Alakazam the Great is a 1960 Japanese anime film, based on Journey to the West. Originally called Saiyuki ("Journey to the West"?), it was one of the earliest anime films to be released in the United States. Based on a manga (comic book) by Osamu Tezuka, Tezuka was named as a director of the film by Toei Company. However, Tezuka later stated that the only time he was in the studio was to pose for publicity photos. His involvement as a consultant for the adaptation of his manga, and in promoting the film, however, led to his interest in animation.
Alakazam is a young and brave monkey who convinces all the other monkeys to make him their king. After attaining the throne and learning magic, he becomes so vain that he goes to heaven to challenge the gods. He is defeated by King Amo, and sentenced to serve as the bodyguard of Prince Amat in order to learn humility.
The film was released in the U.S. on July 26, 1961. For the American release, bandleader Les Baxter was hired to compose a new soundtrack. Teen idol Frankie Avalon supplied the singing voice of Alakazam (the speaking voice was done by Peter Fernandez), and Sterling Holloway provided the English narration. Despite a large marketing budget and heavy promotion, the film did not do well in America.
Alakazam is a young and brave monkey who convinces all the other monkeys to make him their king. After attaining the throne and learning magic, he becomes so vain that he goes to heaven to challenge the gods. He is defeated by King Amo, and sentenced to serve as the bodyguard of Prince Amat in order to learn humility.
The film was released in the U.S. on July 26, 1961. For the American release, bandleader Les Baxter was hired to compose a new soundtrack. Teen idol Frankie Avalon supplied the singing voice of Alakazam (the speaking voice was done by Peter Fernandez), and Sterling Holloway provided the English narration. Despite a large marketing budget and heavy promotion, the film did not do well in America.
