Beauty and the Beast (1991) 8.0
Belle, whose father is imprisoned by the Beast, offers herself instead and discovers her captor to be an enchanted prince. |
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Beauty and the Beast (1991) 8.0
Belle, whose father is imprisoned by the Beast, offers herself instead and discovers her captor to be an enchanted prince. |
|
| Watch Trailer 0Share... |
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Paige O'Hara | ... |
Belle
(voice)
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| Robby Benson | ... |
Beast
(voice)
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Richard White | ... |
Gaston
(voice)
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| Jerry Orbach | ... |
Lumiere
(voice)
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| David Ogden Stiers | ... |
Cogsworth /
Narrator
(voice)
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| Angela Lansbury | ... |
Mrs. Potts
(voice)
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| Bradley Pierce | ... |
Chip
(voice) (as Bradley Michael Pierce)
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| Rex Everhart | ... |
Maurice
(voice)
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| Jesse Corti | ... |
Lefou
(voice)
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| Hal Smith | ... |
Philippe
(voice)
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| Jo Anne Worley | ... |
Wardrobe
(voice)
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Mary Kay Bergman | ... |
Babette
(voice)
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| Brian Cummings | ... |
Stove
(voice)
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Alvin Epstein | ... |
Bookseller
(voice)
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| Tony Jay | ... |
Monsieur D'Arque
(voice)
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Belle is a girl who is dissatisfied with life in a small provincial French town, constantly trying to fend off the misplaced "affections" of conceited Gaston. The Beast is a prince who was placed under a spell because he could not love. A wrong turn taken by Maurice, Belle's father, causes the two to meet. Written by Tim Pickett <quetzal@yoyo.cc.monash.edu.au>
I've not seen the newly added song sequence (Human Again) featured in the latest IMAX version so my comments are based entirely on the original theatrical and VHS release.
BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is Disney at its peak. From the stained glass window at the opening and the beautiful narration, the viewer is drawn into the story by the appealing music and clever lyrics ("Belle's Song") which gets the picture off to a bouncy start. The opening sequence showing Belle and the townspeople in song is masterfully handled and choreographed for maximum effect, setting the tone for the entire story.
The plot becomes thicker once Belle's father enters the castle grounds where the Beast resides. The castle interiors are brilliantly Baroque and the odd characters inhabiting the grounds are delightfully rendered by a perfect blending of art and voice talent. Cogsworth, Lumiere and Mrs. Potts are delightful creations, each with strong, consistent personalities. David Ogden Stiers, Jerry Orbach and Angela Lansbury cannot be praised enough for their contributions.
Two of the musical highlights are Orbach's dazzling job on "Be My Guest" (with French accent) and Angela's tender rendering of the title song, "Beauty and the Beast". Unforgettable movie moments. As Gaston, Richard White's robust baritone voice adds greatly to the effectiveness of his villainy.
It's no wonder the film was the first to receive recognition by the Academy with a Best Picture nomination. Outstanding in every department, including the end title song sung by Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson in a more "modern" style.
Along with SNOW WHITE and SLEEPING BEAUTY, a top-notch fairy tale with its appeal evenly divided between adults and children--as well as the child in all of us.