The Little Prince
The Little Prince

The Little Prince

1972Movie73 minGerman

Adaptation of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's novella for East German television, produced in 1965/66, not shown until 1972.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Rotten Tomatoes43%
Google Users75%
Director: Stanley DonenGenres: Family, Fantasy, Musical

Plot Summary

A pilot who crashes his plane in the Sahara Desert meets a young prince from an asteroid. The prince recounts his travels to various planets and his experiences on Earth, sharing his unique perspective on love, friendship, and life's important lessons. Through their interactions, the pilot begins to see the world through the innocent and profound eyes of the child.

Critical Reception

The 1972 film adaptation of 'The Little Prince' received a mixed to negative reception from critics, with many finding it a somber and melancholic interpretation of the beloved novella. While some praised its visual elements and musical numbers, others felt it failed to capture the original's magical and philosophical spirit, deeming it too adult and lacking the charm of the source material. Audience reception was similarly divided, with many children finding it confusing or dull, while adults were often disappointed by its departure from the book's tone.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its ambitious attempt to translate a beloved literary work to the screen.
  • Criticized for a somber tone and pacing that failed to engage younger audiences.
  • Some appreciated the musical numbers and visual style, though many felt it lost the book's essence.

Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a visually interesting but emotionally detached adaptation. While some appreciated the musicality and unique visual approach, many felt it was too slow and did not live up to the enchantment of the original book, often describing it as more depressing than magical.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for one Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and Adaptation Score (Frederick Loewe and Alan Jay Lerner).

Fun Fact

The film's director, Stanley Donen, also directed iconic musicals like 'Singin' in the Rain' and 'Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,' but 'The Little Prince' was a departure from his usual upbeat style, reflecting a more somber interpretation of the source material.

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