Jack the Giant Killer (1962 film)
| Jack the Giant Killer | |
|---|---|
Original theatrical poster
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| Directed by | Nathan H. Juran |
| Produced by |
Edward Small Robert E. Kent |
| Written by |
Orville H. Hampton Nathan H. Juran |
| Based on | Jack the Giant Killer |
| Starring |
Kerwin Mathews Judi Meredith and Torin Thatcher |
| Music by |
Paul Sawtell Bert Shefter |
| Cinematography | David S. Horsley |
| Edited by | Grant Whytock |
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Production
company |
Zenith Pictures
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| Distributed by | United Artists |
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Release date
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Running time
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94 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Jack the Giant Killer is a 1962 Technicolor United Artists heroic fantasy adventure film in Fantascope, starring Kerwin Mathews in a fairy tale story about a young man who defends a princess against a sorcerer's giants and demons.
The film was loosely based on the traditional tale "Jack the Giant Killer" and features extensive use of stop motion animation. The film was directed by Nathan H. Juran and later re-edited and re-released as a musical by producer Edward Small. The reason for the change to music was on the grounds that Columbia Pictures, which released The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, threatened to sue Small. The original print without the music got released 30 years later with no protest from Columbia Pictures, while United Artists continues to own the rights to the musical version of the film. The film brought together Mathews, Juran, Small, and actor Torin Thatcher, all four of whom worked on '7th Voyage'.
In the Duchy of Cornwall of fairy tale days, the malevolent sorcerer Pendragon, ruler of giants, witches and all creatures evil, was defeated by the wizard, Herla, and along with his disciples exiled to an uncharted, unknown island. Pendragon however vows revenge and Herla dies, meaning there is no longer a threat against Pendragon. Years later the kingdom celebrates the crowning of Princess Elaine (Judi Meredith). The reception goes well until Pendragon (Torin Thatcher) arrives disguised as a foreign lord. He gives her a magic toy that is actually Cormoran the giant, and which is given to the Princess. When Elaine is asleep, Pendragon uses his magic to make the giant grow to full size and capture Elaine. The castle guards are too late to stop the giant. Cormoran takes Elaine to a ship, but before it can sail a brave farm lad named Jack (Kerwin Mathews) rescues Elaine. Jack then fights the giant and kills it. In gratitude, King Mark (Dayton Lummis) makes Jack her protector and entrusts him to safely guide her to a convent across the sea. However he does not know that Elaine's waiting-maid, Lady Constance (Anna Lee), is a witch in league with Pendragon and reveals the King's plan to him.
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Wikipedia