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The Sword in the Stone
1963 79 min United States of America G 6+
★7.5
Animation, Family, Fantasy
Director: Wolfgang Reitherman, Clyde Geronimi, David Hand
🎭 Based on
«The Sword in the Stone»
byT. H. White
Trailers
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EN
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EN
Description
Wart is a young boy who aspires to be a knight's squire. On a hunting trip he falls in on Merlin, a powerful but amnesiac wizard who has plans for him beyond mere squiredom. He starts by trying to give him an education, believing that once one has an education, one can go anywhere. Needless to say, it doesn't quite work out that way.
Budget:
$3M
US Gross:
$12M
Worldwide:
$22.2M
Starring
Rickie Sorensen
Actor
Sebastian Cabot
Actor
Karl Swenson
Actor
Awards
Academy Awards 1964
— Best Musical Adaptation
Key opinion
The Sword in the Stone is widely regarded as a nostalgic, whimsical, and lighthearted Disney classic that favors character-driven comedy and moral instruction over traditional epic storytelling. While some viewers find its loose, episodic narrative and lack of a central villain underwhelming, most appreciate its charm, the enduring humor of Archimedes, and the positive message regarding the value of education.
| Acting | Archimedes the owl stands out as the most memorable and comedic character, providing consistent humor and emotional warmth. | |
| Theme | The film’s central message that intellect and education are superior to brute force is effectively communicated through its various magical training sequences. | |
| Production | The visual style offers a charming, colorful example of classic hand-drawn animation, even if it lacks revolutionary technical complexity. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is viewed by some as an engaging series of humorous, instructive adventures, while others critique it for feeling like a collection of disjointed sketches that lack a cohesive conflict. | |
| Pacing | The film’s leisurely, episodic approach to the Arthurian legend delights viewers looking for domestic whimsy, but disappoints those expecting a more substantial, plot-driven epic. |