Corduroy

I remember watching a movie about a bear named Corduroy Bear and what happened after he noticed he lost a button on his overalls. This must be it. I can't find any other movies that were produced close to the time I was in first grade (when I first saw it). Pretty good frame-by-frame animation considering the year it was made. If only I could find a tape of this I'd be happy.

My rating if I could: 4 out of 4.

My daughter and I absolutely adore this book, but what makes the book so special are the sweet thoughts/words of Corduroy. This movie doesn't represent that at all (via thoughts or spoken word). There is movement from the bear, but there isn't enough expression from the movement to represent the missing dialogue. I feel like omitting the very dialogue that makes the book special made what could've been a fantastic nod to the beloved children's book fall very flat.

These lines MADE the book the heartwarming classic it is and shouldn't have been left out:

"I like you the way you are, but you'll be more comfortable with your shoulder strap fastened."

"This must be a home. I've always wanted a home."

"You must be a friend. I've always wanted a friend."

The only movie to make my daughter cry. She is a tough kid who rarely gets scared at any kid's movie .We loved the book Corduroy and my husband thought it would be a great idea to watch this version available at our local library. Strange is all I can say about it. Instead of the normal music that would accompany a children's program... Corduroy walks around the store late at night to music reminiscent of a horror movie. The representation of Corduroy is a person in a large bear suit who doesn't speak. Creepy to say the least. At one point Corduroy falls from pulling off a button. In this version I believe director had seen too many Tony Scott action flicks because the bear/man drops and rolls out of the way nearly missing a falling lamp.(it's over the top funny). But again it wasn't for my daughter... the music, poor production values and weird characterizations freaked her out. It looks like it was shot as an industrial video. Don't rent it.

The video is very true to the book. If you are looking for this video, try checking out the children's department of your local library. We found a copy in the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh's Children's collection.

My daughter just loves this film. It a little over 16 minutes long and you may find it included on tapes with other children's programming.

Terry J. Wood

Pittsburgh, PA

There's something magical about this film that transcends its short runtime. It's not just a story about a stuffed bear searching for a missing button-it's a gentle, whimsical journey that taps directly into the warm glow of childhood memories. Watching Corduroy navigate the towering aisles of a department store, dodging janitors and toy trains, feels like stepping into a dream stitched together from the softest parts of the past.

The animation is simple but endearing, and the pacing is perfect for letting the atmosphere breathe. What makes this film truly special is its ability to evoke satisfying nostalgia-that rare feeling that's both comforting and quietly thrilling. It reminds you of bedtime stories, cozy corners, and the quiet wonder of seeing the world through a child's eyes.

Corduroy's adventure may be small in scale, but its emotional impact is huge. It's a timeless gem that deserves to be revisited, cherished, and shared with new generations.