Nico the Unicorn
A boy and his unicorn face danger and discovery.
Nico the Unicorn refers to a children's novel from 1996 and its movie version released two years later. Frank Sacks authored the book and also wrote the film's screenplay; Graeme Campbell directed the movie.
**Book** Tom Doherty Associates first published the novel in 1996, with cover art by David Gaadt. Frank Sacks, a writer and film producer, wrote *Nico the Unicorn* as his first book aimed at young readers.
**Plot** After a leg injury from an accident, Billy goes to the Starlight Circus. There he finds and purchases a pony. The pony later gives birth to a unicorn, which Billy names Nico. A mountain lion kills the pony, and Billy must protect his secret and his new friend.
**Characters** Billy – The main character, whose leg is hurt by a drunk driver. Nico – Billy's magical unicorn. The Pony – Nico's mother. Bruce – A bully who calls Billy "gimp." Julie – Billy's mother. Carolyn – Billy's friend who accidentally reveals Nico's existence to Bruce and his group.
**Film** Graeme Campbell directed the movie, with a screenplay by Frank Sacks. Filming occurred in Canada's Eastern Townships and Montreal. The Canadian production came out in 1998. CineTel Films was originally set to distribute it, but distribution rights later went to Moonstone Entertainment.
**Cast** Anne Archer as Julie Hastings Michael Ontkean as Tom Gentry Kevin Zegers as Billy Hastings Pierre Chagnon as Ben Willett Elisha Cuthbert as Carolyn Price
**Plot** After a car crash kills his father and fractures his leg, Billy and his mother relocate from Boston to rural Vermont. Billy struggles to adapt and make friends. One day at a mall, he finds a run-down petting zoo with poorly kept animals. He sees a small pony with a taped-on horn and learns it is about to be sold for slaughter. Billy buys the pony instead. He cleans and cares for her at home. The pony is pregnant and later gives birth to a foal under Billy and Carolyn's watch. The foal grows a horn and becomes a unicorn, growing very fast. Billy names him Nico, using letters from "unicorn." While Billy is at school, a hungry mountain lion attacks the stable. The pony sacrifices herself to protect Nico and is killed. Billy and his mother bury the pony. That night, magic fills the stable, and by morning Nico is fully grown. Carolyn visits and suggests Billy charge people to see Nico to help his mother pay for school.
Quick Facts
- Italic Title
- (see above) -->
- Author
- Frank Sacks
- Language
- English
- Genre
- Juvenile fiction
- Publisher
- Tom Doherty Associates
- Pages
- 154
- Isbn
- 978-0-8125-5171-6
- Oclc
- 35819782
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The book Nico the Unicorn was Frank Sacks's first novel intended for children. The front cover art was by David Gaadt. The plot centers on Billy, whose leg is injured by a drunken driver. He visits the Starlight Circus, buys a pony, and the pony gives birth to a unicorn named Nico. The pony is later killed by a mountain lion, and Billy must protect Nico.
Reader's Guide
The film adaptation, directed by Graeme Campbell, was shot in Canada's Eastern Townships and Montreal. It was originally set to be distributed by CineTel Films but distribution rights were later sold to Moonstone Entertainment. The film expands the book's plot, adding characters like Billy's mother Julie (played by Anne Archer) and a friend Carolyn (Elisha Cuthbert). The story includes a climax where Billy and Nico escape to a magical land, and Billy's leg is healed. Reception was generally positive, with Mark Deming calling it 'heart-warming' for The New York Times, and the Dove Foundation finding it a charming family movie. Common Sense Media noted it had good messages but cautioned about intense scenes for animal-loving children.
Did You Know?
- The film was shot around Canada's Eastern Townships and Montreal.
- The film's distribution rights were originally with CineTel Films but later sold to Moonstone Entertainment.
- The film's cast includes Kevin Zegers as Billy Hastings and Elisha Cuthbert as Carolyn Price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Nico the Unicorn?
Nico is a young unicorn born to a pony that a boy named Billy buys at the Starlight Circus. He is the central character of a 1996 children's novel and its 1998 film adaptation.
What is the plot of Nico the Unicorn?
After a leg injury sends him to the Starlight Circus, Billy purchases a pony that soon gives birth to a unicorn he names Nico. The two then face danger together and embark on a journey of discovery.
Who wrote and directed Nico the Unicorn?
Frank Sacks, a writer and film producer, authored the original novel and penned the screenplay for the movie. Graeme Campbell directed the 1998 Canadian film adaptation.
Why is Nico the Unicorn notable?
It marked Frank Sacks's first book written specifically for a young readership, expanding his work beyond the film industry. The project also bridges literature and cinema, with Sacks handling both the novel and the screenplay.
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