Guide Note

The Little Mermaid is a 1989 Disney Animated Film that began a new era of modern American animation. It was based on a fairy tale written in 1836 by Hans Christian Andersen.

Fast Facts

1. Release Date: November 15, 1989
2. Studio: The Walt Disney Company
3. Starring: Jodi Benson, Pat Carroll, Rene Auberjonois, Christopher Daniel Barnes, Kenneth Mars, Buddy Hackett

Plot

The Little Mermaid is the story of a mermaid princess, Ariel, who is curious about the earth and being human. She searches the sea for human artifacts with her best friend, Flounder. Her father, King Triton, warns her that is forbidden for merpeople and humans to connect. Despite her father's warnings, Ariel continues to collect artifacts and long to be a human. She saves Prince Eric, when his ship goes down during a storm. Prince Eric can only vaguely remember the girl who had saved him, and swears to find her. Ariel has fallen in love with him, but knows she has been forbidden to meet him. Ursula, a sea witch, makes a deal with Ariel to turn her into a human for three days, giving her the opportunity to reunite with Eric. If she would like to continue to be human, she must receive a "kiss of true love". Although they come close, they do not kiss in time and Ariel is returned to a mermaid. After King Triton sees his daughter upset, he returns her to a human and the last scene is that of Ariel and Eric's wedding.

The Little Mermaid II: Return to the Sea

Return to the Sea begins where the first movie had ended, after Eric and Ariel's wedding. They are aboard a ship, where they are having a celebration for the birth of their daughter, Melody. Ariel does not reveal any of her origins to Melody. As Melody grows up, she begins to find out more about her mother's past, and leaves to find out more. After multiple search parties are sent out to search for her, she is returned to her family.

The Little Mermaid: Ariel's Beginning

Ariel's Beginning is a film set to be released in August 2008. It is set to approximately one year before the original film had taken place.

Awards

1. Academy Awards
   1. Best Original Score
   2. Best Original Song - Under the Sea
2. Golden Globe Award
   1. Best Original Score - Motion Picture
   2. Best Original Song - Motion Picture - Under the Sea
3. BMI Film & TV Awards
   1. BMI Film Music Award
4. Los Angeles Film Critics Association
   1. Best Animation
5. Golden Screen Awards
   1. Golden Screen Award
6. Golden Reel Awards
   1. Best Sound Editing - Animated Feature
7. Young Artist Award
   1. Best Family Motion Picture - Adventure or Cartoon