"Rupert and the Frog Song" is fantastic. An excellent alternative to the Disney's shorts, being enchanting, magical, sweet and a timeless classic. This was produced by the ex-Beatle Paul McCartney and Linda McCartney (his wife back then). Paul McCartney also voices some of the characters, including Rupert. It's one of the many animated shorts I grew up with. Very nostalgic.
This short was released theatrically in 1984 as an accompaniment to Sir McCartney's feature film and soundtrack album "Give My Regards to Broad Street". The album includes one of Paul McCartney's best songs ever, "No More Lonely Nights".
Rupert Bear (the popular humanoid bear originally created in 1920) is the protagonist of this short. Enchanted by the pure beauty of nature, he goes for a trip to the hills. He relaxes in a peaceful environment and appreciates everything surrounding him. He also lives a small adventure by finding a place that is only for frogs.
He enters silently, despite being a forbidden place for other animals. The 3 signs he reads are very clear about that: «Frogs only beyond this point», «Everything except frogs must be kept on a lead» and «Guard frogs operating».
What happens next is something to live forever in our hearts and memories: a show of music and dance only by frogs. All of this at the sound of the cheerful song "We All Stand Together". We also see frogs in balloons and the King Frog and the Queen Frog rising out of the water in a moment of glory.
The only characters that give a minor dark side to this short are the Barn Owl and the two black cats. A music of suspense plays when they appear. But their roles are minor. Aside that, there's absolutely nothing dark about this.
This animated short is wonderful and very artistic. It's a rich production full of graceful details, beautiful backgrounds, well drawn characters and most everything else is perfectly drawn and painted. In other words, the artwork is excellent.
This shouldn't be missed in the collection of any lover of classic animated movies and shorts.
This should definitely be on Top 250.
