Hello there, I have just seen the film for the first time in a
small independent cinema in East London, which was a suitable venue
for such an other-worldly film. Unfortunately, I missed it as a
child, not being born until 1969, and I don't know if it was shown
in Ireland.
Anyway, fate had a hand somewhere, as I was just browsing
through the excellant encyclopaedia of cult childrens TV by Richard
Lewis ( a must buy!) and read the interesting entry for the singing,
ringing tree. Then the next day, I see that is being shown in this
cinema. I can easily understand how it has retained it's enduring
appeal and power. Goes to show that when you have creativity and
imagination, you don't necessarily need a huge budget. The use of
colour and lighting is quite surreal and even psychedelic. Though I
can't imagine there was much LSD going around in late 50's East
Germany. Obviously, watching it as an adult is not going to be the
same as watching it as a child, but I generally love a good fantasy
and this is certainly one.
Now what did traumatise me as a kid and had me cowering
behind the sofa was "Children of the Stones". But that's another
story!
Keep singing and ringing!