The Aristocats
Posted on December 13, 2002 at 5:17 am
C+| Lowest Recommended Age: | Preschool |
| Profanity: | Non |
| Alcohol/ Drugs: | Character gets tipsy |
| Violence/ Scariness: | Mild peril |
| Diversity Issues: | None |
| Date Released to Theaters: | 1970 |
Not one of Disney’s best, but this is a nice animated story of an elegant cat (voice of Eva Gabor) who must find her way back home with her kittens to protect their inheritance from an evil butler. The plot is sort of “Lady and the Tramp” crossed with “101 Dalmations,” with less memorable characters and songs. The highlight is the jazzy “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat” number, with Phil Harris as Thomas O’Malley “The Alley” Cat singing the lead.
NOTE: There is a very odd, but brief, drunken scene when a goose drinks the wine that was supposed to be used to marinate him.
While I agree that it’s not one of Disney’s best, I actually found many of the songs more memorable than in other films. I don’t remember any tunes from Lady and the Tramp or 101 Dalmations. But my 5-year old son and I can both sing large portions of “Everybody wants to be a cat” and “O’Malley the Alley Cat” by heart. Also, I think that Duchess is a superior female character to Lady (of “Lady and the Tramp”): she is cool under pressure right from the start, somehow both pampered and worldly-wise, and can recognize a rover when she sees one and be willing to strike out on her own.
Plus, the end provides a great opportunity to learn that Timbuktu is a real place.
Thanks, Alison! I’m very glad to hear of your family’s affection for this film. I agree with you that the songs are excellent, but of course any time Phil Harris is providing voice talent it is sure to be a treat.