"Song of the South" has been unavailable in the United States for many years. Apart from a re-release in the mid-1980s, Walt Disney has not released the film in the US on video or DVD. I was only able to see it because it was released in Japan on laser disc. Why you might wonder. Well, because there are a lot of offensive themes due to changing sensibilities. Back in the 1940s, showing happy blacks living like slaves in the South was quite acceptable—now folks naturally see these sorts of portrayals as racist. Still, because the movie is so good, I really wish Disney would release it and provide some sort of prologue (such as the ones Leonard Maltin has done with some of the offensive Disney shorts in their recent DVD releases) explaining changing times, attitudes and how the film can be appreciated despite its flaws.
The film's star is clearly Uncle Remus (James Baskett). The acting of Basket Is terrific and he provided the voices of the animated characters (Brer Fox, Rabbit and Bear). And, his singing was just wonderful. Because of this alone, it's a darn shame Disney his sitting on this film.
Uncle Remus is a happy ex-slave (the film takes place around 1870) and he regales a lonely boy (Bobby Driscoll) with wonderful folk tales meant to cheer him up and teach important life lessons. When he tells these tales, they come to life through colorful animation. The best parts, in my opinion, are when Remus himself enters these animated scenes—long before this was done with "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?". I also adored the animation in general, as the characters were hilarious. In addition, you have a nice supporting performance by Hattie McDaniel as Aunt Tempe as well as Fay Bainter as the boy's grandmother.
So is the film worth seeing? You betcha—provided you can find a copy. My attitude is that by shelving the film, you neglect a fine, fine performance by James Baskett and also ignore an important part of our heritage. After all, films on Turner Classic Movies or Shirley Temple DVDs are widely available and they often contain terribly dated and more offensive stereotypes. Plus, in the case of the Temple films, if you shelve them because one might have an offensive performance by Steppin Fetchit, you'll also lose the WONDERFUL dancing of one of the great dancers, Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson! Disney .re-release this film!
The film's star is clearly Uncle Remus (James Baskett). The acting of Basket Is terrific and he provided the voices of the animated characters (Brer Fox, Rabbit and Bear). And, his singing was just wonderful. Because of this alone, it's a darn shame Disney his sitting on this film.
Uncle Remus is a happy ex-slave (the film takes place around 1870) and he regales a lonely boy (Bobby Driscoll) with wonderful folk tales meant to cheer him up and teach important life lessons. When he tells these tales, they come to life through colorful animation. The best parts, in my opinion, are when Remus himself enters these animated scenes—long before this was done with "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?". I also adored the animation in general, as the characters were hilarious. In addition, you have a nice supporting performance by Hattie McDaniel as Aunt Tempe as well as Fay Bainter as the boy's grandmother.
So is the film worth seeing? You betcha—provided you can find a copy. My attitude is that by shelving the film, you neglect a fine, fine performance by James Baskett and also ignore an important part of our heritage. After all, films on Turner Classic Movies or Shirley Temple DVDs are widely available and they often contain terribly dated and more offensive stereotypes. Plus, in the case of the Temple films, if you shelve them because one might have an offensive performance by Steppin Fetchit, you'll also lose the WONDERFUL dancing of one of the great dancers, Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson! Disney .re-release this film!