Time Bandits (1981)

A young boy accidentally joins a band of time travelling dwarves, as they jump from era to era looking for treasure to steal.

Director:

Terry Gilliam

Writers:

Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam

Stars:

Sean Connery, Shelley Duvall, John Cleese

1 win & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Cleese	...	Robin Hood
Sean Connery	...	King Agamemnon / Fireman
Shelley Duvall	...	Dame Pansy / Pansy
Katherine Helmond	...	Mrs. Ogre
Ian Holm	...	Napoleon
Michael Palin	...	Vincent
Ralph Richardson	...	Supreme Being
Peter Vaughan	...	Winston the Ogre
David Warner	...	Evil Genius
David Rappaport	...	Randall
Kenny Baker	...	Fidgit
Malcolm Dixon	...	Strutter
Mike Edmonds	...	Og
Jack Purvis	...	Wally
Tiny Ross	...	Vermin

Storyline

Intrigued by history but neglected by his parents, Kevin, an eleven-year-old schoolboy, gets the chance to make his dream come true when a band of six time-travelling dwarfs appears out of thin air in his bedroom. Having stolen the Supreme Being's one-of-a-kind map of time and space, the audacious time-bandits whisk Kevin off on an exciting journey to the depths of history, skipping from one era to another. Now, to further complicate matters, the dangerous arch-rival known as the Evil Genius is hot on their trail, bent on getting his hands on the precious map. But, who would have thought that Kevin's seemingly unexceptional room was the entrance to a mysterious wormhole and the portal to a marvellous world of adventure?

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Plot Keywords:

time travel | treasure | dwarf | satire | psychotronic film | 

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Taglines:

All the dreams you've ever had and not just the good ones

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Genres:

Adventure | Comedy | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

On the wall of Kevin's bedroom, can be seen a drawing of Dr. Bertram X. Fegg, a character created by Sir Michael Palin and Terry Jones for their "Dr. Fegg" books, drawn by Martin Honeysett.

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Goofs

Toward the end of the movie the bandits steal back the map. The creatures begin to chase after them and one of them shoots "missiles" out of its eyes. The wire these "missiles" travel along are clearly visible.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Announcer: Yes, folks... Moderna Designs present the latest in kitchen luxury. The Moderna Wonder Major All Automatic Convenience Center-ette gives you all the time in the world to do the things you really want to do... An infrared freezer-oven complex that can make you a meal from packet to plate in 15 1/2 seconds.
Kevin's Mother: Morrisons have got one that can do that in eight seconds.
Kevin's Father: Oh?
Kevin's Mother: Block of ice to Beef Bourguignon in eight seconds. Lucky things.
Kevin: Dad, did you know that the ancient Greek warriors had to...
[...]

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Crazy Credits

At the end of the credits the scene where the Bandits have their photo taken is replayed.

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Alternate Versions

The 110 min. American theatrical release was cut by 6 minutes from the original 116 min. European version.

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Connections

Referenced in The Goldbergs: Just Say No (2015)

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Soundtracks

Me And My Shadow
Arranged by John Du Prez
Composed by Billy Rose (as Rose), Al Jolson (as Jolson), and Dave Dreyer (as Dreyer)
Published by Francis Day & Hunter
Performed by David Rappaport, Kenny Baker, Malcolm Dixon, Mike Edmonds, Jack Purvis, and Tiny Ross

User Reviews

My favorite film of all time.

This is THE definitive work on the nature of good and evil. It asks the age old question: Who is the Supreme Being, and what is it exactly that he wants from us? Terry Gilliam gives us a morality tale wrapped inside a an epic poem seen in the guise of an abstract painting.

As a film, all the seperate elements are perfect, and blended together seemlessly by the hand of the maestro Gilliam. It is not only a brilliant comedy, but an enthralling story as well. This is a film that sparks discussion and debate that goes on well into the night.

It is the rarest of all cinematic creatures-- a movie that is a genuine pleasure to watch and one that makes you think.

Details

Official Sites:

Handmade Films Website

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 November 1981 (USA)

Also Known As:

Time Bandits

Filming Locations:

Lee International Studios, Kensal Road, Kensal Town, London, England, UK

Box Office

Budget:

$5,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,507,356, 8 November 1981

Gross USA:

$42,365,581

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$42,368,025

Company Credits

Production Co:

HandMade Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

116 min 103 min (original)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1