The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe (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 adaptation)

Stars:

Rachel Warren, Susan Sokol, Reg Williams

Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Credited cast:
Rachel Warren	...	Lucy (voice)
Susan Sokol	...	Susan (voice)
Reg Williams	...	Peter (voice)
Simon Adams	...	Edmund (voice)
Victor Spinetti	...	Mr. Tumnus (voice)
Dick Vosburgh	...	Professor (voice)
Don Parker	...	Mr. Beaver (voice)
Liz Proud	...	Mrs. Beaver (voice)
Stephen Thorne	...	Aslan (voice)
Beth Porter	...	Jadis, The White Witch (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Nicholas Barnes	...	Edmund (voice)
Rusty Goffe
Sheila Hancock	...	Jadis - The White Witch (voice)
Arthur Lowe	...	Mr. Beaver (voice)
Leo McKern	...	Professor (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 | Family | 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 Mystery Science Theater 3000: Jack Frost (1997)

User Reviews

Friendly version of the classic novel.

C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe" will forever remain one of the most timeless allegories, and stories in fiction, and lessons ever written. It was inevitable that this gem of a story be done for the sake of media, and no better a way to have been done as so in 1979. Featuring the voices of unknowns, this animated version, done by the "Peanuts" gang, put together drawn sequences, and still frames to piece together a wonderfully told version.

The story revolves around young Lucy, who enters the land of Narnia through an old wardrobe at the house of a professor which they are staying at during the war. Naturally, she shows this world to her siblings, exciting and dangerous adventures follow. Great story kids are able to follow but even more fun for older people as well. The story is told to perfection, as most every line is directly from the book, and given in such realism, it is hard to believe you are watching a small television program, and not something more. The action scenes are just right for the kiddies and the exposition scenes are full of enough intellect for adults to boot.

Music score is beautiful, and full of life, like "Narnia." I am an adult and I still love this film, cannot get enough of it. Great especially for film buffs or those like myself who enjoy talking about films to that level.

10/10