PETE'S DRAGON (1977)

Summary:

Pete's Dragon is a heartwarming Disney musical fantasy film that combines live-action with traditional animation. It tells the story of Pete, a young orphan boy who escapes his abusive adoptive family, the Gogans, with the help of his best friend, a large, clumsy, but lovable invisible dragon named Elliott. Together, they seek refuge in the small, turn-of-the-century fishing village of Passamaquoddy, Maine, where Elliott's antics often lead to comical chaos.

Pete is eventually taken in by Nora, the kind lighthouse keeper's daughter, and her father, Lampie. Their peaceful lives are disrupted not only by Elliott's accidental mischief but also by the return of the Gogans, who are determined to reclaim Pete, and by the arrival of Dr. Terminus, a fraudulent medicine showman who schemes to capture Elliott for profit. The film explores themes of friendship, belonging, and the magic of belief, culminating in a dramatic climax where Elliott must reveal himself to save the town.

Keywords: Pete's Dragon, 1977, Helen Reddy, Mickey Rooney, Sean Marshall, Musical, Fantasy, Family, Animation.

Plot:

The story begins with Pete, a young orphan, fleeing from his cruel adoptive family, the Gogans, in the early 20th century. He is accompanied by his best friend, Elliott, a large, green, but often invisible dragon. They arrive in the small fishing village of Passamaquoddy, Maine, where Elliott's attempts to help Pete often result in property damage and confusion, leading the superstitious townsfolk to blame Pete for their misfortunes. Pete is eventually discovered by Nora, the kind-hearted daughter of the lighthouse keeper, Lampie, who is initially skeptical but eventually believes Pete's stories about Elliott after witnessing strange occurrences.

Nora and Lampie offer Pete a home in their lighthouse, much to the boy's delight. However, their newfound peace is threatened by two external forces. First, the Gogans track Pete to Passamaquoddy, intent on forcing him back into servitude. Second, Dr. Terminus, a con artist, and his assistant, Lena Gogan (unrelated to Pete's adoptive family), arrive in town. Upon learning about the dragon, Dr. Terminus devises a plan to capture Elliott, dissect him, and sell his body parts for his dubious remedies. The climax sees Dr. Terminus's elaborate trap set for Elliott, coinciding with a fierce storm that threatens the lighthouse and the arrival of the Gogans. Elliott, finally revealing himself to the entire town, saves the lighthouse and defeats the villains before ultimately departing, having fulfilled his purpose of bringing Pete to a loving home.

Cast (Lead Roles):

• Sean Marshall as Pete
• Helen Reddy as Nora
• Jim Dale as Dr. Terminus
• Mickey Rooney as Lampie
• Red Buttons as Hoagy
• Shelley Winters as Lena Gogan
• Charles Tyner as Merle Gogan
• Gary Morgan as Grover Gogan
• Jeff Donnell as Miss Taylor
• Cal Bartlett as Paul

Crew:

• Director: Don Chaffey
• Producers: Jerome Courtland, Ron Miller
• Screenplay by: Malcolm Marmorstein
• Music by: Al Kasha, Joel Hirschhorn
• Cinematography: Frank V. Phillips
• Editor: Gordon D. Brenner

Release Info:

• Original Release Date: November 3, 1977
• Language: English
• Genre: Musical, Fantasy, Family, Animation
• Running Time: 129 minutes
• Accolades: Nominated for two Academy Awards (Best Original Song for "Candle on the Water" and Best Original Song Score and Its Adaptation or Best Adaptation Score)