Guide Note

Matilda is a comedy film about a young girl who has spent so much time taking care of herself, she develops a magical power. It is based on the children's story of the same name by author Roald Dahl.

Fast Facts

1. Director: Danny DeVito
2. Produced by: Danny DeVito, Michael Shamberg, Stacey Sher
3. Written by: Roald Dahl (novel), Nicholas Kazan, Robin Swicord
4. Starring: Mara Wilson, Pam Ferris, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman
5. Distributed by: TriStar Pictures
6. Release date: August 2, 1996
7. Run Time: 95 minutes
8. Rating: PG
9. Budget: $36,000,000

1. Chalk "X" on the blackboard changes to a straight line.
2. The FBI agent's camcorder opens twice.
3. Magnus' picture faces into the room at first then later faces toward the window when Matilda gets the doll.
4. When Matilda levitates the water pitcher to show Miss Honey her powers, the shadow of the water pitcher is still where it should be if it were sitting on the tabletop.
5. Before the spoon goes in Matilda's mouth, a rod is seen sticking out of the one end, clearly holding it up.

1. Pam Ferris would often stay in character when the director called cut in an attempt to actually scare the children on set so that their fear would be genuine when the camera was rolling.
2. Sadly, Mara Wilson's mother died of breast cancer during filming. Mara pressed on bravely, impressing her adult co-stars.
3. Richard Donner was considered to direct the film.
4. The picture of Miss Honey's father, Magnus, is actually a portrait of Roald Dahl, the author of the book upon which the film is based.