Peter and the Wolf

Peter and the Wolf

Year: 1995

Runtime: 46 mins

Language: English

Director: George Daugherty

FamilyAnimation

Sergei Prokofsky’s 1936 symphonic masterpiece “Peter and the Wolf,” famed for its music and story of a clever boy outwitting a wolf, is re‑imagined by George Daugherty for modern audiences. Live‑action framing scenes with a grandfather (Lloyd Bridges) hosting his daughter (Kirstie Alley) and grandson (Ross Malinger) give way to Chuck Jones‑style animation. The tale comes alive as animated characters personify the RCA Symphony Orchestra’s instruments, blending narration with vivid visuals.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Peter and the Wolf (1995)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Peter and the Wolf (1995). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Present day

The story unfolds in contemporary times within a Los Angeles suburb and its countryside edge. It moves from late winter into the first day of Spring, weaving city routines with outdoor meadow play. The modern setting grounds the fairy-tale elements in everyday life.

Location

Los Angeles area, Meadow near Grandfather's house

Set around a family home on the edge of a meadow in the Los Angeles area, the action unfolds in a familiar suburban landscape. The meadow, garden, and surrounding forest form a natural playground that contrasts with urban life. The setting blends domestic life with a wild outdoor world that becomes the stage for Peter's adventure.

🏡 Suburban setting 🌲 Meadow 🌆 City outskirts

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:44

Main Characters – Peter and the Wolf (1995)

Meet the key characters of Peter and the Wolf (1995), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Peter (Ross Malinger)

A curious and brave boy who loves exploration. In the meadow adventure, he thinks quickly, uses a rope to reach the wolf's tail, and orchestrates the rescue of the duck. His actions transform danger into a measured triumph and reveal a protective, loyal side toward his animal friends.

🧭 Curious 🦸‍♂️ Brave 🐾 Protective

Annie (Kirstie Alley)

Peter's mother, busy with life in Los Angeles, who serves as a practical, loving presence. She frames the tale as she explains how the city can feel scary yet also hold room for courage and wonder. Through her dialogue with Grandfather, she emphasizes the importance of spending time together.

👩‍👦 Mother 🗣️ Narrator

Grandfather (Lloyd Bridges)

The elder, warm family figure who recalls a meadow memory and sparks Peter's imagination. He encourages reflection on past experiences and ultimately joins in celebrating Peter's bravery. His presence anchors the story's emotional core.

👴 Grandfather 🧠 Memory

Duck (voice: Kirstie Alley)

A domesticated duck in the yard that longs for a real swim after winter. It ventures toward the pond and is swallowed by the wolf before Peter's plan brings it back to safety.

🦆 Duck

Bird (voice: Kirstie Alley)

A meadow bird that acts as a cautious ally, warning the others and distracting the wolf with flight. Its presence helps create a pivotal opening for Peter's rescue.

🐦 Bird

Cat (voice: Kirstie Alley)

The family cat stalks the duck during the chase and climbs a tree, adding tension to the chase and illustrating the meadow's precarious balance of predator and prey.

🐈 Cat

Wolf

A big grey wolf that emerges from the forest as the story's threat. It swallows the duck and is later captured, symbolizing the triumph of cunning and cooperation over danger.

🐺 Wolf

Hunters

Hunters who track the wolf and, upon arrival, help secure the creature and prevent needless harm. Their involvement leads to a celebratory parade that honors Peter's quick thinking.

🎯 Hunters

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:44

Major Themes – Peter and the Wolf (1995)

Explore the central themes of Peter and the Wolf (1995), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🛡️ Courage

Peter's quick thinking and bravery surface as he confronts the wolf. He uses clever tricks and a rope to outwit the predator and save the duck. The sequence highlights how calm resolve can turn peril into a triumph and protect those who cannot defend themselves.

👨‍👩‍👦 Family

Family dynamics drive the narrative: Annie and Grandfather reflect on time spent together and the security of home. The meadow becomes a shared playground that reconnects generations. Their bond underscores how memory and care anchor risk-filled adventures.

📖 Storytelling

The tale within the tale blurs reality and imagination as the grandfather recounts the meadow event. Peter's perception is shaped by this memory, guiding his actions in the present. The storytelling frame invites viewers to consider how stories shape courage and identity.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 15:44

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Peter and the Wolf Summary

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Peter and the Wolf Summary

Peter and the Wolf Timeline

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Peter and the Wolf Timeline

Peter and the Wolf Spoiler-Free Summary

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Peter and the Wolf Spoiler-Free Summary

More About Peter and the Wolf

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