PUNCH AND JONATHAN

Little more natural than a Punch and Judy show is this flimsy photo-story about inveterate-watcher Jonathan who follows puppeteer Uncle Jock afterwards, finds Punch fallen to the pavement, takes him home for the night, and, the next morning, is spied by Uncle Jock putting on a performance in a cow pasture, whereupon he's invited to become a steady assistant. Children who share Jonathan's feeling for Punch and/or puppet shows may be gratified but it's all rather disengaged and distant, including the picturesque English setting.