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Jack and the Beanstalk (1967 film) facts for kids

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Jack and the Beanstalk (1967 film)
Directed by Gene Kelly
Produced by Joseph Barbera
William Hanna
Gene Kelly
Bill Perez
Arthur Pierson
Written by Larry Markes
Michael Morris
Starring Gene Kelly
Boby Riha
Ted Cassidy
Marian McKnight
Marni Nixon
Chris Allen
Dick Beals
Leo DeLyon
Cliff Norton
Janet Waldo
Music by Lennie Hayton
Cinematography Hal Mohr
Editing by Warner E. Leighton
Studio Hanna-Barbera Productions
Distributed by National Broadcasting Company
Hipervídeo
Warner Home Video
Release date(s) February 26, 1967
Running time 51 minutes
Country United States
Language English

Jack and the Beanstalk is a special TV movie from 1967. It mixes real actors with animated cartoon characters! This musical film tells the classic fairy tale of Jack and the Beanstalk in a new and exciting way. Gene Kelly, a famous dancer and actor, directed, produced, and even starred in it! The movie first aired on NBC on February 26, 1967.

The Story of Jack and the Beanstalk

The adventure begins with a boy named Jack (played by Bobby Riha). Jack trades his family's cow for some "magic beans" from a traveling salesman named Jeremy Keen (Gene Kelly). These aren't just any beans! They grow into a giant beanstalk that reaches high into the clouds.

Jack and Jeremy decide to climb the huge beanstalk. At the top, they discover a land in the sky. Here, they find a giant (voiced by Ted Cassidy). They also find a special goose that lays golden eggs! But there's more: a beautiful Princess Serena (voiced by Janet Waldo, with singing by Marni Nixon) is trapped inside a harp by a magic spell. She can only be freed by a true love's kiss. Jack and Jeremy must figure out how to help her and escape the giant!

Meet the Characters

This film features a mix of live actors and voice actors for the animated parts.

  • Bobby Riha plays Jack, the main character.
    • Dick Beals is the singing voice for Jack.
  • Ted Cassidy provides the voice for the scary Giant.
  • Marian McKnight plays Jack's Mother and also Princess Serena.
  • Janet Waldo is the speaking voice for Princess Serena.
    • Marni Nixon is the singing voice for Princess Serena.
  • Gene Kelly stars as Jeremy Keen, the friendly peddler.
  • Chris Allen plays the Mouse.
  • Leo DeLyon is the voice for Woggle-Bird #1.
  • Cliff Norton is the voice for Woggle-Bird #2.
  • Don Messick voices the Cat and some Mice (uncredited).

Songs You'll Hear

The movie is a musical, so it has several fun songs! These songs were written by Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen. Some of the songs include:

  • "Half-Past April and a Quarter to May"
  • "It's Been Nice"
  • "What Does a Woggle Bird Do?"
  • "One Starry Moment"

Awards and Recognition

Jack and the Beanstalk was a very popular TV special. It even won an important award! In 1967, the film received the Emmy Award for "Outstanding Children's Program." This award shows that it was considered one of the best TV shows for kids that year.

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