The Phantom Tollbooth: Beyond Expectations

“The Phantom Tollbooth: Beyond Expectations” playfully explores the creation, creators, lasting impact and enduring relevance of one of the most universally beloved children’s books of our time. 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.