Pinocchio
Pinocchio

Movie spotlight

Pinocchio

1972
Movie
93 min
Italian

The film was directed by Giuliano Cenci with assistance from his brother Renzo. During production, Carlo Collodis grandchildren Mario and Antonio Lorenzini were consulted. The subtle movements made by fidgeting children whilst speaking or under scrutiny were incorporated into Pinocchios movements, particularly when he lies to the Fairy with the Turquoise Hair over the fate of his gold coins. For the design of the Fairy, Italian portrayals of the Blessed Virgin Mary in art were used as starting points.

Insights

IMDb5.5/10
Director: Don ChaffeyGenres: Family, Fantasy, Musical

Plot Summary

This live-action adaptation of the classic tale follows the wooden puppet Pinocchio as he embarks on a journey to become a real boy. Along the way, he encounters various characters and challenges that test his honesty and courage. He's helped by the Blue Fairy and accompanied by Jiminy Cricket, navigating a world filled with temptations and moral lessons.

Critical Reception

The 1972 live-action adaptation of Pinocchio received a mixed to generally unfavorable reception from critics, with many finding it a pale imitation of earlier, more beloved versions. While some appreciated the attempt to bring the story to a new generation with musical numbers, it was often criticized for its pacing, acting, and a perceived lack of the charm and magic that made the original story so enduring.

What Reviewers Say

  • The film struggled to capture the magic of previous adaptations.

  • Musical numbers were present but often failed to elevate the narrative.

  • Felt like a diluted version of the classic tale.

Google audience: Audience reviews for this 1972 version of Pinocchio are scarce, but general sentiment indicates it did not resonate as strongly as other iterations, often being overshadowed by Disney's animated classic. Viewers who recall it frequently point to its live-action format as a notable departure that didn't always succeed.

Fun Fact

The 1972 film was an ambitious live-action musical adaptation that aimed to recreate the beloved story for a new era, but it ultimately failed to capture the widespread imagination of its animated predecessors.

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