Le petit prince

I only saw this movie by accident, and I'm glad I did catch most of it! Apart from the interesting plot-line, little prince goes space travelling only to end up on earth, the movie has a lot to offer, especially for the young viewer. The sets and locations are well chosen, making for a colourful trip through space, and the characters are acted out quite well. Especially the historian and the snake are very amusing, not to forget the amiable little prince himself. And it's great to see Gene Wilder in an earlier role. But this movie isn't just for kids. It makes some great observations about life, as pointed out by the fox, who says that all humans are hunters and out to kill him, and also the snake, who promises to cure the prince of his disease, known as life. Then there's the historian, who tells us his job is to make up things. That would explain a lot. Not being a great fan of musicals myself, I found that this one was quite watchable. All in all, a fairly good adaption of the children's story by Antoine de Saint-Exupery. The only real shortcoming of this movie is that no part of it is really that memorable, that would make it stick out in your mind. Nonetheless, if you're looking for a film to show your kids, or just a bit of light entertainment, this pleasant little movie might be the one for you. Historian: "I thought of it, wrote it down, read it and it's been printed, therefore it's fact."

I'm always amazed at reading reviews-- especially those where the viewers either loved or hated the film, with no one in between. Antoine de Saint-Exupery's tale of lost youth and unresolved childhood desires is the basis of this film, which one reviewer here calls "...an overlooked gem." I certainly share this view. The film is a delight but should not be compared too closely with the book. However, the basic message of the book, i.e., the innocence of youth embraces the significant values of human life and is all too soon lost, comes through nicely. The character of Kiley, as the pilot, Wilder, as the fox, and Fosse, as a delightful snake, are very suggestive of their counterparts in the story.

How successful this is as a musical, I would guess, is still up for grabs. I couldn't recall much of the music later, which is usually a good indication whether a show has legs. But, the tunes are pleasant and children seem to enjoy the fantasy of it all.

This is a splendid little film. Don't overlook it.

This movie might be best appreciated by those who have read the book firsthand and want to see the characters live in the flesh. While this film follows the story very closely, and features good performers (including Bob Fosse and Gene Wilder), it would be difficult for a newcomer to appreciate just how magical this classic fable is if he/she only watches this movie without reading the book. I suppose it would have come out better as an animated feature.

Still, the movie definitely has its merits. The kid playing the Little Prince does very well - why didn't he have a successful career after this? And the music is very beautiful at parts. I don't know why some say it is not up to the standards of Lerner and Leowe. The title theme (such a haunting melody) and "I never met a Rose" - both sung by the Pilot - are beautiful, and the happy song sung by the Little Prince and the Fox as they come close and dance together is charming and jaunty.

7 out of 10.

This magic picture is a musical fantasy , being based on the children's classic by Antoine Saint-Exupery . It deals with an aviator (Richard Kiley , though Richard Burton was actively pursued for this role) who crashes on the barren desert of Sahara and finds a little alien (Steven Warner) who is a prince on a small planet called asteroid B612 and teaches and guides him about the secrets of importance of love and life . The little boy travels and meets a king (Joss Akland) , a businessman (Clive Revill) , a historian (Victor Spinetti), a General (Graham Crowden) a snake (Bob Fosse) and a fox (Gene Wilder).

Based on the known book considered a classic but doesn't do justice , resulting to be slow-moving , a little bit boring and including excessive songs . Great main cast featured by Richard Kiley as a pilot stranded in the desert who counsels a young boy efficiently played by Steven Warner . Excellent support cast plenty of notorious secondaries as Gene Wilder , Joss Ackland , Clive Revill , Victor Spinetti and special mention to choreographer and filmmaker Bob Fosse who carries out a splendid dancing as a snake . Marvelous and colorful cinematography by Christopher Challis , being filmed on location in Tunisia and interiors shot in Eltree studios , Hertfordshire , England. Enjoyable musical score and songs by the classics Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe . The motion picture was well produced and professionally directed by the musical expert Stanley Donen , though is a major letdown for his fans and failed at box office. Donen realized several musical masterpieces , many of them with the help of producer Arthur Freed , and this time of Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe . As he directed some of the best musicals of history such as ¨On the town¨, ¨Singing in the rain¨, ¨Royal Wedding¨ , ¨It's always fair weather¨, ¨Seven brides for seven brothers ¨, ¨Funny face¨ , among others . Rating : Acceptable and passable . Worthwhile watching .

Certainly much thoughtfulness, sincerity and hard work was poured into this little film.

However, many great literary masterpieces cannot be captured on film. `The Little Prince' is one such treasure. Sadly, grown-ups often cannot see the truth. The most important of all truths is the very last one the Little Prince learned at the end of his sojourn: `It is only with the heart one can see clearly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.'

Read the book. See it with your hearts.