Beauty and the Beast (1991)

Detailed Summary

The Enchantress’s Curse

The movie opens with a narrated prologue that sets the stage. A selfish prince refuses shelter to an old beggar woman, who turns out to be an enchantress. She curses him to become a beast and transforms his castle’s servants into enchanted objects. The curse will only be lifted if the Beast learns to love and earns love in return, before the last petal of an enchanted rose falls.

Belle’s Introduction and Life in the Village

Belle (Paige O’Hara) is a bright and independent young woman living in a quiet French village. She longs for excitement and yearns for a life beyond the simplicity of her rural surroundings. At the same time, the village’s boastful hunter, Gaston (Richard White), relentlessly pursues Belle, viewing her as a prize to claim, despite her repeated rejections.

Maurice’s Capture and Belle’s Sacrifice

Belle’s father, Maurice (Rex Everhart), gets lost in the forest and stumbles upon the Beast’s castle, where he is imprisoned for trespassing. Belle sets off to find him and offers to take her father’s place as the Beast’s prisoner, showing her selflessness. The Beast (voiced by Robby Benson) agrees, and thus begins their unlikely relationship.

The Transformation of the Beast

Belle’s presence begins to soften the Beast’s heart, though their relationship is initially rocky. The enchanted castle servants, including Lumière (Jerry Orbach), Cogsworth (David Ogden Stiers), and Mrs. Potts (Angela Lansbury), encourage the Beast to be kinder to her. Over time, Belle and the Beast bond, particularly during the iconic ballroom scene, where they dance to the title song “Beauty and the Beast.”

Gaston’s Attack on the Castle

Back in the village, Gaston manipulates the townspeople into believing the Beast is a dangerous monster. He leads an attack on the castle, culminating in a final battle between Gaston and the Beast on the castle rooftop. Gaston falls to his death, while the Beast is mortally wounded.

Movie Ending

As the Beast lies dying, Belle admits she loves him, and the curse is broken just as the last petal falls from the enchanted rose. The Beast transforms back into a prince, and the castle’s inhabitants return to their human forms. The movie ends with Belle and the Prince happily dancing together, symbolizing love’s transformative power.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No, there are no post-credits scenes in Beauty and the Beast (1991). Disney movies from this era typically did not include them.

Type of Movie

Beauty and the Beast is an animated musical romance fantasy. It blends timeless fairy-tale storytelling with musical numbers, memorable characters, and classic Disney animation.

Cast

• Paige O’Hara as Belle
• Robby Benson as The Beast
• Richard White as Gaston
• Jerry Orbach as Lumière
• David Ogden Stiers as Cogsworth
• Angela Lansbury as Mrs. Potts
• Bradley Pierce as Chip

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Alan Menken, with lyrics by Howard Ashman. The film’s music is iconic, featuring songs such as “Belle,” “Be Our Guest,” and “Beauty and the Beast.” The title song, performed by Angela Lansbury, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and the score won Best Original Score.

Filming Locations

Beauty and the Beast is an animated film, so it wasn’t shot on location. Its fictional setting draws inspiration from the French countryside and 18th-century architecture. These elements play a key role in creating the movie’s atmosphere.

Awards and Nominations

• Academy Awards:
• Won Best Original Song (“Beauty and the Beast”)
• Won Best Original Score
• Nominated for Best Picture (first animated film ever nominated)
• Golden Globes:
• Won Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
• Won Best Original Score
• Won Best Original Song (“Beauty and the Beast”)
• Grammy Awards:
• Won Best Song Written for Visual Media (“Beauty and the Beast”)

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Howard Ashman, the lyricist, passed away before the movie’s release. The film honors his memory, and his influence was essential in developing its themes.
• Robby Benson (the voice of the Beast) was chosen for his ability to convey the character’s vulnerability despite his monstrous exterior.
• The ballroom scene was one of the first uses of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in a Disney movie, creating the sweeping camera movement around Belle and the Beast.

Inspirations and References

• The film is based on the French fairy tale “La Belle et la Bête” by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont, though Disney took creative liberties.
• Jean Cocteau’s 1946 version of Beauty and the Beast was a significant influence on Disney’s interpretation, especially in the design of the Beast’s castle.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

• A few deleted scenes include more character development for the Beast and Belle. One deleted song, “Human Again,” was later added to the 2002 special edition of the film.

Book Adaptations and Differences

Though the movie draws inspiration from the classic fairy tale, Disney’s adaptation adds more depth to the characters. Belle is portrayed as an independent and intelligent woman, unlike the passive figure in the original. Gaston, a character created solely for Disney’s version, is another unique addition.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The Transformation: The Beast’s transformation back into a prince is a visually stunning and emotionally impactful moment.
• Be Our Guest: Lumière’s elaborate song-and-dance number as he and the enchanted objects welcome Belle is one of the movie’s most entertaining scenes.
• Ballroom Dance: The iconic scene where Belle and the Beast dance to “Beauty and the Beast” in the grand ballroom, featuring stunning animation.

Iconic Quotes

• Belle: “I want adventure in the great wide somewhere.”
• Beast: “She’s the one. The girl we have been waiting for. She has come to break the spell.”
• Mrs. Potts: “Tale as old as time, song as old as rhyme, Beauty and the Beast.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• During “Be Our Guest,” you can spot a Mickey Mouse-shaped pattern in the plates and dishes.
• In the opening scene, there’s a cameo from the book “Sleeping Beauty” in Belle’s hands as she walks through the village.
• Several background villagers resemble characters from Disney’s “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”, suggesting animation crossovers.

Trivia

• Paige O’Hara cried during her audition for Belle, which helped her land the role.
• The Beast is a combination of several animals, including a lion, buffalo, and bear.
• The film was almost a non-musical before Howard Ashman suggested turning it into a Broadway-style musical.

Why Watch?

Beauty and the Beast is a classic tale of love, redemption, and looking beyond appearances. It combines memorable music, iconic characters, and stunning animation, making it a timeless piece of cinematic history.

Director’s Other Movies

• The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996) – Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise
• Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001) – Gary Trousdale, Kirk Wise

Recommended Films for Fans

• The Little Mermaid (1989)
• Aladdin (1992)
• The Lion King (1994)
• Cinderella (1950)
• Sleeping Beauty (1959)