and you'll probably be entertained. A couple questions need answering though. Why was that penguin in the middle of the movie? And if a regular cowboy fires a six-shooter, does a midget use a three-shooter?
It's just boring...
Lost_cow15 January 2019
Regardless of the fact that the movie is in poor taste, the bottom line is that it's just plain boring.
It's not even one of those so bad it's good type of movies. The story is boring, The acting is awful and the movie just does not go anywhere.
It's not even one of those so bad it's good type of movies. The story is boring, The acting is awful and the movie just does not go anywhere.
The Terror of Tiny Town review
JoeytheBrit22 April 2020
The novelty value of a tale of little people in the big country quickly wears off thanks to an otherwise dull and routine production. The songs are catchy but weird (and at times a little creepy) and the whole thing has a Bugsy Malone feel to it, as if the actors were kids rather than diminutive adults. Oh yeah, has anyone mentioned that they walk under saloon doors...?
Despite its bad reputation, I rather enjoyed The Terror of Tiny Town
tavm20 June 2009
Okay, so I just watched this all-Midget (sorry, Little People) Western. Now, while I laughed at some of the way their sizes were exploited like when one fell carrying some boxes that blocked his face or when a townsperson drank a giant glass of beer (I think Jerry Maren played the latter by the way), overall I don't think this deserves the moniker of one of "The Fifty Worst Films of All Time" as implied in the book of that name. In fact, for the most part I was quite excited at the way the whole thing was filmed and liked many of the performances especially Billy Curtis as the Hero, Buck Lawson, and "Little Billy" Rhodes as the Villain, Bat Haines. They have a great fight scene at the climax. Yvonne Moray as the Heroine, Nancy Preston, and Nita Krabs as the Dance Hall Girl, Nita, who loves Bat are also good in their roles. And then there's Charles Becker as the Comic Relief, Otto the Cook, who has a pretty intentionally funny scene with a duck he's trying to kill as he tries to sweet talk him. The singing is wonderful, too, though hearing an obviously taller male voice coming out of Curtis' mouth was pretty strange especially in contrast to Ms. Murray's natural warbling voice after that. By the way, the only actual tall person that appears is in the beginning when an announcer steps from behind the curtain to introduce the Hero and Villain (with the requisite "boos" and "hiss"!) before the opening credits. So on that note, I'd recommend The Terror of Tiny Town to anyone who likes a good-old fashioned musical western starring talented little people.
Of interest only for the novel casting
jamesrupert201431 January 2023
A villainous black-hatted cattle-rustler tries to forment range-war between two rival ranches; meanwhile, a 'Romeo and Juliet' romance blossoms when the pretty niece of one of the feuding cattlemen is saved by the handsome (and singing) son of the other. The plot is simplistic, the film full of hackneyed western characters and tropes, the 'humour' strained and silly, and the singing/songs are generally awful (although I actually kinda liked 'The Wedding of Jack and Jill') but, needless to say, the film is best known for its gimmick: an all-midget cast (I realise there is some debate about the term 'midget' but I'll use it if IMBD allows). Most people would consider the film 'exploitation', as the cast is primarily used for their novelty and for the opportunity for numerous (and predictable) size-based jokes and sight gags. Although well-received as an entertaining musical-comedy at the time of release, the film has aged poorly and modern audiences will likely find it more offensive than cute (although at the time, these were professional entertainers and this was work for them when there were likely not many other opportunities). A couple of the actors are pretty good (considering the material they are given), notably Billy Curtis (probably the best known of the cast) as the heroic Buck Larson and Billy Platt as the incredibly wrinkled rancher 'Tex' Preston. As the actors couldn't be easily replaced with stunt people, many of the action sequences and fights are amateurish looking (but Curtis and some of the others seemed to be competent around horses (they were riding Shetland ponies)). A number of the actors were part of the "Singer's Midgets" troupe of vaudevillian entertainers (a year later many of them would appear as Munchkins in 'The Wizard of Oz'), and, as Singer primarily employed actors/singers who were either of very diminutive stature (midgets) or had 'proportionate' dwarfism, sometimes only the unusually high-pitched voices reflect the unique casting. Worth watching as a historical celluloid oddity (although the stories about the cast, and the participation of people with 'unique looks' in the film industry in general, makes for interesting reading).
classic old western
thecrazyelwin13 July 2007
it's surprising to me how much this movie gets ripped on saying it is an exploitation of little people. honestly, this is a classic western story; good guy in white, bad guy in black. it wasn't made as a comedy, but is it funny? yes it can be, for the novelty of it. is it a blockbuster? now, just an average 'B' western from the 30's, but definitely worth watching at least once.
i enjoy this movie not because it exploits anyone, but that they did go to great detail to make a story, a drama with an all midget cast. these are the same little people that were in the "Wizard of Oz", so they got to do a classic kind of film. this unique type of movie is one that will never be copied or re-done due to peoples stereotypes, it's an original.
I'm not saying it's some masterpiece, but it is definitely worth seeing once!
i enjoy this movie not because it exploits anyone, but that they did go to great detail to make a story, a drama with an all midget cast. these are the same little people that were in the "Wizard of Oz", so they got to do a classic kind of film. this unique type of movie is one that will never be copied or re-done due to peoples stereotypes, it's an original.
I'm not saying it's some masterpiece, but it is definitely worth seeing once!
If you enjoy watching 1930's B Westerns - you'll enjoy watching this imaginative romp through the Wild West.
donahue-111 May 2006
Possible spoilers.
If you enjoy watching 1930's B Westerns especially singing westerns you'll enjoy watching this imaginative romp through the Wild West.
Take any standard "oater" and cast little people with the emphasis on people in the roles of a hero caught between two feuding cattle barons and an evil rustler trying to steal his girl - - and you'll have an idea what this film is about. All of the elements are here from a hero falsely accused of murder and facing a lynch mob - - to the final showdown and his saving the damsel in distress from the evil villain.
Several performances were clearly outstanding and truly enjoyable to watch: Billy Curtis as the hero - Buck Lawson; Nita Krebs as the Vamp(ire) Nita and especially Charles (Mayor of Munchkin City) Becker as the Cook Otto - - who stole each and every scene. (His scene with the duck is priceless).
Of minor note was the fact that many of the actors and actresses in the barroom scenes appear to have had German accents which makes some words of their songs a little difficult to understand at first but in subsequent viewings this proved to be no problem - - especially since the delightful lyrics of the Lew Porter Song "Mister Jack and Missus Jill" more than compensated.
Additionally although the director (Sam Newfield) chose to dub some songs with voices from professional singers which proved to be a minor irritant as far as continuity is concerned this was standard practice for 1930s oaters. (Does anyone dare to forget John Wayne in RIDERS OF DESTINY as Singin' Sandy Saunder?).
However all-in-all - this film was truly enjoyable.
In closing I'd like to comment on the fact that it is sad that many comments I've read reflect the fact that many folks cannot get past their bias toward little people - - - and view little people playing real roles as real people as something only to be laughed at.
Please watch this film with an open mind and you could be pleasantly surprised!!!
If you enjoy watching 1930's B Westerns especially singing westerns you'll enjoy watching this imaginative romp through the Wild West.
Take any standard "oater" and cast little people with the emphasis on people in the roles of a hero caught between two feuding cattle barons and an evil rustler trying to steal his girl - - and you'll have an idea what this film is about. All of the elements are here from a hero falsely accused of murder and facing a lynch mob - - to the final showdown and his saving the damsel in distress from the evil villain.
Several performances were clearly outstanding and truly enjoyable to watch: Billy Curtis as the hero - Buck Lawson; Nita Krebs as the Vamp(ire) Nita and especially Charles (Mayor of Munchkin City) Becker as the Cook Otto - - who stole each and every scene. (His scene with the duck is priceless).
Of minor note was the fact that many of the actors and actresses in the barroom scenes appear to have had German accents which makes some words of their songs a little difficult to understand at first but in subsequent viewings this proved to be no problem - - especially since the delightful lyrics of the Lew Porter Song "Mister Jack and Missus Jill" more than compensated.
Additionally although the director (Sam Newfield) chose to dub some songs with voices from professional singers which proved to be a minor irritant as far as continuity is concerned this was standard practice for 1930s oaters. (Does anyone dare to forget John Wayne in RIDERS OF DESTINY as Singin' Sandy Saunder?).
However all-in-all - this film was truly enjoyable.
In closing I'd like to comment on the fact that it is sad that many comments I've read reflect the fact that many folks cannot get past their bias toward little people - - - and view little people playing real roles as real people as something only to be laughed at.
Please watch this film with an open mind and you could be pleasantly surprised!!!
bad oddity
SnoopyStyle28 January 2023
Tiny Town is a town of little people. Cattle rustler Jim 'Tex' Preston is returning after getting driven out fifteen years earlier. Buck Lawson has to take him and his gang down once more. This is a film oddity. While most of the tiny actors are trying, the filmmaker is obviously counting on the camp quality. It's meant to be funny. Look at all the little people riding little horses. That's the intention here. The audience is meant to laugh at these actors.
I get it. I'm willing to overlook it and hope for some good work nevertheless. The acting is a mixed bag. Many of them could be good stunt people, but their acting is mostly bad. Also the munchkin voices do not elevate the acting quality. It sounds silly. It's an oddity that leaves me with mixed feelings. I'm definitely not laughing at this as was intended.
I get it. I'm willing to overlook it and hope for some good work nevertheless. The acting is a mixed bag. Many of them could be good stunt people, but their acting is mostly bad. Also the munchkin voices do not elevate the acting quality. It sounds silly. It's an oddity that leaves me with mixed feelings. I'm definitely not laughing at this as was intended.
Typical oater with an all-dwarf cast
shrinkingman28 April 2001
Well, I've been curious about this movie for years and now I've finally seen it: "The Terror of Tiny Town" (1938), a Western/musical with an all-dwarf cast! In many respects it's just a typical Western-- dashing hero attempts to save/woo gorgeous gal and fight off cattle rustlers at the same time (one such rustler tries to frame the hero for murder). The film starts with an average-sized man introducing the diminiutive stars; including the hero, "Buck Lawson" (played by Billy Curtis, who has been in several movies and even has a walk-on in "the Incredible Shrinking Man".)
"Tiny Town" is populated entirely by little people(or "midgets" as some have called them). They ride ponies instead of horses, but everything in town seems scaled for average sized people. Thus the image of cowboys sauntering UNDER half-doors into saloons! To be honest I think SOME of the "dwarf" actors were actually average-sized children. In one scene, a barbershop quartet sings and a "dwarf" in a chair sings along in a much deeper voice than you'd expect. That "dwarf" looks more like an average-sized little boy in reality.
But then more than a few of the (adult) little people in the cast look like kids (but aren't)-- not just height-wise but they also have very-young-looking faces. You almost think it's a film of kids playing adults (ever see "Bugsy Malone"?) but they are indeed dwarfs.
You get the typical elements of an "oater" (Western), from shoot-em-ups to a seductive female singer in a saloon; some very bad puns ("smallpox", "half-pint"); a hero-and-girl duet that will conjure up images of Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald (all together now: "when I'm calling you-u-u-u"--though to be honest, the songs in "Tiny Town" are VERY forgettable!)...a dwarf drinking a huge beer stein, and a duel in a shack where dynamite is about to go off!
So is it great or horrible? Kind of in between; unusual enough (in that it has an all-dwarf cast) to see at least once, but cliched dialogue, weak songs, etc....still, now at least I can say I've seen The Terror of Tiny Town!
(PS--I must add that in many respects the film is the type that exploits little-person actors for their size instead of whatever other talents they may have. How many dwarf actors out there go to a casting call and immediately are told, "ah! We'll make you the leprechaun...the tiny space alien...one of Santa's elves..." etc. instead of more substantial roles... )
"Tiny Town" is populated entirely by little people(or "midgets" as some have called them). They ride ponies instead of horses, but everything in town seems scaled for average sized people. Thus the image of cowboys sauntering UNDER half-doors into saloons! To be honest I think SOME of the "dwarf" actors were actually average-sized children. In one scene, a barbershop quartet sings and a "dwarf" in a chair sings along in a much deeper voice than you'd expect. That "dwarf" looks more like an average-sized little boy in reality.
But then more than a few of the (adult) little people in the cast look like kids (but aren't)-- not just height-wise but they also have very-young-looking faces. You almost think it's a film of kids playing adults (ever see "Bugsy Malone"?) but they are indeed dwarfs.
You get the typical elements of an "oater" (Western), from shoot-em-ups to a seductive female singer in a saloon; some very bad puns ("smallpox", "half-pint"); a hero-and-girl duet that will conjure up images of Nelson Eddy and Jeanette McDonald (all together now: "when I'm calling you-u-u-u"--though to be honest, the songs in "Tiny Town" are VERY forgettable!)...a dwarf drinking a huge beer stein, and a duel in a shack where dynamite is about to go off!
So is it great or horrible? Kind of in between; unusual enough (in that it has an all-dwarf cast) to see at least once, but cliched dialogue, weak songs, etc....still, now at least I can say I've seen The Terror of Tiny Town!
(PS--I must add that in many respects the film is the type that exploits little-person actors for their size instead of whatever other talents they may have. How many dwarf actors out there go to a casting call and immediately are told, "ah! We'll make you the leprechaun...the tiny space alien...one of Santa's elves..." etc. instead of more substantial roles... )
It's Just Another Comedy Western
Rainey-Dawn7 February 2017
I am happy to report that there is nothing politically incorrect about this film - even though it is considered to be politically incorrect. What is so politically incorrect about little people finding work in the film industry OR for little people to have a western film? The film is no different than watching regular sized people in an older B western.
Back then little people were called midgets and that term was used happily at the beginning of the film. Midget was used until the later half of the 20th century when the term became short person or little person. Today the term midget is considered to be politically incorrect and offensive. You have to remember that the term was fine during the time this film was made.
The film itself is fine! There is nothing wrong with the movie - it's a cute comedy western - no different than other B comedy westerns of it's time era except it's an all little people cast. It's a cute movie like any other cute movie full of regular sized people.
I like The Chef in this movie... some of his stuff is funny.
4/10
Back then little people were called midgets and that term was used happily at the beginning of the film. Midget was used until the later half of the 20th century when the term became short person or little person. Today the term midget is considered to be politically incorrect and offensive. You have to remember that the term was fine during the time this film was made.
The film itself is fine! There is nothing wrong with the movie - it's a cute comedy western - no different than other B comedy westerns of it's time era except it's an all little people cast. It's a cute movie like any other cute movie full of regular sized people.
I like The Chef in this movie... some of his stuff is funny.
4/10
All Singing! All Midget! All Western!
boblipton10 March 2002
There may be worse movies. Yes, indeed, there may be worse movies. That doesn't mean I want to see them, or be near them or even hear of them. You can have your director's ouevre, your Ed Wood, your own particular claim that a particular movie is the Worst Movie Ever Made. I don't really care.
When it comes to High Concept Pictures, this ranks up there with Jules White's "Dogville" series, in which inoffensive puppies are stuffed into costumes, wired into position and then made to stand around, urinating on themselves, after which voices are dubbed into a satire of "the Face on the Bar Room Floor"; or "The Three Fatties" series: If they laugh at fat comics, and they laugh at at movie teams, then how about a movie team of three men who tip the scale at 300 pounds each? Yeah, that's High Concept!
Well, the High Concept here was to cross the Singing Western -- itself a slightly bizarre idea -- with the idea of an All Midget movie. They'll love it!
At least, the producer did. The midgets were cheap, the script available for pennies -- mostly endless repetition of "He wants to be the biggest man in the county!" and the songs... well, they ain't Gershwin.
Has to be seen to be believed, and even then you won't.
When it comes to High Concept Pictures, this ranks up there with Jules White's "Dogville" series, in which inoffensive puppies are stuffed into costumes, wired into position and then made to stand around, urinating on themselves, after which voices are dubbed into a satire of "the Face on the Bar Room Floor"; or "The Three Fatties" series: If they laugh at fat comics, and they laugh at at movie teams, then how about a movie team of three men who tip the scale at 300 pounds each? Yeah, that's High Concept!
Well, the High Concept here was to cross the Singing Western -- itself a slightly bizarre idea -- with the idea of an All Midget movie. They'll love it!
At least, the producer did. The midgets were cheap, the script available for pennies -- mostly endless repetition of "He wants to be the biggest man in the county!" and the songs... well, they ain't Gershwin.
Has to be seen to be believed, and even then you won't.
Is it offensive?
ericstevenson2 February 2018
This is a movie that really is just a standard Western, only with midgets. I think the main problem is that this really is the film's only selling point. There's really nothing unique about the story at all, other than that it features midgets. I have to admit that Westerns were never my thing. Then again, this may in fact be the oldest Western I've ever seen. I guess they started off pretty bizarre.
I remember Cinema Snob reviewing this and joking that since the movie was only an hour long, everything about it was short. I can't make that joke again. I don't think it's offensive to midgets, seeing as how they seem to have willingly starred in this movie. I wonder where they got all the small ponies? There's just nothing of substance at all. It's weird to watch and there's nothing rewarding about it. *1/2
I remember Cinema Snob reviewing this and joking that since the movie was only an hour long, everything about it was short. I can't make that joke again. I don't think it's offensive to midgets, seeing as how they seem to have willingly starred in this movie. I wonder where they got all the small ponies? There's just nothing of substance at all. It's weird to watch and there's nothing rewarding about it. *1/2
This movie is a stinker but worth watching
rcrispo125 March 2006
I do enjoy watching some of the movies that have been voted worst ever. Plan nine from outer space, attack of the killer tomatoes, and all those late fifty's horror flicks. If you can get around the idea of how small people were exploited in many thirty flicks this movie has some enjoyable moments. The horses are small but the guns look pretty big. The cook is interesting. It is a great movie to watch with the right people so that you can moan and groan together over the cheesy situations and classic predictable plot. I caught the flick on TV and I am not sure how easily this movie is to rent, although I know it is on DVD.
sub-par
KDWms7 April 2003
Plentiful comments...such that my initial inclination was, simply, to rate it and be otherwise silent. Then I noticed that there were no RECENT reviews. So, THAT became my excuse to sound off. Not that I have anything NEW to add: Everyone else is correct. I was just hoping (but not EXPECTING) that time might change one's opinion. It didn't. What we have here is your usual, less-than-mediocre, 30s western, made UNusual by the fact that the entire cast is midgets. (Is that a politically-correct description these days?) THAT should give it a higher (no pun intended) mark, right? Not true. The acting is so poor (the dialogue is so amateurishly delivered); the music is so patronizing; the plot is so small (again, NPI); that this is undeniably sub-par. Buck is our hero, from one of two families warring against themselves, each thinking that the other is rustling their herd. Buck "connects" with a gal in the enemy clan, and, eventually, they learn that a THIRD group is benefitting from the rivalry. The prologue asks that the audience takes this seriously. I tried. Maybe it's my own prejudice. But I was unable to dismiss the stature of the actors amid much of the non-dwarfed surroundings: There is a point when a saloon singer is obscured by a bannister as she descends a staircase. Also...the voices are distractingly childlike, although I know that they can't help that. Next...so many songs begin to seem unnecessarily-intolerable (like a talent show); and, in one case, unrealistically-dubbed. After the abundant comic relief, the second adjective to come to my mind was "unfortunate". Despite all of this, however, you should watch this film, if only to say that you have. Even BUY it (if the price is reasonable), 'cause others are gonna want to see it, too - it's that much of a curiosity piece. Hopefully, though, most - if not all - of these tiny thespians a year later were able to say that they had a little (not another pun) part in the much worthier Wizard of Oz; not The Terror of Tiny Town.
Munchkins Or Nelson Eddie?
Greg-8319 November 1998
It's been a number of years since I saw this masterpiece...and I still laugh when I think about it. How can you not like something as off the wall as this flick.
Aside from the small people and small ponies, etc., I was most surprised by the singing. Not that singing westerns are a novelty, mind you, it's just that after hearing the leading lady squeak like a munchkin, I wasn't prepared for the leading man to have a full, booming, Nelson Eddie-type voice.
This one's a natural for a night with friends, a large bowl of popcorn and plenty of substitute dialog.
Aside from the small people and small ponies, etc., I was most surprised by the singing. Not that singing westerns are a novelty, mind you, it's just that after hearing the leading lady squeak like a munchkin, I wasn't prepared for the leading man to have a full, booming, Nelson Eddie-type voice.
This one's a natural for a night with friends, a large bowl of popcorn and plenty of substitute dialog.
Oddly fun, but STILL a terrible and offensive film
planktonrules23 September 2007
Wow, did I just have a crazy last 24 hours! In the space of only a day, I have managed to see two of the fifty films listed in "The Fifty Worst Films Of All Time" by Harry Medved (a classic book that is now, unfortunately, out of print). After first seeing the very bellicose VALLEY OF THE DOLLS, I just finished watching THE TERROR OF TINY TOWN--purported to be the only all-midget Western ever made. With such a claim, it's no wonder that bad film lovers like myself are drawn to this insanely offensive film! I mean, think about it...audiences across America were expected to watch and laugh at a film whose sole "humorous" element was that the actors were midgets!! Well, despite being a very bad and offensive film, in a way it was still oddly fun when it wasn't being creepy. In a "Bevis and Butthead" sort of way, I suppose most people might smile when they first see the diminutive actors and actresses riding tiny ponies and acting like "normal" Western actors--though this enjoyment is a bit unsettling when you think about it! What was worse than this, though, was one of several musical numbers which was sung by a cabaret singer in a bar. This scantily clad wench sang about "making love with me" and seeing this tiny woman singing such a suggestive song made me feel a bit uneasy...no, now that I think about it, it made me queasy. Also, while the other songs weren't sleazy like this one, they did seem to portray the actors and actresses as happy little children. Again, this sure was disturbing!
The plot was in many ways much like an old Gene Autrey film but with midgets. Some of them, like the lead Billy Curtis, were actually pretty good actors and could ride their ponies well. I was particularly amazed at Curtis' horsemanship when he stopped the runaway midget stage coach. But, many of the actors looked as if they were ready to fall off their ponies and others could barely deliver their lines. Oddly, about half of the midgets spoke with German accents!
So here's the final verdict. Is it bad enough to make the bottom 50 of films? Probably not--as there must be at least 50 films worse than this. But this is STILL hardly a glowing endorsement!! No, it's still deserving only of 1 star and perhaps, if you are a bad film fan, it's worth a look. Otherwise, watch this mess at your own peril.
The plot was in many ways much like an old Gene Autrey film but with midgets. Some of them, like the lead Billy Curtis, were actually pretty good actors and could ride their ponies well. I was particularly amazed at Curtis' horsemanship when he stopped the runaway midget stage coach. But, many of the actors looked as if they were ready to fall off their ponies and others could barely deliver their lines. Oddly, about half of the midgets spoke with German accents!
So here's the final verdict. Is it bad enough to make the bottom 50 of films? Probably not--as there must be at least 50 films worse than this. But this is STILL hardly a glowing endorsement!! No, it's still deserving only of 1 star and perhaps, if you are a bad film fan, it's worth a look. Otherwise, watch this mess at your own peril.
Hilarious Fanfare of God Awful Taste
jrschulz-116 May 2011
This film borders on being as offensive of some John Water's earliest films. It is as politically incorrect as a production can be, stereotypes midgets, gives one the impression of a town run by five year old kids. I'm left with the impression that the small freaks escaped from the set of a Todd Browning film and decided chuck to horror films in favour of comedy. The problem is that the script is really not comedy, it is a drama; the outrageousness of a wild west town run by midgets is what makes it funny. Picture a film like For a Few Dollars More with the same script and all midgets for actors and you get the idea. This is great theatre of the absurd.
Typical 1930's B-Western, Only Smaller!
FightingWesterner3 November 2009
The standard issue plot consists of the title villain rustling cattle and sparking a range war between two rival ranchers, who each suspect the other.
This is the first and only all little person musical western film. Once the novelty wears off though, The Terror Of Tiny Town starts to look like a typical 1930's poverty row programmer, of which director Sam Newfield is strongly associated.
Billy Curtis, who went on to co-star alongside Clint Eastwood in High Plains Drifter, makes an appealing hero. The musical numbers (some of which were dubbed) are well done and the climax is surprisingly good.
The producers should have cast Mickey Rooney as a giant!
This is the first and only all little person musical western film. Once the novelty wears off though, The Terror Of Tiny Town starts to look like a typical 1930's poverty row programmer, of which director Sam Newfield is strongly associated.
Billy Curtis, who went on to co-star alongside Clint Eastwood in High Plains Drifter, makes an appealing hero. The musical numbers (some of which were dubbed) are well done and the climax is surprisingly good.
The producers should have cast Mickey Rooney as a giant!
Who would have thought.....
DrSatan31 May 2000
....that a movie with an all midget cast could be so incredibly boring. I knew it was a late 30's western-musical, probably the most boring genre mankind has created, but I figured this would be balanced by the fact that it had an all-midget cast. The problem was that this film was *supposed* to be a comedy...this meant plenty of unfunny sight gags and slapstick. At the same time it tried to be a serious drama, but the sound was so bad that I could just barely make out what the actors were saying. This didn't have a whole lot of impact on my ability to understand the plot, since the plot was very ripe. Everything in it I had seen before, albeit with full size actors. Ordinarily I would have been amused by the grade school level acting and campy plot, but overall I found the film to be just too incompetent to be enjoyable. It was like watching a grade school play with midgets in the place of children...I think this film would be more appealing and amusing with an all child cast rather than an all midget one. Anyways, there are a few comedic scenes, such as the aforementioned midgets going under hitching posts, riding Shetland ponies and stagecoaches pulled by ponies, etc.
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