Pinocchio (1999, VHS)

After the astoundingly successful Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, the Disney animation crew set to work on Walt Disney s second full-length animated feature. The result was an enduring tale that still inspires people to dare to dream, while reminding them to always let your
conscience be your guide. Yes, it s the story of that little wooden boy named Pinocchio who dreamed of becoming a real boy.

The story is narrated by Jiminy Cricket, an insect who has gone on to take part in many other special Disney presentations. In his travels, he happened upon the cottage of Geppetto, an elderly Italian clockmaker. On the night of Jiminy s arrival, Geppetto had just finished his crowning
achievement: a marionette that looked just like a real little boy. That night, the old man wished upon a star that his puppet Pinocchio would become a real boy. Much to Geppetto s amazement, he did! Well, sort of. Pinocchio was given the gift of life by the Blue Fairy, but he had to prove himself brave and unselfish before he could exchange his wooden body for flesh.

Jiminy Cricket volunteered to help him along that path by being his conscience. It was his job to keep Pinocchio out of trouble and aid him in always doing the right thing. Unfortunately, the very first day Pinocchio met up with a sly fox and a mute cat who convinced him to come with them to perform in Stromboli s puppet show instead of going to school. By the time Jiminy came to the rescue, Pinocchio had no interest in furthering his education. His show was a hit, but the boy was unprepared for Stromboli s temper. The irate gypsy insisted upon keeping the boy with him, locked in a bird cage. With Jiminy by his side, Pinocchio was sitting miserably in his cage when the Blue Fairy came to the rescue, with the admonishment that Pinocchio s nose would grow each time he told a lie.

This, of course, was not the end of Pinocchio s troubles, but only the beginning. He was whisked away to Pleasure Island, where naughty boys turn into donkeys, and swallowed by a vicious whale named Monstro. But in the end, his conscience, both Jiminy and his true conscience, would be his guide and lead him to become a real boy.

Several memorable songs light up this movie, but most especially When You Wish Upon a Star, which has been a Disney theme song ever since. A host of imaginative characters, including Figaro and Cleo, Geppetto s impertinent kitten and romantic goldfish, make this movie a delight from start to finish.