Geppetto (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Geppetto |
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DVD cover for Geppetto
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| Genre | Musical fantasy |
| Written by | David I. Stern Carlo Collodi |
| Directed by | Tom Moore |
| Starring |
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| Narrated by | Drew Carey |
| Theme music composer | Stephen Schwartz |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Ted Zachary |
| Cinematography | Stephen M. Katz |
| Editor(s) | Virginia Katz |
| Running time | 89 minutes |
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| Distributor | Disney–ABC Domestic Television |
| Release | |
| Original network | ABC |
| Original release | May 7, 2000 |
Geppetto is a TV movie from 2000. It is a musical version of the famous 1883 Italian children's book, The Adventures of Pinocchio. The story was written by Carlo Collodi. This movie stars Drew Carey and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. It features new songs created by Stephen Schwartz.
Drew Carey's role in this film often became a funny topic on his TV show, Whose Line is it Anyway?.
Contents
The Story of Geppetto
Geppetto's Wish for a Son
Geppetto (Drew Carey) is a kind toymaker. He really wants to be a father. One night, after selling his toys, his wish comes true. The Blue Fairy (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) uses her magic. She brings his wooden puppet, Pinocchio (Seth Adkins), to life. The Fairy tells Pinocchio that if he is brave, truthful, and unselfish, he will become a real boy.
Pinocchio's Mischief and Stromboli
At first, Geppetto is very happy. But Pinocchio causes some problems. He asks too many questions and gets into trouble. He also wanders off when Geppetto tries to introduce him to people. Pinocchio doesn't want to be a toymaker either.
The next day, Geppetto sends Pinocchio to school. He tells him to act like the other kids. But Pinocchio gets into a fight by copying everyone. Geppetto is upset. A puppeteer named Stromboli (Brent Spiner) sees Pinocchio. He thinks Pinocchio would make him rich.
Pinocchio Runs Away
Still angry, Geppetto tries to talk to the Blue Fairy. She doesn't believe him. He goes home to say sorry to Pinocchio. But Pinocchio has run away to join Stromboli. Geppetto decides to watch Pinocchio perform one last time.
Stromboli is happy with Pinocchio. Pinocchio makes him a lot of money. But when Pinocchio asks to leave, Stromboli says no. He claims they have a contract. Geppetto arrives to say goodbye. Stromboli tells him Pinocchio left to see the world.
The Search for Pinocchio
Stromboli then realizes Pinocchio really ran away. He sees Pinocchio getting on a stagecoach to Pleasure Island. Stromboli decides to get him back. Geppetto also goes to rescue Pinocchio. The Blue Fairy follows, trying to help Geppetto.
On his journey, Geppetto meets a magician named Lezarno (Wayne Brady). He also meets Professor Buonragazzo (René Auberjonois). The Professor lives in Idyllia. There, he and his son make perfect children who always obey.
Trouble on Pleasure Island
Geppetto and Stromboli both arrive at Pleasure Island. Geppetto learns that the island has a terrible curse. All the boys turn into donkeys after riding a rollercoaster. Adults are not allowed on the island. So, Stromboli is kicked out.
Geppetto arrives just in time to take Pinocchio home. But Pinocchio refuses to go. He says Geppetto was disappointed in him. Pinocchio immediately turns into a donkey after getting on the rollercoaster. He is then shipped off to sea.
Inside the Whale and a Happy Ending
Geppetto tries to keep up with the boat. He accidentally gets swallowed by a huge whale. Pinocchio jumps into the water and is also swallowed by the whale. Inside the whale, the donkey curse washes away.
Geppetto says sorry for how he acted. They realize they are inside the whale. They try to get out by having Pinocchio tell many lies. This makes his nose grow and tickle the whale. The whale then throws them up.
They return to the toy shop. Stromboli arrives to take Pinocchio back, still claiming his contract. Geppetto offers his whole shop for Pinocchio. As Stromboli tries to take Pinocchio, Geppetto begs the Blue Fairy for one last wish. The Blue Fairy turns Pinocchio into a real boy. She also uses her magic to send Stromboli away. Pinocchio and Geppetto live happily ever after. The sign on Geppetto's shop now says, "Geppetto & Son".
Meet the Cast
- Drew Carey as Geppetto
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus as The Blue Fairy
- Brent Spiner as Stromboli
- René Auberjonois as Professor Buonragazzo
- Seth Adkins as Pinocchio
- Usher as Pleasure Island Ringmaster
- Ana Gasteyer as Senora Giovanni
- Wayne Brady as Lezarno
- Anthony Crivello as Bernardo
Musical Songs
The movie Geppetto features many songs. Here are the main musical numbers:
- "Once Upon a Time" – Sung by Geppetto
- "Toys" – Sung by Geppetto, town children, and parents
- "Empty Heart" – Sung by Geppetto
- "Geppetto and Son" – Sung by Geppetto and Pinocchio
- "Just Because It's Magic" – Sung by Blue Fairy and Geppetto
- "I've Got No Strings" – Sung by Pinocchio
- "Bravo, Stromboli!" – Sung by Stromboli
- "Toys" (Reprise) – Sung by Geppetto and Lezarno
- "Satisfaction Guaranteed" – Sung by Professor Buonragazzo, Buonragazzo Jr., and Idyllia residents
- "Just Because It's Magic" (Reprise) – Sung by Blue Fairy
- "Pleasure Island" – Sung by the Ringmaster
- "And Son" (Whale Reprise) – Sung by Pinocchio and Geppetto
- "Since I Gave My Heart Away" – Sung by Geppetto, Blue Fairy, and townspeople
- "Since I Gave My Heart Away" (Single Version) – Sung by Sonya Isaacs
The soundtrack for Geppetto is available from Walt Disney Records. It includes all the songs from the film. These songs were composed by Stephen Schwartz. It also has a special single, "Since I Gave My Heart Away," performed by Sonya Isaacs. You can hear this song during the movie's end credits.
Jerry Mitchell was the person who created the dances for the film.
Where to Watch: Home Media
Walt Disney Home Video first released the movie on VHS on May 30, 2000. It later came out on DVD on September 26 of the same year. The DVD was re-released on January 13, 2009.
From Screen to Stage: A Musical Play
In 2006, the story of Geppetto was turned into a stage musical. It was given a new name: Disney's My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto's Musical Tale.
Awards and Recognition
Geppetto received several awards and nominations:
- Nominated for four Emmy Awards in 2000, including:
- Best Art Direction for a Movie or Special
- Best Costumes for a Movie or Special
- Best Hairstyling for a Miniseries
- Best Makeup for a Movie or Special
- Won the 2001 Costume Designers Guild Award for great Costume Design in TV (Period/Fantasy).
- Won two Hollywood Makeup Artist and Hair Stylist Guild Awards in 2001 for:
- Best Period Makeup in TV (for a Mini-Series/Movie Made for Television)
- Best Special Makeup Effects in TV (for a Mini-Series/Movie Made for Television)
- Seth Adkins, who played Pinocchio, won the 2000 YoungStar Award for Best Young Actor in a TV Film.
