The Sword in the Stone -- Released 1963.
Directed by Wolfgang Reitherman.
Music by Robert and Richard Sherman
Hello everyone!! Well I decided after about two or three years of not blogging, it was time to start up again! I figure my life as an entertainer started with one key figure of entertainment in my life: Walt Disney. The man that gave us magic and has delighted audiences for well over 60 years. I grew up watching Disney movies, singing the music, and now in my (somewhat) young adult life have started my own collection of Disney movies, both classic and current, reminding me of times when I was younger. What I've loved about the Disney company is that no matter what are you are, you are never too old to play and believe in magic in the world. September of this year, Steven and I drove down to Orlando to meet up with my parent's for a week of vacation at Disney World Resort. Seeing the park in a new set of eyes and remembering what the park was like in high school and grade school, Steven and I had a blast and even started a new tradition in our lives.
But I digress. I hadn't intended this blog to start with a long rambling on my personal life. Here I will post my musings on Disney films, both past and current. Think of it part review, part history lesson, and part ... rambling. I decided to start off with Disney's 1963 classic The Sword In The Stone. Based on the popular novel by T.H. White, The Sword In The Stone follows the story of young Wart (later known as Arthur and *spoiler alert* King Arthur). This particular film was based on the first novel by T.H. White published in 1938. Bill Peet was given the task to write a screenplay for the film, shortly after bringing the novel to the attention of Walt Disney himself. The music was written by the Sherman Brothers, Robert and Richard, who had recently been signed by Disney. While this film doesn't boast tunes that you'll walk away humming that would later highlight Robert and Richard's careers (for who can escape the upbeat tune Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious?), it does introduce a little of the whimsy and light-hearted pieces the Sherman brothers were capable of composing, heard in Merlin's packing song Higitus Figitus. Later the Sherman brothers would later go on to produce music for some of Disney's best-known and loved films such as Mary Poppins, The Jungle Book, and Bedknobs and Broomsticks (all of these tidbits of information I got from Wikipedia and the DVD+Blu-Ray re-release of The Sword In The Stone Bonus Features section of the DVD).
For me Sword In The Stone goes back to days of Beta tapes. This film along with Mary Poppins and Bedknobs and Broomstick I had on video tape, first Beta then VHS. Watching the video today after almost 25 years, I'm struck by two things. First, the movie, much like others from this time, doesn't really have a central "bad guy" per se, but rather has a heavy for each scene as it unfolds. This is common in other films of the time, where rather than an epic adventure and overlying story line, the films have a series of scenes connected together. This places the characters rather than the plot as the central focal points of the film.
Second, this is one of the few Disney films where supporting characters overshadow and are more memorable than the main character. While some would make the argument that Merlin is the main character of the film, the story is more about Arthur's formative years and the course they take after meeting the all-seeing wizard. And who can forget the zany Mad Madame Mim and cranky know-it-all owl Archimedes, alongside historical figures like Sir Pelinor and Sir Kay.
Sword In the Stone: A fantastical, comical romp into medieval England with Arthur as he is guided by Merlin and Archimedes, up to his crowning when he pulls out the legendary sword Excalibur from the stone. Perfect for: younger kids, anyone with an interest in Arthurian Legend, and of course any hardcore Disney fan.
Most likely character you'll see in the parks: Who else but the master wizard himself, Merlin. Be sure to catch him at Disneyland near the King Arthur Carousel.
I'm not entirely certain how often I will update this blog, as Disney movies could potentially run out if done too frequently. For now, I will keep it around the 10th or 11th of each month. I hope you enjoy reading and exploring the Disney films and please feel free to leave your comments!!
December 2013's film: The Swiss Family Robinson
Make it a magical day! -Patrick A
