“Pinocchio” is a Disney animated film released in 1940. It is based on the Italian children’s novel “The Adventures of Pinocchio” by Carlo Collodi. The film follows the story of Pinocchio, a wooden puppet brought to life by a fairy. Pinocchio embarks on a journey to become a real boy, encountering various adventures and life lessons along the way.
Background Information:
- “Pinocchio” was the second animated feature film released by Disney, following the success of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” in 1937.
- The film was a significant undertaking for Disney, with a larger budget and a longer production time compared to their previous film.
Voice Cast:
- The voice cast of “Pinocchio” includes:
- Dickie Jones as Pinocchio, the curious and naive wooden puppet.
- Cliff Edwards as Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio’s wise and loyal conscience.
- Christian Rub as Geppetto, the kind-hearted woodcarver who creates Pinocchio.
- Evelyn Venable as the Blue Fairy, the magical being who brings Pinocchio to life.
Revenue:
- “Pinocchio” was both a critical and commercial success.
- The film earned over $84 million worldwide during its initial release, surpassing its production budget and becoming one of the highest-grossing films of 1940.
- “Pinocchio” also received critical acclaim, winning two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“When You Wish Upon a Star”).
Fun/Interesting Facts:
- “Pinocchio” introduced the iconic song “When You Wish Upon a Star,” composed by Leigh Harline and Ned Washington. The song has since become a signature Disney tune and a representation of the optimistic and magical nature of Disney films.
- The film is known for its memorable characters, including Jiminy Cricket, who became one of Disney’s official mascots and has appeared in various Disney productions.
- “Pinocchio” was notable for its stunning animation and groundbreaking visual effects, including the use of multiplane cameras to create depth and perspective in the film’s scenes.
- The film’s release was affected by the outbreak of World War II, which disrupted the international market and impacted the film’s box office performance.
- Over the years, “Pinocchio” has been recognized as one of the greatest animated films of all time, with its themes of honesty, morality, and the pursuit of dreams resonating with audiences of different generations.
- In 1994, Pinocchio was added to the United States National Film Registry for being deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant”.
“Pinocchio” remains a classic and enduring part of Disney’s animated film legacy. It’s timeless story, memorable characters, and beautiful animation continue to captivate audiences and inspire imaginations to this day.
