AllMovie

The Fool and the Flying Ship contains slightly more animation than was usual in the Rabbit Ears Video productions of the 1990s (the producers favored still pictures in lieu of full movement). This engaging retelling of an ancient Russian folk tale concerns a Munchhausen-like tall-tale spinner who expounds upon his recent airborne adventures. The characters are rendered in a squat, comic-book fashion, delightfully undercutting the "seriousness" of the protagonist's fabrication. Robin Williams narrates the tale, utilizing a variety of distinct vocal characterizations; his words are deftly augmented by the musical accompaniment of the Klezmer Conservatory Band. The 30-minute The Fool and the Flying Ship was released to videocassette shortly after its cable-TV bow on Showtime's We All Have Tales.