PINOCCHIO (Theatrical Release USA 1940)

Ben Meyers’ rating—4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

Pinocchio—as enjoyable today as it was seventy years ago—is classic, re-watchable entertainment for children and adults. It’s a terrific family share film. The animation is great. It’s a simple, imaginative tale that has never lost its charm. This is a definite investment for the family home library. It’s not loud, noisy, or preachy. It’s a kind, innocent, and gentle story that relies on very good writing backed by superb vocal talent. It’s terrific to see Mel Blanc in the credits (remember the voice behind Warner Brothers’ Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Porky Pig, and Yosemite Sam cartoons?) and realize what a tremendously long run he gave us on entertainment. This movie deserves a watch whether one has a child to share it with or not.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Toy maker Geppeto (voice of Christian Rub) makes a wooden puppet boy, names him Pinocchio (voice of Dickie Jones), goes to bed, sees a falling star, and wishes Pinocchio to be a real boy. A Blue Fairy (voice of Evelyn Venable) enters his room and gives Geppeto his wish with a caveat.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Directors Ben Sharpsteen and Hamilton Luske for their directing efforts. Thank you to Producer Walt Disney for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Figaro/Donkeys/Gideon/Marionette Soldiers (voice of Mel Blanc), Carnival Barkers (voice of Don Brodie), J. Worthington Foulfellow (voice of Walter Catlett), Birds (voice of Marion Darlington), Lampwick (voice of Frankie Darro), Jiminy Cricket (voice of Cliff Edwards), Pinocchio/Alexander (voice of Dickie Jones), Stromboli/The Coachman (voice of Charles Judels), and Roughhouse Statue/Donkeys (voice of Clarence Nash).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. Definitely. It’s a little 1940s slow, but it is well done, solid, and has a real message that needs to be said. It’s as valid today as at any point in history.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers