The Sword in the Stone

This week’s Disney film takes us back in time to 6^th Century England.  It is the famed The Sword in the Stone.

 

 

The film premiered on Christmas Day in 1963 and includes music by the Sherman Brothers!  (These famous lads are known for many other Disney musical masterpieces including Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and It’s A Small World.)  The film is based on T.H. White’s novel of the same name.  (I read the book a few years back and from what I recall, it’s laugh out loud funny!  Definitely worth checking out.)

 

 

The Sword in the Stone is somewhat lacking in terms of a strong plotline, but it certainly makes up for it in character!  There is a host of standout characters in the film!  And that’s really what this movie is about.  It’s a glimpse into the adolescence of the future king of England.  We see Arthur when his entire existence can be summed up in his nickname of “The Wart.”  But even though the world sees him as no one special, the audience sees glimpses of the strong character that would one day make him a legend.  He’s kind.  He’s hardworking.  He has goals.  He’s imaginative.  This film gives us the chance to see Arthur without the trappings of legend and glory.  He had to do dishes just like the rest of us. 

 

 

The Sword in the Stone also has a wizard duel!  (And this is decades before Harry Potter and his "expelliarmus" took the world by storm.)  The duel pits the slightly zany, very smart, moderately temperamental, distinctly determined wizard Merlin against the highly crazy, decidedly unkind, sunshine-hating Madame Mim.  I don't want to give too much of the duel away... but it is definitely one of the film's highlights! 

 

 

The biggest scene stealer in the film has got to be Archimedes, the owl.  He reminds me a lot of Grumpy- crotchety on the outside, but truly warm-hearted on the inside.  :)  He risks life and wing-see what I did there? ;) -to get the Wart out of many a hairy situation.  And when Merlin loses his temper and abandons Arthur's education ("Blow me to Bermuda!"), Archimedes does not follow suit.  He stays with Wart through the film's entirety.

 

 

 

This week I'll leave you with a Deep Truth from Merlin, the wizard, himself:

 

Merlin: “Ah, you know, lad, that love business is a powerful thing.”

Arthur: “Greater than gravity?”

Merlin: “Well, yes, boy.  In its way, I’d, uh… Yes, I’d say it’s the greatest force on earth.”

 

Coming Up Next Week: The Jungle Book

101 Dalmatians

This week's movie has really gone to the dogs.  Particularly dogs with spots... Yep.  This week's movie is 101 Dalmatians. :)

Before we proceed, I have an important disclaimer for the Disney detail sticklers out there: the original full title of the film is One Hundred and One Dalmatians.  For the purpose of this post, I will be using the slightly adapted and current title of 101 Dalmations Dalmatians. (Maybe I'll spell that correctly by the end of this post...)

101 Dalmatians premiered in 1961.  It is one of my most beloved Disney films from childhood. (It must have been a big re-release in the 80s or 90s because the original film premiered decades before my birth.)  Anyways...  101 Dalmatians tells the story of Pongo and Perdita (pronounced Pur-dee), their 15 puppies, the nefarious Cruella De Vil (Did the song just get stuck in your head too?), and the Dalmatians' "pets:" Robert and Anita Radcliffe (they would be the dogs' owners).  There is romance and villainy, humor and British accents, puppies and more puppies; oh, and a cat named Sargent Tibbs.

After my review of Lady and the Tramp, it is easy to think that I wouldn't enjoy 101 Dalmatians as the material is so similar, but in fact I love this film!  I watched it countless times as a child and still find it most engaging as an adult.  Those who know me well know that I see situations and problems in black and white.  I don't do the "gray area."  And this film certainly affirms my love for black and white!  (In more ways then one!  Sorry.  Have I also mentioned that I love puns?!)

 

101 Dalmatians is a clean, crisp story with clear villains and heroes.  Cruella De Vil is evil.  (And really, with a name like that who wouldn't be?)  Cruella's one love in life is fur.  As in fur coats.  She decides that she must have a spotted fur coat... This is bad news for any Dalmatian puppy living in London.  This leads to the eventual capture of Pongo and Perdita's puppies.  Gasp!  The tale of search for the puppies and their escape from Cruella's evil clutches creates a wonderful adventure captured by Disney. 

Cruella is wicked through and through.  (She would be the black in this story.)  Cruella's bumbling sidekicks, Horace and Jasper, also amp up the villainy in the film, but also provide some excellent comedic relief.  Who wouldn't enjoy watching puppies outwit the bumbling (or just plain evil) bad guys?  It makes it so easy to root for the Dalmatians and against Cruella and her crew.

I'm learning that the likability of the characters is the most important media ingredient for me to enjoy a story.  Whether it's presented on film, television, or the written word, I need to like the characters.  If I don't like the characters (particularly the protagonists), I won't enjoy the story.  A happy ending is probably the second most important ingredient... but I digress.  I enjoy the cast of characters of 101 Dalmatians so much!  Pongo and Perdita are willing to race across a snow-filled countryside and do anything to save their puppies- and when it turns out not just their puppies are in danger, they do everything in their power to save all of the puppies.  The puppies themselves are just adorable!  Six are named in the film- Patch, Lucky, Rolly, Pepper, Penny, and Freckles.  I also have to give Nanny some love.  She would be the Radcliffe's housekeeper and she's British and wonderful!  She's a definite scene stealer.  :)

For you Disney Detailers out there - be on the lookout for some familiar faces from Lady and the Tramp.  Also, if you're a parent and planning to show this to your kiddos, I just want to warn you that the terms "idiot" and "shut up" pop up multiple times in the film.  It's definitely one of my favorites though, so I definitely recommend seeing it!

And with that, I will leave you with the timeless words from masterful songwriter, Roger Radcliffe:

Cruella De Vil
Cruella De Vil
If she doesn't scare you
No evil thing will
To see her is to
Take a sudden chill
Cruella, Cruella De Vil

I mean it was already stuck in your head, right? ;)

Coming Up Next Week: The Sword in the Stone

Sleeping Beauty

We have arrived at Sleeping Beauty, one of Walt’s most artistic and romantic films.

 

 

The film premiered in 1959, nearly 10 years after production began in 1950!  The film was not a huge success at the box office, and I've yet to hear anyone describe it as their favorite... but the story remains timeless!  Sleeping Beauty's roots lie with the Brothers Grimm fairytale and Tchaikovsky's ballet. (So we've got a great story set to an amazing score!)

 

 

Sleeping Beauty aka Princess Aurora aka Briar Rose is the beloved daughter of King Stephen and his queen.  The king arranges a festival to celebrate her birth and the entire kingdom is invited including the Good Fairies- Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather.  Noticeably absent from the invite list is the "mistress of all evil," Maleficent.  She crashes the party anyway and curses the young princess with this dire prophecy: "The princess shall indeed grow in grace and beauty, beloved by all who know her. But... before the sun sets on her 16th birthday, she shall prick her finger, on the spindle of a spinning wheel - AND DIE!"  Thankfully Merryweather is able to use her gift to the princess to change the outcome of the curse from death to endless sleep (the sleep can be broken with true love's kiss! - it's the most powerful thing in the world! Enchanted reference!).

 

 

The fairies hatch an elaborate plan to hide the princess in safety.  Meanwhile King Stephen burns every spinning wheel in the land.  Alas, Maleficent's curse comes to fruition, but never fear!- Prince Phillip comes to the rescue (with a little help from Flora, Fauna and Merryweather).  The prince's epic battle against Maleficent remains the iconic fairytale showdown of good vs. evil and can be seen reenacted just about nightly in Disneyland's Fantasmic! (my FAVORITE!!!)

 

 

One of my favorite things about Sleeping Beauty has got to be the romantic plot twist.  Prince Phillip and Princess Aurora are betrothed pretty much from birth.  Alas, Maleficent's evil plans get in the way and they are torn apart for the next 16 years.  A happy coincidence reunites the pair in the woods (queue dancing and the "Once Upon a Dream" duet) and they fall in love.  BUT, neither one knows who the other is.  Princess Aurora is in hiding as the peasant Briar Rose, and Prince Phillip is playing the tall, dark, handsome stranger card.  I won't ruin their happy ending for you... but believe me, it's wonderful!

 

 

 

Prince Phillip is a valiant and worthy hero.  I love that he plays such an integral character in this story.  (Other Disney princes do not fare as well a la 1937 and 1950.)  He not only battles the villainous villain to save the fair maiden, he's also willing to fight for true love.  He absconds the idea of arranged marriages telling his father that he should get to choose to marry the girl he loves, "Now, father, you're living in the past. This is the 14th century!"  For the climactic battle, the good fairies arm Prince Phillip with the "Sword of Truth" and the "Shield of Honor."  If I ever have sons, I want them carrying around these kind of weapons!  Prince Phillip is definitely a hero worth looking up to!

 

 

Sleeping Beauty is a beautiful story.  While the style is more artistic (and somewhat less appealing for lots of folks), the story rings true.  Good is good, and bad is bad.  True love and honor triumph!  There's wonderful dancing and twirling!  It's definitely a lovely fairytale to get swept away in for an hour or so. 

 

 

 

With that, I will leave you with this wise insight from the Good Fairy, Fauna:

 

Maleficent doesn't know anything about love, or kindness, or the joy of helping others. You know, sometimes I don't think she's really very happy.

 

(Disney will explore Maleficent's story in the live-action film Maleficent this summer.)

 

Coming Up Next Week: 101 Dalmatians

Lady and the Tramp

Lady and the Tramp.  A dog's tale about life and love.

Lady and the Tramp premiered in 1955 (the same year that Disneyland opened!).  The film tells the story of Lady, a beautiful dog from a happy home with owners who love her and treat her well, and what happens when she meets Tramp, a dog from the wrong side of the tracks who enjoys his footloose and fancy-free life.  Notably, this film is home to the most famous (and romantic) spaghetti dinner in all of movie history.

 

I realize that I'm going to be in the minority here, but Lady and the Tramp did not rock my socks- in other words, it wasn't my cup of tea.  (Did someone mention tea?)  For whatever reasons I did not find the film engaging.  Sure it was a cute story and the Bella Notte (spaghetti dinner) scene was adorable, but it's Disney magic did not sweep me away.  I think, the real problem is that I'm not much of an animal/pet person.  I've never had a pet (outside of a fish in the fourth grade), and so the storyline failed to tug at any real life heartstrings for me. 

My favorite scene from the film is actually when Peg sings "He's a Tramp" in the dog pound.  Probably because I like that song so much.  Also I thought the beaver scene when Tramp and Lady sell the beaver Lady's muzzle as a log puller was very funny.

I'm sorry that I don't have a lot of interesting things to say about Lady and the Tramp.  I still very much think that it deserves its place as a classic, iconic Disney film.  And I can completely see why people love the film.  For me, the magic just wasn't there with this film.  I still definitely recommend checking it out.  The film still has significant artistic merit.  As a matter of personal taste, it just wasn't my favorite.

Thanks for continuing on this film journey with me!  I hope everyone has a great week!

This week I'll leave you with the romantic lyrics of "Bella Notte:"

Oh this is the night, it's a beautiful night
And we call it bella notte
Look at the skies, they have stars in their eyes
On this lovely bella notte.
Side by side with your loved one,
You'll find enchantment here.
The night will weave its magic spell,
When the one you love is near!
Oh this is the night, and the heavens are right!
On this lovely bella notte!
 

Coming Up Next: Sleeping Beauty

Peter Pan

Sorry for the late posting on this one!  Life (and Disneyland) happened.  But I’m back and ready to take you on a trip to Never Land! 

 

 

All you will need for the journey is:

• Faith
• Trust
• A little bit of pixie dust
• And the directions (Second Star to the Right and Straight on til Morning)

Ok.  Everybody ready?  Here we go!  Off to Never Land!!!

 

 

This week’s film is the iconic tale of Peter Pan – the boy who doesn’t want to grow up.  The boy who fearlessly leads the troop of Lost Boys.  The boy who battles  wits and steel against the nefarious Captain Hook.  The boy who takes the Darling children of London on a wonderful adventure to Never Land.  The boy who's best friend is Tinker Bell.  There is so much Disney culture and history in this film!  It premiered in 1953 and remains one of Walt's most well-known and beloved masterpieces.

 

 

Peter Pan is a wonderful film with a wonderful story.  Best of all it has heart.  :)  There is adventure, daring rescues, a wicked villain, a fun and funny cast of supporting characters, imagination, Disney magic.  It's the complete Disney package!

 

 

 

 

 

The story opens in the nursery of the Darling home where we meet Wendy, John, and Michael (the Darling children).  They soon meet Peter Pan who takes them on a whimsical adventure to Never Land with the begrudging assistance of Tinker Bell.  In Never Land, the children meet mermaids, Indians, and pirates.  Oh.  And they get there by flying!  Peter Pan proves to be a brave and cunning hero who always swoops in to save the day. 

 

 

 

The two characters who I fell the most in love with were actually the Darling boys: John and Michael.  They are so true to their characters and they're adorable!  John is a serious thinker who takes responsibility with a gravitas that defies his age.  And Michael is an adorable child who still faithfully carries around his teddy bear, but he doesn't let his size or youth prevent him from going on adventures and doing his part.  They added a lovely dash of humor and warm-heartedness to the film.

 

I think one of the other things that makes this film such a success is its villain.  Captain Hook is, at the same time, evil and comical.  He is clearly a bad character who does bad things, and as such it is easy for the audience to want to see him fail.  This creates a great contrast to highlight Peter Pan's heroism.  We love watching Peter win!  What also sets Captain Hook apart is that his character serves not only as the villain but also as comic relief in the film.  His interactions with his bumbling first mate, Mr. Smee, always bring a laugh.  Add the tick-tocking crocodile's endless chase of the Captain, and you'll be laughing indeed. 

 

 

In the end, I really think that what make Peter Pan stand out is its relatability.  (That's not actually a word... but go with me.)  No matter who watches the film, there is some character to relate to.  Whether it's a young boy dreaming of adventures and fighting pirates like Peter Pan.  Or it's a father who is so caught up in the real world that he's forgotten the wonderful world of play and imagination like Mr. Darling.  Or maybe it's a young woman on the brink of growing up but not quite ready to leave childhood behind like Wendy.  Or maybe you just appreciate Tinker bell's sass (and sacrifice).  My point is that Peter Pan reminds all of us that bravery is to be pursued.  Growing up doesn't require you to stop dreaming and imagining.  It's never too late to change the way your story ends.  And childhood wonderment has no expiration date. 

 

 

With that, I'll leave you with words of wisdom from Walt Disney:

 

Laughter is timeless,

Imagination has no age,

and Dreams are forever.

 

 

Coming Up Next: Lady and the Tramp