The Cursed Roald Dahl Film Disney Never Made: A Haunting Tale of Unfinished Potential

Roald Dahl, the celebrated author whose whimsical and often macabre tales have captivated generations, penned a chilling script in 1969 entitled "The Vicar of Nibbleswicke." The story, a dark comedy steeped in the supernatural, caught the attention of none other than Walt Disney Productions. However, a series of uncanny events and behind-the-scenes turmoil ultimately led to the project's abandonment, leaving behind a lingering mystery that has haunted the annals of cinema history.

The Enigmatic Story

"The Vicar of Nibbleswicke" revolves around the enigmatic Reverend Lionel Buttons, an ecclesiastical oddball who inherits his late aunt's dilapidated vicarage in the sleepy town of Nibbleswicke. As he settles into his new home, Buttons encounters a string of peculiar characters, including a mischievous ghost named Figgis and a sinister local undertaker named Mr. Digby. Soon, a string of unexplained deaths and otherworldly manifestations plague the village, threatening to unravel the very fabric of Nibbleswicke.

Gremlin Trouble!: The Cursed Roald Dahl Film Disney Never Made

by Jim Korkis

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2179 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	170 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Dahl's script, a masterful blend of black humor and eerie suspense, was an unusual departure from Disney's traditional fare. Yet, the studio's executives were intrigued by its unique premise and Dahl's reputation as a literary giant. They greenlit the project with a budget of $12 million, an unprecedented sum for a Disney animation at the time.

Pre-Production Woes

From the outset, "The Vicar of Nibbleswicke" was plagued by a series of setbacks. The film's original director, Ken Annakin, was fired due to creative differences. His replacement, John Huston, proved to be an equally controversial choice. Huston's reputation for eccentric behavior and alcohol abuse cast a shadow over the production.

As pre-production progressed, rumors of a curse began to circulate around the studio. Crew members reported witnessing unusual phenomena, including unexplained noises and flickering lights. Some even claimed to have seen the ghost of Figgis, the film's mischievous specter, lurking on the set.

The Troubled Production

The production of "The Vicar of Nibbleswicke" proved to be just as chaotic as its pre-production. Huston frequently clashed with the studio's executives, leading to delays and cost overruns. The film's budget spiraled out of control, reaching a staggering $18 million.

During a particularly eventful night shoot, a freak storm damaged much of the set. The crew was forced to suspend filming and seek shelter. When they returned the next day, they discovered that several members of the cast and crew had been injured in the storm.

The Abandonment

As the turmoil surrounding "The Vicar of Nibbleswicke" escalated, Disney executives began to lose confidence in the project. Rumors of a looming corporate merger put further pressure on the studio to cut costs. In a fateful decision, the film was abruptly abandoned in 1975, leaving behind a trail of unfinished animation and broken dreams.

The Legacy

Despite its untimely demise, "The Vicar of Nibbleswicke" continues to fascinate film enthusiasts and Roald Dahl fans alike. The film's unfinished animation and haunting script have been preserved in various archives and have been screened at retrospective events.

The circumstances surrounding the film's cancellation have spawned numerous theories and speculations. Some believe that the curse of Nibbleswicke played a role in its downfall, while others speculate that the studio's financial woes and creative disputes sealed its fate.

The tale of "The Vicar of Nibbleswicke" is a tragic reminder of the fragile nature of filmmaking. A promising project with a talented cast and crew was ultimately consumed by a series of unfortunate events. While the film may never see the light of day in its intended form, its legend lives on, a testament to the enduring power of Roald Dahl's imagination and the captivating mysteries that lurk within the realm of the unfinished.

Gremlin Trouble!: The Cursed Roald Dahl Film Disney Never Made

by Jim Korkis

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2179 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	170 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE