The Trumpet of the Swan

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The Trumpet of the Swan

G

2001

1h 15m

Kids & Family

Fantasy

Animation

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

13%

Tomatometer

40 Reviews

38%

Popcornmeter

2,500+ Ratings

In this animated feature, a swan named Louie (Dee Baker) breaks out of his egg to an enthusiastic reception from his proud parents. Soon, however, it is revealed that poor Louie cannot make a sound, alienating him from his siblings -- trumpeter swans who have lovely calls. Louie grows up mute and falls in love with Serena (Reese Witherspoon), but struggles to find a way to communicate his feelings for her. It is not until Louie masters the trumpet that his love finds free expression.

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Critics Consensus

An uninspired E.B. White adaptation that's targeted at the very young.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

A good family movie; much to enjoy and talk about.

Rated: 3/5

Dec 29, 2010

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Ty Burr

Entertainment Weekly

Features charmless songs, junky animation, hambone voice talent.

Rated: D

May 17, 2001

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Jay Carr

Boston Globe

Too bad the director didn't set his mind to making a film parents could enjoy, too.

Rated: 2/4

May 14, 2001

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MaryAnn Johanson

Flick Filosopher

It's a good thing beloved children's author E.B. White is dead, because this horrible adaptation of his work would have killed him.

Nov 19, 2008

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Film Threat

Rated: 3.5/5

Dec 6, 2005

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Aug 11, 2005

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Jarom J

This was entertaining. The premise of giving a voice to one that has none. While some things weren’t that funny, I did find some other parts funny. I enjoyed it.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/19/25

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Audience Member

The greatest 1.25 hours ever!!!!!!!!!! Starring the voice of Jason Alxander as the deaf trumpeter cygnet's papa swan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/11/23

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Audience Member

This obscure animated movie from 2001 is sadly not an underrated gem. The voice acting's fine, there are a few okay songs and a squirrel gets the best lines but the animation has an inconsistent, outdated feel to it, the characters are all cliches, the story is generic and uninspired and whomever thought letting us know the silent protagonist's thoughts Garfield-style was a good idea is an idiot. I suppose little kids might like it and it's not really a trainwreck but The Trumpet of the Swan is still very bland and very, very boring.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/23/23

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Audience Member

Could have been better, but meh it was okay I guess

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

02/21/23

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Audience Member

Good cast and nice animated story for the whole family to enjoy

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/13/23

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Audience Member

Based on E.B. White's novel, The Trumpet of the Swan didn't do its source justice.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/19/23

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Terry L. Noss

Director

Richard Rich

Director

Jason Alexander

Louie's Father

Mary Steenburgen

Louie's Mother

Reese Witherspoon

Serena

Seth Green

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Synopsis

In this animated feature, a swan named Louie (Dee Baker) breaks out of his egg to an enthusiastic reception from his proud parents. Soon, however, it is revealed that poor Louie cannot make a sound, alienating him from his siblings -- trumpeter swans who have lovely calls. Louie grows up mute and falls in love with Serena (Reese Witherspoon), but struggles to find a way to communicate his feelings for her. It is not until Louie masters the trumpet that his love finds free expression.

Director: Terry L. Noss, Richard Rich
Producer: Paul J. Newman, Lin Oliver
Screenwriter: Judy Rothman Rofé, E.B. White
Distributor: TriStar Pictures
Production Co: TriStar Pictures
Rating: G
Genre: Kids & Family, Fantasy, Animation
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 11, 2001, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 9, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA): $152.5K
Runtime: 1h 15m
Sound Mix: Dolby Stereo, Dolby SR, Dolby A
Aspect Ratio: Flat (1.85:1)

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