Jack and the Beanstalk (1952 film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jack and the Beanstalk |
|
|---|---|
Theatrical release poster
|
|
| Directed by | Jean Yarbrough |
| Produced by | Alex Gottlieb Pat Costello Bud Abbott Lou Costello |
| Written by | Nat Curtis Pat Costello |
| Starring | Bud Abbott Lou Costello Buddy Baer Dorothy Ford Barbara Brown |
| Music by | Heinz Roemheld |
| Cinematography | George Robinson |
| Editing by | Otho Lovering |
| Studio | Exclusive Productions |
| Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
| Release date(s) | April 12, 1952 |
| Running time | 78 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $682,580 |
| Money made | $1.6 million (US rentals) |
The film Jack and the Beanstalk is a fun family comedy from 1952. It stars the famous comedy duo Abbott and Costello. This movie puts a funny spin on the classic fairy tale "Jack and the Beanstalk".
Contents
What is Jack and the Beanstalk About?
This movie tells the story of Jack, played by Lou Costello. He's a babysitter who falls asleep while reading the "Jack and the Beanstalk" fairy tale. Then, he dreams he is the Jack from the story!
Jack's Dream Adventure Begins
In Jack's dream, a huge Giant lives in a castle in the sky. This Giant has stolen all the food and royal jewels from the kingdom. Because of this, the kingdom's princess must marry a prince she has never met.
Jack's family is also struggling. His mother sends him to sell their beloved cow, Henry. Jack meets a butcher named Mr. Dinklepuss, played by Bud Abbott. Dinklepuss tricks Jack into trading Henry for five "magic" beans.
Climbing the Beanstalk
When Jack gets home, he learns the Giant has also taken the Princess and Henry. Jack's mother is upset about the beans, but Jack plants them anyway. Overnight, a giant beanstalk grows!
Jack decides to climb the beanstalk to rescue everyone. He also wants to get back "Nellie," a hen that lays golden eggs. The Giant had stolen Nellie from Jack's family earlier. Dinklepuss, hearing about Nellie, joins Jack on this adventure.
Facing the Giant
At the top of the beanstalk, Jack and Dinklepuss are captured by the Giant. They are locked up with the Prince and Princess. The Princess soon realizes the Prince is the same person she was supposed to marry.
The Giant makes Jack and Dinklepuss work around his castle. But they become friends with the Giant's housekeeper, Polly. She helps them escape over the castle wall. They take the royal prisoners, Nellie, and some of the Giant's stolen jewels.
The Escape and Victory
They all climb down the beanstalk with the Giant chasing them. Dinklepuss loses Nellie, who falls safely into Jack's mother's arms. Then, the stolen gems fall down, raining onto the poor villagers below.
Once everyone is on the ground, Jack chops down the beanstalk. The Giant falls to his doom. The villagers celebrate their freedom by dancing and singing.
Waking Up from the Dream
Just as Jack is about to be rewarded by the King, he wakes up. Donald, the boy he was babysitting, accidentally hits him. Jack gets angry, and then Mr. Dinkle hits him again, sending him back into his dream. Jack then acts like "Jack the Giant-Killer" and walks off bravely.
Meet the Cast
- Bud Abbott as Mr. Dinkle/Mr. Dinklepuss
- Lou Costello as Jack/Jack Strong
- Dorothy Ford as Polly/The housekeeper/Receptionist
- Buddy Baer as The Giant/Sgt. Riley
- Shaye Cogan as Eloise Larkin/The Princess/Darlene
- David Stollery as Donald Larkin
- James Alexander as Arthur/The Prince
- Barbara Brown as Mrs. Strong
- William Farnum as The King
- Mel Blanc as Farm Animals
- Arthur Shields as Patrick the Harp
- Johnny Conrad and the Johnny Conrad Dancers
Movie Music
The songs in the film were written by Lester Lee and Bob Russell. Some of the songs include:
- "Jack and the Beanstalk"
- "I Fear Nothing"
- "Dreamer's Cloth"
- "He Never Looked Better in His Life"
A special album with songs and dialogue from the movie was released on Decca Records on June 9, 1952.
