kilkennybookcentre.com – The Aristocats (1970) is one of Disney’s classic animated films, known for its charming characters, delightful music, and humorous storyline. Set in the heart of Paris, this film tells the story of a refined family of cats who find themselves on a thrilling adventure in the streets of the city after being abandoned by their wealthy owner. Featuring a host of lovable characters, catchy jazz tunes, and a touch of sophistication, The Aristocats has remained a favorite among Disney fans for decades.
Released as Disney’s 20th animated feature, The Aristocats represented a key moment in the studio’s history. Following the release of some of the most iconic Disney films of the 1950s and 1960s, The Aristocats stood out for its lighter, more comedic tone and its rich musical score, inspired by the lively rhythms of jazz. Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman, the film introduced audiences to a delightful blend of aristocratic cats and lovable streetwise characters, all set against the backdrop of Paris in the 1910s.
In this article, we will explore the origins of The Aristocats, its unforgettable characters, memorable music, underlying themes, and its enduring legacy as one of Disney’s most beloved animated films.
The Origins and Creation of The Aristocats
The Aristocats is rooted in the history of Disney animation during a time of transition and change. In the late 1960s, Disney was still grappling with the loss of Walt Disney, who passed away in 1966, and was adjusting to a new era under the leadership of Walt’s brother, Roy O. Disney, and other key figures. This period, which has been called the “post-Walt era,” saw a shift in the studio’s animation style and themes. The Aristocats was produced at a time when Disney’s films began to embrace a more relaxed, lighthearted approach compared to the more serious and emotional stories of earlier decades.
The Story’s Development
The story of The Aristocats was inspired by a concept originally pitched by writer Tom McGowan. McGowan had the idea of creating a story about a group of cats and their adventures. His pitch to Disney was based on a simple premise: a family of aristocratic cats in Paris who, after being left to fend for themselves, find friendship and help in an unexpected group of alley cats. The story was initially a simple one, but it evolved through the collaboration of various creative minds, including Larry Clemmons, the film’s main screenwriter, and Bill Peet, who contributed early story ideas before the final script was completed.
While the core story remained focused on the cats’ adventures in Paris, the creative team incorporated elements of musical comedy and lighthearted humor, building a fun and whimsical atmosphere. The charm of the story is in its simplicity—The Aristocats centers on themes of friendship, family, loyalty, and working together to overcome obstacles.
The Animation and Style
The Aristocats marked a return to a more realistic style of animation compared to the more stylized, exaggerated designs of some previous Disney films. The character designs in The Aristocats are graceful and elegant, fitting the sophisticated nature of the aristocratic cats, while the city of Paris is rendered in beautiful, charming detail. The film’s animation captures the lively atmosphere of the city, with its cobblestone streets, lush parks, and the iconic Eiffel Tower gracing the background.
One of the notable aspects of the animation is the film’s attention to the movement and behavior of the animals, particularly the cats. Disney animators closely studied the way cats walk, sit, and behave, resulting in characters that felt lifelike and relatable. The aristocratic cats, in particular, exhibit a dignified poise and grace that are consistent with their privileged lifestyles, while the streetwise alley cats have a more carefree, freewheeling attitude.
The Plot of The Aristocats: A Whisker-Twitching Adventure
The story of The Aristocats is centered around Duchess (voiced by Eva Gabor), an elegant white Persian cat, and her three kittens: Toulouse, Berlioz, and Marie. Duchess and her kittens live a luxurious life with their owner, Madame Adelaide Bonfamille (voiced by Hermione Baddeley), a wealthy Parisian widow. Madame Adelaide is kind-hearted and treats her cats with great affection, but when she passes away, she plans to leave her fortune to them—much to the dismay of her butler, Edgar (voiced by Roddy Maude-Roxby).
Edgar, a greedy and scheming man, is eager to inherit Madame Adelaide’s fortune for himself. Realizing that he would be unable to claim the money with the cats still around, he hatches a plan to rid himself of the feline family. Edgar kidnaps Duchess and her kittens, planning to abandon them in the countryside, far from the comforts of their Parisian home.
However, Duchess and her kittens are not alone in the world. They are soon rescued by Thomas O’Malley (voiced by Phil Harris), a street-smart and laid-back alley cat. O’Malley is charmed by Duchess and offers to help her and her kittens return to their home. Along the way, they encounter a variety of colorful characters, including a jazzy band of alley cats and an old dog named Napoleon (voiced by Paul Winchell) and Lafayette (voiced by Dean Clark), who help them in their pursuit of Edgar.
As the journey progresses, O’Malley and Duchess begin to fall in love, and the group faces numerous challenges, including Edgar’s attempts to capture them and return them to his control. In the end, with the help of their friends and some clever thinking, the Aristocats are reunited with Madame Adelaide, and Edgar’s wicked plans are thwarted. The film concludes with the happy reunion of Duchess, her kittens, and their new life alongside O’Malley.
Memorable Characters and Their Charm
The Aristocats features a delightful array of characters, each with their own quirks and personalities. From the elegant Duchess to the rough-and-tumble O’Malley, these characters resonate with audiences for their charm, humor, and relatability.
Duchess
Duchess, voiced by Eva Gabor, is the epitome of elegance and grace. She is a refined and loving mother to her three kittens, but also a strong and capable character who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. Gabor’s performance gives Duchess a warm, loving, and dignified personality, and her relationship with Thomas O’Malley develops naturally as the story unfolds. Duchess is the heart of the film, and her ability to adapt to her changing circumstances—despite the challenges she faces—is a key aspect of her charm.
Thomas O’Malley
Thomas O’Malley, voiced by Phil Harris, is a smooth-talking, carefree alley cat who is always looking for his next adventure. With his easygoing attitude and quick wit, O’Malley provides much of the film’s humor and heart. He is the perfect foil to the more refined Duchess, and their contrasting personalities create a charming dynamic. O’Malley’s laid-back nature hides a deep sense of loyalty and love for Duchess and her kittens, and his transformation into a family man by the film’s end is one of the most heartwarming aspects of the film.
The Kittens: Toulouse, Berlioz, and Marie
Duchess’ three kittens—Toulouse (voiced by Gary Dubin), Berlioz (voiced by Dean Clark), and Marie (voiced by Liz English)—each bring their own unique charm to the film. Toulouse, the artistic kitten, is eager to prove himself, while Berlioz, the musical one, is the most serious of the bunch. The youngest, Marie, is a spunky and adorable kitten who prides herself on being the “lady” of the group. Together, they bring a sense of youthful energy to the story and showcase the loving bond between mother and children.
Edgar
Edgar, voiced by Roddy Maude-Roxby, is the film’s villain, a greedy butler who schemes to eliminate the Aristocats in order to inherit their fortune. His bumbling nature and lack of true villainous menace make him a comedic, rather than frightening, antagonist. Edgar’s plan is ultimately foiled by the ingenuity and determination of Duchess, O’Malley, and the other characters, but his comic incompetence adds to the film’s lighthearted tone.
Scat Cat and His Jazz Band
A standout moment in The Aristocats is the jazzy band of alley cats led by Scat Cat (voiced by Scatman Crothers). These funky, fun characters bring an infectious energy to the film, providing the musical pulse that drives many of the scenes. The music they perform, including the energetic “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat,” adds to the film’s lively, fun atmosphere.
The Music of The Aristocats: Jazz, Swing, and Fun
One of the most distinctive features of The Aristocats is its music. The film’s score, composed by George Bruns, and its songs, written by the Sherman Brothers (Robert and Richard Sherman), are infused with the rhythms of jazz and swing music, creating an upbeat and carefree soundtrack that perfectly complements the film’s setting in Paris.
“Everybody Wants to Be a Cat”
The most memorable song from The Aristocats is undoubtedly “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat,” performed by Scat Cat and his band. This jazz-infused tune is a fun and catchy number that highlights the free-spirited and playful nature of the alley cats. With its lively tempo and humorous lyrics, the song has become one of Disney’s most iconic musical moments, capturing the spirit of the film and its characters.
“Scales and Arpeggios”
Another standout song is “Scales and Arpeggios,” a beautiful tune sung by Berlioz as he plays the piano. The song is both charming and classical, showcasing the elegance of Duchess’ kittens and adding a more refined musical element to the film’s jazz-heavy soundtrack.
“Thomas O’Malley Cat”
“Thomas O’Malley Cat” is a fun, lively number that introduces us to O’Malley’s carefree personality. The upbeat tune reflects his easygoing nature and sets the tone for his character throughout the film.
The Legacy of The Aristocats
Since its release on December 24, 1970, The Aristocats has become a beloved Disney classic. The film’s charming characters, memorable music, and lighthearted tone have ensured that it remains a favorite for generations of viewers. It also marked the end of an era for Disney animation, as it was the last animated film produced under the direct supervision of Walt Disney before his death.
In the decades since its release, The Aristocats has continued to be a mainstay in popular culture, appearing in various adaptations, merchandise, and theme park attractions. Its musical numbers, particularly “Everybody Wants to Be a Cat,” have stood the test of time and continue to bring joy to audiences young and old.
Theme Park Presence and Merchandising
The Aristocats has a special place in Disney theme parks, where characters from the film, such as O’Malley and Duchess, have appeared in parades, shows, and special events. The film’s timeless appeal has also led to the creation of merchandise, including toys, clothing, and collectibles that celebrate the film’s endearing characters.
Conclusion
The Aristocats (1970) remains one of Disney’s most enduring and delightful animated classics. With its jazzy soundtrack, lovable characters, and charming Parisian setting, it continues to capture the hearts of audiences around the world. At its core, The Aristocats is a story about the importance of family, friendship, and finding your place in the world. Whether it’s the aristocratic elegance of Duchess, the laid-back charm of Thomas O’Malley, or the jazzy antics of Scat Cat and his crew, The Aristocats delivers a timeless message of love and loyalty, wrapped in a fun, entertaining package that has earned its place in the pantheon of Disney’s greatest films.
