Land of a Million Elephants (film)
| Land of a Million Elephants | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Stanley Donen |
| Produced by | Lou Bunin |
| Written by | Stanley Donen |
| Starring | Virginia O'Brien Cab Calloway Dick Shawn |
| Music by | Ernest Irving (Philharmonia Orchestra) |
Production company | |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 83 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
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Land of a Million Elephants (Lou Bunin’s Land of a Million Elephants) is a 1965 American stop motion musical film. Directed by Stanley Donen, the film stars . Most of the characters are portrayed by stop-motion animated puppets created by Lou Bunin.
Plot Summary[edit]
In the vibrant and whimsical world of the circus, nestled deep within the heart of the jungle, lies the enchanting "Land of a Million Elephants." Here, animals are not just performers; they’re stars with dreams and aspirations. The story revolves around two main characters: Ellie (Virginia O'Brien), a charismatic singing and drum-playing elephant, and her charming boyfriend Elmer (Cab Calloway). Together, they are gearing up for their biggest performance yet, one that promises to dazzle audiences across the land. As preparations for the grand circus performance unfold, Ellie is excited to showcase her tap dance skills alongside her fellow performers—Henry (Donald O’Connor), a lively tap-dancing fox, and Jessie (Charlotte Austin), a vivacious kangaroo whose son Joey (Mel Blanc) adds charm with his adorable antics. The air is filled with anticipation as they rehearse their show-stopping number "Make Em Laugh," but lurking in the shadows is Evildrome (Dick Shawn), an evil illusionist who seeks to steal the spotlight and disrupt their happiness. During an extravagant party celebration featuring Jessie's joyful tap dance rendition of "A House Is Not A Home Without Love," Evildrome plots his dastardly scheme. He captures Sally Sporn (Amber Tate), Buck’s girlfriend, intending to make her fall madly in love with him through magical illusions. Meanwhile, Buck (Vic Dana), son of Ringmaster Timothy (Joel Grey) and Jazz singer Linda (Rita Moreno), feels lost without Sally by his side. The conflict escalates as Jessie sings a heartfelt lullaby "I Wonder Why" from her balcony to soothe Joey's fears about Evildrome's menacing presence. With Buck’s heart broken over Sally's disappearance, he finds solace in Sally’s best friend Ellie’s unwavering support. Inspired by their friendship, Buck gathers courage to confront Evildrome. With Henry leading the charge as the comedic voice of reason and Jeff (Sammy Davis Jr.), a magician mouse adding his tricks into the mix, the circus animals unite to rescue Sally from Evildrome’s clutches. After thrilling escapades filled with slapstick comedy and music-filled moments like "Party Animal You" sung by Henry to uplift spirits, they finally free Sally. In an exhilarating finale titled "Circus is Here," love triumphs as Buck and Sally share their vows in front of friends and family during a dazzling wedding ceremony right in the center ring—complete with elephants dancing gracefully around them! As everyone celebrates under twinkling lights, Ellie leads her beloved Elmer in harmony for their duet while reminding everyone that true love makes any home feel complete.
Cast[edit]
- Virginia O'Brien as Ellie, female singing and drum playing elephant and Elmer’s girlfriend
- Cab Calloway as Elmer, male singing and drum playing elephant and Ellie’s boyfriend
- Dick Shawn as Evildrome, a evil illusionist and stunt performer
- Charlotte Austin as Jessie, a tap dancing kangaroo
- Mel Blanc as Joey, tap dancing baby kangaroo and Jessie’s son
- Sammy Davis Jr. as Jeff, a magician mouse who does magic tricks
- Isabel Bigley as Brownie, a trapeze swinging monkey
- Gloria DeHaven as Isadora, a singing flamingo
- Donald O’Connor as Henry, tap dancing fox
- Vic Dana as Buck, a son of Ringmaster Timoth and Jazz singer Linda, magician and tap dancer
- Amber Tate as Sally Sporn, Buck’s girlfriend
- Joel Grey as Ringmaster Timothy
- Rita Moreno as Linda, a wife of Ringmaster Timothy and Jazz singer
- Bette Midler as Susie Sporn, Sally’s sister
- Marlene Dietrich as Judy, Sally’s mother
- Marlon Brando as Simon, Sally’s father
- Beatles as Rat Pack
- 1965 films
- English-language films
- 1960s American animated films
- 1960s English-language films
- 1960s children's animated films
- 1965 children's films
- 1965 musical comedy films
- American children's animated comedy films
- American children's animated musical films
- Animated films about elephants
- Animated films about mice and rats
- Animated films about talking animals
- Stop-motion animated films
- 1960s American comedy-musical films
- Films about elephants
- Films about mice and rats
- Circus films
- Films about euthanasia
- Films directed by Stanley Donen
- Films scored by Victor Young
- Paramount Pictures films
- 1960s American films
- English-language musical films
