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The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)

An account of Baron Munchausen's supposed travels and fantastical experiences with his band of misfits.

Director:

Terry Gilliam

Writers:

Charles McKeown (screenplay), Terry Gilliam (screenplay)
Reviews
Popularity
3,644 ( 143)
Nominated for 4 Oscars. Another 11 wins & 10 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
John Neville ... Hieronymus Karl Frederick Baron von Munchausen
Eric Idle ... Desmond / Berthold
Sarah Polley ... Sally Salt
Oliver Reed ... Vulcan
Charles McKeown ... Rupert / Adolphus
Winston Dennis ... Bill / Albrecht
Jack Purvis ... Jeremy / Gustavus
Valentina Cortese ... Queen Ariadne / Violet
Jonathan Pryce ... The Right Ordinary Horatio Jackson
Bill Paterson ... Henry Salt
Peter Jeffrey ... Sultan
Uma Thurman ... Venus / Rose
Alison Steadman ... Daisy
Ray Cooper Ray Cooper ... Functionary
Don Henderson ... Commander
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Storyline

The fantastic tale of an 18th century aristocrat, his talented henchmen and a little girl in their efforts to save a town from defeat by the Turks. Being swallowed by a giant sea-monster, a trip to the moon, a dance with Venus and an escape from the Grim Reaper are only some of the improbable adventures. Written by Keith Loh <loh@sfu.ca>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

A true story. We've got the film to prove it. See more »


Certificate:

PG | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The Turkish treasury guard crosses himself in a moment of despair. This is because the Turks often recruited Italian captives into their service. Even if they were officially converts to Islam, they might often revert to type in situations such as this. See more »

Goofs

During the long pull-back shot which shows how deep in the Sultan's camp the Baron is being held, extras quickly move together as the camera moves back to cover the dolly track on the ground, but frequently do not succeed. See more »

Quotes

[Vulcan seethes with jealousy as the Baron escorts his wife, Venus, to the ballroom]
Vulcan: Come and see the ballroom. Come and see... the ballroom.
[still fuming as they enter]
Vulcan: NICE, ISN'T IT?
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Crazy Credits

Man of the match David Tomblin. See more »

Alternate Versions

Recent prints, including home video reissues, have included a new card during the end. It has been inserted between the end title and "The End" and reads: "This is a new motion picture. This motion picture is not to be confused with the UFA/Transit/Murnau 1942/43 motion picture bearing the title 'The Adventures of Baron Munchausen'." This refers to the German production of The Adventures of Baron Munchausen that was made during the Nazi era and underwent restoration by the F.W. Murnau Foundation during the 1990s. See more »


Soundtracks

The Torturer's Apprentice
Music & Lyrics by Michael Kamen & Eric Idle
Used by the permission of K Man Corporation & Kay-Gee-Bee Music Limited
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User Reviews

Other people have seen it? And liked it?! I thought I was the only one...
24 September 2004 | by pianogyrlSee all my reviews

I've only known one other person who has even heard of this movie(also the only other one who's heard of and liked Mel Brooks' the Twelve Chairs). This is certainly one of the most bizarre and unique movies I've ever seen but the more times I see it, the more I like it. Robin Williams and Eric Idle are great of course, but Neville does a good job too. The story is truly unique, leaving you wondering where fiction ends and reality begins. In fact, it's much like "Adaptation" in that respect, come to think of it. While not on par with Monty Python and the Holy Grail, this is a good piece of work. My advice: let your brain take a vacation for a couple of hours and just absorb it. You'll appreciate it better if you try not to make too much sense of it. If it really confuses you, read the book. Yes, there is a book and there really was a man who called himself Baron Munchausen. The book is called <u>The Adventures of Baron Munchausen</u> and the edition I had explained his whole story. Terry Gilliam did a great job of bringing this man to screen and I highly recommend it if you're tired of the usual Hollywood fluff.


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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Country:

UK | West Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 March 1989 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

The Adventures of Baron Munchausen See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$46,630,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$597,400, 12 March 1989

Gross USA:

$8,083,123

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$8,083,123
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)| Dolby SR (35 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »

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