Beauty and the Beast (1987) Poster

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7/10
''The Movie To See With Your Heart!''
phillindholm15 August 2005
Charles Perrault's classic French fairy tale "Beauty And The Beast" has been filmed several times. Though it is not as popular as other fairy tales, it is just as enchanting. The well-known French version with Jean Marias and Josette Day, was filmed in 1946. Then, in 1962 came a forgotten quickie version with Joyce Taylor and Mark Damon. The groundbreaking Disney animated feature was released in 1991. But Cannon Films beat them to the punch, producing their live-action musical rendition in 1987. Starring Rebecca De Mornay as Beauty, and John Savage as The Beast/Prince, this is another good example in their "Movie Tales" series. Unlike some of their other titles which do NOT cry out for cinematic translation ("The Emperor's New Clothes" jumps to mind), this fairy tale is perfect for visual dramatization. Cannon's version stays relatively close to the original story, which is more than Disney's did (very little besides the title was retained) and it has great atmospheric photography, especially the scenes in the Beast's garden, which are all the more impressive considering the film's low budget. Both De Mornay and Savage bring depth to their roles, and, considering neither is a singer, they handle the best songs in the movie ("If You See With Your Heart" and "Wish For The Moon") very well, indeed. The film is rather slow paced, but, then, so is the original story. There are a few other changes as well, most notably, Beauty's sisters (Carmela Marner and Ruth Harlap) who are depicted as selfish and lazy, rather than jealous and wicked. Ditto her two brothers. The father,(Yosi Graber) is also characterized as somewhat shallow. But the climax is packed with traditional emotion, and this is a movie which seems to get better every time I see it. Recommended for fairy tale lovers everywhere on the planet.
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7/10
a delightful musical tale
iremadon11 December 2003
Warning: Spoilers
This movie is a delightful live action musical rendition of the beauty & the beast tale. My family throughly enjoyed it, despite the obvious low budget production. Rebecca De Mornay does a great job as beauty (although I personally don't care for her singing voice) and John Savage is wonderful as Beast.

Possible spoiler**** I was especially impressed with the scene when Beauty dances with the statues. They were wonderful! No high tech, computer generated action here. Just old fashioned theater acting. It was terrific!

For those of you who enjoyed Rodgers & Hammerstein's Cinderella movie with Leslie Ann Warren, you will enjoy this one. I'm waiting anxiously for this to come out on DVD!
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7/10
I walked into the grocery store and walked out with this enchanting little film
inkblot1123 April 2008
Beauty (Rebecca De Mornay, young and very, very lovely) lives with her father, sisters and brothers in ye olden times. Beauty is the unspoken "caretaker" of the family, the one who makes their lives easier with her devoted attention to their needs. The father, a merchant, has been struggling but he hears that a ship of his has come in. Before he travels to port, he asks his children what they would like as gifts from afar. All of the girls asks for expensive presents but Beauty asks only for a beautiful rose. Alas, when the patriarch arrives at the docks, he finds that the ship did not arrive but was, in fact, lost at sea. Terribly distraught, he runs into a storm on the journey home and finds shelter in a large mansion with beautiful grounds. After a night of comfort, and without meeting the home owner, father is exiting the gardens when a rose catches his eye and he picks it for Beauty. Immediately, a man-beast (John Savage) rushes into view and snarls the bad news. For stealing a rose, father must remain on the estate forever. However, after much pleading, dad convinces the beast to let him return home to say goodbye. But, once back home, the whole story tumbles out and Beauty agrees to take his place and spend the rest of her days at the distant mansion. Since she won't take "no" for an answer, Beauty soon is installed in her new surroundings. She receives beautiful new clothing and lovely rooms. She even dreams of a "handsome" prince. But, reality soon comes calling with the entrance of the beast. Will Beauty be able to endure her "pretty" prison in the company of such a monster? This is a lovely, long-ago musical adaption of the classic story but not, of course, in the same category as the brilliant animated version. This one succeeds mainly on the presence of the two stars. De Mornay makes a beautiful beauty while Savage does a fine, sympathetic turn as the spellbound beast. The other actors work ranges from fine to acceptable to laughable but that is of small importance. The music, while pleasant, is not very memorable but the costumes and sets are more than adequate. Best of all, the film is a very "family-friendly" flick. Therefore, if you want to show a nice romantic film to a crowd of young females, this is a wonderful choice, for it has no objectionable material or themes. I happened upon the film at Kroger's for $3.99 and I consider that to be money well spent indeed. Why don't you keep your own eyes on the lookout during your next trip to the supermarket?
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A wonderful live action rendition of a classic Fairy Tale.
sedahapple5 August 2002
I adored this movie the first time I saw it when I was 16. I love fairy tales and especially like movies that try to stick to the original story. These stories have been around for hundreds of years before Disney and there are different versions of each in different countries. The sets and costuming of this version are beautiful. (All though some obviously date the film to the late eighties) Rebecca De Mornay is fantastic as the gracious loving creature that can love even a beast. The way that this is filmed it almost feels as though you are the proverbial fly on the wall, or the statue with eyes. I think it is a wonderful way to get kids interested in something besides cartoons.
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6/10
Nice fable with light, but too little music
SimonJack5 April 2018
This musical film of "Beauty and the Beast" is a good rendition of the 1740 French fairy tale by novelist Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve. The cast are not top star names. Their performances are okay, but nothing beyond the ordinary. The music is quite light, and with so few songs, one wishes that the filmmakers could have included more songs.

The production is very interesting and well laid out. It's a more contemporary version of the fable, but with very good sets, camera work and performances overall. The costuming is especially good for Beast. The movie was filmed entirely in Israel.

It's a decent family film that most children should enjoy.
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5/10
Cheesy production could have been much worst
SnoopyStyle25 May 2014
Beauty (Rebecca De Mornay) is a dutiful considerate girl who takes care of her four frivolous siblings. Bad news pile on and on. First father (Yossi Graber) lost a ship, then the chief clerk ran off with the cash box, and now the whole storehouse has burnt down. They are reduced to living in a cottage. News arrive that their ship survived and father goes off to retrieve the ship promising to bring back gifts for everyone and a rose for Beauty. However when he arrives, the ship has been sold to pay off the men. On the way back, he seeks shelter in the castle of the Beast (John Savage). He is shown great hospitality, but before he leaves, he picks a rose from the garden. This transgression angers the Beast and sentences him to death. The Beast allows him to go home and retrieve one of his daughters to take his place willingly. Beauty goes back with his father and takes his place at the castle. In return, the Beast gives father 2 chests filled with treasures to take back.

The Golan-Globus production is pretty cheesy. The dialog is stilted. The three lead actors are experienced and try admirably. The others especially the siblings come off very poorly. The songs are off-Broadway worthy and nobody embarrasses themselves singing. It's a poor production that rests solely on the talents and beauty of Rebecca De Mornay. It could have gone much worst considering the amateurish directions and production style. The effects shot are old school and done poorly. The costume are garish. The look of the beast is reasonable if a little stiff. It's a variation of the lion look. This would be a good remake 20 year before. But 4 years later, Disney would have the standard and blow this one into oblivion.
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7/10
I got this on DVD
rachaelsfun27 December 2012
was a good price and having loved a few of the diff beauty and the beast movies was interested to see what It was like

I liked it a lot ... was a lil diff from the other versions as in they didn't interact as much with outsiders (when they got together) but Loved how he came to her every night and had their talks ... would have been nice to see a version like the story/ cartoon where she has to race against the rose in the jar to save him .. but the twist instead of the rose here was lovely :) a nice old fashioned romance / movie and would recommend to anyone .... would have been nice to of seen what He did when she wasn't around (apart from sitting in this throne room)
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4/10
Not really good, pretty boring
flyingamon23 April 2011
If you have watched Beauty and the Beast animation and think you will going to see the same story, think again. This one took place earlier and doesn't have castle personnel turned into furniture. Maybe this is a fair adaptation of the classical story but the problem is that it is pretty boring. You see Beauty walking around in the castle and having dreams about a prince. In the evening she has dinner with Beast who really doesn't look that scary or does not come across as mean (which he is supposed to be in the beginning). And than he asks do you want to marry me. I can understand that Beauty does say no as he never spends time with her during daytime. Unlike other Cannon movie Tales I didn't like this one at all. I couldn't find anything enchanting, captivating or interesting in it.
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8/10
One of those movies that always stay with you.
maxvaughn9 August 2002
Every now and again, I'll pull out this movie for a trip down memory lane. True, it was low budget and John Savage never has appealed to me as a male romantic lead, but scenes of it were always so beautiful, taking inspiration from the 1946 classic La Belle et la bête. Not to sound like a sap, but there is a part in this movie that I always thought was wonderfully done. During one of the songs, Beauty is pretending to dance with her dream prince, meanwhile, in another room, Beast (who is actually her dream prince unbeknownst to her)is pretending to dance with Beauty. For a second she reaches out like she can feel him standing in front of her. For a B-Children's movie, I thought that was cool.
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7/10
Different Than Disney
davidkennedy-9108714 May 2022
The people over at Cannon Films didn't have the Disney template to fall back on, so they've gone back to the original story and tried to tell a more faithful version to the original story. It lacks the menace of the Cocteau version, but does have some dancing statues and a few listenable musical numbers. Rebecca De Mornay is fittingly beautiful in the role even if her singing voice is a tad airy and John Savage showcases a powerful voice and commanding presence.
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5/10
All right adaptation
shastar24 October 2005
So I was shopping with my Girlfriend the other day and she saw this on the bargain rack. She is a fan of fairy tales and has always liked the story of Beauty and the Beast, so we pick it up. That night we put it into the player and watch. Now, the costumes ware great, and the sets were nice. Unfortunately, the rest of the movie lacked somewhat. The acting by anyone not named deMornay was wooden. I don't think the father could have looked any less interested in his part if he'd have tried. The brothers and sisters tried looking pompous, but came off as looking like they needed a few more acting lessons. The only actor to come even close to deMornay was Beast/Prince, and he still looked like he studied at the Shatner School. And watch out when people break into song. My girlfriend and I were laughing, but for all the wrong reasons. The acting quality and the way scenes were framed had me constantly thinking that we had accidentally picked up a porn movie. I can see that they tried to put on a good show, and for what it's worth, this makes for a good couple hours of quality time with the kids. Just try not to giggle at the thought of an animated statue orgy.
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9/10
Beautiful Movie
Ileana-39 August 2004
This was mine and my sister's favorite movie growing up. We used to watch it all the time and sing along and even act the scenes out sometimes. Despite what some reviewers said the music is wonderful, I wish there was a soundtrack out. And the movie is not dated at all. The sets and costumes are beautiful. And the script and the acting are both superb. I've always had a soft spot for Rebecca DeMorney since seeing this movie. She was perfect as Beauty and has a gorgeous singing voice. Same with John Savage. I'm twenty now and I still put the movie in now and then and am surprised that I still enjoy it as much as I did as a little girl. To me this movie is flawless!
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3/10
A Poor Copy
JKMerengue21 August 2010
I caught this on a Saturday morning movie slot on my television, and was amazed and appalled by the blatant lifting of almost all the design elements from Cocteau's Beauty and the Beast. Or rather, Golan-Globus' attempt to lift them. Christian Berard did the sets and costumes for the 1947 French classic version of the fairy tale, and no one could touch it for richness of nuance and detail. As a costumer by trade I can still say they are some of the best costumes I've ever seen...maybe not always completely period accurate, but when they deviate from period, it's usually for very wonderful effect. Just mesmerizing. And it makes me a bit mad that the producers of the G/G version tried to simply make a colorized version of it, down to the make-up on the Beast, some of Beauty's hairstyles, the arms in the hallway holding the lamps and even quite a number of the camera angles. But, I guess, if something works, Hollywood will try to copy it, plagiarism or not.
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My favorite!
christinedesler6 January 2003
I have always loved Farie Tales, and this is my all time favorite, and I have them all. "The Frog Prince" with Aileen Quinn and Helen Hunt. "Puss N' Boots" with Christopher Walken. "Hansel and Gretel", "Rumplestiltskin", "Snow White", "Sleeping Beauty", "Pinnochio". A couple of those are done by Farie Tale Theatre, but I love the Cannon tales more than anything on earth. With Rebecca de Mornay singing, I never would have imagined she could btw, it's astounding. The cinametogrophy is great, and the script is wonderful. I'm 19, and even my father willingly watches this with me. He says, and I agree, that it just seems so real... and he's not that kind of guy at all!!! John Savage is the most terrific beast I could imagine... other than in the French movie "Beaute et Le Bete" or whatever it's called *lol*. It's an even better version than the Disney Cartoon, which is also one of my favorites. I hope that whoever sees this film on sale buys it (and sends it to me, I need a not worn out one!!!) and cherishes it forever!
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3/10
Cannon Story Tales
BandSAboutMovies24 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I've seen all of the Cannon Movie Tales and let me tell you, when I was young and they thought I had promise, well, they were wrong.

Directed by Eugene Marner, who also made Cannon's Puss In Boots, this was written by his wife Carole Lucia Satrina, who also wrote that film, Cannon's Red Riding Hood and three episodes of Tales from the Darkside, "Parlour Floor Font," "In the Cards" and "The Odds."

This may have the most well-recognized leads in the Cannon Movie Tales, as Beauty is played by Rebecca De Mornay and John Savage is Beast. And playing Beauty's father is Yossi Graber, who was in Golan and Globus' Operation Thunderbolt, but I don't expect anyone other than Cannon Bros to know this.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. I wish Cannon made these into fan service films and had the Beauty played by Lucinda Dickey and Bronson as the Beast. When the two of them realize that ninjas, led by Sho Kosugi, are taking over her father's kingdom, he eats ten cabbages and grabs his specially made crossbow. Directed by Michael Winner, of course. But then as I wrote that, I really don't want to see Ms. De Mornay get assaulted. So let's go with Sam Firstenberg.
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8/10
This Beauty does have some really beautiful things in it
TheLittleSongbird28 July 2015
While the 1946 Jean Cocteau and 1991 Disney versions are superior films of the timeless fairy tales, Cannon Movie Tales' 1987 adaptation is very worthy and one of the better Cannon Movie Tale films.

Beauty and the Beast (1987) is one of their best-looking films, Cannon's films were always made on a low budget but Beauty and the Beast is one of the few where it is not so painfully obvious. The film's very beautifully photographed, the sets are surprisingly lavish and atmospheric, especially the gardens and the castle is like a magisterial character in itself and from personal opinion Beauty and the Beast is the Cannon Movie Tale film with the best costume design, here being one of the highlights rather than a flaw. The music is quite good, not as memorable as the score and songs in Disney's version but they stand just fine on their own and fit well into the film. The incidental music is charmingly whimsical, and while only If You See With Your Heart stands out as truly great out of the songs (Wish for the Moon is also lovely, but not quite as emotion-filled) they're all listenable and do nothing to hinder the story.

The story of Beauty and the Beast is a timeless one, and while there are changes the basic details are intact structured faithfully and the enchanting spirit is too. Pacing is steady and controlled, very like the pacing of the fairy tale's story itself, the film doesn't suffer at all from trying to make a short story seem longer (a problem that The Frog Prince and especially The Emperor's New Clothes had) and the ending is very emotional. Beauty and the Beast's chemistry has a subtle intensity and a real poignancy too. It's nicely directed, allowing the story to breathe while still keeping its momentum and it does nothing to make the magic any less impactful. Rebecca De Mornay radiates innocence and beauty, and plays Beauty charmingly and touchingly, showing herself to be a quite decent singer too. John Savage shows very good chemistry with her, and is similarly very good as the Beast, giving off a scary but also tragically tormented figure and aided by good make-up.

While there is not a lot here actually that is wrong in Cannon Movie Tales' version of Beauty and the Beast, there are a couple of not-so-good areas. The two leads come off very well but the supporting roles are stockly written and overplayed, the siblings resort to quite embarrassing mugging and Beauty's father has rarely if ever been more unsympathetically portrayed. While Savage really impresses as the Beast, he is rather wooden as the Prince, which is not entirely his fault actually because Beast has always been a juicier and more interesting character which gives more scope to do much with the role. The writing does avoid being too cheesy and cloying and it is decent writing for a Cannon Movie Tale film, but can get a bit stiff in places especially in the early parts before Beast appears and when Beauty and the Beast are not on screen together.

All in all, there are some really beautiful things here, and of the Cannon Movie Tale films their version of Beauty and the Beast is one of their best. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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9/10
Enjoyable movie.
PWNYCNY24 May 2006
If you want to watch a true work of cinematic art, then watch this movie. This movie is proof that when Hollywood wants to, it can make a movie that transcends the garbage that Hollywood usually dishes out. This movie is good because of the acting of the two leads, Rebecca De Mornay and John Savage. Their excellent acting ensures that this movie does not become just another corny Hollywood contrivance or another twisted and distorted interpretation of a classic story. Mr. Savage's interpretation of the Beast is endearing for both children and adults and along with Ms. De Mornay's portrayal of Beauty makes this movie something that all can enjoy.
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My fantasy brought to life...
harleypassion4 May 2000
This movie had a huge impact on me as a kid. I was about 10 when I first saw it..and since then I've watched it countless times. I would watch it everyday as a kid, memorised the entire script and lyrics and recite them, sing before while I lie in bed at night before sleeping. I loved, and still love this show. Just yesterday,I took it out to watch again, and I enjoyed it as much as before, and surprised myself I could remember the lines still. Rebecca has really surpassed being a great actress...being able to sing beautifully. I've adored her since then...and always will. She was the MAGIC in the entire movie. The songs are sweet and suited for this musical..it's no Mary Poppins, but it sure showed Rebecca's singing talent. Want a good fairytale? Forget Disney's Beauty and the Beast. Watch Cannon's Beauty and the Beast for a real treat.
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8/10
Better than I thought....
pcocpa9 December 2021
I watched the movie with my wife because she was tired of westerns. I soon became interested in the story. All in all, I think it is enjoyable, well worth the time and it is a great movie for the entire family.
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10/10
Worn, torn and tattered and exceedingly loved.
ecwordwiz4 July 2006
Once upon a time and what seems like eons ago... I ran a small in home preschool and childcare. I had quite the collection of children's movies at the time. Some of those movies were viewed so very many times then and over the years by many children, including my own. This is one of those movies that all the children begged to see over and over again. Now all but one of my children have grown and will soon leave the nest (I pray :-) Not all of the movies I acquired over the years have stood the test of time. Some never measured up, some have grown wings and flown away, some are scratched, melted, spliced and diced. Alas we come to those that are worn, torn and tattered and exceedingly loved. This is one of them.
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Colorful European setting and beautiful Rebecca De Mornay
SanDiego28 August 1999
Good live action adaptation of the classic story. Rebecca De Mornay is perfect as the wholesome kind-hearted Beauty who lives with her wealthy father and grown brothers and sisters. As in Cinderella, Beauty's siblings require Beauty's constant help in doing even the smallest of chores. She is not unhappy and is able to tend to her family's needs with little effort, however she does wish to have some time of her own. The family goes broke, moves to the country, and Beauty is just as happy poor as rich. Her father stumbles across the Beast's castle and escapes imprisonment by having Beauty stay in his place. The Beast and castle are not unlike the Disney stage version, however there are no dancing silverware or clocks here, but the statues come to life. As a musical the songs are embarrassingly terrible by anyone's standards. The on-location sets are authentically colorful, charming and European. There are enough changes in the plot to keep one interested as to what exactly will happen next. Ultimately the film is saved by a wonderful performance by Rebecca De Mornay who simply melts hearts, sings like an angel, and warms the cold corners of any castle.
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10/10
I'd love to get it!
cambriay18 August 2001
I happened to catch this movie on the Disney channel one night when I was about 12. I absolutely adored it as I am I huge John Savage fan. I have been looking for it everywhere and can't seem to get a hold of it. If anyone knows how I can get a copy, I'd love to hear from you!
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10/10
Best retelling of the fairytale.
dgwhitford18 July 2020
My children loved watching this. They're in their 30's now but they still enjoy this movie. As do I.
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8/10
Cute and Sweet
Gerardbutlerlady11 July 2011
I grew up with the Disney version of Beauty and the Beast. I was hesitant to watch this film, but ended up enjoying it. The music is a bit annoying at times, but its sweet as well. The costumes were exquisite and beautiful. For its time, the makeup was outstanding as well. The only real problem I had with this movie was some of the minor inconsistencies, but other than that I had fun watching it. This obviously isn't Oscar worthy, but when I show my kids movies, I think I'll show this one every once in a while. The acting was good, and I enjoyed it overall. Its good for a Sunday afternoon with nothing to do, with a nice bowl of popcorn!
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Yawn
smoothhoney12652 November 2007
Ohhhh my God, that was dreadful. Okay, DeMornay is quite nice to look at, but the prince looks like a cheap body builder from a cheap advertisement.

Yeah, the costumes were nice. But the story was totally empty, lacking emotions, suspense, style, ah, just everything. In the end you just don't understand why she stayed with the prince and fell in love with him cause the dude is boring as hell and delivers one stupid line after another.

Never before have I felt less while watching a movie.

I guess the two best adaptions of this tale are still the Disney one and the one by Jean Cocteau, with Jean Marais playing the prince / the beast. Go watch those instead and save your time on this empty flick.
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