The Princess and the Goblin (film) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids The Princess and the Goblin |
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Film poster
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| Directed by | József Gémes |
| Produced by | Robin Lyons |
| Screenplay by | Robin Lyons |
| Starring |
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| Music by | István Lerch |
| Editing by | Magda Hap |
| Studio | Hungary Pannonia Film Studio United Kingdom Sianel 4 Cymru Japan NHK |
| Distributed by | United States Hemdale Communications J&M Entertainment United Kingdom: Entertainment Film Distributors Hungary: Budapest Film |
| Release date(s) | Japan December 16, 1990 Hungary: December 20, 1991 United Kingdom: December 18, 1992 United States June 3, 1994 |
| Running time | 82 minutes |
| Country | Japan United Kingdom Hungary United States |
| Language | English Welsh Hungarian Japanese |
| Budget | $10 million |
| Money made | $2,105,078 |
The Princess and the Goblin (Hungarian: A hercegnő és a kobold) is an animated fantasy film. It was made in 1990 by teams from Japan, the UK, Hungary, and the USA. The movie was directed by József Gémes and written by Robin Lyons. It is based on a famous book called The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald, which was written in 1872.
The story is about a peaceful kingdom that faces a big threat. An army of scary goblins wants to take over. A brave princess and a clever peasant boy must work together. They try to save their king and all the people. They use the power of song, love, and a special magic thread to fight the evil goblin prince.
Contents
Story of the Film: The Princess and the Goblin
In a kingdom high in the mountains, Princess Irene lives with her nursemaid, Lootie. Her father, the King, is often away. One day, Irene explores outside and gets lost. As the sun sets, she finds herself alone in a dark forest. Scary, clawed hands burst from the ground. They try to grab her kitten, Turnip. Deformed animals corner the frightened princess.
Suddenly, a strange singing fills the air. The singing scares the creatures away. A young boy named Curdie appears. He is the son of a miner. Curdie finds Irene lost and helps her return to the castle. He tells her the monsters were goblins and their pets. He also explains that singing drives them away. Curdie says everyone knows about the goblins except the King and his family. Irene then tells him she is the Princess.
Irene's Magical Discovery
The next day, Irene explores the castle. She finds a secret, magical door in her bedroom. She goes through it and climbs into a tall tower. There, she meets the spirit of her Great Great Grandmother, also named Irene. Her Grandmother tells her she will help her. She warns Irene that she will soon be in great danger.
Curdie's Goblin Adventure
On the same day, Curdie and his father are working deep in the mines. Curdie falls through a hole. He lands in the secret world of the goblins. He hides and follows them to a huge cave. The Goblin King and the mean Goblin Queen are there. They are planning to flood the mines. Their goal is to drown the "Sun People," which means humans.
Suddenly, Prince Froglip speaks up. He is the spoiled and feared heir to the goblin throne. He shouts that drowning humans is "Not enough!" He plans to kidnap the Princess. He wants to marry her. This would force humans to accept goblins as their rulers. He says this is revenge for humans exiling goblins underground long ago.
Escape from the Goblin Dungeon
Before Curdie can warn anyone, the goblins find him. They throw him into a dungeon. Luckily, Irene and Turnip have snuck out of the castle again. Irene is following a magic thread. Her grandmother gave it to her. No one else can see it. The thread leads Irene to Curdie. Working together, they free Curdie from his cell. The goblins chase them, but they manage to escape.
The Final Battle and Flood
The miners are warned about the flood plan. They quickly build supports to protect the tunnels. The castle is also put on guard. The goblins attack. Curdie shows everyone how to fight them. He tells them to jump on the goblins' feet and sing. Curdie also realizes that if the miners succeed, the water will have nowhere to go. It will flood the castle instead.
He tries to get everyone to leave. He and the King realize Irene is missing. Curdie finds Irene. She is being held captive by the evil Froglip. The floodwaters arrive and knock all three down. Curdie tries to save the princess. He also tries to keep the goblin prince from throwing them over the castle walls. With some help from Irene, Froglip is defeated. Everyone is saved from the flood and the goblins.
Characters in the Film
- Sally Ann Marsh - Princess Irene, the brave and kind princess of the castle.
- Peter Murray - Curdie, a strong miner boy who helps the princess. (Paul Keating sang his songs.)
- Rik Mayall - Prince Froglip, the mean and spoiled Goblin Prince.
- Claire Bloom - Great Great Grandmother Irene, a wise spirit who helps the princess.
- Joss Ackland - King Papa, Irene's loving father.
- William Hootkins - Peter, Curdie's father.
- Roy Kinnear - Mump, a goblin character.
- Robin Lyons - Goblin King, Froglip's father.
- Peggy Mount - Goblin Queen, Froglip's mother.
- Victor Spinetti - Glump, another goblin character.
- Mollie Sugden - Lootie, Irene's kind nanny.
