Vintage Disney Pinocchio Bank of Italian Folktale
The italian folktale of Pinocchio was written by Carlo Collodi in 1883. It was intended as a lesson to young boys to desuade from bad behavior and serve as a warning. The lesson to be learned was to work, be good and study. Devoting to these behaviors would transform to modern comforts.
Walt Disney developed the fairytale of Pinocchio into an animated film in 1940. The character of Pinocchio was altered to still keep the traits of mischief; but, to be portrayed with innocence to make his character more likable.
The Disney character, Pinocchio was voiced by Dickie Jones, a Disney Legend.
Other fun notables of the Disney Film, Pinocchio were Cliff Edwards, also a Disney Legend, who was the voice of the film’s conscious, Jiminy Cricket. Jiminy and Pinocchio’s friendship was the heart of the film’s story.
Cliff Edwards was a singer and actor that was also known as Ukelele Ike. His number one hit was “Singin’ in the Rain”.
Another notable Disney Legend from Pinocchio was Thurl Ravenscroft, the voice of Monstro.
“That Monstro, I’ve heard of him! He’s a whale of a whale! Why, he swallows whole ships, alive!” ― Jiminy Cricket
The Disney animators of Monstro were inspired by Herman Melville’s Moby Dick, the sperm whale.
Thurl Ravenscroft may be more commonly recognized by many as the voice of Tony The Tiger (They’re GREEAAT!) or the singer of “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch”; but his voice is heard throughout Disney.
Leave a Reply