The Thief and the Cobbler

What’s the Story?

A shy cobbler and a plucky princess save ancient Baghdad in this fairy tale. Shy shoemaker Tack falls for the gorgeous princess Yum Yum, but it seems unlikely that she'll ever take him seriously. But Tack gets his chance to prove himself and win the princess' heart when he's recruited to help put an end to the evil doings of a sorcerer named Zigzag. In his adventures, Tack also tangles with a crafty thief.

Is It Any Good?

Created by the Oscar-winning animator of Who Framed Roger Rabbit, this neglected but absolutely delightful animated musical (released in theaters as Arabian Knight) is a must for family viewing. THE THIEF AND THE COBBLER is one of the most visually inventive animated movies ever made, with dazzling optical illusions and shifts in perspective. Jennifer Beals and Matthew Broderick provide the voices for the leads, with the late Vincent Price's voice providing silky menace as the evil sorcerer. Jonathan Winters as the hilarious thief steals every scene he is in.

The musical numbers are pleasant, with one sensational show-stopper when the desert brigands explain that if you don't go to school you'll turn out like them. Unlike the recent Disney movies, this was not designed to sell merchandise, just to tell a story and entertain, which it does very, very well. It is suitable for everyone except maybe the smallest children, who might be frightened by the hulking bad guys.