The Daydreamer (1966)

In the year 1801, nestled within the humble town of Odense, Denmark, resides a restless teenager named Chris (Paul O'Keefe). Living in the shadow of his father, the town's impoverished cobbler, Papa Andersen (Jack Gilford), Chris yearns for knowledge and respect beyond his lowly status. His father, desiring more for his son, imparts a belief that the answers to all of life's mysteries reside within the elusive Garden of Paradise. Guided by the enigmatic Sandman (Cyril Ritchard), Chris embarks on a fantastical quest to find this Garden. As he weaves through this imagined landscape, he frequently slips into captivating daydreams, each one a vibrant tale teeming with unusual characters and unforgettable adventures. In the depths of his dreams, he befriends a host of characters like the enchanting Little Mermaid (Hayley Mills) dwelling beneath the sea, the discontent Emperor (Ed Wynn) seeking sartorial satisfaction, a lost duckling searching for its family, and Thumbelina (Patty Duke), a tiny girl no bigger than his thumb. As Chris delves deeper into his dreamworld, his journey becomes a metaphorical voyage of self-discovery and growth. His relentless pursuit of the Garden of Paradise is driven by the belief that the world will be his oyster once he finds it. However, the Sandman, acting as his spiritual guide, subtly nudges him to understand that the Garden of Paradise won't merely reveal life's secrets, but he must learn from his experiences and grow from them. Simultaneously, the real world unfolds as Papa Andersen, missing his son, begins a desperate search. He traces the metaphorical breadcrumbs that Chris has inadvertently left behind, hinting at the intertwining of his son's dreams and reality. The Daydreamer (1966) is a surreal exploration of the teenage years of the legendary Hans Christian Andersen, revealing how his dreams inspired his future tales. These dream-inspired encounters, filled with whimsy and wonder, are a testament to the power of imagination and the timeless magic of storytelling.

The Daydreamer is an adventure movie featuring Boris Karloff and directed by Jules Bass.

The Daydreamer is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy.

It is also possible to buy The Daydreamer on Kino Now.