The Enchanted Forest

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Summary: A JOB WELL DONE
Review: an extremely rare film with an extremely rare charm!!

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Summary: I can't believe it!
Review: I'm shocked! I look this video up and I find not even a picture of the video, and a notice that it goes in and out of print! I saw this video a thousand times, and it isn't just about a boy who learns something from an old man- It's so much more than that! It's about a painter who is granted a gift of magic and the ability to talk to the forest animals. He saves the forest using his knowledge and love of nature. I can't believe this movie is so hard to get!

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Summary: A Forgotten Family Film Classic.
Review: THE ENCHANTED FOREST is one of those films that has become largely forgotten. Once a staple on TV in the 50's and 60's, the film eventually disappeared. It is now in the public domain and has reappeared on video in the past few years. It has been issued on DVD by Image Entertainment using the same print that VCI Home Entertainment used for their VHS version which is the best of those that are readily available. It is worth the effort to find this poverty row classic as it touches on a number of themes that are more topical today than when the film was released in 1945. An old hermit played by Harry Davenport (Dr Meade in GONE WITH THE WIND) rescues a baby after a train wreck and raises him in the forest. The young boy learns to appreciate the beauty of nature and the animals who live in the forest. Their tranquility is threatened when lumbermen return to the forest to build a road. The boy is in fact the grandson of the head lumberman who believes the child to be dead although the daughter (Brenda Joyce) isn't so sure. A doctor and friend of the family (Edmund Lowe) has brought them back to the scene of the accident hoping to cure the daughter's bad dreams. The scenes which take place in the forest are like a live action version of the Thorton W. Burgess animal books. The animals have names and can communicate with the old hermit. Much of the film's charm comes from these scenes. There are also scenes about preserving the forests and the sanctity of animal life that make the film of great value today. Made by PRC (Producers Releasing Corporation) the lowest rung on the Hollywood ladder, the film is definitely low budget but director Lew Landers (THE RAVEN, RETURN OF THE VAMPIRE) was another of those poverty row wizards who could make the most out of whatever he was offered. Although the print used by Image for the DVD is the best one available, it's a little worn and some of the color has faded but don't let that keep you from getting this as quickly as possible before it disappears once again. If you want good family entertainment with a timely message as well then this film is a must for your home library.

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Summary: Enchanted Forest Review by Win and Jan Severn
Review: This is a family film, a heart-warming story loved by children and enjoyed by adults as well. Once considered a family classic, approved for showing in elementary schools in the 40s and 50s, this film still has great meaning. The trained animals show off to the delight of all ages. Behind the interesting story line is a conservation theme that old-growth trees should not be carelessly harvested to the detriment of the forest creatures.