Thursday, July 3, 2008

Walt Disney's "Song of the South"

After writing about the Uncle Remus story "Mr. Bear Catches Old Mr. Bull-Frog," I started thinking about the Walt Disney movie Song of the South from the 1940s. This will give you a taste of fond memories:


Brer Rabbit

"Don't worry 'bout me! I can take care of myself!"

Brer Rabbit is the most out-doin'-est, bodacious critter you ever seen! But all too often he puts his foot into things. Every time he gets caught by Brer Fox and Brer Bear, though, he's always getting himself out of trouble by tricking them! Some times are easier than others, but in the end, Brer Rabbit always comes out on top.

Brer Rabbit's voice was performed by Johnny Lee.


Brer Fox

"I got 'im this time!"

Brer Fox is sly and smart when it comes to devising plans to catch Brer Rabbit. Brer Fox rarely buys into Brer Rabbit's tricks, and Brer Rabbit rarely buys into Brer Fox's tricks, so there's a mutual respect there. The only difference is, Brer Fox likes rabbit stew. And if it weren't for Brer Bear, he'd probably have it by now.

Brer Fox's voice was performed by James Baskett.


Brer Bear

"I'm gonna knock his head clean off!"

Brer Bear is not known for his brains, but for his brawn. Always wielding a club, you'd best not anger this bear! Brer Fox's sidekick, he too likes the taste of rabbit stew and will help the fox any way he can to get Brer Rabbit. Trouble is, he's more hindrance than help because he tends to get fooled by Brer Rabbit quite a lot.

Brer Bear's voice was performed by Nick Stewart.


Brer Frog

"That young scamp is going to put his foot into it..."

Brer Frog stays out of things; he's merely the amphibian on the side lines who says "I told you so" when Brer Rabbit is tied up and about to be roasted by Brer Fox and Bear. More of a spectator than player, he always has advice to give and has a good friendship with Uncle Remus.

Brer Frog's voice is speculated to have been performed by Roy Glenn, but this remains unconfirmed.


Mr. Bluebird

Mr. Bluebird is one of Uncle Remus' companions. With his top hat and cane, he chirps cheerfully along to Uncle Remus' "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah." He's also seen at the end of the movie on Johnny's shoulder.


Sis Moles

The three Sis Moles sing along with Uncle Remus in "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" after Mr. Bluebird knocks on their door.


Bumblebees

A whole bunch of bumblebees appear in Song of the South, but we only see three really up close. They accompany Uncle Remus during "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah".


Hummingbirds

There are also three hummingbirds, all of which accompany Uncle Remus during "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah."


Brer Terrapin

Brer Terrapin can be seen chasing after Uncle Remus and racing with Teenchy the dog at the end of the film.


Miss Possum (and Children)

"Pretty good, sure as you're born!"

Miss Possum appears with her three children in tow during the song "How Do You Do?"


Miss Nellie (and Butterflies)

Miss Nellie is one of the butterflies who greets Uncle Remus during the song "How Do You Do?"


The Tar Baby

The Tar Baby isn't exactly a "Brer" or "Sis", but it does deserve some recognition! The Tar Baby was created by Brer Fox and Brer Bear in order to catch Brer Rabbit. And it worked! So, hats off to the Tar Baby! (No pun intended, of course. :)

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