Hugo the Hippo

Hugo the Hippo

Year: 1975

Runtime: 91 mins

Language: Hungarian

Directors: József Gémes, Bill Feigenbaum

AdventureFamilyAnimation

Vivid colors, wild music and animation deliver a phantasmagorical family adventure. The Sultan of Zanzibar’s harbor is plagued by sharks, so he releases twelve hippos to keep them away. When the city stops feeding them, the starving hippos rampage. The king’s adviser, Aban‑Khan, kills them all except a small hippo named Hugo, who becomes the hero.

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Timeline & Setting – Hugo the Hippo (1975)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Hugo the Hippo (1975). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Location

Zanzibar harbor, Dar es Salaam

The story unfolds along the Swahili coast, centered on the bustling harbor of Zanzibar. It later shifts to Dar es Salaam on the African mainland, where a group of children care for Hugo. The harbor setting is lively yet dangerous, with hungry sharks threatening docked ships and the lives of those who depend on the sea.

🛥️ Harbor town 🐘 East Africa 🌊 Coastal trade

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:34

Main Characters – Hugo the Hippo (1975)

Meet the key characters of Hugo the Hippo (1975), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Hugo the Hippo

Hugo is the sole surviving hippo after Aban-Khan's slaughter. He is discovered by a group of children led by Jorma and becomes the target of Aban-Khan's pursuit. Despite his size, Hugo is gentle and reliant on the kids for care, navigating danger after fleeing to the mainland.

🦛 Hippo 💚 Gentle Giant 🕊️ Outcast

Jorma (Ronnie Cox)

Jorma is a brave farmer boy who leads a group of children in hiding Hugo and building a garden to feed him. He values friendship, perseverance, and practical problem-solving as they face hunger and danger. His courage drives the effort to protect Hugo from Aban-Khan’s pursuit.

🧒 Boy 🪴 Gardener 🗺️ Leader

Aban-Khan (Paul Lynde)

Aban-Khan is the Sultan's advisor and a ruthless schemer who seeks to exploit Hugo for his own power. His cruelty is matched by a flair for magical traps and deception, which he uses to turn the garden into a monster-filled trap. His downfall comes as his arrogance enrages the community.

👑 Power-hungry 🗡️ Cruel 🧙‍♂️ Trickster

Sultan (Robert Morley)

The wise ruler of the realm who champions Hugo's cause, delivering a passionate speech in court about mistreatment of the hippos. His intervention reframes Hugo as the injured party and legitimizes the children's plea for mercy. The Sultan embodies justice and compassionate leadership.

👑 Wise ruler ⚖️ Justice Seeker 🕊️ Compassion

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:34

Major Themes – Hugo the Hippo (1975)

Explore the central themes of Hugo the Hippo (1975), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🕊️ Compassion

Hugo the Hippo centers on compassion toward a vulnerable creature. The story contrasts neglect and cruelty with acts of mercy that restore dignity. It shows how empathy from children and communities can alter outcomes and heal a community's spirit.

⚖️ Justice

A court scene and the Sultan's defense frame Hugo's plight as an injured party against Aban-Khan's cruelty. The narrative argues that abuse of power deserves accountability. The resolution hinges on fair judgment and public support.

🤝 Community

Children rally to care for Hugo, building a garden and defending him from further harm. The Sultan's intervention and villagers' actions demonstrate collective responsibility. The story celebrates cooperation as the force that sustains Hugo's future.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 14:34

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Hugo the Hippo Summary

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Hugo the Hippo Summary

Hugo the Hippo Timeline

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Hugo the Hippo Timeline

More About Hugo the Hippo

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Hugo the Hippo (1975) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

Hugo the Hippo (1975) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

Hugo the Hippo (1975) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow