Jack and the Beanstalk in Movies & TV

The Classic Children’s Story Has Often Appeared on Film

Jun 18, 2009

Many folk and fairy tales have been adapted for other media including movies and TV. Jack and the Beanstalk, and the similar Jack the Giant Killer are no exceptions.

Jack made his first known screen appearance during the very early days of motion pictures. In 1902 pioneer movie man Edwin S. Porter directed a ten minute version of the story using trick photography techniques first developed by Georges Melies in France. Since then many film versions have followed.

Jack and the Beanstalk in Animated Cartoons

The two decades following Porter’s movie saw several live action adaptations of Jack and the Beanstalk, most now long lost. Then animated cartoons became a popular means of telling the story.

Jack and the Beanstalk (1922). In 1922 a young Walt Disney created this animated story of Jack. Although crude by today’s standards, it is still an interesting curio because it helped launch Disney’s long career.

Giantland (1933). Another black and white, animated version from Disney. Like the 1922 version, it is a straightforward telling of the story, this time with Mickey Mouse playing the role of Jack. The film also introduced Mickey’s nephews to the world.

Jack-Wabbit and the Beanstalk (1942). This cartoon is an example of how movies were used in World War II as propaganda as well as entertainment. In the story Bugs Bunny puts the legendary giant in his place after being constantly told that giants are the superior race.

Ration Fer the Duration (1943). Another example of a WWII propaganda cartoon. When Popeye’s nephews refuse to plant a Victory Garden, the sailor tells a story about a selfish giant who hoards sugar, tire, and other products that are needed for the war effort. Of course, Popeye defeats the giant and his greed.

Mickey and the Beanstalk (1947). This time Mickey Mouse is joined by Donald Duck and Goofy at the top of the beanstalk. Originally intended to be a full length feature, the movie was shortened to 40 minutes, combined with another short feature, Bongo, and released as Fun and Fancy Free.

Let's Stalk Spinach (1951). Another Popeye cartoon. When his nephews refuse to eat their spinach, Popeye tells them the story of how the food helped him defeat the giant.

Beanstalk Bunny (1955). Bugs Bunny joins Daffy Duck going up the beanstalk. Elmer Fudd is the “horrible” giant.

Tweety and the Beanstalk (1957). Sylvester Cat is accidentally transported to the sky world where he meets not only a giant, but also a huge Tweety Bird.

Jack to mame no ki (1974). A full length (95 minutes) Japanese animated version with songs. This time the giant is actually the daughter of an evil witch.

Jack and the Beanstalk in Live Action Movies

Jack and the Beanstalk (1952).The 1940s and 1950s comedy team of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello star in this rather silly adaptation of the Beanstalk story in which the giant and his wife are just tall humans. The movie would be best enjoyed by A & C fans or those who like physical slapstick.

Jack and the Giant Killer (1962). This live action/animation feature is not a Beanstalk tale, but centers on the similar story of the Arthurian youth who rids Wales of its giants. Although not a box office success, the movie receives generally kinder reviews today. A re-dubbed musical version should be avoided, however.

Jack and the Beanstalk (2009). A live action version, starring Christopher Lloyd, is scheduled to be released this year.

Jack and the Beanstalk on TV

Jack and the Beanstalk (1967). This television special, directed by the multi-talented Gene Kelly and featuring Bobby Riha as Jack, is a combination of live action, animation and music, with a kidnapped princess added to the conventional story. It won an Emmy for Outstanding Children’s Program.

Jack and the Beanstalk (1983)For six seasons on Showtime, Shelley Duvall produced and sometimes starred in Faerie Tale Theatre. Among its 27 episodes was this Beanstalk version that starred Dennis Christopher as Jack, Elliott Gould as the Giant, and Jean Stapleton as his wife.

Into the Woods (1991). This television special is an original cast production, led by Bernadette Peters, of Stephen Sondheim's Broadway musical. The story, filled with dance and song, combines Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. Although suitable for children, its length (153 minutes) may be too much for younger ones.

Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story (2001). Brian Henson, the son of Jim Henson, directed this modern sequel to the original story. Jonathan (Jack) Robinson, a direct descendant of Jack, must climb the beanstalk and right some family wrongs in order to live past thirty. A fine cast led by Matthew Modine. The TV movie won an Emmy.

Most of these Jack and the Beanstalk movies are available on DVD or VHS. See SurLaLune for details (scroll toward the bottom).

The copyright of the article Jack and the Beanstalk in Movies & TV in Folktales is owned by John K. Davis. Permission to republish Jack and the Beanstalk in Movies & TV in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.