"Pinocchio’s" Many Adaptations

The tale of the little wooden puppet who wanted to be a boy has charmed generations. Pinocchio by Greg Banks is the newest look at the story and is part of the Theatre for Young Audiences series, on the Julianne Argyros Stage, Feb. 5-22, 2016.

Many Americans know Pinocchio from the Disney film, first released in 1940. In the animated musical, Collodi’s story received a lighter treatment, with some of the more severe plot twists removed or changed. The Disney film, however, is just one of many adaptations of the classic story. Here are some other examples of famous takes on the puppet’s story from around the world.

1. Pinocchio, 1911 silent film
   This Austrian film, released in 1911, was the first film adaptation of the novel.


2. Un burattino di nome Pinocchio, 1972 animated film
   A very successful Italian animated film that featured rich imagery and the voices of some of the country’s greatest actors.


3. Mokku of the Oak Tree, 1972 anime series
   This 52-episode anime series premiered on Japanese television and captured some of the darker themes explored in Collodi’s original novel.


4. The Adventures of Pinocchio, 2007 opera
   A two-act opera that premiered at Opera North in Leeds, England, and received its American premiere at Minnesota Opera.


5. Shrek film franchise, 2001-2010
   The character of Pinocchio appeared in all four Shrek films as one of the ogre’s friends. Pinocchio also is a featured role in the musical based on the film, which had a Broadway run in 2008.


6. “Once Upon a Time,” current television series
   The popular American television show, set in a fictional town in Maine, brings together characters from various fairy tales. The adult Pinocchio has a recurring storyline on the series. 

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