This is part of my series “Thoughts on Disney movies,” where I’ve gone back to watch all of the animated Disney features, starting with Snow White and the 7 Dwarfs, and then share my thoughts on the blog.
Highlights: “Copper, you’re my best friend.”
“And you’re mine too, Tod.”
“And we’ll always be friends, forever, won’t we?”
“Yeah, forever.”
For me, these lines from this movie really capture a lot of what I think of when I think of classic Disney films and movies I watched a lot when I was a kid. That scene is just so endearing, and full of childhood innocence, and just so sweet.
Low points: I always felt like the friendship was slightly uneven. Even though I know that Copper is learning to be a hunting dog and has to deal with that part of his nature, he just never seemed to like Tod as much as Tod liked him. Copper kind of turns his back on him. Even though he lets Tod go once, he gets so upset about what happened to Chief that he takes it out on Tod. Then Copper goes again to help kill Tod in the game preserve. Despite all that, Tod still chooses to fight a BEAR to save Copper’s life. He could have easily walked away, knowing he was keeping his own life and the dog getting attacked by a bear was trying to kill him anyway. Sure, Copper finally defends Tod at the end, but he had better, after what Tod did for him.
Music: The only character who really sings is Big Mama, and she has a few songs. Most are forgettable but there is one stand out – “The Best of Friends.” It’s the iconic song that I always think of when I think of this movie.
Villain: Our villain is Amos Slade, who is pretty much insane. He’s kind of a scary villain because he’s just so crazy. He is so intent on killing Tod, no matter what. The thing is, Tod didn’t even do all that much. He appeared to be attacking his chickens one time, but I guess that’s enough to get Amos on the warpath. His dedication is frightening. He tries to kill her pet, break down her door, and shoots all over the place. And then he goes hunting in a game preserve, where it’s not allowed. What a jerk. And then he and the old lady are being buddy-buddy at the end? I don’t get that.
Fun Fact: This film is actually based on a novel by the same name. In the original novel Chief dies, and that’s how the original screenplay was written as well. However, the company then decided they didn’t want an on-screen death in this movie, so they changed it so Chief would live.
Where in the World: Try as I might, I really can’t come up with anything. They may make an appearance somewhere… maybe in some art work in the parks or the resorts, but I don’t know of anything off hand. It seems this film has been pretty neglected by the theme parks. If anyone has a reference let me know!
My rating: 7.5 out of 10. While it’s not one of my favorites, it’s definitely a Disney movie I enjoy watching.
What do you think of the Fox and the Hound?
I didn’t realize there was a novel too! I’m a huge fan of comparing books and movies, so I may just need to add this to my list.
I didn’t either til I started researching! I’ll have to see if my library has the novel.
I think France but they speak English, because of course you have to in Disney movies. 😉 I agree, I think this movie has been a little overlooked.
Haha of course! Yeah it’s a good one I think but often forgotten.
I love the idea of this series. And your review is very well thought out. As for the imbalanced friendship, I always felt he simply wanted to be liked by his pack so he was always caught in this moral dilemma of choosing between friends and family. Straight up teenage drama lol.
Thanks so much, I’m having a lot of fun with this series. You make a great point about the teenage drama, it’s definitely a good reflection of that!
Oh my gosh…this movie is so my childhood. I remember watching it with my dad. This was his favorite Disney movie!
Aww that’s so sweet! It’s definitely one my brother and I watched a lot.
I remember watching this movie! It’s sad but so sweet. I remember the song so clearly too. The friendship is so unexpected, which makes it interesting. Definitely makes me want to go back and watch it again!
Sad but sweet is an excellent way to describe it. Definitely worth a re-watch!
I love going back and watching old Disney movies, it’s my bf’s and I’s favorite date night 🙂 When I was younger I really liked the Fox and the Hound because of how fun the side characters are but I agree, it isn’t the best. Still good though!
I love that idea for a date night!
I always felt sorry for Todd, because I thought their friendship was a little one-sided also. I love Big Mama and her songs though!
Yeah I agree, Big Mama steals the show! 😉
I always found this movie horribly depressing!
It is a bit! When we put it on I turned to my husband and said, “Wait, I don’t know if I’m ready for this! I don’t want to feel sad!”
I haven’t seen this is such a long time! This definitely makes me want to do a Disney marathon because there are so many that I haven’t thought about in years!
Yeah, I am so enjoying watching some of the old movies that I haven’t seen in ages!
I watched this movie once as a kid, but never again. Couldn’t handle the violence from hunter guy and then Chief getting hurt.
I just saw this for the first time a few months ago and really liked it! Not my favorite Disney movie but definitely a good one! <3
This used to be one of my favorites but after watching it again as an adult with my son it just seemed so sad. . .
I know what you mean. I definitely have to be in the mood to be sad to watch it.