An American Tail (1986)
Don Bluth's beloved animated classic about a young mouse lost in America, searching for his family and the promise of a better world.
An American Tail - Movie Information
- Original Title: An American Tail
- Release Year: 1986
- Directed by: Don Bluth
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Animation, Comedy, Adventure, Drama, Family
- Age Rating (US): G
- Runtime: 1h 20m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): November 21, 1986 (Norway - 9), November 21, 1986 (United States - G), July 24, 1987 (United Kingdom - U), June 19, 1987 (Germany - 6), February 4, 1987 (France - TP), December 26, 1986 (Australia - G), November 12, 1987 (Brazil - L), December 22, 1987 (Italy), May 18, 1987 (Spain - A)
- Alternative Titles: Et amerikansk eventyr - Reisen til Amerika (NO), Fiével et le nouveau monde (FR), Fievel - Resan till Amerika (SE), Feivel, der Mauswanderer (DE), Fievel y el Nuevo Mundo (ES), Un cuento americano (MX), Αμέρικαν Στόρι (GR)
- Production Companies: Amblin Entertainment, Universal Pictures, Don Bluth Entertainment
- Production Countries: United States of America
An American Tail - Plot
A young mouse named Fievel and his family decide to migrate to America, a "land without cats," at the turn of the 20th century. But somehow, Fievel ends up in the New World alone and must fend off not only the felines he never thought he'd have to deal with again but also the loneliness of being away from home.
An American Tail - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see Fievel's unforgettable journey begin:
Meet Fievel. In his search to find his family, he discovered America.
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An American Tail - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Don Bluth
Main Cast
- Phillip Glasser
- Erica Yohn
- Nehemiah Persoff
- Amy Green
- Christopher Plummer
- John Finnegan
- Will Ryan
- Hal Smith
- Pat Musick
- Cathianne Blore
Writers
- Judy Freudberg
- Tony Geiss
- David Kirschner
Producers
- Don Bluth
- Tony Geiss
- Gary Goldman
- Kathleen Kennedy
- Frank Marshall
An American Tail - FAQs
What is An American Tail about?
An American Tail follows Fievel Mousekewitz, a young Russian mouse who gets separated from his family while emigrating to America in the late 1800s. Alone in New York City, he must navigate a world full of cats, con artists, and hardship while desperately searching for his loved ones. It's a heartfelt story about hope, family, and the immigrant experience.
Does An American Tail have a happy ending?
Yes, An American Tail ends on a joyful note. After a long and emotional journey through New York City, Fievel is finally reunited with his family. The ending is genuinely moving and earned — a satisfying payoff to all the heartbreak and adventure that came before it.
Where can you stream An American Tail?
An American Tail is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It's easy to find across most major digital platforms, so picking it up for a family movie night is a breeze.
Is An American Tail based on a true story?
Not directly, but the film draws heavily from real history. It reflects the experiences of millions of Eastern European Jewish immigrants who fled persecution and arrived in America during the late 19th century. The pogroms, the voyage across the Atlantic, and the struggles of life in New York City are all rooted in genuine historical events.
Who voices the main characters in An American Tail?
Phillip Glasser voices the lovable Fievel, with Nehemiah Persoff and Erica Yohn as his parents. Christopher Plummer lends his distinguished voice to Henri the pigeon, Dom DeLuise steals scenes as the gentle cat Tiger, and Madeline Kahn brings sharp wit to Gussie Mausheimer.
Who directed An American Tail and who produced it?
Don Bluth directed the film, bringing his signature emotional animation style to the project. Notably, Steven Spielberg served as executive producer through Amblin Entertainment — his first foray into animation — lending the film considerable creative and commercial support.
Did An American Tail win any awards?
The film earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song for the iconic "Somewhere Out There," composed by James Horner with lyrics by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil. The song became a massive hit, reaching the top of the charts and cementing the film's lasting cultural legacy.
Is An American Tail suitable for young children?
An American Tail is rated G, making it officially suitable for all ages. That said, it does feature some genuinely scary moments — stormy seas, menacing cats, and themes of separation and loss — that may be intense for very young viewers. Most kids aged 5 and up handle it just fine.
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