The tale is set during the reign of King Arthur and tells of a young Cornish farmer's son named Jack who is not only strong but so clever he easily confounds the learned with his penetrating wit. 1711, and reprinted in 'The Classic Fairy Tales' by Iona and Peter Opie in 1974. 1760 by John Cotton and Joshua Eddowes, which in its turn was based on a chapbook ca. This plot summary is based on a text published ca. The film made extensive use of stop motion in the manner of Ray Harryhausen. In 1962, a feature-length film based on the tale was released starring Kerwin Mathews.
Henry Fielding, John Newbery, Samuel Johnson, Boswell, and William Cowper were familiar with the tale. One scholar speculates the public had grown weary of King Arthur and Jack was created to fill the role. Jack's story did not appear in print until 1711. Jack and his tale are rarely referenced in English literature prior to the eighteenth century (there is an allusion to Jack the Giant Killer in Shakespeare's King Lear, where in Act 3, one character, Edgar, in his feigned madness, cries, "Fie, foh, and fum,/ I smell the blood of a British man"). Jack's belt is similar to the belt in " The Valiant Little Tailor", and his magical sword, shoes, cap, and cloak are similar to those owned by Tom Thumb or those found in Welsh and Norse mythology.
Some parallels to elements and incidents in Norse mythology have been detected in the tale, and the trappings of Jack's last adventure with the Giant Galigantus suggest parallels with French and Breton fairy tales such as Bluebeard. Giants are prominent in Cornish folklore, Breton mythology and Welsh Bardic lore. The tale is characterised by violence, gore and blood-letting. Thank you." Jack the Giant Killer" is a Cornish fairy tale and legend about a young adult who slays a number of bad giants during King Arthur's reign. If you want to buy anything reviewed on our site (or anything at all!), then please use the Amazon link provided and help support us with our website and podcast. Review by Dave from a disc kindly supplied by 101 Films. New audio commentary by film writers Allan Bryce and David Flint (Original Cut).Re-envisioned 91-minute musical version.Treat yourselves to a timeless adventure for all the family…just be prepared to hide behind the couch when the witches appear! You get double for your money with this release too, as it also has the re-envisioned musical version of the film too, of which the fascinating and informative tale of its genesis is just a part of the great commentary track by Alan Bryce on the original cut. The visual effects of course highlight that this was indeed not made yesterday, but the stop-motion animation has a timeless charm that adds to the adventure. The vivid colours of the sumptuous clothing worn by the aristocracy at the castle, is a kaleidoscope of beautiful primary colours, which make it look as though it was made yesterday. Jack the Giant Killer is a visual treat on this Blu-ray release from 101 Films. This is just the beginning though of a journey Jack must take to be done with Pendragon once and for all, in an adventure story that keeps throwing thrill after huge-smile-inducing thrill at you during its entire 94 minute running time. However, a peasant farmer (the titular Jack) battles the giant and saves the Princess (HURRAH!).
Pendragon uses his evil spells to summon forth all manner of creatures (rendered in Harryhausen-esque stop-motion that are an absolute joy to watch) of which a giant abducts the Princess from the castle. The evil Pendragon (BOOOO) plots to gain control of Cornwall by abducting the Princess. Released on Blu-ray for the first time in the UK, Jack the Giant Killer is family entertainment at its best…a swashbuckling adventure with stop-motion animation beasties that will have you cheering and booing in equal parts.