Jack and the Beanstalk Poster

Jack and the Beanstalk 1917

★ 5.03 votes100 min📅 1917-07-30

Step into a silent-era fairy-tale adventure with *Jack and the Beanstalk* (1917), a whimsical fantasy directed by Sidney Franklin.

Director: Sidney Franklin

Cast

Joe Grant
Joe Grant
Undetermined child role (uncredited)
Francis Carpenter
Francis Carpenter
Francis / Jack
Virginia Lee Corbin
Virginia Lee Corbin
Virginia / Princess Regina
Violet Radcliffe
Prince Rudolpho
James Bush
James Bush
Undetermined Child Role
Eleanor Washington
Francis' Mother
Ralph Lewis
Ralph Lewis
Francis' Father
Raymond Lee
(uncredited)
Vera Lewis
Vera Lewis
The Giantess
'Baby' Carmen De Rue
'Baby' Carmen De Rue
The King of Cornwall

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jack and the Beanstalk (1917) about?

This silent fantasy follows Jack, a brave boy who trades his family's cow for magical beans. Overnight, the beans sprout into a colossal beanstalk reaching the clouds, where Jack discovers a castle owned by a giant. To secure his family's future, Jack strikes a deal with the giant—launching a daring escapade high above the ground.

Who directed Jack and the Beanstalk?

The film was directed by Sidney Franklin, a filmmaker known for his early silent-era work and later transition into sound films. Franklin brought a gentle, imaginative touch to the classic tale.

Who stars in Jack and the Beanstalk?

The film features Joe Grant in the lead role of Jack, alongside Francis Carpenter, Virginia Lee Corbin, Violet Radcliffe, and James Bush in key supporting parts.

Is Jack and the Beanstalk (1917) worth watching?

As a silent fantasy from 1917, the film offers a nostalgic peek into early cinema's storytelling techniques and visual charm. While it lacks modern effects, its heartfelt adventure and classic fairy-tale appeal make it an interesting watch for silent film enthusiasts and fans of timeless tales.

How long is Jack and the Beanstalk?

The film has a runtime of 100 minutes, offering a full-length silent-era fantasy experience.

About Jack and the Beanstalk (1917) — Classic Silent Fantasy Adventure

Step into a silent-era fairy-tale adventure with *Jack and the Beanstalk* (1917), a whimsical fantasy directed by Sidney Franklin. This silent classic follows young Jack—a spirited hero with a curious heart—as he trades the family cow for a handful of magical beans that sprout overnight into a towering beanstalk. With the promise of prodigious fortune, Jack ascends the colossal vine to a looming castle suspended among the clouds, where a titanic giant rules over unimaginable wealth. The film blends playful innocence with a touch of daring as Jack navigates a world of towering peaks and hidden treasures, all while capturing the timeless magic of childhood wonder and the allure of the unknown.

Starring Joe Grant as the determined Jack and featuring a charming ensemble cast including Francis Carpenter, Virginia Lee Corbin, and Violet Radcliffe, this early silent film transforms a beloved folk tale into a visual spectacle. Franklin's direction infuses the story with gentle humor and a dreamlike atmosphere, making the giant's domain feel both fantastical and familiar. With its fantasy roots and silent-era charm, *Jack and the Beanstalk* (1917) remains a captivating glimpse into early cinema's ability to enchant audiences through simple yet powerful storytelling.