The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (TV 1979)

Four kids travel through a wardrobe to the land of Narnia and learn of their destiny to free it with the guidance of a lion messiah.

Director:

Bill Melendez

Writers:

C.S. Lewis, David D. Connell (story),

Stars:

Simon Adams, Nicholas Barnes, Sheila Hancock

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Simon Adams	...	Edmund (voice)
Nicholas Barnes	...	Edmund (voice)
Sheila Hancock	...	Jadis - The White Witch (voice)
Arthur Lowe	...	Mr. Beaver (voice)
Leo McKern	...	Professor (voice)
Don Parker	...	Mr. Beaver (voice)
Leslie Phillips	...	Mr. Tumnus (voice)
Beth Porter	...	Jadis, The White Witch (voice)
Liz Proud	...	Mrs. Beaver (voice)
Susan Sokol	...	Susan (voice)
Victor Spinetti	...	Mr. Tumnus (voice)
Stephen Thorne	...	Aslan (voice)
Dick Vosburgh	...	Professor (voice)
Rachel Warren	...	Lucy (voice)
June Whitfield	...	Mrs. Beaver (voice)

Storyline

Four children, Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are evacuated to the country in World War 2. They stay in a large house owned by an old Professor. First Lucy, then Edmund, then all four children find their way through an old wardrobe into Narnia, a magical land with talking animals and mythical creatures such as fauns and dwarves. But Narnia is held under a magical spell by the evil White Witch to ensure it's always winter but never Christmas. The children have to battle evil creatures and deal with betrayal and treachery but make many good friends as well. Finally, with the help of Aslan (The Lion) they defeat the evil witch and spring and freedom come back to Narnia.

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Plot Keywords:

narnia | children | wardrobe | lion | christmas | 

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Genres:

Animation | Adventure | Drama | Fantasy

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Details

Country:

UK USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1 April 1979 (USA)

Also Known As:

Der König von Narnia

Company Credits

Production Co:

Children's Television Workshop (CTW), Bill Melendez Productions, TVC London

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Peter: Aslan, we've come.
Aslan: WELCOME Peter, son of Adam! Welcome Susan and Lucy, daughters of Eve! Welcome He-beaver and She-beaver! But where is the fourth?
Mr. Beaver: He has betrayed us, oh Aslan.

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Connections

Referenced in Sabrina, the Teenage Witch: The Lyin', the Witch and the Wardrobe (2003)

User Reviews

Excellent movie that is true to the book

This version is by far the best and most faithful to the original books, including the new one Disney just put out. Though a few things are missing and one or two changed, it is 90% true to the book with a good portion of the dialogue. True, the animation is from the 70s but that makes it even safer for younger kids and I still find it enjoyable. The voice characterizations were incredibly on the money. The witch seemed to come straight off of the pages of the book as did Aslan. The musical score for this production is absolutely beautiful and captures the feeling of Narnia, and should not be overlooked. The scene beginning with the girls following Aslan to the stone table and culminating with his death was portrayed very tastefully yet powerfully. I can never watch it without crying. My children and I have seen all of the versions (including Disney's latest) and this one is by far the favorite. A classic.