As the final film supervised by Walt Disney, THE JUNGLE BOOK stands a historical transition for the Mouse House. With star casting and character designs based on those actors, the film stands as the close of the golden age and the beginning of the modern age of Disney animation. For better or for worse, it served as a flagship for the way animated features would be made at the studio for decades to come. Despite its flaws or unwanted precedents, it is hard to deny the charms of the irresistible songs and loveable characters.
Mowgli (Bruce Reitherman, THE MANY ADVENTURES OF WINNIE THE POOH) is a baby abandoned in the jungle and discovered by wise panther Bagheera (Sebastian Cabot, 1960's THE TIME MACHINE). Adopted by a wolf pack, the boy's life is put in danger when the stealthy killer tiger Shere Khan (George Sanders, ALL ABOUT EVE) returns to their part of the jungle. Bagheera volunteers to take the boy to a man village. When Mowgli learns where he is going, he isn't happy. So when he meets slacker bear Baloo (Phil Harris, 1973's ROBIN HOOD), he wishes to live with the lazy bear on the bare necessities. Along the way, Mowgli will meet a marching unit of elephants led by Colonel Hathi (J. Pat O'Malley, 1971's WILLARD), be kidnapped by the monkeys of the temple of King Louie (Louis Prima), get hypnotized by boa constrictor Kaa (Sterling Holloway, MEET JOHN DOE), encounter a foursome of mop-top vultures and come face-to-face with the deep-voice orange and black terror.
Arguably the most memorable element is the jazzy tunes from Oscar-winning songwriters Robert and Richard Sherman. A determined effort will have to be made not to be humming "Bare Necessities" for days after viewing. Prima is amazing as King Louie, who wants to lure the secrets of fire from Mowgli. Equally unforgettable is the characters, brought to life by a stellar voice cast. Sanders may have been a bit of star casting, but his devious portrayal of Shere Khan is one of the classic Disney villains. Harris is just as remarkable as the friendly bear who learns to love the plucky young man-cub, Mowgli. Cabot's work as the levelheaded cat is the perfect balance to Baloo's loveable loafer.
Based very loosely on Rudyard Kipling's Mowgli tales, the film tells a simple story of friendship and coming of age. The carefree jungle setting works as a fitting metaphor for the carefree world of youth. Baloo is like a big kid and Bagheera is the father figure, with the latter keenly aware of the dangers that lurk out among the trees and vines. When Mowgli does arrive at the man village, the story finds a perfectly sweet note to end this coming of age tale. One could argue that some recycled animation highlights the laziness of this mainly episodic adventure, but the weaknesses are vastly overshadowed by its strengths. Compelling characters are the key to any great film and this one has them growing from trees.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
