The Prince and the Pauper

The Prince and the Pauper

Year: 1990

Runtime: 27 mins

Language: English

Director: George Scribner

FamilyAnimationComedy

Long ago in a land with an ailing king, there was a pair of boys who looked exactly alike, a pauper called Mickey and the other, the Crown Prince.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Prince and the Pauper (1990)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Prince and the Pauper (1990). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

mid-16th century

The action takes place during a period when monarchs ruled with broad authority and courtiers jockeyed for power. Illness in the throne creates a ripe environment for intrigue, manipulation, and shifts in loyalty. Disguise and social mobility are central to the plot, highlighting how leadership should respond to the needs of the people.

Location

London, England, Royal Palace

The story unfolds in London and its royal palace, presenting a bustling capital city under a monarch’s rule. Set in the mid-16th century, it showcases court life, guards, and the daily concerns of a realm facing illness at the top. The palace corridors and city streets together form the backdrop for a tale of disguise, justice, and social disparity.

🏰 Palace 🏙 City 🕰 History

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:51

Main Characters – The Prince and the Pauper (1990)

Meet the key characters of The Prince and the Pauper (1990), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

The Prince / Mickey Mouse (Wayne Allwine)

The prince is bored with royal life and collaborates with Mickey to swap identities, using wit and leadership to challenge Pete’s corruption. As the disguised ruler, he shows compassion for his people and a willingness to take risks for justice. His journey highlights the responsibilities that come with power and the value of empathy across social divides.

👑 Royalty 🎭 Disguise 🧭 Leadership

Mickey Mouse (Wayne Allwine)

A clever, street-smart beggar who steps into a royal role after the swap, learning first-hand about privilege and public duty. He adapts quickly, using his wits to steer the kingdom away from Pete's scheming and to protect the people he meets. His bond with friends drives the fight for justice.

🎭 Identity 🤝 Friendship 🧠 Cleverness

Goofy (Bill Farmer)

A loyal and resourceful friend who helps the prince and Mickey navigate danger. He improvises disguises and plays a crucial role in rescuing the prince and others from Pete’s plots. His steadfastness and humor keep morale high amid mounting peril.

🤝 Loyalty 🧭 Adventure 🎭 Humor

Captain Pete (Arthur Burghardt)

The thieving captain who corrupts the throne by exploiting the king’s illness. He schemes to install a puppet ruler and seize power, manipulating soldiers and the public with fear. His greed and ruthlessness set the central conflict in motion.

⚔️ Villainy 💰 Greed

Pluto (Bill Farmer)

Mickey’s loyal dog who senses the prince’s true identity despite the disguise and initially distantiates from his master’s new role. Pluto’s loyalty and instinctGuide the group toward truth and rescue operations.

🐶 Loyalty 🧭 Instinct 🐾 Trust

Donald Duck (Tony Anselmo)

The prince’s valet who recognizes the real prince despite the pauper garb and supports the escape plan. He acts with boldness and a sharp wit, helping outmaneuver Pete’s guards. His loyalty to the rightful heir keeps the plan from unraveling.

🗣️ Wit 🤝 Loyalty 🗺️ Resourcefulness

Clarabelle Cow (Elvia Allman)

A kindly figure whose family suffers under the soldiers’ confiscations. She represents the common folk Pete neglects, and her interactions with the group underscore the human cost of political greed.

🌾 Community 🐮 Kindness 🫶 Compassion

Horace Horsecollar (Bill Farmer)

The prince’s teacher who guides him with wisdom. Horace embodies the benevolent side of education and mentorship, helping the disguised prince navigate his new role and responsibilities.

📚 Education 🐴 Mentorship 🧭 Guidance

The Dying King (Frank Welker)

A benevolent ruler whose illness triggers Pete’s coup. Before dying, he must decide who will inherit the throne, setting the stage for the revelation of the impostor and the rightful crown.

👑 Monarchy 🕊️ Legacy 🩺 Illness

Narrator (Roy Dotrice)

Provides narration to guide the audience through the tale, framing the kingdom’s politics and the parallel lives of the prince and the beggar.

🎙️ Voice 🗂️ Storytelling 🧭 Perspective

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:51

Major Themes – The Prince and the Pauper (1990)

Explore the central themes of The Prince and the Pauper (1990), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🎭 Identity & Class

Two look-alikes swap lives, forcing them to experience life in different social strata. The film uses disguise to explore how birthright shapes power and opportunity. Across the swapped roles, both characters learn about responsibility, empathy, and justice for the common people.

⚖️ Power & Corruption

A greedy captain manipulates a king's illness to seize control, pulling strings from the shadows. The story shows how fear and ambition corrupt institutions, threatening the well-being of the realm. Yet public resistance and a brave few characters reveal the cost of tyranny.

🤝 Friendship & Loyalty

Mickey, Goofy, Donald, and others rally to protect the innocent and expose treachery. Friendship crosses class and status as loyalty drives daring acts. The message is that courage and cooperation can outshine scheming rulers.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 12:51

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The Prince and the Pauper Summary

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The Prince and the Pauper Timeline

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