The Little Prince (1974) 6.1
A pilot, stranded in the desert, meets a little boy who is a prince on a planet. Director:Stanley Donen |
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The Little Prince (1974) 6.1
A pilot, stranded in the desert, meets a little boy who is a prince on a planet. Director:Stanley Donen |
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| Complete credited cast: | |||
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Steven Warner | ... | |
| Joss Ackland | ... | ||
| Clive Revill | ... | ||
| Victor Spinetti | ... | ||
| Graham Crowden | ... | ||
| Richard Kiley | ... | ||
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Donna McKechnie | ... | |
| Bob Fosse | ... | ||
| Gene Wilder | ... | ||
Based on the story by Antoine de Saint-Exupery, this magical musical fable begins as a pilot makes a forced landing on the barren Sahara Desert. He is befriended by a "little" prince from the planet Asteroid B-612. In the days that follow, the pilot learns of the small boy's history and planet-hopping journeys in which he met a King, a businessman, an historian, and a general. It isn't until he comes to Earth that the Little Prince learns the secrets of the importance of life from a Fox, a Snake, and the pilot. Written by Rone Barton Lokarr <sandbox2@ix.netcom.com>
I'm always amazed at reading reviews-- especially those where the viewers either loved or hated the film, with no one in between. Antoine de Saint-Exupery's tale of lost youth and unresolved childhood desires is the basis of this film, which one reviewer here calls "...an overlooked gem." I certainly share this view. The film is a delight but should not be compared too closely with the book. However, the basic message of the book, i.e., the innocence of youth embraces the significant values of human life and is all too soon lost, comes through nicely. The character of Kiley, as the pilot, Wilder, as the fox, and Fosse, as a delightful snake, are very suggestive of their counterparts in the story.
How successful this is as a musical, I would guess, is still up for grabs. I couldn't recall much of the music later, which is usually a good indication whether a show has legs. But, the tunes are pleasant and children seem to enjoy the fantasy of it all.
This is a splendid little film. Don't overlook it.