Plot

Explores the creation, creators, lasting impact and enduring relevance of one of the most universally beloved children's books of our time.

The Phantom Tollbooth at 50: Beyond Expectations, playfully explores the creation, creators, lasting impact and enduring relevance of one of the most beloved children's books of our time. Through interviews, animation, and archival imagery, the documentary traces the friendship between author Norton Juster and Pulitzer Prize winning artist, Jules Feiffer, and the wit and wisdom of the novel, over half a century. Norton calls himself an accidental writer who never set out to write a children's book. Jules had his sights set on overthrowing the government through his cartoon strip at The Village Voice. In 1961, these two young artists came together in a rundown duplex in Brooklyn Heights to create the classic that has been called the Alice in Wonderland of our time.—Anonymous

Through interviews, animation and archival materials, the documentary traces the friendship between author Norton Juster and Pulitzer Prize-winning artist Jules Feiffer, and the wit and wisdom of the novel over half a century. Starting with its opening sequence, featuring actor David Hyde Pierce narrating an animated sequence created for the documentary, the film introduces viewers to the hilarious world of The Phantom Tollbooth, along with some of the novel's more serious themes. Discover Norton Juster's word play, watch Jules Feiffer draw Tollbooth protagonist Milo for the camera, and hear children's author and illustrator Eric Carle reflect on the creative process and New Yorker staff writer Adam Gopnik share what makes the book a classic.—Anonymous