The Sword In The Stone

Last Updated on: January 20th, 2024

The Sword In The Stone (1963 Movie)

“Disney’s The Sword in the Stone” is a 1963 animated fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Productions. It is the 18th animated feature film in the Disney Animated Canon and is based on the novel “The Sword in the Stone” by T.H. White.

The story is set in medieval England and follows the adventures of a young orphan named Arthur, who is commonly known as Wart. Wart serves as a squire to Sir Ector and his son, Kay. One day, while in the forest, Wart meets the wise and eccentric wizard Merlin. Impressed by Wart’s humble nature and desire for knowledge, Merlin agrees to become his tutor and begins to educate him in various subjects.

As part of his education, Merlin transforms Wart into various animals, giving him unique experiences and insights. Wart becomes a fish, a squirrel, a bird, and even a small germ. Through these transformations, Wart learns important life lessons and gains wisdom. Eventually, it is revealed that Wart is the rightful heir to the throne of England, and with the help of Merlin’s guidance, he pulls the legendary sword Excalibur from the stone, proving his destiny as the future King Arthur.

“The Sword in the Stone” is known for its charming animation, lighthearted humor, and memorable characters. Merlin, in particular, is a beloved figure, portrayed as an endearing and quirky mentor to Wart. The film’s sequences of magic and adventure, along with its portrayal of the Arthurian legend, have captivated audiences for generations.

While the film received mixed critical reviews upon its initial release, it has since gained a dedicated fanbase and is considered a classic among Disney animated films. It continues to be cherished for its heartwarming story, engaging characters, and imaginative animation.


Fun Facts

  • This was the 6th biggest film of 1963.
  • The  movie was re-released once to theaters after its initial run (1983)


Additional Details

  • Movie Studio:
  • Year Released: 1963
  • Type of Movie: Live-Action
  • Box Office: $22.2 million
  • Awards: Nominated Academy Award
  • IMDB Link

Cast

  • Rickie Sorensen, Richard Reitherman, and Robert Reitherman: Arthur
  • Karl Swenson: Merlin
  • Junius Matthews: Archimedes
  • Sebastian Cabot: Sir Ector
  • Norman Alden: Sir Kay
  • Martha Wentworth: Madam Mim
  • Alan Napier: Sir Pellinore
  • Thurl Ravenscroft: Sir Bart
  • James MacDonald: The Wolf
  • Ginny Tyler: The Little Girl Squirrel
  • Barbara Jo Allen: Scullery Maid

Crew

  • Director: Wolfgang Reitherman
  • Producer: Walt Disney
  • Music: George Bruns

Movie Trailer:


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About the Author

Craig Smith
I am founder and editor of DisneyNews.us. My passion for all things Disney goes pretty far back to my first trip to Walt Disney World in the mid-80's. I have since returned to the magical place more than 20 times. I started this site when I came to the realization that I spent a significant portion of my day reading articles about Disney and watching Disney content with my 8-year old, so it made sense that I would start sharing some of what I read and see and building a little community around it. Other interests include 80's nostalgia, vintage toys, video games, LEGO, Star Wars and tech gadgets. Other sites include DMR and VideoGamesStats.com.