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The Hobbit (1966 film)

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The Hobbit
DirectorGene Deitch
ProducerWilliam Snyder
WriterJ.R.R. Tolkien, Gene Deitch
NarratorHerb Lass[1]
MusicVáclav Lidl[1]
CinematographyAdolf Born[1]
ReleasedLimited audience: 29 June, 1966[1]
CountryUnited States

The Hobbit was the first film adaptation of The Hobbit, created by Gene Deitch in 1966. The film was produced by William Snyder and took less than a month to create. The film was approximately 12 minutes long and was only created so Snyder could extend his license for The Lord of the Rings and sell it back to Tolkien and his publishers, which he did for $100,000.[1]


Actor Role
Herb Lass[1] Narrator


Slag the dragon ransacked the city of Dale. Only General Thorin Oakenshield, Princess Mika and a lone guard survived, and turned to the wizard Gandalf in his tower. He pointed them to a prophecy of the dragon's death, for which they needed a Hobbit. Bilbo Baggins initially refused, but after some persuasion from Gandalf and the princess, joined the three on their quest.

Soon, they encountered two "groans", monstrous creatures that turned to trees when exposed to sunlight. Bilbo's companions were captured, but Bilbo tricked the two into a fight until the sun rose. They continued their journey, and General Oakenshield and the Princess started to appreciate their burglar. But suddenly, Bilbo disappeared. He had fallen though a crack in the mountain, and fell past the greblins into the lake of Goloom. He found Goloom's magic ring, and dashed away through the tunnels. He hid behind a rock, and allowed Goloom to overtake him so he could find his way out.

After traveling through Mirkwood Forest, Bilbo came to the Lonely Mountain. He stole the Arkenstone, crafted a bow from mining tools, and shot the Arkenstone through Slag's heart. Slag was killed, and Dale restored. Bilbo returned to Hobbiton with Princess Mika as his wife.


  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 Gene Deitch, "Hobbit-alized: The First Attempt At Animating The Hobbit" dated 11 December 2001, (accessed 10 January 2012)

Licensed film adaptations of J.R.R. Tolkien's works