Ep 1. Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp

As the fifth season of Faerie Tale Theatre begins, the series presents a beloved tale from One Thousand and One Nights -- "Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp." Directed by Tim Burton, this episode stars Robert Carradine as Aladdin, Valerie Bertinelli as Princess Zara, and James Earl Jones as the evil wizard Maghreb.

The story begins in a far-off land, with Aladdin as a young boy making a living from stealing. He dreams of a better life, and his fortunes change when he meets a sorcerer who offers him a chance to make his wishes come true. The man takes Aladdin to a cave in the desert, where he has him retrieve an ancient lamp. But when Aladdin refuses to give the lamp to the sorcerer, he is trapped in the cave.

Aladdin discovers the lamp he has stolen contains a powerful genie who can grant his every wish. With the genie's help, Aladdin sets out to win the heart of Princess Zara, the beautiful daughter of the emperor, who has been promised in marriage to the evil Maghreb. Along the way, the queen of the djinn helps Aladdin in his quest, and he finds himself embroiled in a battle between good and evil that will determine the fate of the kingdom.

The episode features whimsical sets and costumes that perfectly evoke the world of One Thousand and One Nights. The characters are brought to life by a talented cast, with Carradine giving a standout performance as the humble yet determined Aladdin. Bertinelli is beautiful and charming as the princess, while Jones is a truly menacing presence as Maghreb.

The story is filled with adventure, romance, and humor, and it will delight audiences of all ages. From Aladdin's initial struggles to his eventual triumph, "Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp" is a timeless tale of overcoming adversity and finding true love. With its delightful mix of fantasy and enchantment, this episode of Faerie Tale Theatre is sure to captivate viewers with its magical storytelling.