Matilda is a bright little girl who is very eager to learn. Eventually, her insensitive parents send her to a school run by Miss (The) Trunchbull. She is a cruel authoritarian that loathes children. Matilda befriends her school teacher, Miss Honey. She soon realizes Matilda's talents, but is later amazed to see the full extent of Matilda's powers.

The picture of Miss Honey's father, Magnus, is actually a portrait of Roald Dahl, the author of the book "Matilda," upon which the film is based.

[first lines]


Narrator:
Everyone is born, but not everyone is born the same. Some will grow to be butchers, or bakers, or candlestick makers. Some will only be really good at making Jell-O salad. One way or another, though, every human being is unique, for better or for worse.

[Harry takes his first look at Matilda, grunts, and leaves]


Narrator:
Most parents believe their children are the most beautiful creatures ever to grace the planet. Others take a less emotional approach:


Harry Wormwood:
What a waste of time!


Zinnia Wormwood:
And painful!


Harry Wormwood:
And expensive... $9.25 for a bar of soap?


Zinnia Wormwood:
Well, I had to take a shower, Harry!


Harry Wormwood:
$5,000? I'm not paying it! What are they going to do, repossess the kid?

Continuity: Chalk "X" on the blackboard changes to a straight line.

Written by Michael Glabicki, Liz Berlin, John Buynak, James Dispirito (as James DiSpirito),
Jim Donovan (as James Donovan), Patrick Norman & Jenn Wertz
Performed by Rusted Root
Courtesy of Mercury Records
By Arrangement with PolyGram Film & TV Licensing