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"Love can make a man become a beast. And love can also make an ugly man, beautiful."
Beauty and the Beast is a great story, one that is
both romantic and intriguing. This production of Faerie Tale Theatre keeps remarkably true to the original tale and has performances
from some of the most gifted actors of our time.
German actor Klaus Kinski makes his role of the Beast
a fantastically believable one, he allows the viewer to see how tortured the Beast is - something most productions don't even
think about. He was a phenominal actor. Seeing him in this is a complete treat.
However, one can't help noticing the problems with
the final scene. When the prince finally appears he gets no closeups and is shot completely in soft focus - not
surprising when you realize Kinski was nearing 60 at the time. Klaus Kinski was an extraordinary actor, but was rather
disturbed in real life. Susan Sarandon even looks a wee bit uncomfortable when he puts his arm around her.
Anjelica Huston also appears in this, clearly enjoying her supporting role as
Beauty's sister. She's paired with Nancy Lenehan and the two worked off each other brilliantly - they really acted like
sisters. Stephen Elliott is another fine actor, although he does seem to be taking his role as the Father just a wee bit too
serious.
The sets are very good, but the costuming is very
limited. Beauty and the Beast are living in an enchanted castle with everything they want, but they never want to change their
clothes? That's really the only flaw in the film, the rest is great. It's one of the best episodes they made.
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Trivia:
Klaus Kinski was a huge fan of the Cocteau film Beauty and the Beast
(La Belle et la Bête), and agreed to do the role because of its faithfulness to the original.
Stan Wilson, who plays Jaques, was dating Shelley Duvall at the time.
Jessica Lange was the original choice for the role of Beauty.
Sets, costumes, and art direction were all inspired by the 1944 film, La Belle et la Bête.
Episode 14 (3-6)
Air Date: August 13, 1984
CAST:
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