Name: Danny the Dragon
Director: C.M. Pennington-Richards
Genre: Family
Released: 1966-01-01
Duration: 173 min
Rating: 10
Cast: Sally Thomsett, Christopher Cooper, Jack Wild, Peter Butterworth, Kenneth Connor

A space dragon crash-lands into British childhood chaos — and somehow it's THREE HOURS long.

100

A space dragon crash-lands into British childhood chaos — and somehow it's THREE HOURS long.

100

wholesome mayhemcosmic misfit energyvintage British chaos

Overview

Family

Gavin, Jean and Peter meet Danny the Dragon, an unintentional visitor from outer space. Danny and the children encounter many adventures before Danny finally manages to return to his own planet.

Content warning

found familybelonging across worldschildhood imagination

Standout Aspects

Acting

Jack Wild pre-Oliver! — pure chaotic child star energy.

Practical Effects

Whoever built Danny's dragon suit deserves a medal and therapy.

Best for:Family·Solo

Director

C.M. Pennington-Richards

ReleasedJan 1, 1966

Runtime2h 53m

StatusReleased

Vibe

Paceslow

Intensitylow

Tonelight

Feellight

Children's Film Foundation (CFF)

Top Cast

Sally Thomsett

Jack Wild

Peter Butterworth

Kenneth Connor

Frank Thornton

Ask about Danny the Dragon

Opens AI chat

Deep Dive

Trivia, insights & behind the scenes

Trivia

This was director C.M. Pennington-Richards' final film — he spent his career in British TV and film, ending with a space dragon.

Cultural

1966 was peak 'kind alien visitor' cinema — Danny arrived the same year America got The Day the Earth Stood Still's influence and Britain just wanted nice dragons.