Watch Toys Are Not For Children

Toys Are Not For Children is a psychological drama from 1972 directed by Stanley H. Brasloff, starring Marcia Forbes, Harlan Cary Poe, and Evelyn Kingsley. The movie follows 20-year-old Jamie Godard, who has a fixation on her absent father and a particular fondness for dolls. Jamie lives at home with her controlling mother and a younger sister. Her father had abandoned them years ago, leaving Jamie with feelings of abandonment and longing for his return. Unable to cope with her unresolved emotions, Jamie immerses herself in a fantasy world involving dolls and toys.

Jamie's fantasies start to take an unhealthy turn when she begins to seek out companionship from men who remind her of her father. She becomes increasingly involved with the male employees at the toy store where she works, including the manager, Charlie. Jamie idolizes Charlie and begins to see him as a father figure, but Charlie is only interested in a physical relationship with her.

Desperate to fill the void left by her father, Jamie becomes more and more entangled with Charlie. She goes to great lengths to please him, including engaging in over-the-top sexual fantasies and dressing up like a doll. Charlie uses Jamie's vulnerability to take advantage of her, leading her down a dangerous path.

In an attempt to escape her mundane life, Jamie runs away to New York City to search for her father. She meets Pearl, a prostitute, and her pimp Eddie, who exploit Jamie's naivety for their own gain. Eventually, Jamie realizes that her father is not the man she thought he was, and she must come to terms with her abandonment and find a way to move forward.

Toys Are Not For Children is a poignant exploration of the human psyche and the damage caused by unresolved trauma. The film delves into the dangerous effects of seeking validation from others and the consequences of being trapped in a fantasy world. The movie's slow-paced approach and experimental cinematography create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere, drawing the viewer deeper into Jamie's tormented mind.

The performances by the lead actors are subtle and nuanced, particularly Marcia Forbes, who portrays Jamie with a raw vulnerability that makes her both sympathetic and unsettling. The film's themes and tone stay with the audience long after the movie has ended, highlighting the importance of facing one's past and embracing the present.

Overall, Toys Are Not For Children is a haunting and thought-provoking film that explores the effects of childhood trauma and the damaging cycle of seeking validation in others. With powerful performances and a unique visual style, the movie remains a classic of psychological drama to this day.

Toys Are Not For Children is a 1972 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 25 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.0.