That Darn Cat

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland













Michael's Movie Grade: A-
Year Released:1965


                                              HistoryThat Darn Cat marked the last film actress Hayley Mills would make for Walt Disney and the last cinematic adventure she would have for the studio, as she decided not to renew her contract so that she could peruse acting opportunities at other studios and in different types of films. She would return to the studio in the 1980's to make some made for TV sequels for The Parent Trap for the Disney Studio. Intrestingly while this film said farewell to a Disney star it also introduced a new one with Dean Jones. Dean Jones would go on to star in such Disney films as The Ugly Dachshund, Monkey's Go Home, Blackbeard's Ghost, The Love Bug and The Million Dollar Duck. When Walt had hit upon the book called Undercover Cat he knew it would be perfect as it would give a more grown up role to now adult Hayley, while it would still provide much of the slapstick humor expected from the studio's live action output.

The book was by the husband and wife team Gordon and Mildred Gordon. Unusual for a Disney film, both of them worked on the script for the movie. They co-wrote the movie with Bill Walsh, one of the studio's most reliable writers. Gordon Gordon actually had previously worked for the FBI, and since the organization played a huge role in the story, the real FBI watched the film closely to make sure no secrets were given away.  

When released the film was a hit with both audiences and critics. The movie grossed $9 1/2 million just in its domestic release. Bosley Crowther of the New York Times called it "an entertaining picture".  The film would be rereleased to theaters in 1973 and would receive a 1997 remake (also by the Disney studio).

                                                                     

                           
                                                        Review Extremely delightful slapstick comedy.

There is much to recommend about this film. The acting is topnotch. Hayley certainly ends her acting career with Disney on a high note. She has lost none of the charm that she had as a child actress. She gave everything she had to this role and it shows. Dean Jones similarly proves himself to be a great new star for Disney movies. He gives a fantastic comic performance here, heightening each joke in the movie. Even those with small roles give great performances. William Demarest helps provided some of the film's best laughs and Ed Wynn as always is a delight to watch. Also helping make this film so good is the tight perfect pacing. Despite being near two hours (a long length for a silly slapstick comedy), the movie never drags and keeps moving at a fast fun pace. However topping all these elements is that the movie is simply funny. This is one of the most laugh out loud funny of the studio's live action comedies. The humor here is simply fantastic and the jokes come at a fast pace.

All in all this is an extremely fun movie and a delight for all Disney fans.                                                            Film CreditsDirector: Robert Stevenson
Writers: Gordon Gordon, Mildred Gordon, Bill Walsh.
Based on a book by Gordon Gordon and Mildred Gordon
Cast: Hayley Mills (Patti Randall), Dean Jones (Zeke Kelso), Dorothy Provine (Ingrid Randall), Roddy McDowall (Gregory Benson), Neville Brand (Dan), Ellen Lanchester (Mrs. MacDougall), William Demarest (Mr. MacDougall), Richard Eastham (Supervisor Newton), Grayson Hall (Margret Miller), Tom Lowell (Canoe), Richard Deacon (Drive in manager), Iris Adrain (Landlady), Liam Sullivan (Graham), Don Dorrell (Spires), Glen Blakely(Cahill), Karl Held (Kelly), Ed Wynn (Mr. Hofstedder), Larry J. Blake (Police Officer), John Cliff (FBI Agent), Ben Lessy (Drive-In Concessionaire)
Producers: Walt Disney, Ron Miller, Bill Walsh.
Music: Bob Brunner
Songwriters: Richard and Robert Sherman
Cinematographer: Edward Colman.
Assistant Director: Joseph L. McEveety
Second Unit Director: Arthur J. Vitarelli 
Editor: Cotton Warburton.
Art Directors: Carroll Clark, William H. Tuntke
Set Decorators: Hal Gausman, Emile Kuri
Costume Design: Bill Thomas
Makeup Artists: Pat McNally, La Rue Matherson
Sound Artists: Robert O. Cook, Dean Thomas
Special Effects Artist: Eustace Lycett
Matte Artist: Jim Fetherolf
Costumers: Gertrude Casey, Chuck Keehne, Luther Bayless
Animal Supervisor: William R. Koehler

Resources UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059793/?ref_=nv_sr_1
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/2011/10/that-darn-cat-1965.html



-Michael J. Ruhland

The Monkey's Uncle

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland














Michael's Movie Grade:C+
Year Released: 1965



                                                              HistoryThe Monkey's Uncle was a sequel to an earlier Disney movie called The Misadventures of Merlin Jones. The Misadventures of Merlin Jones was originally planned to be the last Disney film for Tommy Kirk and Annette Funicello. However after its huge success at the box office, it was decided to make a sequel. This sequel would end up being the last Disney film for the two stars instead. Also returning here is the same director as The Misadventures of Merlin Jones, Robert Stevenson, as well as writers Alfred Lewis and Helen Levitt. Since Alfred Lewis and Helen Levitt were blacklisted at this time (believed to have connections with the communist party) they once again worked under the pennames Tom and Helen August.

This film marked the cinematic debut of Mark Goddard, who is best remembered today for playing Don West in the TV series Lost in Space. The first episode of that show would premiere later the same year this movie was released.

When released this film was better liked by critics than the previous film. They didn't consider it any cinematic masterpiece, but they admitted that it was fun. On the other hand while this film didn't do bad at the box office, it was not as successful as the previous movie.


                                                                     ReviewThis is a quite entertaining film, however it will never be mistaken for one of the Disney studio's best.

This film inherits both the pros and cons of its predecessor. Like the first movie this one is also broke up into two different stories. Again the transition here does not work and feels abrupt and distracting. While in this case it fairs better than it did the previous movie, it still doesn't work. The first segment has some charm due to the likable characters and naturally flowing story, it is easily the weakest segment of the movie. The reason for this is that there are very little real laughs here. This film is a comedy first and foremost and a lack of laughs is a big problem with a comedy. Again the story itself isn't that bad and actually has some intriguing ideas. The characters while not fully developed are likable and we want to see things work out well for them. Despite this though the lack of laughs keeps this segment from being as good as it should be. The second segment actually has some great laughs, but sadly too few. I did laugh out loud watching the scene where they are viewing footage of airplane flights, Leon's great dream sequence, Stanley playing the heater like an accordion and the film's great ending. However on the other hand these moments did not make up the majority of the segment. Often there was too much time in between, where the jokes just weren't that funny. Still this segment again had likable characters and a story that seemed to flow naturally. It also had a great song called I Can Fly. Speaking of songs this movie does start with a song sung by Annette as well as The Beach Boys. While the lyrics are extremely corny, the song is fun and it is cool to see the Beach Boys preform in a Disney movie. With all this said though the film has one major problem which I haven't addressed. While it can be fun, it is also forgettable and it is likely you won't remember much of it the next day.

Overall this is an enjoyable little comedy for Disney fans, but it is far from the best the studio could provide at this time. It does actually have a fantastic and very funny ending though that even those who don't like the rest of the movie may enjoy.  

                                                                     Film CreditsDirector: Robert Stevenson.
Writers: Alfred Lewis Levitt, Helen Levitt
Cast: Tommy Kirk (Merlin Jones), Annette Funicello (Jenifer), Leon Ames (Judge Holmsby), Arthur O'Connor (Darius Green III), Judy (Stanley), Frank Faylen (Mr. Dearborne), Leon Tyler (Leon), Norman Grabowski (Norman), Cheryl Miller (Lisa), Connie Gilchrist (Mrs. Gossett), Alan Hewitt (Professor Shattuck), George Clarke (College President), Mark Goddard (Haywood), Harry Holcombe (Regent), Alexander Lockwood (Regent), Harry Antrim (Regent), The Beach Boys (Themselves)
Producers: Walt Disney, Ron Miller
Music: Buddy Baker
Songwriters: Richard and Robert Sherman
Cinematographer: Edward Colman
Editor: Cotton Warburton
Set Decorators: Emile Kuri, Hal Gausman
Costume Artists: Gertrude Casey, Chuck Keehne
Makeup Artist: Pat McNalleySpecial Effects Artists: Robert A. Mattey, Eustace Lycett
Resources UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Monkey%27s%20Uncle%20%28The%29
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059462/fullcredits?ref_=tt_ov_st_sm

-Michael J. Ruhland

Those Calloways

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland












Michael's Movie Grade:A+
Year Released: 1965

                                                                HistoryThose Calloways was directed by Norman Tokar, who had previously directed Big Red, Savage Sam and A Tiger Walks for the Disney studio. He may also be remembered by fans of 1950's and 60's TV for directing a whole 93 episodes of Leave it to Beaver. The writer was Louis Pelletier, who had previous written Big Red for the studio. The cast also features some returning faces familiar to Disney fans including Disney regulars Brain Keith and Ed Wynn as well as Vera Miles who had previously been in A Tiger Walks.  However the most fascinating name to see here for fans of classic films is Max Steiner, who wrote the score. Steiner was one of the most prolific and best film composers of all time. He composed the scores for such films as Casablanca, Gone With the Wind, Lost Horizon, Dark Victory, The Charge of the Light Brigade, The Lost Patrol, The Letter and provided one of my favorite movie scores of all time with Now Voyager. This marked the last film he personally worked on and his only Disney film.

This movie was a big undertaking for the studio. Though some of it was shot in Vermont, the film's majority was shot on the studio backlot. This meant that a whole village set was built on this backlot including a lake. To complete the illusion 280,000 leaves were even painted, so that the film would look like Fall in Vermont.

The film did not do very well at the box office. With critics the film received very mixed reviews. Some critics absolutely loved the movie, while others found it a chore to sit through. Despite this though Walt knew the talent of those working behind the scenes and appreciated what they brought to the movie. Because of this he would team director ,Norman Tokar and writer, Louis Pellitier again for the later feature Follow Me Boys!. 




                                                      ReviewIncredible film is dripping over with not only optimism but pure sincerity.
While this movie could have easily come off as cheap or corny, it never does. The reason for this is that both the characters and the setting feel so incredibly real. Never for a moment do you not believe what is happening on screen. This is shown to its best advantage with our lead character Cam Calloway. While he is a dreamer fighting up against a cynical world, he too has his own demons, particularly drinking. His wife is loving and faithful, but still doesn't always see how things can work out. While his son has a complicated relationship with a neighborhood girl, but still takes the time to always be there for his father. These characters are far from the stereotypes often found in these films and instead are real characters that never lose their believability. This is not hurt by the great cast portraying them. The whole town around them also feels just as real. Not for a second do you ever think this town could have existed only in a movie studio's backlot. Instead it feels as real as if you could take a trip to visit there right now. Adding to all this Max Steiner's last film score is a complete triumph. This score sweeps you into the action and the setting for this wonderful film perfectly. It is an amazing last hurrah for one of the movies' greatest composers.

This film is an absolute delight from start to finish and a must watch for every Disney fan. Hopefully one day it will get the attention it so rightfully deserves.

                                                              Film CreditsDirector: Norman Tokar.
Writer: Louis Pelletier
Based on a book by Paul Annixter.
Cast: Brain Keith (Cam Calloway), Vera Miles (Lydia Calloway), Brandon de Wilde (Bucky Calloway), Walter Brennan (Alf Simes), Ed Wynn (Ed Parker), Linda Evans (Bridie Mellott), John Larkin (Jim Mellott), Philip Abbott (Dell Fraser), Parley Baer (Doane Shattuck), Frank de Kova (Nigosha), Roy Roberts (E.J. Fletcher), John Qualen (Ernie Evans), Tom Skerritt (Whit Turner), Paul  Hartman (Charley Evans), Russell Collins (Nat Perkins), John Davis Chandler (Ollie Gibbons), Chet Stratton (Phil Petrie), John Byrant (Doug), Frank Ferguson (Doctor), Renee Godfrey (Sarah Mellott), Kenner G. Kemp (Chauffeur)
Producers: Walt Disney, Winston Hibler
Music: Max Steiner
Cinematographer: Edward Coleman
Editor: Grant K. Smith
Art Directors: Carroll Clark, John B. Mansbridge
Special Effects: Eustace Lycett
Set Decorators: Emil Kuri, Hal Gausman
Costume Designer: Bill Thompson
Assistant Director: Tom Leetch
Hair Stylist: La Rue Matheron
Makeup Artist: Pat McNally
Sound Artists: Robert O. Cook, Dean Thomas
Matte Artist: Jim Fetherolf
Costumers: Chuck Keene, Gertrude Casey
Animal Unit: Lloyd Beebe, William R. Koehler

                                                                 Resources UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059796/?ref_=rvi_tt
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/2011/09/those-calloways-1965.html  

Emil and the Decectives

History and Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland.














Michael's Movie Grade: B+
Year Released:1964


                                                            HistoryEmil and the Detectives was another foreign made Disney live action feature. This time the film was shot in Germany, often on location in Berlin and featured mostly a foreign cast. However unlike most of the previous foreign made Disney efforts this one was one of the studio's live action comedies. This was also the only Disney movie directed by Peter Tewksbury. Tewksbury only directed four other theatrically released feature films (Sunday in New York, Doctor You Have Got To Be Kidding, Stay Away Joe and The Trouble With Girls). He had a great career directing for television though. In his TV career he directed a whooping 134 episodes of Father Knows Best and 37 episodes of My Three Sons.


The film was adapted from a 1929 book by Erich Kastner of the same name. This was not the first time this book had been made into a film. In fact three film adaptions existed before hand. There was a 1931 German film version (written by Billy Wilder later director of such classics as Double Indemnity, Sunset Boulevard and Some Like it Hot), a 1935 UK version and a 1954 German version. After the Disney film version would also come a 2001 movie version made in Germany. All of these were named Emil and the Detectives.

Despite being the Disney studio's big Christmas time release (first played: December 18th, 1964), it failed to gather much if any attention at the box office. Critics however gave the film positive reviews, especially praising the performances by the child actors.


                                                               ReviewExcellent movie is just a lot of fun.

There is so much that is very charming about this film, not the least of which is the characters. While not all the characters are fully developed, all of them are likable and fun to watch. Gustav is probably the most developed of these characters and he is a treat. His character is always very relatable and charming but most of all a lot of fun to watch. On top of this you really do feel for him emotionally when things at their worst. Both our tough and vulnerable sides can be seen through this character and both are completely believable as the same character. Adding to this enjoyment is the fact that this film has some really good laughs in it. This movie may not be jam-packed with gags, but there still are definitely some real laugh out loud moments in here. In fact none of the humor in this film misses and even the weakest jokes have a bit of charm to them. Adding the charm even more is how good this film looks amazing. Art directors, Werner and Isabell Schliching and cinematographer, Günther Senftleben are at the top of their game here. More than just looking good this look helps tell the story by making the environment it takes place in so vivid.

There are some faults to this film though. One of these faults is the musical score. It can be a bit overwhelming at times by constantly echoing the characters movements and letting you know a joke is funny. Another fault is that the climax can feel a bit slow and too long compared to the rather fast pace of the rest of the film. Regardless of these, the movie's good points outweigh the bad, making this an excellent film and even if it is not one of Disney's best that is just a testament to how great so many Disney films are instead of anything against this movie.

                                                                        Film CreditsDirector: Peter Tewksbury
Writer: AJ Carothers
Based on a book by Erich Kästner
Cast: Bryan Russel (Emil Tischbein), Robert Mobley (Gustav), Walter Sezlak (Baron), Heinz Schubert (Grundeis), Peter Ehrlich (Müller), Cindy Cassel (Pony), Elsa Wagner (Nana),  Eva-Ingeborg Scholz (Frau Tischbein), Wolfgang Völz (Wachtmeister Stucke), Franz Nicklisch (Desk Sergeant), Brian Richardson (Professor), Robert Swan (Hermann), David Petrychka (Dienstag), Ann  Noland (Frieda), Ron Johnson (Rudolf), Rick Johnson (Hans)
Producers: Walt Disney, Peter V. Herald
Music Score: Heinz Schreiter
Cinematographer: Günther Senftleben
Editors: Thomas Stanford, Cotton Warburton
Art Directors: Isabell Schliching, Werner Schliching
Customer Designers: Leo Bei, Josef Wanke
Makeup Artists: Joachim Schmalor, Jupp Paschke
Assistant Director: Brigitte Liphardt
Production Manager: Paul Waldherr
Cameraman: Franz Hofer
Sound Artist: Bernhard Reicherts

                                                                        Resources UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Emil%20and%20the%20Detectives
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058056/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt

-Michael J. Ruhland

Mary Poppins

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland










Michael's Movie Grade: A+
Year Released 1964

                                                       History
The Mary Poppins books first caught Walt's attention in 1938. At this time Walt was reading them to his daughters and an interest to make this film spawned. However P.L. Travers, the author of the books did not want a movie version of these books to ever be made. Still this was something Walt was pretty persistent about and by 1961, with a personal visit he convinced her to let him make a screen version. However as anybody who has watched the excellent movie Saving Mr. Banks knows this was not the end of clashes between Walt and P.L. Travers. P.L. Travers argued with Walt on many of the details of the film including the use of animation in the Jolly Holiday song number and the casting of Dick Van Dyke. In the end she never was happy with either of those decisions. In fact it is reported that she ran out of the movie's premiere in tears.

In the opening scene in which Mary Poppins  is sitting on a cloud, Julie Andrews was sitting on top of a very tall latter. When we are introduced to Bert he is dancing and singing while holding many musical instruments to make this possible these props where made very light. The musical lyric "I walk in the door at 6:01" was an inside joke because that was the time Robert Sherman actually got home from work. The scarf for Mary Poppins was especially knitted for this movie thanks to design consultant Tony Walton. In The Spoonful of Sugar song sequence a professional was hired to do the whistle for the bird. However the studio was not happy with this whistle and Julie Andrews did it herself. The bird itself was an animatronic and later ended up at the World's Fair singing A Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow a song written by the Sherman brothers who wrote the songs for this movie. Dick Van Dyke played Mr. Dawes as well as Bert. To also add to this the makeup was done so elaborately to make sure no one recognized that this was the same actor who played Bert. The idea to make Mrs. Banks a suffragette came from the fact that she was absent for most of the book. It was decided that she should be doing something outside of the house for this to make sense in a movie. Due to the time and place this film takes place making her a suffragette makes the most sense.

Since this was Julie Andrews' cinema debut, the Jolly Holiday song sequence was filmed first. This was because she came from Broadway and this was a very Broadway style musical number. This was planned by Walt himself to make the actress feel more at home. The animated penguin waiters in this scene came about because waiter always reminded Walt of penguins by the way they moved. Julie Andrews was cast in this role because Walt had seen her both on The Ed Sullivan Show and in a stage production of Camelot. Dick Van Dyke was cast in the film because of him stating an interview (that Walt heard) that there should be more films for the entire family. Karen Dotrice and Mathew Garber were cast because they were in the last Disney feature (The Three Lives of Thomisina). Though Glydis John was considered for Mrs. Banks from the beginning of production (she had previously been in the Disney films The Sword and the Rose and Rob Roy), she did not except the role until the Sherman brothers wrote a song for her.

Karen Dotrice stated that often times she believed that what was happening was real. She was even nervous at first around David Thomlinson who played Mr. Banks. She was not a trained singer. Her father worked at the Royal Shakespeare Company and Walt paid for the voice coach for that company to train to sing. However she trained Karen to sound more grown up which was not what the studio wanted so she had to unlearn it. Julie Andrews helped her phrase and time her singing.

The film was a massive hit with both audiences and critics. The film earned $31,000,000 at the box office, something unheard of in 1964 and the biggest money maker to come out of the studio since Snow White. The movie was nominated for 13 academy awards. It won five of these (Best Actress, Best Song, Best Score, Best Visual Effects and Best Editing). The film has played a massive part in Disney lore as well. There is a Jolly Holiday Bakery in Disneyland (my favorite place to eat there), Mary Poppins and Bert can be seen in Disneyland as well, and a feature film was released in 2013 called Saving Mr. Banks, about the making of this film. A sequel to Mary Poppins was planned in the 1980's but did not come to fruition. However a sequel called Mary Poppins Returns is planned for release in 2018. A stage musical based off the movie came out in 2004.  

                                                              ReviewOne of the Disney studio's greatest achievements and one of the greatest fantasy films ever made.

To describe Disney films, the word magical has often been used. Nowhere is that word more apt than here. This film is pure movie magic. It takes you on such delightful magical experiences as jumping into a painting, racing on a merry-go-round horse, having tea on the celling and so much more. These experiences are spent in ways only the movies could bring us and should enchant film lovers of all types. Adding to this magic is the amazing Step in Time musical number, which has to be one of the best choreographed dances in the history of movies.


Beyond just high quality entertainment this film shows great depth and a pure mastery of the cinematic art form. One of the best scenes has little actually happening in it. This is when Mr. Banks walks towards the bank at the end of the movie. We just see him walking there and see that he is reflecting on everything that has happened to this point. Only the movies can make a man simply walking to his workplace such a powerful image. There is no dialogue here the scene is shown through just pure cinema at its best.

 The cast in this movie is incredible from the largest to the smallest part not a single actor or actress ever doesn't feel completely embraced in the part. Of course much of the weight rests on Julie Andrews playing Mary herself. Mary is not an easy character to play. She is unpredictable and you never know what she is going to do next. However she is always completely sincere about everything and we always need to believe her. Luckily Julie Andrews plays this part perfectly and with complete sincerity.


This movie combines everything that is great about Disney movies and does it all flawlessly. You see incredible characters, a sense of never ending imagination, great songs, amazing animation, and again just pure movie magic. This film is practically perfect in every way and is one of those movies that reminds us why we fell in love with movies in the first place. To say this is a must watch would be an understatement.

                                                     Film Credits Director: Robert Stevenson.
Writers: Bill Walsh,  Don Da Gradi.
Based on a book by P.L. Travers.
Cast: Julie Andrews (Mary Poppins), Karen Dotrice (Jane Banks), Matthew Garber (Michael Banks), Dick Van Dyke (Bert, Mr. Dawes Sr.), David Thomlinson (Mr. Banks), Glynis Johns (Mrs. Banks), Hermione Braddeley (Domestic), Reta Shaw (Domestic), Elsa Lanchester (Katie), Arthur Treacher (Constable), Reginald Owen (Admiral Boom), Ed Wynn (Uncle Albert), Jane Darwell (Bird Woman), Arthur Malet (Mr.. Dawes Jr.), James Logan (Bank Doorman), Don Barclay (Mr. Binnacle), Alma Lawton (Mrs. Corry), Marjorie Eaton (Miss Persimmon), Marjorie Bennett (Miss Lark), Walter Bacon (Citizen), Frank Baker (Bearded Gentleman in Bank), Robert Banas

(Chimney Sweep), Art Bucaro (Chimney Sweep), Harvey Evans (Chimney Sweep), Cryil Delevanti (Mr. Grubbs), Betty Lou Greerson ( Old Crone), Clive Halliday (Mr. Mousley), Sam Harris (Citizen), David Hillary Hughes (Banker), Kay R. Kuter (Man), Queenie Leonard (Lady), Doris Lloyd (Depositor), Lester Mathews (Mr. Tomes), Matthew McCue (Man), Hans Moebus (Citizen), King Mojave (Banker), Skippy (Dog), Bert Stevens (Man), Walter Swash (Man), Hal Taggart (Banker), Larri Thomas (Woman), Wally West (Banker), Robert Williams (Man). Voices:  Dal McKennon (Fox, Carousel Guard, Hounds, Hunting Horse, Penguin, Reporter), J. Pat O'Malley (Horseman), Jim Macdonald (Penguins, Guard, News Reporter, Photographer), Ginny Tyler (Barnyard Animals). Producers: Walt Disney, Bill Walsh. Music: Irwin Kostal. Songwriters: Richard and Robert Sherman. Editor: Cotton Warburton. Cinematographer: Edward Colman. Cameraman: Travers Hill. Assistant Directors: Joseph L. McEveety, Paul Feiner. Second Unit Director: Arthur J. Vitarelli. Animation Director: Hamilton Luske. Art Directors: Carroll Clark, William H. Tuntke, McLaren Stewart. Nursery Scene: Bill Justice, Xavier Atencio. Costumes: Chuck Keehne, Gertrude Casey, Bill Thomas, Tony Walton. Hair Stylist: La Rue Matheron. Makeup Artist: Pat McNalley. Special Effects Artists: Peter Ellenshaw, Eustace Lycett, Robert A. Mattey. Sound Artists: Robert O. Cook, Dean Thomas. Set Decorators: Emile Kuri, Hal Gausman. Background Artists: Al Dempster, Don Griffith, Art Riley, Bill Layne. Animators: Milt Kahl, Ollie Johnston, John Lounsbery, Hal Ambro, Frank Thomas, Ward Kimball, Eric Larson, Cliff Norberg, Jack Boyd.                                                            Recourses UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin. DVD commentary by Julie Andrews, Dick Van Dyke, Karen Dotrice, Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman. http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Mary%20Poppins https://www.bcdb.com/cartoon-characters/35-Mary-Poppins -Michael J. Ruhland

The Moon-Spinners

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland














Michael's Movie Grade:A+
Year Released: 1964


                                                       HistoryWhen Hayley Mills was growing up and turned into an adult, it became obvious that she could not always play the same Disney roles as she did earlier. An answer to this was The Moon-Spinners, a suspense movie inspired by the film work of Alfred Hitchcock. Hayley herself said that she didn't want to play little girls all the way into her twenties and was very happy about this role. The film was based off a book by Mary Stewart with the same name. The idea to adapt this book came from Walt's wife Lillian who had just read the book. After reading the book himself Walt knew this would be a perfect vehicle for the now grown up Hayley Mills (18 years old at this time).

The film was shot on the island of Crete as well as the Pinewood studios in England.  

This movie marked the last film for actress Pola Negri. Negri had been a huge star in the silent era, however she had essentially retired from movies 21 years earlier in 1943. She later remembered that the main reason she agreed to be in this movie was because of Walt Disney himself. She felt Walt was a true gentleman and because of this he won her over to come out of retirement for one more movie. Negri made a small but important change to her character. The script said she would own a Siamese cat, but the actress felt she should instead have a cheetah.

 Critics were not especially fond of the movie feeling that it was too clichéd and dull. Audiences didn't go see the movie and the film turned out to be a flop.


                                                          

ReviewIncredibly fun movie is just pure entertainment.

The plot itself is propelled by what Alfred Hitchcock referred to as a McGuffin. This is something that is not all that important to the audience but is extremely important to the characters and moves the plot forward. Like in Alfred Hitchcock's best films, the McGuffin is used perfectly here. We are so fascinated by the characters and great scenes that we hardly notice it here, until after the movie is done. This is a movie with plenty of scenes that stay well implanted in an audience's mind long after watching the movie. These include a very tense scene with Nikki trapped in a windmill and the brilliant comedy aboard the ship (adding to this is that the comedy is equally propelling the suspense forward making all the more fun to watch). One reason these scenes work so well is that the characters are great. Luckily before the suspense we get to know these characters very well. This means when the suspense scenes come we are on the edge of our seat because we already like these characters. Even the minor characters have very well thought out personalities. It doesn't hurt that the movie has a fantastic cast. Also helping make this film so great is Paul Beeson's cinematography which is not only beautiful to look at but also pulls you into the suspense of the movie.

This is definitely a movie that needs more attention. It is highly entertaining from beginning to end, but sadly remains one of the Disney studio's most underappreciated films.

Film Credits Director: James Neilson.
Writer: Michael Dyne
Based on a book by Mary Stewart.
Cast: Hayley Mills (Nikki Ferris), Peter McEnery (Mark Camford), Eli Wallach (Stratos), Joan Greenwood (Frances Ferris), Irene Papas (Sophia), John Le Mesurier (Anthony Gamble), Paul Stassino (Lambis), Shelia Hancock (Cynthia Gamble), Michael Davis (Alexis), Pola Negri (Madame Habib), Andre Morell (Yacht Captain), George Pastell (Police Lieutenant), Tutte Lemkow (Orestes), Steve Plytas (Hearse Driver), Harry Tardios (Bus Driver), Pamela Barrie (Ariadne)
Producers: Walt Disney, Hugh Attwooll, Bill Anderson
Music: Ron Grainer
Songwriter: Terry Gilkyson
Cinematographer: Paul Beeson
Editor: Gordon Stone
Casting: Maude Spector
Art Director: Tony Masters
Assistant Art Director: John Graysmark
Costumer Designer: Anthony Mendelson
Make Up Artist: Harry Frampton
Hairdresser: A. G. Scott
Production Manager: Peter Manley
Assistant Directors: John Peverall, Arthur J. Vitarelli, Costas Ferris,  Spyros SpyromiliosCameramen: David Harcourt, Michael Reed, John Wilcox
Sound Artists: Jonathan Bates, Gordon K. McCallum, Dudley Messenger, Otto Snel,  Graham V. Hartstone
Special Effects Artists: Jimmy Harris, Garth Inns, Jimmy Ward, Jack WoodbridgeResources Used The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Moon-Spinners%20%28The%29
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058371/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Walking With Walt 1964 by Jim Fanning

-Michael J. Ruhland
       

The Three Lives of Thomasina

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland











Year Released:1964
Michael's Movie Grade:A+

                                                   HistoryThe Three Lives of Thomasina marks the second Disney theatrical feature film to be directed by Don Chaffey, who had previously directed Greyfriars Bobby. Similarly the movie was written by Robert Westerby, who wrote Greyfriars Bobby.

The sets were reused from an episode of Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color called The Horse Without a Head: The 100,000,000 Franc Train Robbery. The episode had also been directed by Don Chaffey.

This movie was based off a book by Paul Gallico, and he was allowed to visit the set. It is reported that him and Walt didn't get along very well. Despite this Walt did refer to the author as his friend when this film was shown on Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color in 1965.

The film did not do very well at the box office and while critics thought the film had its charms, they also felt it was too slow paced and unexciting. A review in the New York Times stated that the film was mostly just for little girls. Variety simply said "it lacks excitement".

                                                                       

                                                 Review
Incredibly fascinating movie, that is very intelligent and even casts a spell over its audience.

One thing that really makes this movie stand out is the characters. These are extremely well thought out and complex characters. This is especially true of Andrew McDhui. This character could easily come off as an evil character. Yet he is not evil here. He has turned very cold and lost his faith in both humanity and God. He does cruel things because his heart is so hardened. However as the movie goes on we can see that underneath it all he has a good heart. Also to see what his daughter Mary McDhui is going through is one of the most heartbreaking things in any Disney film. These characters are real to us and because they are so real we believe the fantasy elements without question.

Adding to make this movie so good is its leisurely pace. While I'm sure this slower pace might be a fault to some, to me it gives the film much of its charm. Much of this film feels rather relaxing to watch. Heavily due to the pace, you feel that you are actually visiting this small town and simply spending time with the people there. Even though you have never seen these characters before this gives it almost a feeling of visiting old friends. You feel as if you are just spending some quality time with these characters. This makes you leave the movie completely satisfied and thankful for the wonderful experience.

This is simply an incredible movie and one that every Disney fan must see. Unfortunately the movie can be a little hard to find (unless you belong to the Disney Movie Club), but it is so worth the search.                                                                 


                                                                                  Film CreditsDirector: Don Chaffey.
Writer: Robert Westerby.
Based on a Book by Paul Gallico.
Cast: Karen Dotrice (Mary McDhui), Patrick McGoohan (Andrew McDhui), Susan Hampshire (Lorin MacGregor), Laurence Naismith (Reverend Angus Peddie), Jean Anderson (Mrs. MacKenzie), Wilfrid Brambell (Willie Bannock), Finlay Currie (Grandpa Stirling), Alex Mackinzie (Tammas), Vincent Winter (Hughie Stirling), Denis Gilmore (Jamie McNab), Charles Carson (Doctor Strathsea), Ruth Dunning (Mother Stirling), Ewan Roberts (Constable McQuarrie), Oliver Johnson (Mr. Dobbie), Francis de Wolff (Targu), Nora Nicholson (Old Lady), Gwen Nelson (Ms. McCloud), Jack Stewart (Birnie), Matthew Garber (Gordie McNab), Rita Webb (Gypsy Granny).
Voice: Elspeth March (Thomasina)
Producers: Walt Disney, Hugh Attwool
Music: Paul J. Smith
Cinematographer: Paul Beeson
Editor: Gordon Stone
Songwriters: Richard and Robert Sherman
Art Director: Michael Stringer
Makeup Artists: Harry Frapman, Frank Turner
Hair Stylist: Betty Sherriff
Production Manager: Peter Manley
Unit Manager: Basil Appleby
Special Effects Artists: Ub Iwerks, Jim Fetherorlf
Casting: Maude Spector.
 Wardrobe Mistress: Brenda Dabbs
Assistant Editors: Robin Clarke, Barry Peters
Assistant Directors:  Dennis Bertera, Terence Churcher, Richard Jenkins, Terry Marcel, Clive MidwinterSound Artists: Jonathan Bates, Gordon K. McCallum, C.C. Stevens.

Resources UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057579/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Three%20Lives%20of%20Thomasina%20%28The%29

-Michael J. Ruhland    

A Tiger Walks

History and Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland














Year Released:1964
Michael's Movie Grade:B+

                                                              History
A Tiger Walks was the third Disney feature directed by Norman Tokar. The Disney movies he had previously directed were Big Red and Savage Sam. The movie starred Brain Keith, who was already a Disney regular with such films as Moon Pilot, Ten Who Dared and The Parent Trap. It would feature Vera Miles in her first Disney film (she would later be in the Disney films Those Calloways and Follow Me Boys!), and it was the last Disney film for Disney regular Kevin Corcoran, who had been in such Disney movies as Old Yeller, The Shaggy Dog, Toby Tyler or Ten Weeks at the Circus, Pollyanna, Swiss Family Robinson, Babes in Toyland, Bon Voyage and Savage Sam, had also been a regular on the Spin and Marty TV show (as Moochie), and had even provided voices for two of the studio's cartoon shorts Aquamaina (as Goofy's son), and Goliath II (as the title character). 
This is the first movie to use a full grown tiger in its cast. Earlier movies all used a younger tiger, because they were easier to train. There was a sheet of glass that separated the cast and crew from the tiger. One time the tiger did break through this glass but it did not harm anyone.  
The movie did not do very well at the box office and critics felt it was too slow paced and preachy and that it would only be of interest to kids.

                                                           
                                                                ReviewVery well made movie with some really intelligent social commentary.

While this film is definitely a movie with a message, it never feels too preachy and the lesson seems to come out naturally from the story. Beyond just being an animal rights film, this movie also conveys a message of standing up for what you believe despite adversity. This may also sound like a simple lesson, but it is treated very well here. While this movie does have some corny parts, the messages are never dumbed down for the audience and the film acknowledges that standing up for these things is hard, and that it is very easy to get beaten down and give in. It is this that makes this more than just another save the animals flick, but a smart commentary. However that being said some of the government officials don't feel as flesh out as similar characters have been in previous Disney movies and there is little doubt that the message would have been even stronger, if these characters were given more depth. However with how good the message is presented, this really feels like me nitpicking.

The acting is definitely top notch here. The three main characters could not have been cast better. Honestly I could not see anyone but Pamela Franklin, Brain Keith and Vera Miles in these roles. While these are names I am quite familiar with, I never saw the actors just the characters. They are just so natural in the roles.

Definitely an excellent movie that deserves more attention.


                                                                     Film CreditsDirector: Norman Tokar
Writer: Lowell S. Hawley
Cast: Pamela Franklin (Julie Williams), Brain Keith (Sheriff Williams), Vera Miles (Dorothy Williams), Sabu (Ram Sighn), Edward Andrews (Governor Robbins), Una Merkel (Mrs. Watkins), Peter Brown (Bern Goodman), Kevin Corocoran (Tom Hadley), Frank McHugh (Bill Watkins), Connie Glichrist (Liddy Lewis), Arthur Hunnicutt (Frank Lewis), Theodore Macuse (Josef Pietz), Frank Aletter (Joe Riley), Jack Albertson (Sam Grant), Donald May (Captain Anderson), Fred Alrich (Hunter), Tol Avery (Joe), Bill Baldwin (Radio Announcer), Rodney Bell (Newspaperman), Russ Bender (Hunter), Michael Fox (Interviewer), Tim Graham (Hunter), Harry Holcome (Zoo Drector), Warren J. Kemmerling (Kelso), Kenner G. Kemp (Reporter), Jon Lomer (Mr. Wilson), Matthew McCue (Townsman), Dal McKennon (Reporter), Harold Perry (Uncle Harry), Carl Prickett (Hunter), Tony Reagan (Reporter), Stafford Repp (Mr. Blonden), Jackie Searle (Advisor), Robert Shayne (Adviser), Charles Smith (Bartender), Michael Vandever (Observer), Charles Wagenheim (Man), Doodles Weaver (Bob Evans), Dan White (Charles Baker), Charlton Young (Colonel)
Producers: Walt Disney, Ron Miller
Music: Buddy Baker
Cinematographer: William Snyder
Editor: Grant K. Smith
Art Directors: Carroll Clark, Marvin Aubrey Davis
Set Decorators: Emil Kuri, Frank McKlevin
Costume Design: Gertrude Casey, Chuck Keehne
Make up Artist: Pt McNally
Hair Stylist: La Rue Matheron
Assistant Director: John C. Chulay

                                                        Resources UsedThe Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058657/?ref_=nv_sr_1
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/A%20Tiger%20Walks

-Michael J. Ruhland

The Misadventures of Merlin Jones

History and Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland












Year Released:1964
Michael's Movie Grade:C

                                                  History
The Misadventures of Merlin Jones was originally planned as a two part episode of the Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color TV series. However it ended up being released as a theatrical feature instead. It was also planned to be the last Disney film for two of the studio's biggest stars, Tommy Kirk and Annette Funicello. Annette's image was becoming too sexualized for the type of films she was doing at the Disney studio with the various beach movies she appeared in. Tommy Kirk on the other hand, had recently come out as a homosexual, which at this time was controversial to have at a studio that currently prided itself on it's family friendliness. However this would not end up being their last film for the studio.

The story came from writer Bill Walsh, who had previously written for such big name Disney movies as The Shaggy Dog and The Absent Minded Professor. Later the same year The Misadventures of Merlin Jones was released, Mary Poppins the most famous film he wrote for would come out. The screenplay though was written by Alfred and Helen Levitt. However the credits read "Tom & Helen August". The reason for this is that they were blacklisted by the House of In-American Activites (which interestingly Walt Disney was a member of) for being suspected of communist activities. This is the first of only two Disney films they worked on.

The film was directed by Robert Stevenson, who had already proven himself as one of Disney's most reliable live action directors, directing such films as Johnny Tremain, Old Yeller, Darby O'Gill and the Little People, Kidnapped, The Absent Minded Professor, In Search of Castaways and Son of Flubber. He would later direct such beloved Disney classics as Mary Poppins, The Love Bug and Bedknobs and Broomsticks. With this film being another zany comedy about a scientist it only seemed naturally to put the director of the hugely successful The Absent Minded Professor in the director's seat.

Critics called this one of the weakest Disney movies yet. A review in The New York Times stated "the quality is low even by television standards" and would go on to say "It's the kind of picture usually dismissed by shrug­ging, 'Well, at least the kids will like it.' Unless, that is, your children happen to be bright." However audiences didn't listen and it did quite well at the box office, especially considering the film's low budget. The following year the movie would get a sequel called The Monkey's Uncle, which ended up being the last Disney film for Tommy Kirk and Annette Funicello. The sequel would also be the only other Disney film writers Alfred and Helen Levitt would work on.        

                                                                                                            Review
An enjoyable little comedy, hardly one of Disney's best films, but still good.

The best thing about this film is the characters and the actors portraying them. Merlin is a very likable guy and while he may be very smart, he doesn't always take the time to think things all the way through, as he gets to excited and loses that train of thought. This makes him an interesting character instead of just your typical movie boy genius. Tommy Kirk and Annette have fantastic chemistry and it is hard not to find their relationship likeable. Seasoned actors like Leon Ames and Stuart Erwin do as good as always.

However on the downside, for a comedy this film doesn't have much in the way of big laughs. There were times I chuckled watching this, but I hardly laughed out loud. As well as this the show's TV origins are too obvious as it is separated into two distantly different stories. It is kind of unexpected and a little jarring when these stories switch. However this film does have enough likability to not them hurt this film too much.

If you don't except a Disney comedy on par with, say The Parent Trap, and just want to watch an enjoyable little film, than this is worth a watch.

                                                                      Film Credits
Director: Robert Stevenson
Story: Bill Walsh  
Writers: Alfred and Helen Levitt
Cast: Tommy Kirk (Merlin Jones), Annette Funicello (Jennifer), Leon Ames (Judge Holmsby), Stuart Erwin (Captain Loomis), Alan Hewitt (Professor Shattuck), Connie Gilchrist (Mrs. Gossett), Del McKennon (Detective Hutchins), Norman Gruboski (Norman), Michael Fox (Kohner), Allan Hunt (Student), Burt Mustin (Bailiff), Kelly Thordsen (Muller)
Producers: Walt Disney, Ron Miller
Music: Buddy Barker
Songwriters: Richard and Robert Sherman
Cinematographer: Edward Colman
Editor: Cotton Warburton
Art Directors: Carroll Clark, William H. Tuntke
Assistant Director: Joseph L. McEveety
Set Decorators: Hal Gausman, Emile Kuri
Costume Designers: Gertrude Casey, Chuck Keehne
Makeup Artist: Pat McNally
Hair Stylist: La Rue Matheron
Sound Artist: Robert O. Cook
Title Sequence: Bill Justice, Xavier Atenico
Animal Supervisor: Ralph Helfer

                                                                     Resources Used
The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney by Michael Barrier
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Misadventures%20of%20Merlin%20Jones%20%28The%29
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058355/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
http://www.nytimes.com/1964/03/26/misadventures-of-merlin-jones-opens.html?_r=0

-Michael J. Ruhland

The Sword in the Stone

History and Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland











Michael's Movie Grade: B
Year Released" 1963

                                                         History
The Sword in the Stone was a long time in the making. After writer Bill Peet (who would write the film's screenplay) brought the story to Walt's mind, Walt bought the rights to T.H. White's novel in 1939. However the project just sat there. In 1949 Disney animators started making drawings for this film. Again little to nothing seemed to come from this. However after Walt eventually saw a Broadway version of Camelot (inspired by the same book) starring Julie Andrews, he knew this projected had to finally go into production. 

Wolfgang "Woolie" Reitherman was one of Walt's nine old men. He had proved himself as one of the studio's best animators of action scenes, famously animating the scene of Pinocchio in which Pinocchio and Geppetto are chased by Monstro the whale. With 101 Dalmatians, he was promoted to a director and co-directed that movie with Clyde Germoni, Hamilton Luske. With The Sword in the Stone Wolfgang was directing a movie all by himself. Walt supposedly did this because he thought of Woolie as "an all American boy" and ran ideas past him because he felt that if Woolie liked it the public would as well.  However this in many way resulted in the supervising animators having even more control. Ollie Johnson remembered that he almost directed the scenes he was the supervising animator for himself. 

By this time Disney was no longer making many animated shorts, nor as many animated features, because of this there were less animators working on this movie. Because of this animators were no longer as strongly divided between characters and there were more animators that worked on multiple characters and scenes. Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnson were the supervising animators for Arthur, Frank Thomas, Ollie Johnson and Milt Kahl for Merlin, Ollie Johnson for Archimedes, Milt Kahl for Sir Kay and Milt Kahl and Frank Thomas for Madam Mim (FRank Thomas animated the famous wizard duel scene.     

Critics loved the movie. However the film was only a moderate success at the box office. While it made $4.5 million, that was far beneath what the average Disney animated feature would bring in. Though this was not the last animated feature Walt worked in it was the last Disney animated feature he would live to see be released. Walt was not a fan of the film, and notes on The Jungle Book show that Walt specifically told his Woolie to make that film very different from The Sword in the Stone.

In Disneyland, Walt Disney World, Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland there is a sword in a stone for people to take pictures by. In all of the parks Merlin used to roam around to find a child who could pull the sword out of the stone. However today this only happens at Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. As well as this Disneyland features a King Arthur's Carousel ride.  
    
                                                                         

                                                                 Review

A great movie, and if it doesn't live up to what you except, that is only because the previous Disney animated features set the bar extremely high.

This film has much more in common with Disney's live action output during this time than the studio's usual animated output. It has a slower pace, a very simple story, and the movie is very lighthearted. However none of this is a bad thing. In fact the joy of the film is found in this lighthearted simplicity. It is in a nice relaxing movie to watch. The slower pace works perfectly with the story as well. The slower pace never makes the movie become boring, in the way it does in Sleeping Beauty. Rather it adds to the leisurely relaxing feel to the film.

However also important to this movie is the characters. With the exception of Sir Kay (who is kind of a boring movie stereotype), the characters are all very likable. Merlin is not just comedy relief, but you can see how much he really cares about the boy and his determination to do what is right. Arthur is a kid who remains very likable and his loyalty to both his adopted father and Merlin is very relatable. While Archimedes may have a rough exterior, he has a heart of gold. Also adding to this movie's fun is the famous wizard duel scene, which is just as fun as it is said to be.

This is a great movie, as long as you don't compare it to the likes of Snow White or Pinocchio.

                                                                     Film Credits

Director: Wolfgang "Woolie" Reitherman

Writer: Bill Peet

Based off a book T.H. White

Voices: Sebastian Cabot (Ector, Narrator), Karl Swenson (Merlin), Rickie Sorenson (Wart), Richard Reitherman (Wart), Robert Reitherman (Wart), Norman Alder (Kay), Alan Napier (Pelinore), Barbara Jo Allen (Scullery Maid), Martha Wentworth (Madame Mim, Squirrel, Scullery Maid), Junius Matthews (Archimedes), Ginny Tyler (Little Girl Squirrel); Thurl Ravenscroft, Jim Macdonald, Tudor Owen (The Mello Men)

Producer: Walt Disney

Editor: Donald Halliday

Art Director: Ken Anderson
Layout Artists: Don Griffith, Basil Davidovich, Vance Gerry, Sylvia Cobb, Dale Barnhart, Homer Jonas
Background Artists: Walt Peregoy, Bill Layne, Al Dempster, Anthony Rizzo, Ralph Hulett, Fil Mottola

Supervising Animators: Frank Thomas, Milt Kahl, Ollie Johnston, John Lounsbery

Animators: Hal King, Eric Cleworth, Cliff Nordberg, Eric Larson, John Sibley, Hal Ambro, Dick N. Lucas

Effects Animators: Dan MacManus, Jack Boyd, Jack Buckley

Sound Artist: Robert O. Cook.

                                                          Resources Used

The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin

Of Mice and Magic: A History of American Animated Cartoons by Leonard Maltin

Hollywood Cartoons: American Animation in its Golden Age by Michael Barrier

The Animated Man: A Life of Walt Disney by Michael Barrier

http://www.bcdb.com/cartoon-characters/34-Sword-In-The-Stone
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Sword%20in%20the%20Stone%20%28The%29

-Michael J. Ruhland      

The Incredible Journey

History and Review Written by Michael J. Ruhland










Year Released :1963
Michael's Movie Grade: A+

                                                             History
For the making of The Incredible Journey, Walt hired Calgary Ltd, a Candian film company to help him film this movie. This wasn't the first time the studio worked with Calgary, as they also worked with them on Nikki Wild Dog of the North, Big Red, and The Legend of Lobo. The Incredible Journey marked the last time Walt would hire Calgary.

The movie's director would be Fletcher Markle. This was the only Disney film he directed. Markle made most of his career by directing episodes of TV shows. Some of these TV shows include Life With Father, Front Row Center, The George Sanders Mystery Theater and Thriller. This is one of only four theatrical feature films he directed were Jigsaw (1949 starring Franchot Tone), Night Into Morning (1951 with Ray Milland) and The Man With the Cloak (1951 starring Joseph Cotton and Barbara Stanwyck). He also worked as an uncredited writer on Orson Welles' The Lady From Shanghai. The Incredible Journey was his last film for theaters and his last feature film.

Critics were extremely positive with this film calling it one of Disney's best live action animal films. The film was also a modest success at the box office. In 1993 the studio remade the film as Homeward Bound: An Incredible Journey, and in 1996 that movie got a sequel entitled Homeward Bound II: Lost in San Francisco.

                                                                 

                                                            Review

       Maybe Disney's best live action animal movie, and simply an incredible movie by any standards.

What makes this film work so well is just how engaging the main characters are. Even though they never speak a word, these three characters all have extremely well defined personalities. By the end of this movie we feel like we know these characters inside and out. However even some of the minor characters are very memorable. The hermit provides us with a scene that is great fun and surprisingly moving. Similarly moving is a scene with a little girl who finds Tao.

Like all Disney films of this time the film is visually top notch. However it goes beyond even the usual Disney lovey to look at feeling, and shows just how beautiful Canada really is. This captures all the beauty that can be seen in Disney's best nature documentaries, and sometimes even is on par with the look of the studio's animated output. Adding to the beauty of this film is Oliver Wallace's great music score, and Rex Allen's comforting narration.

This movie is Disney magic at its best.

                                                           Film Credits
Director: Fletcher Markle
Writer: James Algar
Based off a book by Sheila Burnford
Narrator: Rex Allan
Cast: Muffy (Bodger), Syn Cat (Tao), Rink (Luath), Émile Genest (John Longridge), John Drainie (Professor Jim Hunter), Tommy Tweed (The Hermit), Sandra Scott (Mrs. Hunter), Syme Jago (Helvi Numi), Marion Finlayson (Elizabeth Hunter), Ronald Coohon (Peter Hunter), Robert Christie (James MacKenzie), Beth Lockerbie (Nell MacKenzie), Jan Rubes (Carl Nurmi), Iréna Mayeska (Mrs. Nurmi), Beth Amos (Mrs. Oakes), Eric Clavering (Bert Oakes)
Producers: Walt Disney, James Algar, Jack Couffer
Music: Oliver Wallace
Cinematographer: Kenneth Peach
Editor: Norman Palmer
Art Directors: Carroll Clarke, John S. Mansbridge
Set Decorators: Emile Kuri, Charles S. Thomason
Costume Designer: Chuck Keehne
Makeup Artist: Pat McNally
Assistant Director: Mickey McCardle
Sound Artist: Robert O.Cook
Production Manager: Erwin L. Veity
Unit Manager: William J. O'Sullivan
Photographers: Lloyd Bebe, Jack Couffer
Animal Trainers: Halleck H. Driscoll, William R. Koehler, Al Neimela

                                                              Resources Used
The Disney Films by Leonard Maltin
http://www.thedisneyfilms.com/search/label/Incredible%20Journey%20%28The%29
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057180/

-Michael J. Ruhland