Maria is a young and beautiful girl who is facing eviction from her home after the death of her debt-ridden father. Her only salvation might be to marry the man who owns the debt - but neither she nor her mother are very keen on that idea. After delivering his ultimatum, he leaves her with his toy soldier/nutcracker and in despair, she wishes she were reduced to the size of the doll. Magic now takes a hand, and not only does she get her wish, but she discovers her other toys are now alive too. The spell will only last for 24 hours so long as they all stay in the same room, but the dashing youn...