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Orson Bean, Richard Boone, Brother Theodore, Hans Conried, Don Messick ... see more see more... , Cyril Ritchard , Paul H. Frees , John Huston , Otto Preminger , John Stephenson , Jack de Leon , Glenn Yarbrough

J.R.R. Tolkien's classic book about the Hobbit Bilbo Baggins and his unexpected adventures came to life in this animated, televised adaptation by Rankin-Bass Productions. Enthusiasts of Tolkien's leng... read more read more...thy and more demanding Lord of the Rings trilogy, as well as adult readers of The Hobbit, may be disappointed by this somewhat simplified adaptation of the book, though children and first-time readers of Tolkien will appreciate its whimsical introduction to the fictional world of Middle Earth. As the story goes, "In a hole in the ground, there lived a Hobbit...." Bilbo Baggins would much rather relax in his comfy hobbit-hole or take long walks in the Shire than have adventures. After all, "adventures make one late for dinner." Unfortunately, Gandalf the Wizard shows up one day with other plans for Bilbo. Gandalf introduces Bilbo to a rag-tag band of dwarves whose leader, Thorin Oakensheild, asks Bilbo for help in recovering his family's treasure from the fire-breathing dragon Smaug. Bilbo meekly accepts the offer, and soon finds himself on a long journey through Mirkwood forest, to Smaug's dark lair in the Lonely Mountain. Along the way, the unlikely band is captured and nearly eaten by trolls, shackled and prodded by goblins, tied-up in webs and hung from trees by giant spiders, and finally imprisoned by the swarthy, distrustful woodland elves of Mirkwood. With keen hobbit-wits and a magic ring he finds in the goblin caves, Bilbo manages to free the band on several occasions and helps them recover their lost inheritance. Understandably, much detail was omitted from Tolkien's novel to fit this made-for-TV adaptation -- most notably the story of the group's encounter with Beorn the shape shifter, and the somewhat complex issue of the Arkenstone, a legendary gem which Bilbo steals from Smaug's treasure-trove unbeknownst to the dwarves. Rankin-Bass Productions made another foray into Middle Earth several years later with The Return of the King, picking up where animator Ralph Bakshi left his unfinished adaptation of Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings. ~ Anthony Reed, Rovi

Flixster Users

53% liked it

65,953 ratings

Critics

64% liked it

14 critics

Unrated, 1 hr. 16 min.

Directed by: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin Jr., Arthur Rankin

Release Date: January 1, 1978

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DVD Release Date: September 11, 2001

Stats: 1,746 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,746)

  • jmanard52
    June 6, 2008
    jmanard52
    My first intorduction to the world of Tolkein as a child. Not bad way to start at all.
  • FilmFanatik
    December 21, 2009
    FilmFanatik
    A fun but not great version of the story.
  • kiriyamakazou
    September 10, 2009
    kiriyamakazou
    It's a pretty decent 70's made-for-TV animation. With only 77 minutes it ha enough entertainment value, but obviously cuts out a LOT of stuff from the book. One scene is completely narrated over to save time. The dwarfs are just background as opposed to characters, they walk abou... read moret but don't say much. The thing I loved most was the character designs. I really liked the goblins and Gollum's amphibian look was interesting. It's a good try and I was pleased with the parts they did, rather than being distracted by the bits they cut.
  • puffchunk
    October 4, 2007
    puffchunk
    Crack the dishes, smash the plates! That's what bilbo baggins hates! I'll stick to the book.
  • YosemiteSamFan
    June 27, 2007
    YosemiteSamFan
    An animated work of art! Rankin/Bass have created a superb telling of "The Hobbit" tale, which flows nicely. The animation is stylized, but acceptable. The different Dwarves are well-done. Gandalf is superb. Very folksy; enhanced by some charming songs. Smaug the Dragon is wonde... read morerfully drawn and voiced. It's a great adventure. (Note: Return of the King, done a few years later would suck.)
  • dreamfaeries
    March 5, 2007
    dreamfaeries
    Classic film...
  • sanjurosamurai
    January 25, 2007
    sanjurosamurai
    pretty fun but leaves out a lot of the story
  • mjgildea
    November 10, 2006
    mjgildea
    Pretty bad. I didn't even see it when I was a kid so I can't even claim childhood novelty here.
  • SunilJawahir
    July 23, 2008
    SunilJawahir
    This movie always creeps me out. Frodo looks like an old, weird, genderless midget. I don't like the animation and the music really gets on my nerves.
  • jim222001us
    April 20, 2008
    jim222001us
    It will be interesting to see a live action version with good effects that's a little more like the book. This version is decent though even if it is a little outdated.

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Critic Reviews

Charles Cassady
December 15, 2010
Charles Cassady, Common Sense Media

Cartoon adaptation of famous book is a great intro for kids. Full Review

Alex Sandell
March 25, 2005
Alex Sandell, Juicy Cerebellum

This was magic to me when I was a child.

Jay Antani
December 28, 2004
Jay Antani, Los Angeles Alternative

Drab, boring but with an oddly moody tone

Steven D. Greydanus
January 30, 2004
Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide

Rankin-Bass bring their typically serviceable animation, strong voicework, and corny folk ballads to The Hobbit… worthwhile for kids and not too bad for parents. Full Review

Widgett Walls
May 6, 2003
Widgett Walls, Needcoffee.com

Ugh. Make them stop...singing--!

Rob Vaux
February 4, 2003
Rob Vaux, Flipside Movie Emporium

A faithful and well-executed take on Tolkien's classic fairy tale. Though geared towards younger audiences, it should appeal to fans of any age.

Emanuel Levy
August 17, 2005
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

Spence D.
February 13, 2004
Spence D., IGN Movies

No review available.

Greg Maki
January 8, 2004
Greg Maki, Star-Democrat (Easton, MD)

No review available.

Nell Minow
December 24, 2002
Nell Minow, Movie Mom at Yahoo! Movies

No review available.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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The Hobbit Trivia

  • What should have been the first movie before The Lord of The Rings, The Fellowship of The Rings?  Answer »
  • It is rumored that Peter Jackson won't be making the movie "the hobbit". Ture or False?  Answer »
  • which of the following book titles has had movies made from the sequels?  Answer »
  • In "Lord of the Rings", what is the real name of Gollum, the creature when he was a Hobbit himself (i.e., before he found the "One Ring")?  Answer »
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