🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Mark Lewis
- Genre: Family, Comedy, Drama, Adventure, Fantasy
- Release year: 1995
- Runtime (length): 1h 30min
- IMDb rating: 3.8/10 (2.7K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 14%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
After escaping the slaughterhouse, a talking pig accidentally becomes a swimming hero and then, inexplicably, the CEO of a major corporation.
🍿 Gordy: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Gordy’s Farm Life and Family Peril
The film introduces Gordy, a young piglet living a seemingly idyllic life on a Meadowbrook Farm, alongside his parents and siblings. However, their peaceful existence is abruptly shattered when the entire pig family is sold off, destined for a slaughterhouse. With the grim understanding that no pig ever returns from such a place, Gordy realizes he is the last hope to save his loved ones.
An Unexpected Journey and New Friendships
Driven by his desperate quest, Gordy escapes the farm and embarks on a brave journey to find his missing family. Along the way, he encounters and is befriended by Luke McAllister, a kind-hearted country music singer, and his empathetic young daughter, Jinnie Sue. Jinnie Sue possesses the unique ability to understand Gordy’s speech, and the piglet becomes an unofficial member of their traveling musical act.
From Hero Pig to Corporate Mascot
During one of the McAllisters’ engagements at the estate of the wealthy Royce family, Gordy performs a heroic act by saving Hanky Royce, the lonely grandson of industrialist Henry Royce, from drowning. This selfless deed propels Gordy into the national spotlight, earning him the title of ‘hero pig.’ Leveraging this newfound fame, Henry Royce makes Gordy a corporate mascot, and through an eccentric will, Gordy eventually gains control of the Royce family’s vast business empire, with Hanky serving as his eager translator.
⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Gordy (N/A): A resourceful and talking piglet who embarks on a quest to save his family from the slaughterhouse.
- Jinnie Sue McAllister (Kristy Young): A young country music singer’s daughter who befriends Gordy and helps him on his journey.
- Luke McAllister (Doug Stone): A traveling country music singer and Jinnie Sue’s father who provides initial shelter to Gordy.
- Hanky Royce (Michael Roescher): A lonely wealthy boy whom Gordy saves from drowning and who subsequently understands the pig’s speech.
- Jessica Royce (Deborah Hobart): Hanky’s mother and a businesswoman whose family’s company becomes unexpectedly linked with Gordy’s fame.
- Gilbert Sipes (James Donadio): Jessica’s greedy and conniving boyfriend who acts as an antagonist attempting to undermine Gordy.
- Henry Royce (Ted Manson): The industrialist patriarch of the wealthy Royce family who uses Gordy’s hero status for corporate branding.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Gilbert Sipes: “Go play your banjo, Goober!” – Said dismissively to Cousin Jake, highlighting Gilbert’s arrogant and condescending personality.
- Henry Royce: “Thanks to the hero pig, I’m a shoo in!” – Exclaimed with glee after Gordy’s heroic act of saving his grandson, seeing a business opportunity in the pig’s newfound fame.
- Gordy: “All animals can really talk, but only simple folks can understand them.” – Gordy explains the film’s premise, revealing why only certain characters, like innocent children and ‘simple folks,’ can understand him.
- Hanky Royce: “I can understand him!” – Realizes he can comprehend Gordy’s speech after ‘taking the time to listen,’ marking a significant turning point in their bond.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $6 million
- Domestic Gross: $3,941,146
- Worldwide Gross: $3,941,146
💥 Gordy Reviews
Personal Review
Honestly, I went into ‘Gordy’ not expecting much, especially after hearing all the comparisons to ‘Babe.’ But you know what? It has its own bizarre charm. The scene where Gordy swims to save the kid is just ridiculous enough to be hilarious, and the whole CEO plotline is so wild it’s hard to look away. It’s definitely a product of its time with that country music vibe, but I found myself surprisingly invested in this little pig’s adventure. It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a fun, quirky watch that delivers exactly what it promises: a talking pig, and then some.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Young children (ages 3-8) looking for a straightforward talking animal adventure”
- “Families seeking very mild, wholesome entertainment”
- “Viewers nostalgic for 1990s live-action family films”
- “Fans of country music, due to several real-life country artists making cameo appearances”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Very mild thematic elements (separation from family, implied danger from slaughterhouse)”
- “No profanity, nudity, or intense violence”
- “Rated U (Universal Audience – suitable for all ages)”
Professional Reviews
- Cinema Scroll: “Gordy struggles to find its footing, awkwardly shifting from a farm adventure to a corporate satire. While the central pig is undeniably cute, the film’s clunky dialogue and uneven direction make for an uninspired viewing experience that even the youngest audiences might find tedious.
- Reel Insights: “Released so close to ‘Babe,’ ‘Gordy’ invites unfavorable comparisons. It’s harmless kid-fare with a few bright spots, like Kristy Young’s musical numbers, but its disjointed plot and predictable clichés prevent it from achieving the same level of charm or cinematic quality. A forgettable pig tale.
- Family Movie Guide: “For families seeking simple, unpretentious fun, ‘Gordy’ delivers. Despite its low-budget feel and often outlandish plot turns, the film’s earnestness and focus on animal welfare themes resonate well with very young children. A charming, if flawed, choice for a casual family night.
Audience Reactions
Viewers were often amused by Gordy’s highly improbable but entertaining rise to corporate fame.: Many appreciate its wholesome, innocent nature and its unique appeal to very young children, despite its perceived flaws and often cheesy effects.
Overall Consensus: Gordy is largely seen as a quaint, often silly, but ultimately harmless children’s film, frequently overshadowed by its more polished contemporary, ‘Babe,’ yet it holds a nostalgic spot for some who grew up with its unique blend of farm adventure and corporate absurdity.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film’s original concept, titled ‘Waldo,’ was developed in the 1960s by Jay Sommers and Dick Chevillat, the writers of the TV show ‘Green Acres,’ as a potential vehicle for Arnold the Pig from that series.”
- “Many crew members reportedly did not pursue further careers in filmmaking after working on ‘Gordy,’ which suggests a potentially less polished or industry-standard production experience.”
- “Filming took place in Marietta, Georgia, USA, with specific locations like ‘Miss Kitty’s,’ a real country bar and dance hall, being featured.”
- “Producer Sybil Robson reportedly blamed Miramax’s ‘lackluster distribution’ for the film’s poor box office performance, leading to a settlement with the company.”
🖥️ How to Watch Gordy?
While ‘Gordy’ premiered in theaters, it is now primarily available for digital purchase or rental. You can find ‘Gordy’ to buy or rent on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. Check these platforms for the most current availability and pricing to enjoy this family-friendly adventure at home. Physical copies, such as DVD or VHS, may also be found through online retailers.
🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Gordy, you might like these similar films:
- Babe (1995): Direct Comparison: Both films released in the same year, feature a talking pig as the central character, and explore themes of animals in human environments and overcoming adversity.
- Charlotte’s Web (1973): Thematic Similar: A classic animated film about a pig who befriends other animals on a farm and must be saved from slaughter, emphasizing friendship, courage, and the value of life.
- Green Acres (1965-1971): Cult Classic: The original concept for ‘Gordy’ was developed by the writers of this classic TV show, which famously featured a talking pig named Arnold, making it a direct conceptual predecessor.
- Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993): Era-specific Alternative: Features talking animals (through voiceover, similar to ‘Gordy’s’ technique) on a perilous journey to reunite with their family, offering a heartwarming adventure from the same time period.
- Paddington (2014): Modern Equivalent: A charming, live-action/CGI film about an anthropomorphic animal navigating the human world, offering similar family-friendly appeal, humor, and a heartwarming story of belonging.
🛒 Gordy Related Products
- Gordy (The Movie) – 25th Anniversary Blu-ray: Experience the heartwarming (and bewildering) journey of Gordy in stunning high-definition. This anniversary edition includes bonus features like ‘The Making of a Corporate Pig’ and deleted scenes, offering a deeper dive into this unique family classic.
- Gordy the Pig Plush Toy: Bring home your very own cuddly Gordy! This high-quality plush toy captures the lovable pig’s innocent charm, perfect for snuggling or display. Made from soft, durable materials, it’s a great companion for any young fan.
- “My Friend Gordy” Interactive Storybook App: Join Gordy on his incredible adventure in this interactive digital storybook. Featuring mini-games, animated scenes, and the original soundtrack, kids can explore Gordy’s world and help him save his family and run the corporation.
- Country Road Trip: The Best of 90s Family Country (Vinyl): A curated vinyl collection featuring feel-good country hits reminiscent of ‘Gordy’s’ heartwarming soundtrack, including ‘Wishbone’ and other family-friendly anthems from the era. Perfect for road trips or relaxing at home.
🎧 Soundtrack
Gordy features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Yes, Gordy is a piglet who can talk. In the movie’s premise, only simple-hearted individuals, innocent children (like Jinnie Sue and Hanky), and certain ‘idiot’ adults (like Cousin Jake) are capable of understanding his speech.
Gordy saves his family by embarking on a determined quest after they are sent to the slaughterhouse. His journey leads him to become a national sensation and corporate mogul after saving a boy from drowning, which provides him with the resources and influence to locate and rescue his family before it’s too late.
‘Gordy’ is frequently compared to the more critically acclaimed film ‘Babe,’ largely because both movies feature talking pigs and were released in close proximity (Gordy in May 1995, Babe in August 1995). However, ‘Gordy’ is generally considered a lower-budget and less sophisticated film with a different tone and plot trajectory compared to ‘Babe’.
‘Gordy’ was primarily filmed in and around Marietta, Georgia, USA. Specific locations, including a country dance hall that once was ‘Miss Kitty’s,’ were utilized for production.
No, ‘Gordy’ was not a box office success. It grossed approximately $3.9 million worldwide, against an estimated budget of $6-7 million. Its release, shortly before the highly anticipated ‘Babe,’ likely contributed to its underperformance.
While ‘Gordy’ was distributed by Miramax Films, which was a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company at the time of its release, it was not produced by Walt Disney Pictures directly. It was released under the Miramax Family Films label.
🔥 Bonus Content
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Pull back the curtain and see how the magic (and terror!) was made in ‘Nope’ and other recent horror hits! This Insider video reveals the ingenious practical effects and clever tricks filmmakers used, including specific details about Jordan Peele’s creative choices for ‘Nope.’ It’s truly eye-opening!
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Did you notice the subtle (or not-so-subtle) use of color in ‘Nope’? This brilliant analysis dives deep into Jordan Peele’s masterful use of color across his films, including ‘Nope,’ revealing how he uses it to build suspense, hint at plot, and add layers of meaning. It’s an incredibly insightful look into Peele’s genius!
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