The Prince and the Pauper 1990
Directed by
George Scribner
Made by
Walt Disney Pictures
The Prince and the Pauper Plot Summary
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The Prince and the Pauper Timeline
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King falls ill and Pete rises
In London during the mid-16th century, the king grows sick, and his kingdom begins to feel the void of strong leadership. Pete, the captain of the guard, exploits the chaos to plunder and terrorize in the king's name. The realm's peace hangs by a thread as greed takes hold in the shadows.
Beggar chase leads to the castle
Mickey Mouse, Goofy, and Pluto, starving beggars, spot Captain Pete's carriage loaded with stolen food. Pluto gives chase and ends up at the castle gates, drawing the attention of surprised guards. The scene sets the stage for a swap that will change the prince's fate.
Mickey mistaken for the prince
Mickey is allowed inside after a soldier opens the door and Pete scolds him for letting anyone in. Pete kicks Mickey through the door and forcibly ejects Pluto from the castle, mistaking them for intruders. The real crisis begins as the two beggars meet the royal world they’re about to impersonate.
Prince and beggar swap identities
Inside the palace, the prince explains that he and Mickey are identical in appearance, except for a royal ring that marks the true heir. They exchange clothes and roles, with the prince disguising himself as a beggar and Mickey taking up royal life while studying the prince's duties. The switch sets off a dangerous test of wit and loyalty.
Pluto senses the impostor and shows concern
Mickey, now living as the prince, is followed by Goofy and Pluto; Pluto senses this is not his master and leaves, wary of the deception. Meanwhile, the prince witnesses soldiers attempting to steal food from Clarabelle Cow and her children, realizing Pete's deceit has harmed the people. The king's absence has allowed greed to flourish.
Real prince halts a stolen-food carriage
Disguised as himself, the prince stops a carriage laden with stolen food by revealing his royal ring and reclaiming the supplies for the hungry townsfolk. Pete's soldiers try to pursue him, but the prince escapes with Goofy and the villagers' help. The act exposes Pete's greed to the kingdom.
Mickey is summoned to the dying king
Back at the palace, Mickey, still dressed as the prince, is called to see the king, who is dying and believes the impostor is his son. Pete takes the opportunity to force Mickey into working for him, threatening to kill Pluto if he refuses. The tension escalates as loyalty and theft collide.
The prince learns of his father's death and is captured
The bells announce the king's death and the prince races back to the palace, only to be captured by Pete and Donald in the dungeon. Pete reveals a plan to crown Mickey as a puppet ruler, intending to seize full control from the shadows. Donald, who still believes the disguise, recognizes the prince despite his pauper clothes.
Goofy helps the escape
Goofy disguises himself as an executioner to help Donald and the prince escape from the dungeon. They race toward the coronation chamber to stop Pete's plan. Pluto remains captive, but the escape triggers the final confrontation.
Confrontation in the coronation chamber
The prince arrives and reveals Pete's plot to the archbishop and the crowd, halting the hurried coronation. A sword duel ensues between the prince and Pete while Donald and Goofy free Pluto and neutralize Pete's guards by causing a chandelier to fall.
Climax: Pete defeated and Mickey's true identity revealed
Mickey and the prince force Pete and his men to fall from a window; Pluto recognizes Mickey, clearing up the confusion. The archbishop finally crowns the true prince, ending Pete's scheme and restoring order.
A just reign begins
The real prince is crowned king and appoints Mickey as a royal court member and Goofy as captain of the guard, promising a long, just rule. The kingdom begins to heal as justice, compassion, and shared leadership guide the land.
The Prince and the Pauper Characters
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Prince and the Pauper Settings
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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.
The Prince and the Pauper Themes
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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.
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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.
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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.
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