Marco Polo Junior Versus the Red Dragon facts for kids

Marco Polo Junior Versus the Red Dragon is an exciting animated musical adventure film from Australia. It was released in 1972. This movie was special because it was Australia's very first animated feature film! It was directed by Eric Porter. The story was written by Sheldon Moldoff.

Other talented people helped make the animation. Cam Ford, who worked on the famous Beatles movie Yellow Submarine, was one of the animation directors. Later, the film was changed and released again in 2001 as Marco Polo: Return to Xanadu.

The Story of Marco Polo Junior

The movie tells the tale of young Marco. He is a descendant of the famous explorer Marco Polo. Marco and his friend, Sandy the Seagull, go on an amazing journey. Their goal is to reach the magical kingdom of Xanadu. They need to help Princess Shining Moon. She needs their help to defeat a powerful and evil magician called the Red Dragon.

Original Voice Actors (1972)

Many talented actors lent their voices to the characters in the original film.

• Bobby Rydell voiced Marco Polo Junior.
• Arnold Stang was the voice of the Delicate Dinosaur.
• Corie Sims played Princess Shining Moon.
• Kevin Golsby voiced the scary Red Dragon.
• Larry Best was the voice of the Guru.
• Other voices were provided by Gordon Hammet, Lionel G. Wilson, Arthur Anderson, Merril E. Joels, and Sam Gray.

About Marco Polo: Return to Xanadu

Years after the first movie, the story was re-edited. It was also made longer by the original co-producer, Sheldon Moldoff. He worked with Ron Merk to add new scenes. Some character names were changed, like the Red Dragon becoming Foo-Ling. New side stories were also added. This new version was released in 2002 as Marco Polo: Return to Xanadu. Many people think this newer version is not as good as the original film.