Little Wooden Head's A Winner

The original Pinocchio story, written by Collodi, is a kids' morality play, steeped in religious symbolism of right vs. wrong and good vs. bad. It addresses many pitfalls: temptation, disobedience, lying. It also highlights positive attributes: love, friendship, bravery, sacrifice.

The Walt Disney animated feature version is not as didactic as the original story. It successfully teaches the same fundamental values in humorous and adventurous ways.

Pinocchio the marionette is granted life as the result of a wish on a star by his maker, Geppetto. Though alive, Pinocchio is still a puppet. He is given the opportunity to become a real boy instead of a "wooden head", but he must first prove himself worthy. This will prove to be difficult, since Pinocchio is a complete innocent, oblivious to what is good and what is bad in the world.

The characters are well drawn (literally and figuratively). Pinocchio is simple, gullible, and quite endearing. He tells his first lie to hide a bad decision, but at least that's a sign that he's begun to distinguish right from wrong. Eventually, he learns from his mistakes. His final acts of bravery and sacrifice change him from a simple character into a noble one.

Feisty little Jiminy Cricket accepts the difficult role of Pinocchio's Conscience. Pinocchio innocently ignores the cricket's advice, submitting to temptation. Drawn into Pinocchio's wayward adventures, Jiminy gets jostled, knocked into pool table pockets, and pecked at by seagulls, among other things. (Of course, his reward is that he gets to sing the Academy Award winning "When You Wish Upon A Star.") Jiminy is wise, forgiving and patient. He also has a wit that is aimed more at the adults in the audience.

Geppetto, Pinocchio's "father," is a delightful character, full of joy and goodness. He is really a child in the shape of an adult, embodying fantasy, wonderment, and enjoyment in simple childhood activities.

Honest John, the not-so-honest fox, and his rather dim-witted cat sidekick make an unsavory but amusing pair. They're villains, but likable ones. Honest John is charming and appealing, as most temptations are. He's able to mislead our puppet friend into bad situations not once, but twice.

Stromboli the puppeteer sees Pinocchio, the "no strings" marionette, as a gold mine of an attraction for his show. He is one of the best-animated characters in the movie. The movement of his well-rounded belly and hips are lifelike and humorous. Stromboli imprisons the kidnapped Pinocchio, and threatens him with an ax on the woodpile. Stromboli is both funny and scary.

The story is quick paced, moving from one misadventure to another. Pinocchio's final adventure involves outsmarting the frightful Monstro the Whale, who has swallowed Geppetto, while the old man was searching for the lost Pinocchio. Pinocchio's decision to save Geppetto is an important moment in the puppet's growth. From that point on, Pinocchio has a purpose in life that doesn't involve his own needs and desires. It's his turning point.

The scene in which Pinocchio and his father try to escape from the whale is incredible for its ocean detail. The ebb and flow of the water, as well as the violence of the waves are realistic. This action scene follows a peaceful underwater scene, in which Pinocchio and Jiminy attract a variety of brightly colored fish while searching for Geppetto.

Though the plot contains a good deal of humor, it does have its serious moments. A forlorn Geppetto, walking through a storm, searching for the kidnapped Pinocchio, is full of pathos. A scene in which Pinocchio's mates transform into donkeys as punishment for their bad behavior on Pleasure Island could be scary for young children. The climactic rescue sequence with Monstro the Whale might cause anxiety for the very young.

Considering that animation was in its toddler stage when this film was made, the results are superb. The awkward, jerky actions of the puppet are skillfully contrasted with the seamless movements of the other characters. The faces are meticulously animated and extremely expressive. In the re-mastered version, the colors are bright and the pictures crisp. The bombardment of clever carnival-like images on Pleasure Island creates a realistic but sinister atmosphere. Throughout the movie, small details add dimension to the plot, setting, and characters. Pinocchio nervously fidgeting with his clothing while singing on stage is a good example.

The music is tuneful and memorable, earning the film an Academy Award for best score. The accompaniments in the Pleasure Island scene, the escape from Monstro, and the underwater sequences are marvelous. There is a charming music box chorus and dance scene with some clever animation. Honest John's song proclaiming "an actor's life for me" is snappy and fun. The "no strings on me" song and dance number in Stromboli's stage show is a sheer delight.

Bottom line: this is a wonderful upbeat entertainment for young children. Did I say young children? Okay – time for honesty. If I were to write an epinion about my ten favorite movies, "Pinocchio" would be one of them. It’s always had a special place in my heart because of its simplicity and pure fun.

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Thanks for reading this entry in the "When You Wish Upon A Star Write-Off", sponsored by Lisa_J and Opalman, to benefit little Emily Rose, who is fighting a battle with cancer.