review for Bell Science: The Strange Case of the Cosmic Rays on AllMovie

For whatever reason -- perhaps because the subject matter wasn't taught as universally -- The Strange Case of the Cosmic Rays was not shown as widely to school students as its companions, Our Mister Sun and Hemo the Magnificent. It's a shame, for if Cosmic is not quite on the same level as those two, it is still a wonderfully entertaining way to learn about science. True, Cosmic does not make its points as clearly and concisely as do Our Mister Sun and Hemo; there's a lot to absorb here, and it does get a trifle confusing, in part because so much of the information is in "building block" form -- fact A depends upon remembering fact B, which depends upon remembering fact C, etc. But creator Frank Capra and his crew have very ingeniously framed the information as a mystery, and so the process of remembering so much information is somewhat easier. The use of marionettes also gives the film its own look (unfortunately, at times complete with very visible wires), and the animated sequences (especially the western-styled bank robbery segment) are a delight. Dr. Frank Baxter, as usual, makes up with warmth and sincerity what he lacks as an actor, and he's an extremely engaging narrator. Richard Carlson is a bit forced at times, but he certainly does not damage the movie. All in all, Cosmic is a sweet, easygoing way to learn about a complicated subject.