Jack and the Beanstalk

Director: Jean Yarbrough
Actors: Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Buddy Baer
PlotIn a whimsical reimagining of a classic fairy tale, a lively and fantastical blend of comedy and adventure unfolds. The story begins in a small bookshop where two bumbling yet good-hearted friends, salesmen by trade, find themselves inadvertently caught up in a fantastical journey. When they attempt to collect on a debt from a young girl and her brother, they are instead drawn into her world of make-believe. She begins reading the famous tale of magic beans and towering plants, transporting them into an enchanting kingdom above the clouds. As events unfold, echoes of familiar nursery rhyme elements interweave with their adventures in a seemingly timeless world where anything once imagined is suddenly possible.
In this newfound land, they encounter a sleeping giant, who alternates between being a terrifying presence and an unwitting comedic accomplice to the protagonists’ antics. Armed with their wits and reluctant bravery, the two misadventurers seek to restore order amongst chaos while remaining on the giant's watchful trail. Interactions with various enchanted characters—each with their own whimsical peculiarities—propel the story forward, creating an atmosphere rich with humor and suspense. The clever intertwining of fantasy elements with slapstick comedy ensures a merry escapade where bravery and friendship face off against dangers both real and exaggerated. As the duo navigates through these challenges, their loyalty and courage are tested against both adversity and their own clumsiness, leading them on a path that could redefine their destinies.
Writers: Nathaniel Curtis, Pat Costello
Release Date: 12 Apr 1952
Runtime: 70 min
Rating: Approved
Country: United States
Language: English
Home Video Reviews
Jack and the Beanstalk's restoration by 3-D Film Archive offers stunning visuals, exceptional bonus materials, and is a must-have for Abbott and Costello fans.
Read our review of Jack and the Beanstalk Blu-ray 70th Anniversary Limited Edition to find out more