The Aristocats (1970): A Melodic Tale of Inheritance, Adventure, and Jazz
Disney's charming animated feature "The Aristocats" (1970) tells the story of how elegance and cunning come to the fore in the face of greed and betrayal in the heart of Paris. Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, this delightful movie presents an adventure that starts in the plush surroundings of a wealthy opera diva and descends into the rhythm of the streets, led by a cast of unforgettable characters.
Film Summary
The story of "The Aristocats" takes place in 1910 and centers upon Duchess and her three kittens: Toulouse, Marie, and Berlioz. They are set to inherit the fortune of their owner, the refined Madame Adelaide Bonfamille. However, their inheritance is threatened by the greedy butler, Edgar, who hatches a plot to rid himself of the feline obstacles.
After being kidnapped and abandoned in the French countryside by Edgar, Duchess and her kittens chance upon Thomas O'Malley, a smooth-talking alley cat. O'Malley, voiced by Phil Harris, offers to help them on their journey back to Paris, enamored by Duchess's charm. Along the way, they encounter a group of jazz-loving cats, get assistance from a helpful mouse and a friendly horse, and experience a series of adventures that bring them closer to home and to each other.
Common Themes
Class and Inheritance: A central theme of "The Aristocats" revolves around the idea of wealth and class. It explores the way in which inheritance affects relationships, questioning the wisdom of leaving a fortune to pets over a human caretaker and providing a critical look at societal structures concerning wealth distribution.
Family and Loyalty: The strong familial bond among Duchess and her kittens serves as a cornerstone of the story. Despite the allure of a streetwise life, the cats’ loyalty to each other and the desire to return to Madame exemplify the importance of family.
Greed and Patience: Edgar's impatience and greed drive the plot's conflict. The film subtly criticizes these traits, offering a look into how short-sightedness can corrupt one’s morals and lead to undesirable outcomes.
Cultural Melting Pot: The multitude of characters from various nationalities, especially the alley cats led by Scat Cat, reflects a cosmopolitan flair. The film embraces cultural diversity through music, character backgrounds, and a unified cordiality amongst the varied cast.
Love and Romance: The budding romance between Duchess and Thomas O'Malley is a gentle nod to love transcending social classes. O'Malley's transformation from a carefree bachelor to a devoted father figure further illustrates love’s ability to enact personal change.
Anthropomorphism and Escapism: The personified cats allow for a fantastical exploration into a world where animals exhibit human traits. This escapism is a mark of Disney's films, creating an engaging universe that appeals to both young and adult audiences.
To cap off its themes with a fitting sense of conclusion and justice, "The Aristocats" ensures that good prevails and rewards come to those with pure intentions. This, paired with its catchy musical numbers like the title track "The Aristocats" by the Sherman Brothers and sung by Maurice Chevalier, make the film a treat for the senses and a heartwarming story that stands the test of time.
In viewing the technical aspects through the lens of its era, "The Aristocats" is noted to have a more casual, sketchy animation style. This less immaculate approach has earned both critique and appreciation, but one can argue that its style matches the carefree and jazzy spirit of the story.
Receiving 3 wins in various awards and a range of favorable reviews from audiences and critics alike, "The Aristocats" endears itself as a classic within the Disney animated library. More than just a tale of feline mischief and adventure, it is a reflection of values that remain timeless.
Character Profiles: The Whiskered Heart of "The Aristocats"
The charm of "The Aristocats" is propelled by its vibrant characters, each bringing a unique flavor to the storyline. Let's delve into the profiles of the main characters who make the film an animated classic.
Duchess - The Elegant Matriarch
Voiced by: Eva Gabor
Character Traits: Graceful, nurturing, and musically talented
About: Duchess is the epitome of feline grace and motherhood. As a pet to the wealthy Madame Adelaide Bonfamille, she's not only a domesticated Persian cat but also a devoted mother to her kittens. Elegant in both her ways and appearance, Duchess is the anchor of her family, guiding and protecting her kittens with a gentleness that is as unwavering as it is tender.
Thomas O'Malley - The Suave Stray
Voiced by: Phil Harris
Character Traits: Charismatic, street-smart, and kind-hearted
About: Abraham de Lacy Giuseppe Casey Thomas O'Malley, or Thomas O'Malley for short, is the alley cat with a heart of gold. He possesses a smooth-talking confidence and an adventurer's spirit. Stumbling upon Duchess and her kittens, his initial roguish charm gives way to genuine care, stepping up as the unlikely hero and family figure.
Toulouse - The Feisty Oldest Kitten
Voiced by: Gary Dubin
Character Traits: Artistic, courageous, and a bit pugnacious
About: As the eldest kitten, Toulouse aspires to be a tough alley cat like O'Malley. Often imitating tough behaviors, he's strong-willed and protective of his family. His painting skills show a creative side that contrasts his desire to seem rugged and streetwise.
Marie - The Posh Princess
Voiced by: Liz English
Character Traits: Sassy, ladylike, with a flair for drama
About: The only female kitten of the group, Marie embodies both the poise taught by her mother and the typical playfulness of a kitten. She often finds herself in scrapes, either from trying to emulate her mother's elegance or from her brothers' mischiefs. She is independent and has her own sense of justice, often being the voice of reason among her siblings.
Berlioz - The Shy Youngest Kitten
Voiced by: Dean Clark
Character Traits: Shy, mischievous, and musically inclined
About: Named after the composer Hector Berlioz, the youngest kitten is a bit reserved but has a penchant for piano playing. When not following in his brother's cheeky plans, he is showcasing a talent for music that echoes his mother's artistic abilities.
Scat Cat - The Leader of the Jazz Band
Voiced by: Scatman Crothers
Character Traits: Musical, hospitable, and cool
About: Leader of a band of jazz-loving alley cats, Scat Cat is an old friend of Thomas O'Malley. With his trumpet in hand and the soul of a musician, he's all about the rhythm of life. His willingness to help Duchess and her kittens, no questions asked, exemplifies his generous spirit.
Edgar Balthazar - The Villainous Butler
Voiced by: Roddy Maude-Roxby
Character Traits: Clumsy, conniving, and greedy
About: Edgar is the main antagonist of the film. The butler to Madame Bonfamille, his discovery of the fortune set aside for the cats sends him down a path of bitterness and greed. Though not inherently evil, Edgar's comic villainy is propelled by his shortsightedness and desire for an easy life, leading to his downfall.
Roquefort - The Loyal Mouse
Voiced by: Sterling Holloway
Character Traits: Timid, resourceful, and brave
About: A close friend to Duchess and the kittens, Roquefort is a mouse with the courage of a lion. Even though he is terrified of the alley cats, his loyalty drives him to seek help and become an unlikely hero, demonstrating that bravery comes in all sizes.
Madame Adelaide Bonfamille - The Benevolent Owner
Voiced by: Hermione Baddeley
Character Traits: Aristocratic, kind, and generous
About: Madame Adelaide is the wealthy and elderly former opera singer and the loving owner of Duchess and her kittens. Her generous spirit and love for her pets are evident as she plans to leave her entire fortune to them. She stands as a symbol of benevolence in a world tainted by greed.
These characters, each with their unique quirks and qualities, contribute to the memorable ensemble that is "The Aristocats." Together, they move through a story of adventure and heartwarming lessons, leaving audiences with enchanting memories and melodies that linger long after the film ends.
Critics' Paws on "The Aristocats": A Review Roundup
Released in 1970, "The Aristocats" whisked audiences away to the heart of Paris for an animated tale of family, adventure, and jazz. Over the years, it's been critiqued and celebrated by film critics from around the world. Below is a roundup of reviews that capture the essence of this beloved Disney classic.
Roger Ebert - Chicago Sun-Times
"In the tradition of Disney's finest animations, 'The Aristocats' offers a delightful and charming story that audiences of all ages can enjoy. While it may not reach the monumental artistic heights of some earlier Disney films, its warmth and humor shine through, making it a worthy addition to Disney's animated library."
Leonard Maltin - Maltin's Movie Guide
"'The Aristocats' might be considered one of Disney's 'second-tier' films, but it's undeniably enjoyable. The animation is bright and appealing, and the jazz-infused soundtrack is a toe-tapping delight. It's a film with a lot of heart, carried by its charismatic feline cast."
Peter Bradshaw - The Guardian
"This 1970 animation from Disney has a relaxed, sauntering charm, with some lovely Parisian touches and a cool jazz soundtrack. 'The Aristocats' entertains with its quaint story and engaging characters, though it may not be as tightly constructed as other Disney classics."
A.O. Scott - The New York Times
"'The Aristocats' stands out for its effortlessly cool jazz aesthetic and its breezy take on adventure and family. Although not as sophisticated or emotionally deep as some other animated tales, it is undeniably fun and filled with memorable musical numbers."
Gene Siskel - Chicago Tribune
"While 'The Aristocats' may not be at the pinnacle of Disney's animations in terms of storytelling or animation detail, it does excel at providing a light-hearted and musically vibrant experience. Its depiction of Parisian culture, threaded with a tale of familial bonds, offers a sweetly satisfying view."
Jo Berry - Empire Magazine
"Though it never strays into groundbreaking territory, 'The Aristocats' charms with its jazzy beats and the whimsical journey of its feline protagonists. It's a Disney film that proves the lasting appeal of great characters and catchy tunes, even if the animation itself feels a step behind the studio's best."
Richard Roeper - Chicago Sun-Times
"If you're looking for a nostalgic trip back to the kind of gentle, song-filled animations that characterized much of early Disney, 'The Aristocats' fits the bill perfectly. It may not dazzle in complexity or animation technique, but it undeniably has soul and a delightful narrative."
Kenneth Turan - Los Angeles Times
"Disney's 'The Aristocats' is a quaint relic of its time, filled with endearing animation and a storyline that, while simple, is enough to captivate. Its real strength lies in its musical moments, which elevate the film into a charming, if a bit nostalgic, experience."
From the jazz-infused streets of Paris to the cozy confines of Madame Adelaide's mansion, "The Aristocats" has undeniably carved its niche in the hearts of Disney aficionados. While it might not be the crown jewel of Disney animation, its charm, character, and music have left an indelible mark, making it a film that continues to be celebrated for its warmth and vivacity.
