#15 Lady and the Tramp

Title: Lady and the Tramp

Release Date: June 22nd, 1955

Voice Cast: Barbara Luddy, Larry Roberts, Bill Thompson, Verna Felton

Plot: An upper-class Cocker Spaniel meets and falls in love with a stray mutt.

Review: A love story amongst dogs. I beg you-- no, I challenge you to find me a cuter concept. (A love story amongst robots, maybe?) By all means, this film had the potential to become the greatest animated love story of the 20th century.

Everything about this film is so clever. It's all very well thought out on how to show it from a dog's perspective. For example, Lady calls her masters "Jim Dear" and "Darling", because that is what she hears them call each other. The dogs all have everyday problems, too. The worst disease is losing your sense of smell, the mortal enemy is the dog catcher, and jealousy of infants is common. It's a brilliant setup.

The elements of romance are built up perfectly. There's a shy-vs.-bold acquaintance, smooth charm, casual assistance, a nickname, a night of ecstasy-- all leading up to an adoring, yet human love. When they are past all that, they still have problems as any other relationship. The tramp gets Lady into a fine mess, and she also finds out about his reputation as a swinger. ("Ooohs" and "aaahs" all around.) And of course, like any Disney film, they end up happily ever after.

It pains me to say it though; the romance cannot be the only piece of a film. has got that nailed, but it lacks in other areas. Namely, the soundtrack. I'd say the only memorable song from this film is "The Siamese Cat Song", and even that is irking because of who is singing it. Fortunately, the film still shines without an amazing series of songs. What's more disappointing is the lack of dynamic characters. I found them more stereotypical than normal for Disney films. Alas, Lady and the Tramp still pulls it out as one of the greatest love stories ever, and you'll no doubt be pleased with it.

Under the Sea (Darling, It's Better...)