The Fox and the Hound

Sorry for the late post!  You can blame Disneyland.  ;)

Well it's happened.  We've arrived at the first Disney movie to make me cry.  The Fox and the Hound.

The film premiered in 1981 and tells the tale of two unlikely friends and the trials that test their relationship.  Todd, an orphaned fox, is adopted by the Widow Tweed after the untimely death of his mother.  (Arguably sadder than Bambi at this point.)  Her neighbor Amos, has just acquired a hound dog puppy (Copper) he plans to train to track and hunt.  Todd and Copper, who seem destined to be enemies, instead become the best of friends.  Of course, childhood is short-lived and so is their happy season of friendship, but the beauty of the movie is watching their bond stand the test of time.

While the main story of the film is about Todd and Copper, there is a wonderful supporting cast.  Most notably would be Big Mama, the owl.  She sees Todd through the many transitions he experiences through the movie.  She also sings the famous "Best of Friends" song.  If you haven't heard it, you must listen to it.  Though prepare to have tissues with you, especially if you've just watched this movie.  Excuse me, while I go in search of my own box...

This film apparently hit me in the heartstrings (kind of like a comedy hits your funny bone.)  Speaking of funny, Boomer and Dinky (a woodpecker and a finch respectively) and their antics trying to catch an elusive caterpillar provide a nice dash of comic relief throughout the film.

The Fox and the Hound also claims some very famous voice actors for the two main characters.  Mickey Rooney supplies the voice of the adult Copper and Kurt Russell supplies the voice of the adult Todd.

This film is a beautiful story of friendship and sacrifice.  I don't want to give too much away to those who haven't seen it.  I'll leave you with this cryptic reference: "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:3)

The Fox and the Hound is one of the films I remember watching as a child, however it definitely hit me at a much deeper level as an adult.  I highly recommend the film. (Just be sure to have tissues when you sit down to watch it.)  Please also note that the film does not leave you feeling discouraged.  The overall moral of the tale just really hit me in the heartstrings. 

This week I'll leave you with the beautiful words of Big Mama's song:

 

When you're the best of friends
Having so much fun together
You're not even aware, you're such a funny pair
You're the best of friends

Life's a happy game
You could clown around forever
Neither one of you sees, your natural boundaries
Life's one happy game

If only the world wouldn't get in the way
If only people would just let you play
They say you're both being fools
You're breaking all the rules
They can't understand, the magic of your wonderland

When you're the best of friends
Sharing all that you discover
When that moment has past, will that friendship last?
Who can say? There's a way!
Oh I hope... I hope it never ends
'Cause you're the best of friends

Coming Up Next Week:  The Black Cauldron