What it’s about
Cursed at birth by the evil fairy Maleficent (Audley), young princess Aurora (Costa) is adopted and raised by effervescent fairy guardians Merryweather, Flora, and Fauna. But at the age of 16, Aurora, following the curse, lapses into a deep, deep sleep — and only a kiss from her sweetheart, noble Prince Phillip (Shirley), can awaken her. But first Phillip must do battle with Maleficent!
Why we love it
The most lavish animated production of its time, Disney's “Sleeping Beauty” remains one of the best loved and most enduring of the studio's golden-age classics, along with “Cinderella” and “Snow White.” Bursting with vivid colors and matched by George Bruns's expressive score, this romantic fairy tale still has the power to enchant, and the final showdown between Phillip and Maleficent (in the guise of a ferocious dragon!) is as thrilling as ever.