Title: The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. ToadRelease Date: October 5th, 1949
Voice Cast: Bing Crosby, Eric Blore, Basil Rathbone
Plot: The sixth and final package film released by Disney in the 1940s features two adaptations of classic stories: the first about a toad who comes into a bit of trouble when he can't fight his urge to drive a car, the second about a New York schoolmaster who befalls the wrath of a local legend known as the "Headless Horseman."
Review: We've reached the end of the package films, ladies and gentleman. *light applause* I am pleased to tell you that this era ends favorably. The first half, Mr. Toad, has unstoppable, surprisingly mature humor displayed in a way a child could understand. (A ruthless mockery of a court system is featured). There aren't too many dull moments; every single one advances the plot or details a character. Time is not to waste, and the narrator has to keep up. It's a job well done, because I never lost interest.
As for Ichabod Crane: well, I thought I knew this story. I expected entirely grim scenery with spooky music to accompany. What I was shown was a lanky, awkward, and unsually shallow man featured in a Popeye-Olive Oyl-Bruno-esque story. Ichabod an oddity as a main character-- it's difficult to resist disliking him as a person for a majority of the tale. I think, to be liked, a main character needs to be defeated slightly in any odd aspect. This didn't happen until the end. Therefore, Ichabod came across to me as probably the most arrogant and distasteful protagonist I've ever seen in a Disney film. Nevertheless, it actually does become frightening and suspenseful with a chase scene to give a child nightmares. And funnily enough, the whole thing feels over too soon.
Under the Sea (Darling, It's Better...)
Under the Sea (Darling, It's Better...)
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