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The Jungle Book (1967)
Disney Studios, riding a serious crest of success in their work, had one of their biggest hits in a joyous and humorous look at the animal kingdom called The Jungle Book, which explored familiar territory for Disney, but provided original entertainment due to some really colorful animal characters whose traditional place in the animal kingdom is randomly re-arranged to serve this terrific story.
Based on a series of stories written by Rudyard Kipling, this is the story of a black panther named Bagheera who discovers a human baby in the jungle. Concerned that the baby find sanctuary but not wanting to be wholly responsible, Bagheera anonymously leaves the baby at the doorstep of a cave of wolves, who anxiously welcome the young boy into their family. A few years later, we learn that the boy, now named Mowgli, has been threatened by an evil sabre-tooth tiger named Shere Khan, who hates all human beings. Bagheera decides to take Mowgli to the man village, the human compound where Mowgli will be safe. Enroute, Mowgli meets a lazy, carefree bear named, Baloo, who Mowgli worships and wants to stay with forever.
This was my first re-visit to this film since its original theatrical release. I was nine years old at the time and obviously didn't see the varied layers this story has. First of all, like a lot of classic Disney features, this story features a lot of animal characters co-existing who, in reality are natural enemies. We also see the same animals varied reactions to this little boy Mowgli, some wanting to embrace and protect him and some wanting to destroy him. Most interesting of all though is the fact that Mowgli embraces his place in this animal kingdom and often seems to forget that he is a human being or has decided to reject it and live as an animal and doesn't really seem to care which one. And even though he is human, displays no fear of any of the animals he meets during the course of this story and there are a couple he really should.
What I loved about this story is the instant and rich friendship that develops between Mowgli and Baloo and how believable it is. I also loved the fact that as much as he wanted to forget about him, Bagheera could never forsake Mowgli and was at his side whenever he felt Mowgli needed him.
In addition to some solid writing and bold animation, the film features some cute songs by the Sherman Brothers, who wrote the songs for Mary Poppins. Ironically, the film's best song, "The Bare Necessities", which received an Oscar nomination for Best Song, was written by Terry Gilkyson. Research revealed that Louis Armstrong was originally considered as the voice of the Orangutan King Louis, but ultimately, Disney reconsidered thinking it might be considered racist. The quartet of singing vultures who appear in the final third of the film, were actually written with the Beatles in mind to voice them, but John Lennon said no.
There is standout voice work by Sebastian Cabot as Bagheera, George Sanders as Shere Khan, Sterling Halloway as Kaa the Snake, Louis Prima as King Louis, and especially the fabulous Phil Harris as Baloo, a role that Harris would be associated with for the rest of his career, even though it's just his voice. A Disney classic that still holds up, providing sparkling entertainment. There was a direct to video sequel in 2003 and a live action version came to fruition in 2016.
Disney Studios, riding a serious crest of success in their work, had one of their biggest hits in a joyous and humorous look at the animal kingdom called The Jungle Book, which explored familiar territory for Disney, but provided original entertainment due to some really colorful animal characters whose traditional place in the animal kingdom is randomly re-arranged to serve this terrific story.
Based on a series of stories written by Rudyard Kipling, this is the story of a black panther named Bagheera who discovers a human baby in the jungle. Concerned that the baby find sanctuary but not wanting to be wholly responsible, Bagheera anonymously leaves the baby at the doorstep of a cave of wolves, who anxiously welcome the young boy into their family. A few years later, we learn that the boy, now named Mowgli, has been threatened by an evil sabre-tooth tiger named Shere Khan, who hates all human beings. Bagheera decides to take Mowgli to the man village, the human compound where Mowgli will be safe. Enroute, Mowgli meets a lazy, carefree bear named, Baloo, who Mowgli worships and wants to stay with forever.
This was my first re-visit to this film since its original theatrical release. I was nine years old at the time and obviously didn't see the varied layers this story has. First of all, like a lot of classic Disney features, this story features a lot of animal characters co-existing who, in reality are natural enemies. We also see the same animals varied reactions to this little boy Mowgli, some wanting to embrace and protect him and some wanting to destroy him. Most interesting of all though is the fact that Mowgli embraces his place in this animal kingdom and often seems to forget that he is a human being or has decided to reject it and live as an animal and doesn't really seem to care which one. And even though he is human, displays no fear of any of the animals he meets during the course of this story and there are a couple he really should.
What I loved about this story is the instant and rich friendship that develops between Mowgli and Baloo and how believable it is. I also loved the fact that as much as he wanted to forget about him, Bagheera could never forsake Mowgli and was at his side whenever he felt Mowgli needed him.
In addition to some solid writing and bold animation, the film features some cute songs by the Sherman Brothers, who wrote the songs for Mary Poppins. Ironically, the film's best song, "The Bare Necessities", which received an Oscar nomination for Best Song, was written by Terry Gilkyson. Research revealed that Louis Armstrong was originally considered as the voice of the Orangutan King Louis, but ultimately, Disney reconsidered thinking it might be considered racist. The quartet of singing vultures who appear in the final third of the film, were actually written with the Beatles in mind to voice them, but John Lennon said no.
There is standout voice work by Sebastian Cabot as Bagheera, George Sanders as Shere Khan, Sterling Halloway as Kaa the Snake, Louis Prima as King Louis, and especially the fabulous Phil Harris as Baloo, a role that Harris would be associated with for the rest of his career, even though it's just his voice. A Disney classic that still holds up, providing sparkling entertainment. There was a direct to video sequel in 2003 and a live action version came to fruition in 2016.