Who Wrote The Original Version Of Beauty And The Beast
Beauty and the Beast is a beloved fairy tale that has captured the hearts of many generations. The story has been adapted into various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, and plays. However, many people are unaware of the origins of this timeless tale. In this article, we will explore the history of Beauty and the Beast and discover who wrote the original version.
The Origins Of Beauty And The Beast
The story of Beauty and the Beast can be traced back to the 18th century. The first known version of the story was written by French author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740. Her version was a lengthy novel that told the story of a prince who was cursed to live as a beast until he could find true love.
Villeneuve's version of Beauty and the Beast was a complex story that included various subplots, including a fairy who helps Beauty, a wicked fairy who tries to thwart her, and a nobleman who tries to steal her away. The story was well-received by readers and paved the way for future adaptations.
The Shortened Version
In 1756, a French author named Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont published a shortened version of Beauty and the Beast. Her version was more concise and focused solely on the story of Beauty and the Beast, without the additional subplots.
Beaumont's version of the story became the most popular version and was widely circulated throughout Europe. Her version also introduced the iconic rose that plays a prominent role in the story.
Other Adaptations
Since then, Beauty and the Beast has been adapted into various forms of media. In 1946, French filmmaker Jean Cocteau directed a live-action film adaptation of the story, which is considered a cinematic masterpiece.
In 1991, Disney released an animated version of Beauty and the Beast, which became a box office success and received critical acclaim. The film was later adapted into a stage musical, which has become one of the most popular musicals of all time.
Conclusion
Beauty and the Beast is a timeless tale that has captured the hearts of generations. The original version of the story was written by French author Gabrielle-Suzanne Barbot de Villeneuve in 1740. However, it was Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont's shortened version that became the most popular and widely circulated version of the story.
Since then, Beauty and the Beast has been adapted into various forms of media, including movies, TV shows, and plays. Each adaptation brings its own unique spin on the classic tale, but the heart of the story remains the same.