directed by Jim Henson
, produced by George Lucas
, and designed by Brian Froud
. Henson collaborated on the screenwriting with children's author Dennis Lee
, Terry Jones
from Monty Python
, and Elaine May
(although only Jones received screen credit).
The film stars David Bowie
as Jareth
the Goblin King and Jennifer Connelly
as Sarah Williams. The plot revolves around Sarah's quest to find the way through an enormous otherworldly maze so that she can rescue her little brother, Toby, from Jareth.
Give me the child. Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the Goblin City to take back the child that you have stolen, for my will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom is as great... For my will is as strong as yours. My kingdom is great... Damn. Oh, I can never remember that line.
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young girl whose stepmother always made her stay home with the baby. And the baby was a spoiled child, and wanted everything for himself, and the young girl was practically a slave. But what no one knew is that the king of the goblins had fallen in love with the girl, and he had given her certain powers. So one night, when the baby had been particularly cruel to her, she called on the goblins for help! "Say your right words," the goblins said..
I can bear it no longer! Goblin King! Goblin King! Wherever you may be, take this child of mine far away from me!
Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way here to the castle beyond the Goblin City to take back the child that you have stolen, for my will is as strong as yours, and my kingdom is as great — You have no power over me.
Sarah, go back to your room. Play with your toys and your costumes. Forget about the baby.
It's a crystal. Nothing more. But if you turn it this way and look into it, it will show you your dreams. But this is not a gift for an ordinary girl, who takes care of a screaming baby.
You have thirteen hours in which to solve the labyrinth, before your baby brother becomes one of us... forever. Such a pity.
In nine hours and twenty-three minutes, you'll be mine!
Nothing? Nothing? Nothing tra-la-la?!
What is that plastic thing 'round your wrist?