Pinocchio

1940

Pinocchio

Critics Consensus

Ambitious, adventurous, and sometimes frightening, Pinocchio arguably represents the pinnacle of Disney's collected works -- it's beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant.

100%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 49

72%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 279,179

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Movie Info

When the gentle woodcarver Geppetto (Christian Rub) builds a marionette to be his substitute son, a benevolent fairy brings the toy to life. The puppet, named Pinocchio (Dick Jones), is not yet a human boy. He must earn the right to be real by proving that he is brave, truthful, and unselfish. But, even with the help of Jiminy (Cliff Edwards), a cricket who the fairy assigns to be Pinocchio's conscience, the marionette goes astray. He joins a puppet show instead of going to school, he lies instead of telling the truth, and he travels to Pleasure Island instead of going straight home. Yet, when Pinocchio discovers that a whale has swallowed Geppetto, the puppet single-mindedly journeys into the ocean and selflessly risks his life to save his father, thereby displaying that he deserves to be a real boy. Based on a series of stories by 19th century Italian author Carlo Collodi, Pinocchio came under fire for being a sugarcoated version of its original tale, but the film's moral did have a strong educational effect on children. Soon enough, a 16 mm excerpt from the picture, titled "Pinocchio: A Lesson in Honesty," was released for teachers to use in schools. ~ Aubry Anne D'Arminio, Rovi

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Cast

Dick Jones
as Pinocchio
Dickie Jones
as Pinocchio
Christian Rub
as Geppetto
Cliff Edwards
as Jiminy Cricket
Evelyn Venable
as The Blue Fairy
Mel Blanc
as Gideon
Walter Catlett
as J. Worthington Foufellow
Frankie Darro
as Lampwick
Charles Judels
as Stromboli the coachman
Don Brodie
as Barker
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Critic Reviews for Pinocchio

All Critics (49) | Top Critics (9)

  • This 1940 Disney adaptation of Carlo Collodi's novel...combin[es] comedy, pathos and nightmare in a free, rapid, genuinely imaginative way.

    Sep 21, 2018 | Full Review…

    Jake Wilson

    The Age (Australia)
    Top Critic

  • Walt Disney has waved his magic wand over Collodi's world-famous fairy story, "Pinocchio," and presto! he has changed it into the most enchanting film ever brought to the screen.

    Feb 6, 2016 | Rating: 4/4 | Full Review…

    Kate Cameron

    New York Daily News
    Top Critic

  • Although it may lack the heart-tugging appeal of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the consensus among animation fans is that 1940's Pinocchio remains the most perfect animated feature Walt Disney produced.

    Nov 15, 2013 | Full Review…

    Charles Solomon

    Los Angeles Times
    Top Critic

  • Pinocchio is a substantial piece of entertainment for young and old.

    Sep 3, 2008 | Full Review…

    Variety Staff

    Variety
    Top Critic

  • The charm, humor and loving care with which it treats its inanimate characters puts it in a class by itself.

    Aug 31, 2008 | Full Review…
    TIME Magazine
    Top Critic

  • It still is the best thing Mr. Disney has done and therefore the best cartoon ever made.

    Mar 10, 2008 | Full Review…

    Frank S. Nugent

    New York Times
    Top Critic
View All Critic Reviews (49)

Audience Reviews for Pinocchio

  • Dec 15, 2012
    I found it being rather dark, I was scared to watch it as a child. The moral lesson in the story was lost, but the animation was quite good. Not the best Disney classics, but certainly not the worst.
    Sylvester K Super Reviewer
  • Apr 29, 2012
    Pinocchio is a great film, but compared to other Disney classics, I never really re watched this one. I on the other hand really loved the film when I saw it when I was young. This film is a must see for everyone who loves a good animated film. The film, like with every other Disney film has great art, animation and a talented voice cast. Brilliantly drawn, Pinocchio will bring out the child in every viewer and is a must see for anyone who enjoys a touching story. I loved this one growing up, but unlike other Disney classics, I never really re watched this, but I can say without a doubt that this is a near flawless film, another great one for Disney and a definite must see for the entire family. Children will love this film one, and this is a film that adults will enjoy as well. That's the beauty part about Disney films, their ability to capture the imagination of people no matter what age you are. Pinocchio is a stunning film, one that remains a Disney classic along with Snow White, Bambi and others in the company's long standing history. A very enjoyable film, Pinocchio is a memorable film that will appeal to anyone looking for a great animated film. An enjoyable ride from beginning to end, this is among Disney's very best. Brilliantly drawn, and told, Pinocchio is a terrific film that has a great story, one that will appeal to every viewer.
    Alex r Super Reviewer
  • Dec 02, 2011
    Pinocchio is one of Walt Disney's greatest classic and one of the greatest animated films of all time. The memory of this film lives on with all those who enjoy classic Disney animation. This is such a great and classic film, and is one of the most beautiful works of art ever in animation.
    Bradley W Super Reviewer
  • Nov 13, 2011
    Never a fan of this as a child (the donkey part scared me very much) I decided to give this classic Disney film a second look. Wonderful characterisation and something I'd show my kids even today. Has stood the test of time extremely well (70 years!) and offers a good moral thought for kids.
    Sophie B Super Reviewer
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