Watch The Thief and the Cobbler

"The Thief and the Cobbler" is a 1993 animated film directed by Richard Williams. The movie is a retelling of the story of "The Thief of Baghdad," which tells the tale of a cloaked thief who must outsmart the evil Grand Vizier to save a beautiful princess. The film stars Vincent Price as the voice of the villainous Grand Vizier, who seeks to overthrow the Sultan of Baghdad and marry his daughter, Princess Yum Yum, voiced by Jennifer Beals. Matthew Broderick provides the voice of Tack, a shy and unassuming cobbler who happens to cross paths with the crafty thief.

The animation in "The Thief and the Cobbler" is breathtakingly beautiful, featuring a unique style that blends both Eastern and Western influences. The film showcases intricate hand-drawn animation, a rarity in the age of computer-generated images.

The Thief is a charming and likable character, voiced by Jonathan Winters, who on a heist run, ends up on a quest to save the city from the evil Grand Vizier. He teams up with Tack, the lowly cobbler and together, they make a plan to steal the highly prized Three Golden Balls, but only if Tack helps him rescue the beautiful Princess Yum Yum from certain doom first.

The movie features a fascinating cast of characters, including a bumbling soldier named Phido, voiced by Jim Cummings, and an overly talkative camel named Ziggurat. The villainous Grand Vizier serves as a sinister antagonist, using his mystical powers and cunning wit to terrorize the people of Baghdad and force Princess Yum Yum into submission.

The story is a classic tale of good vs. evil, with Tack and the Thief working together to save the city and rescue Princess Yum Yum. The film is filled with thrilling action sequences, including a heart-stopping chase scene through the streets of Baghdad.

The film's score is equally impressive, featuring a mix of orchestral music and Middle Eastern tunes that perfectly complement the film's setting and style.

Unfortunately, the movie was plagued by production woes that led to it being released in an unfinished state. Due to financial difficulties, Williams was forced to sell the rights to the film, and a new production team was brought in to finish the movie. The film's original ending was scrapped, and new scenes were added in an attempt to make the film more marketable.

Despite its troubled production history, "The Thief and the Cobbler" remains a stunning achievement in animation. The film's intricate animation and engaging characters make it a must-see for fans of the genre. While the movie may not have achieved the critical and commercial success it deserved, it remains a beloved cult classic today.