“Pete’s Dragon” is a 1977 live-action/animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Productions. It tells the heartwarming story of a young orphan boy named Pete and his best friend Elliott, who happens to be a magical dragon.
The film begins with Pete escaping from his abusive adoptive family and wandering into the forest, where he befriends Elliott, a large, green, and furry dragon who can turn invisible. Together, they form a strong bond and become inseparable friends.
The small fishing town where Pete and Elliott reside is skeptical about the existence of the dragon, but a kind-hearted lighthouse keeper named Nora and her father Lampie eventually come to believe the boy’s stories. Nora and Lampie help Pete find a new home in the town, away from his previous hardships.
Meanwhile, a traveling quack named Dr. Terminus, and his partner, Hoagy, discover Elliott’s existence and see an opportunity to profit from the dragon’s magical abilities. They attempt to capture Elliott and exploit his powers for their own gain.
As the story unfolds, Pete and Elliott must protect each other from those who want to exploit them while also proving the existence of the friendly dragon to the disbelieving townspeople.
“Pete’s Dragon” is a heartwarming tale that explores themes of friendship, family, and the power of belief. The film is known for its touching moments, catchy musical numbers, and groundbreaking combination of live-action and animation.
The film received positive reviews from both audiences and critics, praising the performances, animation, and touching story. It became a beloved classic, captivating generations of viewers with its charming characters and feel-good message.
In 2016, Disney released a live-action remake of “Pete’s Dragon,” featuring a reimagined storyline and updated visual effects while retaining the heart of the original film.
Overall, “Pete’s Dragon” has left a lasting impact on Disney’s film legacy, demonstrating the power of friendship and the importance of believing in the extraordinary. It continues to be cherished by audiences of all ages as one of Disney’s most heartwarming and magical stories.
Fun Facts
- Pete’s Dragon is the first Disney animated movie on which none of the 9 original Disney animators worked on.
- Pete’s Dragon was remade once in 2016.
Additional Details
Cast
- Sean Marshall: Pete
- Helen Reddy: Nora
- Jim Dale: Dr. Terminus
- Mickey Rooney: Lampie
- Red Buttons: Hoagy
- Shelley Winters: Lena Gogan
- Jane Kean: Miss Taylor
- Jim Backus: the Mayor of Passamaquoddy
- Charles Tyner: Merle Gogan
- Gary Morgan and Jeff Conaway: Grover and Willie Gogan
- Cal Bartlett: Paul
- Charlie Callas: the voice of Elliott
Crew
- Director: Don Chaffey
- Producers: Jerome Courtland and Ron Miller
- Music: Irwin Kostal
Movie Trailer:
Related News:
- Pete’s Dragon DVD and Blu-Ray Coming Soon: What You Need to Know, October 29, 2016
- New ‘Pete’s Dragon’ Elliot Build-a-Bear Stuffed Animal, July 8, 2016
- Disney Releases New Pete’s Dragon Trailer, June 14, 2016
Related Song(s):
Candle on the Water (Song)
“Candle on the Water” is a song from the 1977 Disney live-action and animated musical film “Pete’s Dragon“. The song was composed by Al Kasha…
Something Wild (Song)
“Something Wild” is a song from the 2016 Disney live-action/animated film “Pete’s Dragon“. The song is performed by Lindsey Stirling and Andrew McMahon in the…
The Dragon Song (Song)
Related Products:
Disney Traditions Pete’s Dragon Elliot by Jim Shore Statue
Elliot, the somewhat clumsy and mostly unseen star of Disney’s Pete’s Dragon, is perfectly visible and entirely lovable in this this colorful scene rendered with the…