The 1939 Movie Gulliver’s Travels is an Animated Classic

May 26, 2023
1939 Movie Gullivers Travels

Gulliver’s Travels is a 1939 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Max Fleischer and directed by Dave Fleischer for Fleischer Studios. Released to cinemas in the United States on December 22, 1939, by Paramount Pictures, the story is a very loose adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s 1726 novel of the same name, specifically only the first part of four, which tells the story of Lilliput and Blefuscu, and centers around an explorer who helps a small kingdom who declared war after an argument over a wedding song.

The film follows the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver (Sam Parker), a sailor who is shipwrecked on the island of Lilliput, a land inhabited by tiny people. Gulliver is captured by the Lilliputians and taken to their capital city, where he is put on trial for trespassing. However, Gulliver is able to impress the Lilliputians with his size and strength, and he is eventually allowed to stay on the island.

Gulliver soon becomes involved in the Lilliputian’s war with their neighbors, the Blefuscudians. The war is over a disagreement about how to crack eggs, and Gulliver is able to help the Lilliputians win the war. In the end, Gulliver is hailed as a hero by the Lilliputians, and he is allowed to return home.

Gulliver’s Travels was a critical and commercial success, and it was nominated for two Academy Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Original Song. The film’s animation is considered to be some of the best of its time, and it is still enjoyed by audiences today.

Here are some of the notable characters in the film:

  • Lemuel Gulliver: A sailor who is shipwrecked on the island of Lilliput.
  • King Little: The ruler of Lilliput.
  • Princess Glory: The daughter of King Little.
  • Prince David: The son of the King of Blefuscu.
  • General Hoppum: The commander of the Lilliputian army.
  • The Blefuscudians: The Lilliputians’ enemies.

The film was praised for its animation, music, and humor. The animation was particularly praised for its realistic depiction of the Lilliputians and their world. The music was also praised, with the song “Faithful/Forever” being nominated for an Academy Award. The film’s humor was also praised, with many critics finding the film to be both funny and heartwarming.

Gulliver’s Travels was a critical and commercial success, and it is still enjoyed by audiences today. The film is considered to be one of the best animated films of all time, and it is a classic of American cinema.

We have a great ad available from LIFE magazine featuring the movie.