Based loosely on the true story about Gertrude “Trudy” Davies Lintz, an eccentric 1930s socialite who takes in a sickly, orphaned baby gorilla (before she realises what she’s in for), Buddy was the first movie made by Jim Henson’s own studio.
Trudy – who keeps a massive collection of animals at her estate – insists on raising Buddy like a human boy, teaching him flawless table manners and dressing him in suits. But, as Buddy grows into a powerful 400-pound adult ape, his raw, uncontrollable animal instincts begin to clash with his domesticated life.
The tension culminates in a chaotic visit to the Chicago World’s Fair and an eventual realisation that wild animals cannot truly belong in a human home.
Co-starring in the film are Robbie Coltrane as Trudy’s patient and supportive doctor husband, Bill; Alan Cumming as Dick Croner, Trudy’s loyal assistant and animal handler; Paul Reubens (Pee-wee Herman) as Professor Spatz; and Irma P. Hall as Emma.
The animatronic ape doesn’t look perfect alongside the real primate performers, but he still manages to make everyone bawl their eyes out when he goes back into the wild at the end.
The film was a critical failure, with critics noting that the movie frames Trudy’s highly dangerous, eccentric behaviour as a lighthearted family adventure.
Gertrude “Trudy” Lintz
Rene Russo Dr Bill Lintz
Robbie Coltrane Dick Croner
Alan Cumming Emma
Irma P. Hall Buddy
Peter Elliott
Mak Wilson
Lynn Robertson Bruce
Mark Sealey
Rob Tygner
Michelan Sisti
Peter Hurst
Leif Tilden
Star Townsend Buddy(voice)
Frank Welker
Gary Hecker
Hector C. Gika Professor Spatz
Paul Reubens Mr Bowman
John Aylward Mrs Bowman
Mimi Kennedy Ali Baba
Bradley Jay Lesley
The tension culminates in a chaotic visit to the Chicago World’s Fair and an eventual realisation that wild animals cannot truly belong in a human home.
