The Flight of Dragons

The Flight of Dragons

Year: 1982

Runtime: 96 mins

Language: English

Directors: Jules Bass, Arthur Rankin, Jr.

FamilyAnimationFantasyEpic heroesFairy-tale fantasy and enchanted magic

A looming conflict pits magic against science as the realm of sorcery faces invasion from the logical world. Carolinus, a benevolent green wizard, vows to protect magic forever, but the malevolent red wizard Ommadon opposes him. To stop Ommadon, Carolinus summons Peter Dickinson, the first man to master both science and magic, tasking him with the quest to defeat the evil wizard and preserve the balance.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Flight of Dragons (1982)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Flight of Dragons (1982). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Medieval fantasy era; 20th century

The plot shifts between a timeless magical era where wizards guard nature and a contemporary 20th-century world of science and invention. Peter Dickinson is transported from Boston into the magical past, then returns to a modern setting with new perspectives. The timeline ultimately blends these worlds as the realm of magic takes shape beside the rational world.

Location

Medieval fantasy realm, Boston

The story unfolds in a magical, nature-ruled realm inhabited by dragons, wizards, and talking creatures. It contrasts this enchanted world with 20th-century Boston, where a modern, science-minded Peter Dickinson lives among human progress. The intertwining settings highlight the coexistence—and tension—between magic’s wonder and humanity’s rational curiosity.

❄️ Fantasy World 🗺️ Adventure 🌿 Nature

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:48

Main Characters – The Flight of Dragons (1982)

Meet the key characters of The Flight of Dragons (1982), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Peter Dickinson (John Ritter)

A former scientist turned board game designer from 20th-century Boston who becomes the reluctant leader of the quest. He experiences a mind-merge with Gorbash, blending scientific logic with dragon-wrought abilities. Over the journey, he learns to explain magical phenomena through rational principles while forming a bond with Melisande.

🧠 Scientist 🗺️ Leader 🧪 Rational

Carolinus (Harry Morgan)

The Green Wizard who safeguards nature and aims to preserve a last realm of magic. He orchestrates the quest and mentors Peter, insisting that the wizards must work together rather than fight among themselves. He envisions a future where magic can coexist with reason, even as humanity pursues science.

🪄 Wizard 🧭 Leader 🛡️ Nature

Gorbash (Cosie Costa)

Peter's dragon companion who merges with Peter's consciousness after an injury during rescue attempts. Initially ignorant about dragon life, Peter learns dragonflight and fire under Smrgol's teachings. Their bond anchors the quest, bridging dragon instinct with human curiosity.

🐉 Dragon 🧠 Mind-body 🔥 Fire

Ommadon (James Earl Jones)

The Red Wizard who wields dark magic and seeks to corrupt humanity through vice. His power centers on a crown, making him a formidable foe until Peter reframes his strength with science. His defeat demonstrates that rational thought can override imposed magic.

🔥 Villain 🗝️ Power 🪄 Dark Magic

Danielle (Nellie Bellflower)

A noble archer and steadfast ally who fights alongside Orrin, Melisande, and Giles. She endures peril, captures, and escapes as the troupe presses toward Ommadon's realm. Her practical bravery keeps the group moving forward.

🏹 Archer 🐺 Ally

Sir Orrin Neville-Smythe (Bob McFadden)

A noble knight who embodies courage and sacrifice. He dies heroically after slaying Bryagh, his death sealing the path for the others and underscoring the cost of defending both realms.

🗡️ Knight ⚔️ Hero

Princess Melisande (Alexandra Stoddart)

Carolinus's ward who falls in love with Peter. Her awakening to a future where magic and humanity can share a bond drives a hopeful romance and a bridge between realms. She joins Peter in spirit, inspired by love and loyalty.

👑 Princess 💖 Love

Smrgol (James Gregory)

An elder dragon who mentors Peter and sacrifices himself to protect the group. His guidance helps Peter blend dragon knowledge with scientific reasoning, and his death marks a pivotal turning point for the quest.

🐉 Elder Dragon 🧭 Mentor

Bryagh (James Gregory)

Ommadon's dragon lieutenant who participates in the defense of the realm but is ultimately defeated by Sir Orrin. The clash underscores the stakes of the conflict between magic and science.

🐉 Dragon 🗡️ Warrior

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:48

Major Themes – The Flight of Dragons (1982)

Explore the central themes of The Flight of Dragons (1982), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🧪 Science vs Magic

The film centers on the clash and eventual synthesis of magical and scientific thinking. Peter uses rational explanations to understand dragon flight and fire, countering dangerous magic with logic. The climax suggests that science and magic can coexist when understood rather than opposed.

🤝 Friendship & Sacrifice

A diverse party—including humans, dragons, and mythical beings—unites to oppose Ommadon. Members endure peril and losses, with Smrgol's sacrifice marking a turning point for the group. The narrative emphasizes loyalty, mentorship, and the high cost of heroism.

👑 Power and Crown

Ommadon's crown embodies corrupt power and the lure of domination over both magic and mankind. The heroes seek to sever that power by challenging the source of his strength. The denouement implies power is meaningful only when tempered by truth and harmony between realms.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:48

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The Flight of Dragons Summary

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The Flight of Dragons Summary

The Flight of Dragons Timeline

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The Flight of Dragons Timeline

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The Flight of Dragons (1982) Plot Summary & Movie Recap

The Flight of Dragons (1982) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline

The Flight of Dragons (1982) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow