The Little Prince

G

Released Nov 7, 1974

1h 28m

Kids & Family

Musical

List

Reviews

69%

Audience Score

2,500+ Ratings

A prince (Steven Warner) from another planet ponders life with a pilot (Richard Kiley) in the desert.

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Pauline Kael

New Yorker

The ineffable may be effective in print and on records, but it isn't exactly the substance of musicals.

Sep 27, 2023

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Roger Moore

Movie Nation

Old-fashioned and trippy, a stumbling novelty picture with sparkling interludes and more heart than life.

Rated: 2/4

Feb 18, 2024

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Polly M. Robertus

Common Sense Media

Tender fable may appeal more to adults than kids.

Rated: 4/5

Jan 2, 2011

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Nov 12, 2004

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steve d

Simplistic and really lame.

Rated 1 out of 5 stars

03/30/23

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Audience Member

It's simple but complex and philosophical but heart warming. Definitely the best adaptation of the book.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/25/23

Full Review

Ken R

Anyone who even dared to think of making a film out of Antoine de Saint-Exupery's classic novel was going headlong into difficult territory. And when you bravely decide you're going to take the challenge, you need equally brave artists to risk the journey with you. Stanley Donen was in good company when he embarked on ‘The Little Prince' with the distinguished team of Lerner and Loewe in 1973. It would be the last work of the famous writer composer team together. It was always going to be a hit or miss affair as its theme doesn't sit comfortably in a formal genre. For some, it's not quite adult enough while it's also too sophisticated for certain kids. In fact, this is a philosophical study of relationships and the difficulty of adults to maintain enough childish delight to sustain youthful exuberance into adulthood. This is profound stuff! As for the music, it's up there with many of this team's great works but just a little differently so. Except for what some regard as a couple of forgettable songs there are more than enough soaring delights to please the team's followers. It was never possible or necessary, to write great songs for small sketches that were simply intended to link parts of the story - why some critics fail to understand this is telling of their nativity. While I may agree that some sections of this production don't come across entirely successfully - it was always going to be this way due to the unique situations being portrayed. This is no ordinary story or musical, and that should be part of its charm. Many profound thoughts are put forth and those with the sensitively and perceptiveness of heart and mind will benefit from seeing this one-of-a-kind classic work. Richard Kiley is perfect as ‘The Pilot' he is both strong and sensitive - with just the right voice to project the messages of each powerful song. When he and young Stephen Warner are desperately looking for water they share a duet that tells of the many moods of the parched land in "Sometimes The Desert" - together they give this glowing melody wonderful warmth. Bob Fosse as The Sssnake, offers up a powerful allegory representing the deceptive serpent in the garden, while Gene Wilder is totally beguiling as The Fox - both these segments are perfected by two more terrific songs. Sadly, even though it was nominated and won several major Awards The Little Prince failed to find the perfect audience but those who looked deeply inside its soul were the beneficiaries of a great cinematic wealth wrapped up in striking Christopher Challis photography. Buy it on DVD and discover the magic for yourself.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/12/20

Full Review

Audience Member

I have such a soft spot for Saint Exupery's brilliant book. Obviously the film isn't as good as the book, but has some great moments - I loved Bob Fosse as the Snake and Gene Wilder as the Fox!!

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/24/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A beautiful musical adaptation that captures the essence and soul of Saint-Exupery's classic book, even if the sight of actors playing animals must feel strange for some, and benefits from gorgeous visuals and fantastic performances - especially by the young Steven Warner.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

Full Review

Audience Member

A treasure of a lost musical from the 70's. Incredibly underrated soundtrack as well. Gene Wilder is terrific as the fox. Additionally, there's a fantastic, quirky innocence in telling this story through a musical narrative that does the source material absolute justice.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/16/23

Full Review

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Stanley Donen

Director

Richard Kiley

The Pilot

Steven Warner

The Little Prince

Bob Fosse

The Snake

Gene Wilder

The Fox

Joss Ackland

The King

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Synopsis

A prince (Steven Warner) from another planet ponders life with a pilot (Richard Kiley) in the desert.

Director: Stanley Donen
Screenwriter: Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Alan Jay Lerner
Distributor: Paramount Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Musical
Original Language: English (United Kingdom)
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 7, 1974, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jun 15, 2011
Runtime: 1h 28m

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