Blue Fairy (Pinocchio)

Blue Fairy (Pinocchio)

The ethereal, glamorous fairy is a perfect contrast to the sweet, old-fashioned characterizations of 18th-century Italy in Pinocchio. Based on a cautionary-morality tale by Carlo Collodi, the mythical\enchanted creature-turned human plot device is extremely common in fairy tales, as well as animated films, where the source material is often one and the same: The Little Mermaid, Thumbelina, even Aladdin’s genie, prove that being a fantastical creature or having magic powers can be a burden. Another common device is that attractive people are usually dim, like Gaston (although he is conniving). In Pinocchio this is proven untrue. The Blue Fairy is striking and smart. She sees through Pinocchio’s fibs and humors Jiminy Cricket. A wise and beautiful person is a rarity in fairy tales. The Blue Fairy is powerful, and she has a sense of whimsy, like when a bird’s nest, complete with flowers and an egg inside, appears on Pinocchio’s extended nose. I love her shimmery blue gown, and while her blonde curls and red-lipped, long-lashed beauty are too pretty, unrealistically so, it suits her, and the film itself. The look is popular in pre-1950’s Disney fare—Sluefoot Sue, some characters in Silly Symphony shorts, Snow White’s face.
Pinocchio: I can move. [Covers his mouth in astonishment] I can talk! [gets up] I can walk! [Stumbles and falls]
The Blue Fairy: Yes, Pinocchio, I've given you life.
Pinocchio: Why?
The Blue Fairy: Because tonight, Geppetto wished for a real boy.
Pinocchio: Am I a real boy?
The Blue Fairy: No, Pinocchio. To make Geppetto's wish come true will be entirely up to you.
Pinocchio: Up to me?
The Blue Fairy: Prove yourself brave, truthful and unselfish, and someday you will be a real boy.
Pinocchio: A real boy!
Jiminy Cricket: That won't be easy.
The Blue Fairy: Now, remember, Pinocchio, be a good boy. And always let your conscience be your guide.

The Blue Fairy: A lie keeps growing and growing until it's as plain as the nose on your face.

The Blue Fairy: Little puppet made of pine, awake. The gift of life is thine.

The Blue Fairy: A boy who won't be good, might just as well be made of wood.

The Blue Fairy: Monsters? Weren't you afraid?

The Blue Fairy: Perhaps you haven't been telling the truth, Pinocchio.

The Blue Fairy: Prove yourself brave, truthful, and unselfish, and someday, you will be a real boy.

The Blue Fairy: I dub you Pinocchio's conscience, lord high keeper of the knowledge of right and wrong, counselor in moments of high temptation, and guide along the straight and narrow path. Arise, Sir Jiminy Cricket.
Jiminy Cricket: [Admiring his new clothes] Well! Ho-ho-ho! My, my! Mmm! Say, that's pretty swell! Gee, thanks. But, uh, don't I get a badge or something?
The Blue Fairy: Well, we'll see.
Jiminy Cricket: You mean maybe I will?
The Blue Fairy: I shouldn't wonder.
Jiminy Cricket: Make it a gold one?
The Blue Fairy: Maybe.